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No out-of-court settlement with Patience Jonathan – EFCC

Ï Says plea bargain takes place in court Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has disclosed that it is yet to respond to the request of the former First Lady, Mrs. Pa-

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tience Jonathan, seeking for an out-of-court settlement with the commission.

The commission added that there was no basis for such a request as the issue of plea bargaining usually follow cerContinued on page 4

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 581

N150

GLOBAL FINANCIAL/COMMODITY MARKETS

CURRENCIES/CBN: CBN: N305.55 PER DOLLAR, Parallel Market: USD N365 POUND N475 EURO N424 NSE: ASI 37, 425.15 MARKET CAP 12.90 FMDQ O/N 22.50 OBB 22.00 COMMODITIES: Wheat US $455.00/MT Rice US $12.40/MT Cocoa US $2,004.00/Bag Coffee US $139.60/Scoop Cotton US $70.95/Unit Sugar US $14.15/Ounce METALS: Gold US $1263.10/Ounce Silver US $16.21/Ounce Copper US $2.87/Ounce ENERGY: Brent US $52.21/PB, N/Gas US $2.78/CB

How investors lifted FX Market with $31.5bn in 9 months Motolani Oseni, Lagos

ÏÏÏ There is no gainsaying

Ï Commercial banks begin price war to attract customers

about the effects of the restored investors’ confidence on the Nigerian foreign

Continued on page 3

R- L : Chairman, UBA Group, Mr Tony Elumelu; his children and his wife, Dr Awele, during the premier of a movie, #BlackPanther, A Night in Wakanda, in Lekki, Lagos... on Friday

2018 UTME: JAMB to conduct mock test Feb 26 5

Zamfara killings: 3 Normalcy has been restored, situation under control - IGP

$16bn Egina: Senate insists on foreign firms CEOs’ appearance over $2.9bn contract B1

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Dickson seek Nigeria’s true 5 reconciliation, unity

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

3 News

How investors lifted FX market with $31.5bn in 9 months Continued from page 1 exchange market, as Investors and Exporters (I&E) FX window has helped the nation’s rebounded economy with a whopping traded turnover of $31.46billion in nine months, The Daily Times checks have revealed.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the I&E FX window on April 20, 2017, and has since showed that Investors confidence in the Nigerian economy has improved significantly.

For instance, its contribution to the forex market in the first month of its creation in April 2017, stood at $0.61 billion, before its significant improvement to $1.32bn or 114 per cent in May. The Daily Times further checks revealed that the figure declared in June moved up to $1.63 bn and increased further in July to $1.86bn and $3.54bn in August 2017.

The I&E FX window, however, traded second highest turnover of $4.61bn in September since establishment, but depreciated to $4.30 bn in October.

In November, the autonomous forex window, declared total transactions worth of $4.51bn, while the year 2017 closed with traded turnover of $3.27 bn.

On the other hand, the NAFEX in January 2018, recorded total traded turnover of $6.1bn, the highest transactions ever recorded since the autonomous forex

window was opened in 2017.

FIC turnover in one month The Fixed Income and Currencies (FIC) markets for the month of January, 2018, recorded total transaction turnover of N11.71 trillion, representing a 1.28 per cent decrease or N0.15 trillion from the value recorded in December, 2017.

The latest monthly report by the FMDQ OTC Security Exchange indicated that transactions in the FX market settled at $14.01bn in January, 2018, an increase of 8.91 per cent or $1.15bn when compared with $12.86 bn value recorded in December 2017.

The FMDQ report showed that total value traded at the I&E FX Window in January 2018 settled at $5.25 bn, an increase of 36.87 per cent ($1.41bn) relative to the value recorded in December 2017 ($3.87bn).

Total value traded at the I&E FX Window since inception (April 21, 2017) stands at $31.46bn.

Considering the turnover in the Fixed Income market for the month under review, it settled at N5.33 trn, a 7.16 per cent increase MoM (0.36trn). Transactions in the T.bills market accounted for 86.11 per cent of the overall Fixed Income market, an increase from the 84.00 per cent recorded in Dec. 2017.

But outstanding T.bills at the end of the month stood at N11.47trn (N10.60trn

in December 2017), an increase of 8.21 per cent MoM (N0.87trn). FGN bonds outstanding value also increased by 0.96 per cent MoM (N0.08trn) to close at N7.64 trn, from N7.57 trn in December 2017.

FMDQ noted that trading intensity in the Fixed Income market for the month under review settled at 0.40 and 0.10 for T.bills and FGN bonds, respectively, from 0.38 and 0.11 recorded the previous month, respectively.

T.bills between the six (6) and twelve (12) months maturity buckets became the most actively traded, accounting for a turnover of N2.52 trn in Jan. 2018 “Short-term yields on the sovereign yield curve decreased by an average of 0.89 basis points (bps) and yields in the medium- and long-term spectrum lost an average of 0.68bps & 70.39bps respectively.

“The spread between 10year and 3-month bench-

mark yields closed negative at 0.49bps for January 2018 (0.01bps in December 2017), as yields dropped in January 2018 following the redemption of T.bills that matured in December 2017 by the Debt Management Office”, the report stated.

Currency in circulation Meanwhile, the nation’s currency in circulation has dropped by N0.25 trn, when compared to N1.9 trn recorded in January 2018 against 2.15 trn declared in

December 2017, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed.

The CBN, in its economic report for fourth quarter disclosed that “at N2.15 trn, currency-in-circulation rose by 21.1 per cent, above the level in the third quarter of 2017. The development reflected the growth in currency outside banks.

According to the report, “Total deposits at the CBN amounted to N13.17 tn, indiContinued on page 5

L-R: Chinese Ambasador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhao Lin Xiang; Minister of Water Resources, Hon Suleiman Hussein Adamu; President, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Yesui Jiin and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Ltd, Mr. Eric Fajemisin; during the 2018 Stanbic IBTC-Chinese New Year Global Campaign in Abuja...on Sunday

Zamfara killings: Normalcy has been restored, situation under control -IGP Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Inspector-General

of Police (IGP) Mr Ibrahim Idris, on Sunday debunked media reports by some section of the media that killings of helpless Nigerians in Zamfara State by alleged gunmen is getting out of hand.

The IGP, who paid an operational visit to Zurmi, Zamfara State where scores of people were reportedly killed by the gunmen on February 14, said that normalcy has since returned in the area and that people are going about their normal activities.

A statement by the Force

PRO, Mr Jimoh Moshood, also quoted the IGP as deploying three additional Police Mobile Force units (PMF) and also dispatched a high powered Joint Investigation Team headed

by Assistant Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) of the Force to the State.

The IGP has also ordered the arrest of the perpetrators and placed Commissioners of Police, their supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police and all personnel of the Force in states contiguous to Zamfara State on red alert.

Accompanied by the AIG Zone 10, Sokoto and

Commissioners of Police in the zone visited Zurmi Local Government Area, the IGP held a Stakeholders meeting which had in attendance traditional rulers, political office holders, Local Government chairman, hunters,farmers, village vigilante groups, the Fulani and Hausa Communities and other critical stakeholders.

Also present at the meeting were the Police Community Relations Community (PCRC), eminent persons forum, politicians and religious leaders.

The IGP also condoled with the Government and People of Zamfara State over the heinous act that

led to the killing of harmless and innocent people and called for cooperation of all the people in the affected areas in supporting the Police to find a lasting solution to the killings and the arrest of the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, on the directives of the IGP, the Joint Special Investigation Team headed by Assistant Inspector General of Police Intelligence of the Force have proceeded to Zamfara State to commence immediately a detailed investigation into the killings. He will be assisted by the personnel of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department

(FCIID), the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Tactical Squad (STS), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Scene of Crime experts and the Zamfara State Command Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department who are already on ground in Zurmi, Zamfara State.

The statement reads in part, “The Joint Police Investigation Team are under a definite and strict mandate to arrest and bring to justice the perpetrators of the killings, investigate the incident in totality with a view to unravelling the remote and direct causes of the unfortunate killings and prevent occurrence of

such in the future.

“The Commissioners of Police and their Supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police and their personnel in the contiguous states to Zamfara State have been placed on red-alert by the Inspector General of Police; they have also been directed to cooperate with the investigation team from the Force Headquarters. They are also to without delay convey stakeholders meetings in their respective States to address previous and current conflicts and clashes between Farmers, Herders, Hunters, Local Vigilantes and other interest groups in their states.”

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

EFCC: No out-of-court settlement with Patience Jonathan Continued from page 5 tain procedures from the court, saying that the request must be sanctioned by the court.

A top source within the commission disclosed the development to The Daily Times on Sunday night.

One of the lead lawyers to Mrs. Jonathan, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), had written a letter to the EFCC, seeking for out of court settlement with the commission on behalf of

his client.

The source said: “There is no basis for the request.

With due respect, we have no out-of-court settlement arrangement with the former First Lady. The lawyer, who wrote the letter knows the proper thing to do.

“Out of court settlement usually flows from the court and the two parties will usually be on the same page while the court will endorse the arrangement in order to resolve

the contentious issues. “ You will realise that there are so many cases in this regard and we are ready to prosecute the matters diligently.

“You will also recall that we recently stumbled on more startling information on how Mrs. Jonathan piled up dollar deposits in certain commercial banks, including how she lavished part of the money.

“Besides, the former First Lady has been

linked by investigators to huge amount of bank deposits and several choice properties across the country”’.

When asked whether the commission has replied the letter of the lawyer to Mrs. Jonathan on the option of out-of-court settlement, the source said: “No, the commission is yet to respond to the request.

But the commission will soon take necessary action on the matter”.

In a January 30, 2018

Left-Right: Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Director, MTN Foundation, Mrs. Aisha Sadauki; Chairman, MTN Foundation, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi and his wife Juila, at the MTN Foundation-Muson Scholars Alumni Valentine Concert at the Muson Centre in Lagos.

Abia rehabilitates Libya returnes Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ

Abia State government on Friday received five indigenes from Libya as illegal immigrants with an assurance for their rehabilitation, reintegration and a conference for them.

The deportees were formally received at the Port Harcourt International, Airport by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Vulnerable Group, Mrs Precious Achumba, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs Vivian IroUchime.

The deportees are Kelechi Sunday (41), Aba South Local Government Area (LGA), Uche Ike (27), Chinonso Nelson (27) and his wife, Kate (28), all from Ikwuano LGA and Tracey

Amanze (22) from Isialangwa South LGA. Addressing them before handing them over to officials of their respective LGA councils in her office, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Vulnerable Group, Mrs Precious Achumba said the state government had put the necessary measures in place for their rehabilitation and reintegration with their various families and communities, assuring that the ministry would organize a conference for all the Abia deportees from Libya.

While expressing her happiness that they returned from Libya alive, disclosed that the deportees would be enrolled in the state government’s skill acquisition programmes.

“Government will train

you in any skill of your choice and after the training you will be financially empowered to start your own business,” Achumba said and urged them not to lose hope but to be prepared to reintegrate themselves in the society and begin to contribute to the development of their community and state.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs Vivian IroUchime said that a desk had been opened at the Diaspora office to counsel and offer necessary information to prospective migrants.

She said that the deportees could have avoided their horrible experience ‘‘if they had armed themselves with relevant information before embarking

on the ill-fated sojourn to Libya.”

She said that her office would collaborate with the Ministry of Special Duties and Vulnerable Groups to ensure their “smooth rehabilitation and re-orientation.”

Mr Jackson Sunday, the Head of Department, Planning, Forecasting and Operations, Abia State Emergency Management Agency, said that this was the fourth batch of Abia deportees from Libya, totaling 19 persons.

Sunday expressed gratitude to the commissioner for her intervention in ensuring that the deportees were officially received and brought home by the state.

He also commended the commissioner for her interest and quick response to disaster and other emergency challenges involving

letter titled “Proposal for out-of-court settlement of all cases related to Dame (Mrs.) Ibifaka Patience Jonathan,” Mrs. Jonathan informed the EFCC of her intention to settle the matter out-of-court.

The letter reads in part: “As senior lawyer representing Dame (Mrs.) Patience Jonathan (former First Lady) and companies linked to her and some family members, associates, companies and NGOs, we have thought it fit to engage your commission in a discussion over all issues involving her and the commission with a view to having amicable resolution of all cases as stated above.

“This will enable both sides create an atmosphere for mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence. We will therefore appreciate it if you can give us an appointment at your earliest convenience to have a discussion over all matters involving her and members of her family.

“We believe that an amicable settlement will be in the best interest of both your commission and our client. We assure you of our utmost commitment and sincerity of purpose in this connection, and we solicit your cooperation in this regard. Please, accept the assurances of our warm regards.”

Some of the assets allegedly linked to Mrs. Jonathan in Port Harcourt include former Customs Service officers mess; two duplexes at 2/3 Bauchi Street; landed property with blocks at Ambowei Street; 3 Luxury apartments of 4-bedroom each at Ambowei Street; and Grand View Hotel along airport road.

In Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, are two marble duplexes at Otioko GRA by Isaac Boro Expressway; Glass House along Sani Abacha Expressway which is housing Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board; Akemfa Etie Plaza by AP filling Station, Melford Okilo Road; and Aridolf Resort, Wellness and Spa on Sani Abacha Expressway.

On Monday, a Federal High Court in Lagos adjourned till February 14 to hear a motion in a suit seeking forfeiture of funds linked to the former first lady.

The EFCC had begun fresh moves to seize the funds, including $6.4 million and N7.4 billion, in 15 bank accounts linked to Mrs. Jonathan.

The suit, which was fixed for hearing on Monday, was stalled following the absence of Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who was said to be attending a workshop.

the vulnerable in society.

Narrating their experience, Amanze, who said that she left the shores of Nigeria in June 2017, said that she was arrested on January 1 as ‘illegal migrant.”.

She said that she had been moved to five different prisons since her arrest, adding that they were subjected to all sorts of inhuman treatment by Libyan immigration officials.

“Anybody they arrested was sent to prison, while some were killed,” she said, adding that the day she was arrested, she jumped from a two-storey building in her futile attempt to escape arrest.

“There was no freedom, especially for the girls. We lived in perpetual fear and agony, no food, no shelter and we were always running helter-skelter in the

city to escape arrest and torture,” she said.

Speaking in the same vein, Kelechi, who said that he was a motor-cycle mechanic before he left Nigeria for Libya in 2015, said that they went through a harrowing experience.

He said that he embarked on the trip in search of greener pasture, “not knowing that life would be miserable and unsafe for him in Libya.”

According to him, “In Libya, under-aged children, between the ages of 10 and 12, carry arms about, terrorizing migrants, especially Nigerians.”

The deportees were later handed over to officials of Aba South and Ikwuano council areas, who were present at the time of the report, for reintegration with their families.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

5 News

How investors lifted FX market with $31.5bn in 9 months Continued from page 3 cating 7.5 per cent increase over the level at the end of the third quarter of 2017.

The development was as a result of the rise in the deposits of banks, Federal Government and the “Others” in the review quarter.

“Of the total deposits at the CBN, the shares of the Federal Government, Banks and ‘’Others were N6,018.10 bn (45.7 per cent), N4,320.37 bn (32.8 per cent) and N2,834.02 bn (21.5 per cent), respectively.

“Growth in banks reserves at the CBN and currency-in-circulation accounted for the 16.5 per cent rise in Reserve Money (RM) to N6,477.6 billion at endDecember 2017, compared with the level at end-September 2017.”

Currency in circulation between November and December 2017 was put at N1.79 trillion and N1.89 trillion respectively, the CBN revealed on its website.

CBN disclosed that the currency in circulation, which is the physical money used for transactions between consumers and businesses opened this year at N1.99 trn and closed in February at N1.97 trn.

Contribution to Foreign Reserves As the nation’s foreign

reserves continues to grow with improved confidence in the Nigerian foreign exchange market and its management, the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) window data has showed that the special forex window has contributed immensely to this development.

However, in spite of challenges confronting the Nigeria’s economy, the nation’s foreign reserves have been on the increase since 2017, hitting $42.8bn in February, 2018.

Since June 2007, Nigeria’s foreign reserves had been diminishing from $62 billion to $28.6bn in May 2015 and further declined from $26.51bn in the second quarter of 2016 to $24.74bn in September of the same year.

But the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Thursday, said that the nation’s external reserves have climbed to $42.8bn as at Tuesday, February 13, 2018.

CBN’s view But the Governor, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at the last Monetary Policy Meeting said the committee members viewed with satisfaction the growing patronage at the I&E window of the foreign exchange market and attributed the development to increased

2018 UTME: JAMB to conduct mock test Feb 26

Augustine Okezie Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Joint Admissions

and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said that the 2018 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will hold on February 26.

JAMB’s Head, Media and Information, Mr Fabian Benjamin, who disclosed this in Lagos on Sunday, also disclosed that a total of 245,753 out of the 1,652,795 candidates that registered for this year’s UTME are expected to write the test.

He said “We are happy to announce to the public that the board has concluded arrangement for the conduct of the mock UTME, slated for Monday, February 26.

“This is irrespective of the ongoing strike embarked upon by members of the non-academic unions of federal universities nationwide.

“Candidates will soon be informed on when to print

notifications for the examination and in addition, notifications will be sent through e-mails and text messages on the schedules of their examination,”.

He further added that the examination was expected to be hitch free as the board had successfully reduced incidences of malfunctioning of computers by electronically integrating the systems to see their functionality and effectiveness through link tests.

He said, “What this means is that, at the end of the exercise, whatever system that is not seen will not be used for the mock examination. The 2018 exercise sold a total of 1, 966,918 candidate generating profile The conduct of this year’s UTME registration and admission exercise into universities and other tertiary institutions have been overshadowed by the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by federal varsity workers under the aegis of Joint Action Committee, JAC

confidence by foreign investors and the preference of Nigerian investors’ and exporters’ for the window compared with all other windows.

The CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, attributed the successes in rising foreign reserves to the decline in usage of foreign exchange to import rice.

The CBN spokesperson explained that the CBN would continue to ensure

liquidity in the interbank sector of the market as well as sustain its interventions in order to drive economic growth and guarantee market stability.

He expressed optimism that the Nigerian economy stood to gain massively from the bank’s forex management strategy as could be seen in the accretion to the foreign reserves, which now stands at over $40bn.

Just last week, the apex bank spokesperson, in Abu-

ja, pointed out that following the huge local rice production capacity stemming from the success of the CBN Anchor Burrowers Programme launched in 2015, it has increased local rice production by at least 1 million metric tons (MT).

This increase, according to some economic experts, is a clear indication that the economy is on the path of recovery from all sectors and will end the year on a positive development.

Unified FX rate Meanwhile, following the introduction of uniform foreign exchange rate on invisible market, commercial banks have commenced a price war in a move to attract customers and increase market shares.

The Daily Times findings discovered that some commercial banks have started sales of Personal Travel Allowance (PTA), Basic travel Allowance (BTA), among Continued on page 8

Left-Right: Awardee of Stakkers Global Icon of the year, Mr. John Shaibu, presented by former, NBA star, Olumide Oyedeji, assisted by Ace Actress, Maureen Okpoko during the award presentation in Lagos...at the weekend.

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Dickson seek Nigeria’s true reconciliation, unity James Akam,

Yenagoa

ÏÏÏ

Former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson have reaffirmed their call on Nigerians to embrace peace and unity for the good of the country.

The leaders spoke on Sunday during a Thanksgiving Service for the successful groundbreaking ceremony of the Azikel Refinery, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Francis Agbo, quoted Obasanjo as saying that, leaders particularly the political class must work for unity, peace and genuine reconciliation, irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliation.

Obasanjo, who heralded his speech with one of his favourite hymns, “Amazing Grace,” noted that, God has blessed Nigeria with all the prerequisites of greatness.

He urged Nigerians to

learn from history rather than make the same mistakes and expect to have a better result.

Obasanjo said: “In a country, like Nigeria, unless we preach, teach and practice reconciliation, then, we will not have peace. And unless, we have peace, we will not have development. And unless, we have development, we will not have growth.

“And without growth, we will not come out of poverty. Even if some of us are exceptionally lucky and are able to get out, majority of us will be writhing in poverty and that’s not what God has ordained for this country. “ This nation is a land flowing with milk and honey and a land of plenty and prosperity.”

In his remarks, former President Jonathan, who corroborated the views of Obasanjo, said God has not made a mistake by bringing people of diverse culture and religion together as a nation.

Jonathan, therefore, expressed optimism of a better Nigeria in the near future, saying that the country is not as bad as it

is being portrayed in some sections of the media.

He said, “Just as former President Obasanjo said, the crowning of this event, is the children that came out here to perform in different languages and dance steps. That is what this country should be and I pray that, as we progress as a nation, one day, all the churches and mosques will bring children to do this kind of dance drama so that we all will know the message of unity should be carried on. “ And of course, if you listen to the radio, watch television and go especially to the social media, then you’ll feel as if the country is hanging on a keg of gunpowder that can explode any day.”

Also emphasizing the need for peace, Governor Dickson said, his administration has been building bridges of unity within and outside the state.

Governor Dickson, who appreciated Obasanjo for his time in Bayelsa and his fatherly counsel, assured that, the state would continue to hold him in high esteem for his support.

“In the course of this visit, we have showcased our very special state to the rest of the country and to the world. Essentially, we have a state in Bayelsa that is at peace with itself and with the country and the rest of the world. “ A state that is at the epicenter of all things that are good. We want to thank our president, father and leader for encouraging, supporting and counselling us. We assure him that he will continue to be our father.”

Earlier in a sermon, the Bishop of Ogbia Diocese, Rt. Rev. James Aye-Oruwori, urged Nigerians to shun all divisive tendencies and trust in God, who alone has the powers to salvage the country from its current woes.

Dignitaries at the service include, wife of the former President Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan, his mother, Eunice, Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah, Chairman, Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diete Spiff, former Managing Director, NDDC, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe and President of Azikel Group, Dr. Godbless Eruani.

News d ƌƑƆƋ 9Ɨ ƓƑ

ÎÎÎ Senator Shehu Sani

has said that avoidable doom awaits the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 2019 polls should Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu fail to reconcile aggrieved members.

Sani, a chieftain of the APC representing Kaduna central in the Senate, stated this on Sunday in Abuja in an interview with newsmen.

The senator was reacting to Tinubu´s recent appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the APC team of consultation, reconciliation and confidence building.

Tinubu’s assignment, among others, is to forge cohesion within the APC

6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

2019: APC doomed if Tinubu fails – Sen. Sani Ï

ahead of the 2019 general election. It involves resolving disagreements among party members and leaders.

It also involves reconciling political office holders in some APC-controlled states and addressing crises in the party`s chapters in Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Bauchi and other states.

“It is going to be a tragedy if he fails. This is what I know and I can speak in parables,” said Sani who has not been in a good relationship with Governor Ahmad Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state.

According to him, the Kaduna state governor has pocketed the party and wants to impose his will and unleash terror on members, by exploiting his proximity to the President.

He said Tinubu´s appointment has halted, for now, the defection of most APC members to other political parties.

Sani said it is no more news that the APC is faced with crises in some states where it holds sway, adding that the crises have defied solutions for over two years.

The Senator noted that efforts made in the past have failed to address the multi-state crises.

Sani while confirming that the Kaduna state chapter of the party is now having a parallel executive, said it was left for the Tinubu team to address the situation before it gets out of hand “It is left for Asiwaju to build the bridges. Lagos is known for bridges; therefore we hope that there will be Seventh Mainland Bridge to connect the divide, but we are not sure of this.

“Right now, the party is already divided in Kaduna and it is for the national secretariat to note this and we have said it in clear terms.

“The problem has defied solution for two years, but we believe that Asiwaju can do a lot of reconciliation.

“We hope that he will be able to achieve a lot because if he fails, it is going to be doom for the party.

“In the process where reconciliation is taking place now, I think it is in our interest to put our

ambitions in our pockets according to what Mr President said and wait for Asiwaju to address the problem,” he said.

Sani advised the Tinubu reconciliation team not to take sides but to give equal treatment, especially as far as Kaduna state is concerned, in the interest of the party and its members.

He expressed confidence that Tinubu´s appointment could most likely address the fundamental issues that were confronting the party at both the national and state level.

Gov Ahmed, speaker, others bid ex-Kwara CJ farewell Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÎÎÎ Kwara State Governor,

Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad; State Chief Judge, Justice Sulyman Durosinlohun Kawu; former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Issa Ayo Salami; retired Grand Khadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Solihu Olohuntoyin Muhammad; a retired senior police officer, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia and President, Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Ambassador Sheik Uthman AbdulAzeez, were among eminent Nigerians, who converged on Ilorin yesterday for the Fidau of late former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Saka Yusuf.

Yusuf, who was a onetime President of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), died on Monday and had since been interred according to Islamic injunctions.

Saturday was the Fidau for him, which was also attended by former minister of National Planning, Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman; former commissioner for Special Duties in the state, Alhaji Mashood Mustapha; Chief Executive Officer of Sobi FM, Mr Lukman Mustapha; and legal luminaries including Mallam Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali (SAN) and Mallam Kehinde Eleja (SAN).

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Ilorin, Alhaji Baba Yusuf Abdulwahab, stood in for Governor Ahmed at the prayer session led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Solihu.

A renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheik Suleiman Dan-Borno, in his sermon, reminded the attendees of the inevitability of death.

He urged them to always fear Almighty Allah in their undertakings and be conscious of the fact that whatever they do on the planet earth would be accounted for in the hereafter.

The cleric enjoined them to eschew devilish acts and tread on the path that could draw them closer to their creator.

Dan-Borno also challenged members of the elite class of the society to emulate and sustain the legacies of late Justice Yusuf, who he added, was an embodiment of quality virtues.

Leading other clerics, the Chief Imam of Ilorin beseeched Almighty to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased and grant him Al-Janat Firdaus.

Speaking to Journalists at the event, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr Ali Ahmad, described Justice Yusuf as an iconic figure, a community leader, a true son of the Ilorin Emirate and a jurist per excellence.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (third right); APC minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (middle); Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (third left); Hon. Babajimi Adegoke Benson (second left); Hon. Nurudeen Akinwunmi (left); Hon Yomi Aiyeola (second right) and Hon. Olawale Raji (right) during a visit by the honorable members to the Governor to endorse him for a second term at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Saturday

Dogara’s medical outreach: 67,000 patients benefit in Bauchi ÏdƆƍ Ə ƐƆƗ Ɖ ƈ ƆƗ jƓƈ `Ɔƅ ƒƆƏƈ zƆƋƋ

henry Omunu, abuja

ÎÎÎ About 70, 000 patients

have benefited from the medical outreach organised by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, in Bauchi State.

The outreach is one of the many initiatives of the speaker aimed at addressing health challenges faced by people of Bauchi and other neighbThe team of professional doctors, who

were on duty at the outreach, was stationed at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu of Doctors on the Move Africa, where they successfully conducted surgeries, including the separation of a conjoined twin who is recuperating well at the moment.

At the end of the intervention, 20, 311 major and

minor surgeries were carried out successfully, 17, 772 patients were treated for eye problems; cataract extraction was conducted for 23, 900 patients, while 14, 910 patients with visual impairment were issued medicated glasses.

Similarly, 67, 630 patients were issued cards to participate in the medical intervention, out of which 4, 932 patients were scanned and 13, 994 others

tested to diagnose causes of their respective medical conditions.

In addition to Bauchi people who benefited from the medical outreach, people from Adamawa, Plateau, Borno, Yobe, Kano, Kaduna and Gombe States also benefited from the intervention which is the third edition organised by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara in just years.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

News 7

Buhari best for Nigeria –Lai Mohammed

Tom Okpe

ÏÏÏThe

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has said with President Muhammadu Buhari piloting the affairs of Nigeria, the country is in very safe and competent hands adding that there is no cause for alarm.

The Minister said this at the weekend during a mini town hall meeting with the staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, Spain, and a cross-section of Nigerians living in the European country on Saturday.

Mohammed said that contrary to the fake news being peddled on the Social Media, Nigeria is making steady progress, especially in revamping the economy, tackling insecurity and fighting cor-

ruption – the three cardinal programmes of the Buhari Administration. ”Don’t believe everything you read on the Social Media. Nigeria is neither at war nor in crisis,” Mr. Mohammed said, according to a statement by his special assistant, Segun Adeyemi. ”Contrary to what you may be reading on the Internet, the Buhari Administration is putting Nigeria on a solid footing, after the years that were eaten by the locust.”

He said naysayers are spending millions of Naira to distort the true situation of things in Nigeria and to make the administration look bad.

The Minister said the administration’s achievements should be evaluated against the background of the tough challenges that it has faced since

coming into office on 29 May 2015. ”It is said that if you don’t know where you are coming from, you won’t know where you are going,” he said, listing the drastic fall in the price of crude oil, the low foreign reserves at $24 billion, the fact that the federal government was borrowing to pay workers’ salaries, and the fact that many states were unable to pay salaries as some of those challenges.

Mr. Mohammed also said when the Administration came into office, unpaid pensions had run into billions of Naira in many states, contractors had abandoned sites across the country because they were being heavily owed, infrastructure was in poor state, power generation was 2,690 megawatts, billions were being paid as

‘fuel subsidies’ to fat cats, corruption was the order of the day, while 20 of the 27 local governments in Borno were under the firm control of Boko Haram. ”Today, the trend is being reversed, and the results are showing: Foreign reserves is now $42.8b, the highest level in four years, inflation has fallen for 12 consecutive months to 15.13%, 108 billion Naira has been saved from removal of maintenance fees payable to banks before Treasury Single Account (TSA), the nation is being saved 24.7 billion Naira monthly with the full implementation of the TSA and the elimination of ghost workers has saved the nation 120 billion Naira. ”With improved macro-economic conditions, capital inflow is on the upswing, reaching $1.8 bil-

lion in the second quarter of 2017, which is almost double the $908 million in the first quarter, Nigeria’s stock market is one of the best-performing in the world, delivering returns in excess of 40 percent, Nigeria jumped 24 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, and earned a place on the List of Top 10 Reformers in the world,” he said.

The Minister also told the meeting that the Administration’s agricultural revolution is moving Nigeria close to self-sufficiency in many staples, especially rice, that the home-grown school feeding programme has created jobs for 61,352 cooks, and it is providing 6.4 million school children in 33,981 schools across 20 states with one meal a day, that power generation has increased to 7,000 mega-

watts, that Boko Haram has been massively degraded and that the administration’s is embarking on a massive infrastructural renewal.

Mr. Mohammed, who urged the Nigerians to download the FGN-iAPP in order to get authentic news from Nigeria, later fielded questions from the Nigerians, with many of them seeking to know when Nigerians in the diaspora will be able to vote, how they can access the national identity card, how they can get authentic information from Nigeria and what the federal government is doing to end the herder-farmer clashes.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Susan Aderonke Folarin, led the staff of the embassy to the town hall meeting, which was held at the embassy premises.

Benin Monarch to partner NAPTIP Against Human Trafficking Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

ÏÏÏIn a bid to stem the tide

of human trafficking in Edo State and Nigeria in General, the Benin Traditional Institution has concluded plans to work with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

This was the outcome of the advocacy visit of the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli to His Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II Ogidigan, Oba of Benin Kingdom, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The Director-General had led a team of NAPTIP officials to the Royal father to enlist the support of the traditional institution in Edo State and in particular the Benin Kingdom in the fight against human trafficking bearing in mind the endemic nature of the State in human trafficking and the image problem accompanying that status.

She urged the Oba of Benin to join NAPTIP in its renewed efforts at stopping the juju priests in Benin from further administering oaths on victims of human trafficking that are brought to them by criminal elements.

She said, “We are doing our best in sensitising the juju priests against the practice and many have assured us that they will no longer administer oaths on the victims, but as a respected Royal Father in this land whose words are respected, I respectfully implore Your Majesty to use your good offices to talk to these juju priests and the chiefs involved.

“You may wish to summon all of them and talk to them, and we are ready to join Your Majesty to sensitise them on the effects of their actions on the helpless young people.

“Many of the young people that have left may never come back as they are dead and their parents are still hoping that they will come back some day with loads of money, while many have lost their minds as a result of the exploitation they have gone through”.

She also enjoined the Royal Father to bring the issue of human trafficking to the front burner within the fold of the traditional institutions across the country.

“Every victim of human trafficking has come from a community before being a Nigerian and one of the responsibilities of the traditional institution apart from upholding the culture and tradition of the land is to protect and defend the people that they lead’’, she further added.

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left), ably assisted by the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Alfred Diete Spiff (right), presents a special plaque to the visiting former president , Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (middle), during a Command Performance in honour of the former President, during his visit to the State for the 6th Anniversary of the Restoration Government, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.

Ebonyi denies donating land for cattle colony Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏEbonyi

State government has denied donating land to the Federal Government to establish the proposed cattle colony in any part of the state.

It also described as absolute falsehood, a trending report on the social media that it gave herdsmen a nod to operate, as they liked without regulations.

This was even as it ordered for the immediate arrest of a Facebook user in the state (name withheld)

for allegedly peddling false information, which it said was injurious to the government.

Addressing Journalists in his office, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, Chief Donatus Njoku, clarified that the trending social report was a misrepresentation of the position of Governor David Umahi at a meeting it held with herdsmen, farmers and security agencies.

“That was a complete misrepresentation of the government. The Governor, as you know, have strong passion for agriculture and he is

been sounding it clear in every fora that Ebonyi State does not have land to give out for any other thing apart from agriculture and agriculture is our mainstay.

“So, Governor never said that Ebonyi State will give out land for cattle colony. There was nothing like that. I was in that meeting. The position of the Ebonyi State Government was that those herdsmen that were with us here over the years; some of them were even born here.

Since they are living harmoniously with our people, they cannot be asked to go” he explained.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 16, 2018

How investors lifted FX market with $31.5bn in 9 months Continued from page 5 others at N358/$1 to attract more end-users.

Currency analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Ezun, said since the harmonisation of the invisible rate to N360/$1, commercial banks have introduced measures to win customers and enlarge their market shares.

He noted that players in the foreign exchange are leveraging on the CBN supply to gain market shares.

The President of Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Mr. Aminu Gwadabe, had lamented over commercial banks delisting the association, maintaining that banks excess charges forced the apex bank to remove commission on visible.

He thus questioned the apex banks’ differential in margins, stressing that BDC operators are only complementing the banks.

He said: “Our stand is that CBN should remove the margin at which they are selling to banks and BDC operators.

“They are selling to banks at N357/$1 and to BDC operators at N360/$1.

So automatically, that has put the operators at disadvantage. If banks are buying at N357/$1 and selling at N360/$1, which is our buying rate, how do we compete in the market?

“Banks in the past were doing illegal charges. Normally, the banks should not have charged any commission on rate since they buy at N357/$1 and sell at N360/$1.

Also, commenting, the South West Chairman, ABCON, Mr. Taiwo Ebenezer, said the measure may force the operators to close shops, stating that end-users might consider the parallel market instead of the banks.

His words: “The new measure will lead to low patronage. What the CBN is trying to achieve is to appreciate the Naira. All we expect is that equal measures should be given to key players.

“The parallel market is even selling below the CBN rate to banks. The end-users which should he patronise the registered BDCs will

rather visit parallel market where no documentation is required. Automatically, the CBN is closing the BDC operations in Nigeria which will cause unemployment.

Nationwide, we have over 4,000 registered BDC operators. If you multiply 4,000 by three staff in each BDC offices nationwide, that means over 12,000 staff will be out of work because of policy.

“The bottom line of CBN’s policy is to achieve Naira appreciation and by so doing, the volume of transactions that will go to bank against the BDC nationwide will increase.”

The Acting Director Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, had said the feedback from the wholesale and retail segments of the Nigerian foreign exchange markets showed that customers were satisfied with their level of access to foreign exchange.

He said the degree of optimism displayed by all players underscored the fact that everyone was happy with the level of transparency in the market.

Ambode okays N30, 000 monthly stipends for 1,000 interns

ÏÏÏ Lagos State Governor,

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the payment of N30, 000 as monthly stipends to Ready.Set.Work (RSW) interns who have been placed in various organisations for six-month paid internships.

The Governor also approved N8million in seed funding for the top five winners of the RSW Business Pitch Competition, whose businesses will be placed in incubation, while the beneficiaries will commence their internships and incubation, respectively, on March 1st, 2018.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh in a statement on Sunday said the interns were part of the 2,000 final year students from six tertiary institutions in the State who took part in the 2017 edition of the 13-week intensive Entrepreneurship and Employability training programme.

He said that the Ready.

Set.Work programme, which held its pilot in 2016 with 500 final year students from three tertiary institu-

tions in Lagos State, was scaled up in 2017 to 12,000 Students from six institutions including Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos State College of Health Technology, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education.

“In 2016, we placed 76 students in internships with partner organizations like PwC, SystemSpecs, Total, GTBank, FCMB and Access Bank, to mention a few, who provided 6-month paid internship opportunities for RSW graduates. His Excellency, the Governor, further expanded the scheme by approving funds to place an additional 100 RSW graduates in internship positions with SMEs across Lagos State, with monthly stipends provided by the government.

“In 2017, we were able to scale up and secure internship slots in about 180 organisations across the State for 1,000 top performing RSW graduates. The placement process involved a series of Internship Fairs at which companies had the

opportunity to interview and select their interns from a pool of qualified candidates,” Bank-Olemoh said.

He also disclosed that preparation for Ready.Set. Work 2018 has commenced, adding that the programme would be expanded to train 25,000 while 5,000 final year students would participate in the 13-week face-to-face classes and that 20,000 students in their penultimate year would take part in the RSW Online Academy.

Besides, Bank-Olemoh said the programme was also increasing the number of participating schools to accommodate more students in the programme, among which are Yaba College of Technology, Federal College of Education (Technical) and a private institution, Caleb University.

The Special Adviser added that the inclusion of new schools was in line with Governor Ambode’s commitment to ensuring that every student that graduates from any tertiary institution in Lagos State is prepared for the world of work as an employer of labour or a value-adding employee.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎ The National Food

and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), has rearraigned a businessman, Ezeudu Emmanuel Emeka, who was arrested for relabelling and selling expired Mayonnaise and other food items before a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Emeka was sometimes charged before Justice Oluremi Oguntoyibo, on 10- count charge bordering on relabeling, repackaging and selling expired food products, September, last year.

Some of the expired food products include: Pine White Ground Pepper; Summerfield whole kernel sweet corn; Bama Mayonnaise; Summerfield

9 News

NAFDAC arraigns businessman for relabeling, selling expired mayonnaise, others baked beans; Sweet Chilk chicken sauce; Real Value Mayonnaise and Superior Light Soy Sauce.

NAFDAC in charge number FHC/L/200c/2015, alleged that the accused, a resident of 15, Ipaye Street, Surulere, Lagos, had on or before April 27, 2015, sold some unlabeled food products.

He was also alleged to have falsely relabeled, repackaged and distributed said food products, without registering them.

The offences according to the NAFDAC prosecutor, Mr. Umar Mashaki, are contrary to sections 1, 1(a) and 5(a), of the Food,

Drugs, related products (registration etc.) Act Cap F33, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under sections 6(1)(a) 3(1), 3, 17 and 3(1)(a) of the same Act. When the matter came up, the prosecution called one of its witnesses and tendered some of the expired food products confiscated from the accused as evidence, which were admitted as exhibits by the court.

The matter has been adjourned till today, for continuation of trial.

Part of the counts read: “that you Ezeudu Emmanuel Emeka, of 15, Ipaye

Street, Surulere, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, on or about May 27, 2015, did sold article of food products unfit for consumption to wit:Pine White Ground Pepper; Summerfield whole kernel sweet corn; Bama Mayonnaise; Summerfield baked beans; Sweet Chilk chicken sauce; Real Value Mayonnaise and Superior Light Soy Sauce, and thereby committed to an offence contrary to section 1(b) of the Food, Drugs, related products (registration etc.) Act Cap F33, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under section 17, of

the same Act”.

“That you Ezeudu Emmanuel Emeka, of 15, Ipaye Street, Surulere, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, on or about May 27, 2015, found in possession of expired food products wit: Superior Light Soy Sauce, and thereby committed to an offence contrary to section 5(a) of the Food, Drugs, related products (registration etc.) Act Cap F33, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under section 17, of the same Act”.

“That you Ezeudu Emmanuel Emeka, of 15, Ipaye Street, Surulere,

Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, on or about May 27, 2015, found in possession of Unwholesome processed food to wit: Pine White Ground Pepper; Summerfield whole kernel sweet corn; Bama Mayonnaise; Summerfield baked beans; Sweet Chilk chicken sauce; Real Value Mayonnaise and Superior Light Soy Sauce, and thereby committed to an offence contrary to section 1(a) of the Food, Drugs, related products (registration etc.) Act Cap F33, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under section 3 (1)(a), of the same Act”.

Buhari commends FRSC at 30 Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎ President Muhamma-

du Buhari has felicitated with the management and staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as it celebrates 30 years of its establishment.

Buhari commended the vision of its founding fathers in February 1988 in response to the unacceptable level of road crashes in the country.

The President noted with delight that after three decades of operations, the Corps reduced road crashes from an alarming 40,881 in 1976 to 5,993 in 2016 and 4,418 in 2017.

He further lauds the significant reduction in the emergency response time of the Corps from 50 to 15 minutes to accident scenes on the nation’s highways.

He commended the FRSC’s deployment of international best practices and use of technology in its uniform licensing scheme, tracking, vehicle plate numbering and other services.

According to President Buhari, “the recent United Nation’s commendation of Nigeria’s road safety action plan, affirms the Federal Road Safety Corps’ leading role not only in West Africa but the entire African continent.”

He pledges the Federal Government’s continued support to the FRSC to enable the organisation

achieve the goal of United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety of 50 per cent fatality reduction by 2020, thereby placing Nigerian roads among the league of 20 global safest roads by the target year.

Declaring that road safety is a shared responsibility, the President enjoins the FRSC to intensify its public education role, while urging other government and private organisations and the entire public to support the FRSC to further make road travels safer and more pleasurable.

Right to left: Ex lance Corporals Sam Ajeduwa and Ibrahim Abubakar ,two dismissed soldiers paraded along with other suspects.

SON sets new standard for agric machinery Myke Uzendu, Abuja.

ÎÎÎ The Federal Govern-

ment’s economic diversification agenda is set to receive a boost with the development of new standards for grinding plate, driving plate and grinding machine, which are already in use widely in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued Sunday in Abuja and signed by Samson, M.K. (Mrs), CPRO, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) explaining that The Director General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Osita Aboloma, made the

disclosure at the opening of a technical committee meeting in Lagos to elaborate standards for grinding plates, driving plates and grinding machine respectively.

Represented by Mrs. Chinyere Egwuonwu, Acting Director, Standards Development, the SON Chief Executive stated that processing agricultural products is a procedure that transforms raw food materials into marketable or consumable food products for end users.

This, according to him, is typically a mechanized process that utilizes mix-

ing, grinding, chopping, separating and emulsifying equipment in the production.

He stated further that there has been an upsurge in local design and manufacture of these agricultural machinery and equipment, which in turn has caused an increase in variations in the quality of materials used in manufacturing or fabricating such machines.

Mr. Aboloma said the elaboration of the standards for agricultural food processing equipment and machinery is therefore to address the need for assur-

ing the quality of materials to ensure uniformity in specifications and optimize end products in support of the government’s economic diversification program.

“The development and promotion of these standards will assure the quality of equipment, service parts and their outputs and add greater impetus to the agricultural sector’s contribution to food safety in Nigeria, while also enhancing its foreign exchange earning capacity, he said.

The SON DG observed that standardization activities such as these are

increasingly becoming essential for business and growth, as they encourage and support MSMEs and large industries in a developing economy such as ours.

When concluded, approved and published, the standards for agricultural machinery and equipment will ensure that agricultural processes and products conform to standards and quality requirements to meet the needs of the end users, guarantee value for money for consumers and profits for businesses, he said.

He therefore advised

10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Politics The topical issue trending presently in the country is call for the creation of state police. The Vice President spoke positively on the matter while state governors rose from their meeting and endorsed the idea. As a security expert what are the pros and cons of states having their police?

We are in a democracy and the will of the people stands supreme in whatever is done and if the elected people who superintend headed by the Vice President feel strongly that there is need to improve on the security of the country by the establishment of state police, I think it is a good idea. Some other countries in the world like the United States, have both federal and state police working hand in hand. Whatever it will take to protect the lives of Nigerians, is a welcome development. This is not the first time it is being canvassed, during the constitutional review the issue was intensely debated. I hope the National Assembly will look at it holistically and do the needful, by looking for how the constitution can be amended to accommodate state police.

What in your opinion is responsible for Herdsmen and Farmers clashes in the country?

This issue has been burning across the nation. We tend to forget the historical antecedent, before independence; there were local clashes which were settled by local chiefs.

As to the present problem, we have to take into account that our population has grown over the last 30-40 years, which means it will require additional space for farming since agriculture remains the highest employer of labour. The available space for herdsmen has been greatly reduced and this is bound to increase tension between the farmers and herdsmen. However, the inclusion of arms into the conflict is new and very worrisome. Herdsmen did not carry arms in the past. We must employ a holistic approach and understand the present about the grazing land to be able to come up with realistic approach that will bring to an end the crisis.

What effort is your organisation putting in to mitigate the crisis?

Our organisation is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), so we don’t have enforcement mechanism to leverage upon to take direct part in conflict resolution. What we do is try to provide strategic communication and conflict advice to security agencies and other stakeholders in the country. We also do provide training and capacity building for security apparatus to inform Nigerians of their activities. There is a gap that needs to be filled and not yet filled by government and organisations.

In the cause of your duties, do you also look at the cases of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)?

We interface with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), periodically to conduct research and studies on current level of assistance provided by NEMA and donor agencies to ascertain whether they are on top of their game and where they are deficient.

We research and advice on how they can improve on service delivery. We have also been partnering with the National Stabilisation and Reconciliation Programme to see how we can provide media review on the organisations to understand public perception on how they are faring and advice them on need for improvement. We are also working with the Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative on how to provide conflict sensitive training to the security in the North East along with the media to be able to understand the various roles they are playing, so that conflicts can be mitigated without necessarily inflaming ember of hatred.

How does your organisation intend to

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

s ‘2019: To avoid crisis, political leaders must be mindful of their statements’

11

There are several ways we go about this sensitisation process, aside using the media, we also go to the communities, schools, motor parks etc. and sensitise them on how to detect and counter some of these elements that carry bombs about the places and talk to them on the need not to get themselves involved with the people fanning the embers of divisiveness and hatred in the society.

Going global, do you think that world peace is achievable?

That is a million dollar question. What I do know from the perspective of international relations, is that global peace is not something one can pin down to a particular level and say, yes, we can achieve this, looking at the global level we know that the United Nations, UN, whatever it can do to bring about peace and security across the globe, the European Union, Africa Union and other regional bodies are doing their best, but in politics as they say, there are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies. We are all praying for global peace because we know that when there is no peace, trade and other social activities across the globe will not thrive. However, we all know that it is not possible to have conflict-free world because some people produce arms and ammunition not for the security of their countries but for sale to countries to defend themselves and we also discover that conflicts occur. It’s a natural phenomenon, we know that conflicts and crisis are things that are bound to happen, but we can mitigate conflicts and crisis at different levels which is the most important factor.

ANAS

Yusuf Anas, former Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Nigerian Air Force, is the Executive Secretary, Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC). Anas speaks on matters bothering on security challenges in the country in particular and the world in general and the forthcoming 2019 general elections. PATRICK OKOHUE reports. sensitise the citizenry against pre/post election violence in the run up to the 2019 general elections?

I think democracy is a very paradigm that all nations tend to key into, and election is the key ingredient that ensures that qualified leaders are elected to represent the people.

Every Nigerian, especially those within the voting age has a responsibility to go out there and register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and get a voters’ card. We must all endeavour to vote and get the leaders we want. Elections 2019 is around the

For us at the Crisis communication, we are following and monitoring closely, the political trend, but what is of major concern to us is that we would want all the political leaders in different parts of the country to be mindful of the kind of statements they make. Recently, we have seen the rising trend of hate speeches coming from different political divide and individuals who tend to use either religion or tribal sentiments to further their political aims, I think what should be paramount in the minds of our leaders is the fact that Nigeria must remain united

corner, obviously the polity is getting heated up, though INEC has not officially given the go ahead for campaigns to commence, I think what is happening is that people are just testing the waters to see how they can align with different philosophies and ideologies. For us at the Crisis communication, we are following and monitoring closely, the political trend, but what is of major concern to us is that we would want all the political leaders in different parts of the country to be mindful of the kind of statements they make. Recently, we have seen the rising trend of hate speeches coming from different political divide and individuals who tend to use either religion or tribal sentiments to further their political aims, I think what should be paramount in the minds of our leaders is the fact that Nigeria must remain united, strong and a virile nation, so we must avoid playing to the gallery by making statements that will divide us rather than unite us. As an NGO, we always try to ensure that we come up with sensitisation things that will make sure that hate speeches and divisive tendencies are avoided as much as possible.

How do you go about this sensitisation process?

People tend to blame the social media as an avenue through which hate speeches are propagated, would you support a clampdown or moderation of the medium by government?

What I believe is that there is a need to moderate the way we use the social media to inform and educate and even entertain Nigerians. It is important that we follow best practices in the way we use the social media and try to use it positively to inform our fellow countrymen and women. We mustn’t use it to tarnish or impugn our neighbors’, communities or incite. I think the social media should be used in a more positive sense. Agreed, we are now in the digital age, therefore, you can hardly regulate use of the social media because anybody with a hand phone and can afford data has become a kind of citizen journalist, it is going to be difficult, but I believe that there is the need to come up with the appropriate legislation that will sanction people that intend to impugn the organisations or individuals, communities without facts and justifications for doing that. There is no country in the world that will allow people to put almost everything and anything without a thought that some of the things they put up can be injurious to others.

Do you think that the media is to blame for conflicts?

The media plays a pivotal role in any country, so to squarely put the blame on the media as the precursor of conflicts or crisis in the society will be a disservice. The media is there to educate and inform on what is going on. However, sometimes we are aware that the media, whether government owned or privately owned take side on some issues during conflicts or crisis, by and large, the media is playing a watchdog role on the society.

I think what needs to be done is to enhance the capacity of the various media, management and staff to enable them to remain professional and above all, to put forward and remain conscious of what the imperatives are and enhance those good values that we are known for as Nigerians. The media has that important role. Always we should put Nigeria first at the back of our minds whenever we are pushing out any story irrespective of what it is that is taking place.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

State police report is APC re-election bait, says IPOB

Stories by Patrick Okohue

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has described the recent report of the All Progressives Congress (APC), favouring the creation of state police as a bait to lure Nigerians into reelecting them in 2019.

IPOB said Nigerians elected President Muhammadu Buhari because of his campaign for the restructuring of Nigeria, but he dumped it immediately he was elected.

The group said selecting just a part of the restructuring agenda, which is the state police, was not acceptable as it was a ploy to portray itself as a listening government.

In a press release in Awka and signed by its publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said even though it is not calling for the restructuring of Nigeria as its aim is total freedom for Biafra, it is obligated to warn Nigerians of the fraud the Federal Government was about to commit.

“We are not interested in whatever structural reforms the government of Nigeria wishes to undertake because the key tenet of democracy which is public debate and vote on a crucial matter is conspicuously lacking in their approach and proposal for state police.

“Our primary interest remains the full restoration of the sovereignty of

BUHARI the nation of Biafra and nothing more.

Anything short of a referendum to ascertain the wishes of the people is dead on arrival for us.

“Even the most unintelligent person knows that this state police proposal is a key component, if not the central plank, of report on restructuring by the APC committee appointed by the Presidency.

“It is a calculated fraud designed to buy time and confuse the gullible. It is merely an election gimmick calculated to deflect attention and convey the impression that this is a listening government which is a lie.

EL-RUFAI “This APC regime promised restructuring before they were elected into power, today they are ardent opponents of restructuring. With this state police gimmick, once you elect them back in 2019 they will become critics of state police.

“Only the gullible, foolish and unintelligent will be taken in by this charade. Had this regime been sincere about their intentions, they would have implemented the proposal immediately rather than merely issuing it as a report to be debated upon,” the group said.

Osun APC youths begin consultations towards governorship poll As the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) initiated a reconciliation move led by its National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu against the 2019 general elections, the youth wing of the party in Osun State has followed suit to reconcile aggrieved members towards the gubernatorial election slated for September 22, 2018.

The group, Osun All Progressives Youth Forum (OAPYF), on Saturday announced a 2-week long town hall meetings in all the three senatorial districts and eleven Federal constituencies in the state.

Speaking with journalists at Igbonibi Town Hall, Ila-Orangun, in the Osun Central Senatorial district, where the consultations kicked off, the Coordinator of the group, Comrade Olateju Olorungbebe said the consultations have been scheduled to hold between February 17 and March 3, 2018.

Olorungbebe explained that the initiative became imperative going by perceived differences amongst some members of the party across the state.

He added that the forum would reach out to necessary stakeholders and stalwarts within the party so as to mend fences and meet with regards to future contest.

The coordinator noted that necessary mechanism is in place to make the programme a huge success for the purpose of engendering peace and deep harmony amongst members.

“We consider this move very important to our party in the state, it is indeed an ample opportunity for us to discuss our

AREGBESOLA differences and meet at par.

“As we are interacting with highest echelon of the party and other political office holders, individuals’ and common interests are being analysed and considered for amicable resolution to become better unified as a family.

“The need to solidify and aggregate every interest within the party, with sole aim of sustaining the enviable legacy of Governor Rauf Aregbesola after September 2018 remain paramount and non negotiable.

“We are discussing critical issues as regard strategies to galvanise the state against political wolves in the opposition, whose corrupt tendencies have been exposed by the dynamic style

of governance Gov. Aregbesola has brought to bear in the governance of the state.”

In his remarks, the Osun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Kolapo Alimi enjoined the youths to exhibit democratic attitudes and ethos in line with embedded brand of governance in the state by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

He argued that the ruling party has tremendously performed to the expectations of the people in the state, adding that huge success has been achieved in the area of education and development of human capital.

Speaking in the same vein, a member of the forum and youth leader, Mr Rasheed Raji Ropo said the forum’s role was to place the party in the right footing through robust conflict resolution mechanism against 2018 governorship election.

“Our mandate includes the strategic formulation of a best possible approach to sustain the present legacy of Governor Aregbesola in the coming gubernatorial election slated for September 2018.”

Also speaking earlier, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun Bibire during a courtesy visit by the group to his palace urged the youths to promote peace and harmony in the state.

He called on all the party members to continue to support Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on his efforts to transform the state and change the socio-economic status of the state.

2019: Miyetti Allah endorses President Buhari Fulani socio- cultural organisation, Miyetti Allah Kautal Haure has unanimously endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari to recontest ahead of 2019 election.

Chairman, Bauchi State chapter, Hon. Garba Saleh told an online newspaper that President Buhari’s star performance informed the endorsement.

Saleh stressed that since the emergence of President Buhari’s APC led government, there has been relative peace especially in the North East.

The chairman blamed those accusing herders of being responsible for herders/farmers clash, saying it was pure blackmail.

It could be recalled that about 73 persons were recently killed and given mass burial following attacks by suspected herders in Benue State.

But the organisation has dismissed allegations linking it to series of killings in most parts of the country.

It also described as a blackmail those accusing Buhari of lack of prompt action on the killing.

Saleh reiterated that such blackmail will not deter them from supporting President Buhari ahead of 2019 election.

Jigawa inaugurates enlightenment committee on National Identity

The Jigawa State government has inaugurated a nine-member committee to enlighten its citizens to participate in the National Identity Database.

Alhaji Isma’il Ibrahim, the spokesman, office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Adamu Fanini, made this known in Dutse on Saturday.

Fanini, while inaugurating the committee, was quoted as saying that the gesture was imperative so as to enable the indigenes to get registered under the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The SSG also urged members of the committee to work hard and justify the confidence reposed on them, bearing in mind the importance of the National Identity Card.

The statement also quoted Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, the state’s Commissioner for Information, as Chairman of the committee and Alhaji Yusuf Mukaddas, the Director administration, Research, Evaluation and Political Affairs (REPA), as Secretary.

Other members include State ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Sani Gumel, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Guri, Permanent Secretary, REPA, Alhaji Garba Muhammad Auyo.

Others, he said, are: Managing Director, Jigawa Radio Corporation, Alhaji Mati Ali, Director Information, Alhaji Isma`ila Yakubu, NOA State Coordinator, Malam Haruna Shu`aibu and the state NIMC Coordinator.

In his remarks, the chairman of the committee thanked the state government for finding them worthy to carry out the task and pledged to justify the confidence reposed on them.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Page Thirteen

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13

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Certainly Nigeria will not botch this World Cup

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fter Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was sewn up, the most important issue was hearing about the Super Eagles preparation. What friendlies would they be involved in? Where will the pre - World Cup camp be located? Have they settled their World Cup bonuses (only Africans will understand this point)? However, the news that broke was of an epic fail by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which mercifully turned out not to be a catastrophe. Nigeria had fielded an ineligible player for the final game of World Cup qualification. Shehu Abdullahi picked up 2 yellow cards in previous matches and should have been suspended for the game against Algeria but he played. Fortunately, the Super Eagles had already qualified with that one game to spare and even though FIFA docked the 3 points from the Super Eagles, it was of no consequence.

In spite of that final summation, heads should roll. How could the NFF be careless with something as crucial as qualifying for the World Cup? Technicalities like this shouldn’t be a problem for the NFF to keep track of especially as this is the second time this is happening in Nigerian football this year alone.

The U20 Women World Cup qualification was thrown into a panic earlier in the year when Glory Ogbonna, with the sceptre of a red card hanging over her, featured for the team against Tanzania. This is a travesty and I hope to see some disciplinary action by the NFF on its technical committee. Having established the above, the Super Eagles are going to Russia, drawn in the same group with Argentina, Iceland and Croatia and these are three suggestions that will ensure we will not botch this trip.

Croatia: This is the first match Nigeria plays at the 2018 World Cup and is therefore the most important. Get 3 points here and Nigeria is well on her way to qualifying for the next round.

The Super Eagles have a friendly against Poland in March 2018 and this would best prepare them for the Croats as both countries play almost similar styles. Both teams have traditional strikers that play on the shoulder of the last defender, have a physical presence and are good aerially. There is no real difference between the Croat duo of

Juventus point man Mario Mandzukic and Inter’s Ivan Perisic and Bayern’s Polish frontman Robert Lewandowski.

The strength of Croatia though is a well-structured and organised midfield that is hard to break down, fluid on the counter attack and has one of the best active passers of the ball in Real Madrid’s Luka Modric. The Super Eagles will do well not to give space to this maestro to play his game. Croatio does not have the fastest pace so a bit more tempo could take them out of their rhythm. Physicality would be a plus for us but ultimately, it will come down to winning the midfield battle.

Iceland: definitely the trickiest of the three matches for us. Iceland doesn’t have a particular style of play, they just make it hard for teams to break them down and hit on the counter. Also, they take advantage of set pieces which means that Nigeria must sort out its vulnerability in this area during their practice sessions for this game. Iceland play with spirit and are very physical which is how a small country of about 300,000 people had an impressive outing at the Euros and also qualified for the World Cup with an automatic ticket. Again a little pace, especially on the wings would give the Super Eagles an advantage here. The games against Cameroon should have been adequate preparation for Iceland and it is only really tricky because they are a country that if disregarded can hurt you, as England rudely found out last summer.

Argentina: this match may be of no consequence if we win the first two but we have to make a statement and go for results in all our matches. Argentina will be out to get one over us after the 4-2 defeat in Russia in early November.

The Argentines have not been in the best of form. They qualified only in their last match after a disappointing qualifying campaign through a heroic effort by Lionel Messi. However, form is a transient thing and they may be on the bounce by June 2018 and the Super Eagles may well be squaring up against a more lethal team. At the last World Cup though, the Super Eagles had already substantially closed the gap between the two teams losing 3-2 after a good performance. I don’t think that there is much to say about this fixture but to copy and paste the second half of the friendly against the South Americans from the Russia friendly.

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President Muhammadu Buhari (left); Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari Bello (right); Alhaji Isah Katsina and Alhaji Abidu R. Yazid, during Katsina State Senior Citizen’s Forum courtesy visit to the President at his Daura residence on Sunday

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Left-right: Mother of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Madam Eunice Jonathan, wife of the former President, Dame Patience Jonathan, her husband, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson and the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty King Alfred Diete Spiff at a Church Service at St. Stephen’s Church, Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of the State.

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“The world can provide for the need of everybody but cannot provide for the greed of everybody.”

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

President Buhari, Magu and Lessons from Addis Ababa

T

Uche Ugboajah

he 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union just ended in the ancient city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The conference could not have come at a more auspicious time for President Muhammadu Buhari and his government. The AU meeting was almost a lifesaver for President Buhari – coming at a time that a national consensus on his poor performance was building. The former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, had released a special press statement in which he shredded the performance of President Buhari in the saddle and on that score, advised him to “dismount” and go home in dignity in 2019. Let it be said that Obasanjo was factual as much as he tried to restrain himself on most of the issues he raised. So convincing was the former president that it took a government and a political party that employ the best spinners in the land to gather themselves, to respond.

And when they did, they tactically sidestepped the major issues raised by Obasanjo, especially, the accusation of nepotism leading to condonation of malfeasance by the ‘President’s People. And so jolted was the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), that it had to almost wholeheartedly accept, against the position of the President and leader of their party, the policy of restructuring. Call it political expediency, you’re not far from the truth; call it a diversionary tactic, you’re spot on!

Thus, the AU summit in Addis Ababa provided Buhari, his government and party the perfect get-away from a potentially consuming political inferno in the land. These people certainly

know more about the domestic political environment the Obasanjo intervention was building up. They have seen it before. They seem to clearly recognise that ill wind. It was similar to the one that blew former president Jonathan out of government and brought President Buhari in. It was therefore not surprising how the presidency grabbed the opportunity of the Addis Abba Summit with both hands and made the best out of the platform.

At Addis Ababa, President Buhari, our President, was unanimously picked by his colleague-heads of state to lead the onslaught against corruption on the African continent. This honour given to President Buhari ought to be celebrated nationwide. It is not just an honour for the president; it is indeed an honour for every Nigerian because the recognition given to the President rubs off on, and enhances our national character. For a long time, our country has become the butt of all manner of jokes on corruption and poor leadership. Even Buhari himself not too long ago admitted in a foreign land that he was the president of “a fantastically corrupt nation”. Sadly, the country has become so divided under the presidency of Buhari that national sentiments now count for nothing. What does it matter to a grieving community in Benue State rendered desolate by gangs of murderous herdsmen roaming with impunity that their president is being decorated abroad? How does the news that their president has been given the sword and shield by other African leaders to lead the fight against Africa’s deadliest pestilence, when the same president appears unwilling to fight those killing them?

Buhari’s Addis Ababa outing was indeed huge. It comes with equally a

very huge political mileage especially at a time when the public image of the President may be at its lowest. The endorsement from other African leaders of the ability of the President in leading the fight against corruption on the continent appears to be an uppercut on the opposition parties in Nigeria who have strategically placed themselves to continue to chisel out what is left of the tattered image of Buhari and his government in the run-up to 2019. It is not surprising that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had mocked Buhari’s AU honour, describing it as “laughable and Africa’s joke of the year”. While the opposition moans, there seems to be an oasis of opinion that President Buhari appears to be doing slightly better in the fight against corruption. Even the former president, Obasanjo, hinted at that in his letter-bomb. And some of us who are not known to be Buhari admirers are also saying that!

Yet there are lessons, President Buhari must take away from his outing in Addis Ababa. First, the country must return to the path of nobility that gives us positive visibility in the international system, be it at the regional or global stage. The un-curtailed Fulani Herdsmen attacks are destroying our country at home and incinerating our image as nation abroad.

Second, although the President has a big reputation for fighting corruption, it must be clear to him that the chunk of the goodwill and honour he recently harvested in Addis Ababa are down to the effectiveness of a certain Ibrahim Magu, the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Of course, the President can beat his chest that he knew what he was looking for when he appointed Magu to

spearhead his war against graft. What Magu has shown is that if Buhari makes the right appointments by getting people with energy, commitment and honesty, to work with him, there wouldn’t be any opportunity for a former president to write him a long and damning letter!

I am neither a supporter of Buhari nor his party, but I give him credit for not only appointing Ibrahim Magu to head EFCC, but also for insisting that he remains at his duty post in spite of the shenanigans of the Senate and indeed some crooked members of the President’s inner circle. It was indeed disturbing to read online at the close of 2017 that President Buhari had caved in to pressures to remove Ibrahim Magu as EFCC Chairman.

As the reports had it, the matter was foreclosed as the so-called cabals had finally convinced the President to replace Magu so as to get his appointments cleared and his budget passed by the National Assembly in what is clearly a barefaced blackmail.

If the President does not recognise it, Magu has put him on an international rostrum and the whole world is robing him in a garland of honour.

How many of his other appointments have brought him and his government such credibility? If Magu can achieve this entire feat with all the distractions and the uncertainty of his position, who can tell what could have been possible had the Presidency pulled all the stops to ensure his confirmation in the Senate?

Going forward, President Buhari must take a second look at anybody, no matter how close, advising him to score an own goal. That is what replacing Ibrahim Magu amounts to!

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political watchers has since observed that Lagos as a state is working, and has become a model of a modern leadership for both the state and the federal government to emulate simply because of the handlers decision to keep the ‘monkey’ called politics with the owners while leaving provision of leadership with the technocrats.

No doubt, participant left the MUSON centre, Onikan, Lagos venue of the programme with a vivid picture of how ill-equipped and blurred abilities of our leaders has advanced our dwelling in the wilderness of poverty and hopelessness despite being gifted with enormous mineral deposits.

Occasioned by the above, a report recently stated that ‘technically, the poverty in Nigeria is not relative poverty but absolute. It is not the type of poverty that is caused by famine, drought, civil unrest, but bad leadership. it has been in existence for more than three decades without respite in view’.

However, various speakers at the forum were unanimous in hope and rock-solid in faith that the nation’s greatness is achievable if we can do the needful. Getting this regeneration process catalyzed they opined, will require first, a demand for a shift in leadership paradigm ‘as we cannot be doing a particular thing in a particular way and hope for a different result’. This step is not just important but fundamental in retrieving the country from the ‘’political capitalists’’ and have it positioned on the part of a hypermodern society.

In the same token, achieving the hypermodern development/society will again necessitate a careful search for individuals with the above-listed qualities to take over from the demagogues masquerading as leaders. This, we must internalize and put into action when making our choices come 2019 general election.

In like manner, for us to achieve a fast-tracked development and economic growth, the gathering opined that a democratized industrialization of the nation, integration of the nation’s economic towns/cities with effective transportation infrastructure will be

key. Similarly, giving the rightful people devoid of booty sharing mentality but investment minded their rightful positions in the management of our ‘’Garden of Eden’ while turning the aid received from donors and other interventionist groups to prosperity as in the case of Asian tigers will be a right step taken in the right direction.

Very germane also, the gathering agreed on the need to educate our political leaders that the youths are not in any way rivals but partners in the business of moving the project called Nigeria forward. Imperative also is the need for co-opting the youths into their political apprenticeship as it smacks every logic that the fates and the futures of the youths are discussed daily without any input coming from the youths.

For a deeper understanding of the above, ‘a good leader knows that when the youths take wings and soars, they too will soar. Getting the followers to soar takes courage, grit, determination and overwhelming passion. It is the responsibility of the leaders to make the followers better than you, which means trusting them, getting them the best resources, trusting them not to stab you in the back when it is time to take over from you and being confident enough not to be jealous of them when they do take off.

Once more, this auspicious moment of our existence calls for a collective view of leadership as a counterpart arrangement demanding from us a vetting responsibility of our leaders, questioning the so-called politically settled answers and providing answers to the unsettled political questions. This to my mind should be our preoccupation as we prepare for 2019 general election.

On the importance of this symposium, the timing and the theme were appropriate and apt to the season as the knowledge gained has further sharpened our vision and made our goals clearer even as we race towards 2019 general election.

Catalyst for new order

P

Jerome-Mario Utomi

articipants at a symposium held recently in Lagos unanimously agreed that common sense has a limit in public leadership and should not be the sole requisite for public leadership consideration; a position that supports sound education as an indispensable ingredient for achieving a people-purposed leadership. The symposium which had as its theme; Leadership And Performance In Africa; the challenges of the continent’s economic competitiveness, was organized by the Centre For Leadership and Value (CVL) to celebrate its founder, Professor Patrick Utomi who recently marked his birthday.

The event had the former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the Special Guest of Honour while Mr. Kandeh Yumkella, former Director-General, UNIDO and a presidential aspirant in the forthcoming presidential election in Sierra Leone was the keynote speaker.

Chief Obasanjo in his remark gave the gathering, made up of eminent Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, captains of industries, traditional rulers, members of the civil society Organizations(CSO) and students, a graphic sequence and interrelatedness of leadership, governance, and development. OBJ’s glowing leadership insight as demonstrated at the event caused critical minds to query his inability to articulate this volume of knowledge into his 8 years reign as president; a period many says was riddled with pockets of socio-economic challenges.

His performance at the event in my views stands as a pointer to a bigger frame of challenge and further lay credence to the age-long claim that public office holders are largely insulated by protocol; a development that adversely laces their performance in limitation. OBJ. may not be a lone traveler in this journey as the nation is littered with an endless list of expolitical office- holders who upon the expiration of their tenure, suddenly turn eloquent preachers of good gov-

ernance despite their inept record while in the office.

What is more, there was a voiced opinion among participants that, the dearth of leadership in our nation’s greatest challenge. The passionate plea for us to vote the right people come 2019 general election underscores this assertion.

Mr. Kandeh Yumkella’s keynote speech on its part was apt, practical and realistic. To him, knowledge must grow to retain knowledge. And the prerequisite for public leadership must transcend common-sense to accommodate sound/formal education.

He argued that banking on common sense alone may be defective as it has a limit it can go. Leadership, he told the bewildered gathering calls for a proportionate mixture of both nature and nurture; hence the position of sound education in the provision of authentic and development –focussed leadership has become inescapable.

He used detailed illustrations to drive home his argument while pointing out how leadership challenge has become our major undoing in Nigeria as a country and Africa as a continent. How faulty leadership style has turned us to a nation/continent of; ‘waiting for somebody to come and solve the problem, perfect practitioners of the Garden of Eden syndrome, and a people of aid receivership mentality.

Keeping issues where they are, this non- possession of sound education has made it pretty difficult for some leaders to differentiate between politics and leadership. A situation that has resulted in our leaders playing politics all the way while relegating leadership to the background. And the effect on the nation as we can see includes but not limited to;’ using the people to further their own ends, become selfish, unpleasant, narrow-minded and petty.

Playing politics in place of leadership invariably involves intimidating people, getting things done by lying and other dishonest ways, not being yourself or true to others and generally behaving appallingly’.

To further support the above, keen

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

15 Column

Dynamics of managing political parties Times Columnist YAKUBU DOGARA

I ‘

Political parties can stay relevant so long as they mediate different interests and offer coherent visions, which they can advocate in elections and through running and effective people oriented government.

Political parties that fail to address the issues that citizens consider to be most important , risk becoming irrelevant and disappearing from the political map.

’

am delighted for the opportunity to make these remarks as a Guest of Honour at this very important retreat on the Dynamics of Managing Political Parties in Nigeria.

I am particularly impressed by the topics that will be covered during this Retreat. These include, Political Parties and Party administration; Membership recruitment and Management; Designing Membership Management System; ICT and political party Management; Imperative of media policy and usage by political parties; Relationship between Political Parties and Election Management Bodies; Campaign strategies; Poll watching and election observation; Monitoring and Evaluation etc.

It is well known that political parties play very important roles in democratisation of any nation.

Indeed without political parties, a modern representative democracy is not achievable as political parties ensure that citizens are able to act politically. They articulate and integrate different interests, visions and opinions; develop policy proposals for governance and development and serve as the main source for the recruitment of political leaders.

For political parties to effectively play this central role in democratic representation, they must be managed and operated in such a manner as to establish trust among the electorate.

Form a Legislative point of view the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act contain detailed provisions on political parties. Apart from Section 40 of the Constitution, Item 56 of the Exclusive Legislative List provides for Regulation of Political Parties as a matter exclusive to the National Assembly. Indeed the entire Part 111, Supplemental, D which covers Sections 221 to 229 deals with political parties. Furthermore, the Electoral Act contains various Rules and Regulations concerning the affairs of political parties. So the basic legislative framework for administration of political parties is well developed.

In Africa, and Nigeria in particular, political parties are weak, lacking not only a stable and functioning party apparatus, but also a clear programmatic appeal. They also suffer from low organisational capacity and a lack of internal democracy.

Such weak political parties cannot support democracy as parties are expected to serve many important functions, including citizen mobilisation, interest aggregation, public policy formulation, leadership recruitment, and government organ-

isation.

In a 2013 Capacity Needs Assessment of Political Parties in Nigeria by the Democratic Governance for Development Project (DGD), the following key gaps in Nigeria’s political party system were identified: 1) an unclear legal framework; 2) poor relationship between parties and INEC; 3) lack of civility and insufficient inter-party dialogue; 4) lack of cohesion in political parties leading to frequent “cross carpeting” between parties; 5) a lack of ideological and policy orientation in the contest for power between parties; and; 6) a limited ability of opposition parties to compete with the ruling party.

At the level of individual party capacity, a number of challenges also stood out. These include: (1) lack of an inclusive and research-based policy and manifesto development process that provides a clear policy framework for them to govern; (2) lack of ideological or institutional identities; and limited competence in research and analysis that looks at their own performance and supports clear plans and strategies for building the party.

These apparent weaknesses of political parties in Nigeria underline the need for reform and professionalisation. By professionalisation we mean ‘an institutional process by which professionals become more central to the running of our parties.’ Currently our parties in Nigeria could do with better professional organisation of their operations.

Professionalisation is about effectiveness and efficiency. To achieve this, it is important that we organise our political parties along the lines of proper functioning bureaucracies, set up functional organisational structures and hire professionals to run the administrative aspects of the party and support party leadership in the general running of our parties. Professionals can deliver expertise on a broad range of areas and issues.

Ladies and gentlemen, the essence of having strong, better organised and professional political parties lies in the fact that they are better able to contribute to good governance through the promotion

of accountability, political stability, government effectiveness, control of corruption and rule of law. Thus, parties must be competently managed, internally democratic, well rooted in society, law-abiding, financially transparent and adequately funded, ideologically defined, inclusive of women and youth.

For political parties to be influential and effective actors in contributing to good governance, they should essentially start by promoting a culture of good governance through the entrenchment of intra-party democracy, which will consequently lead to a stronger democratic culture in the wider society. This can be reflected in the manner in which party leaders and candidates for election are selected/elected, how internal party policies are set and how memberships are defined within the party and how conflicts are managed. Internal party democracy must be a priority in efforts to restore public confidence in political parties and the democratic process generally.

Greater citizen participation, accountability of leadership, transparency and institutional safeguards are now more important than ever for the democratisation of political parties.

Another important aspect of good governance within parties is inclusive participation, underlined by intra-party elections and the involvement of all stakeholders in the decision-making processes of the party. The participation of women in intraparty processes is an indispensable component of equal opportunity and should be imbibed and entrenched by our parties. Happily most political parties have adopted policies to increase quality participation of women and youths in the political party process. A lot more still needs to be done as the percentage of women and youths in elective offices in Nigeria is abysmally low, if not scandalous.

Furthermore, political parties contribute to good governance through their manifestoes which serve as important benchmarks for measuring the performance of a Government and ensuring that they are accountable to the elector-

ate based on the promises outlined in their manifestoes. It is worthy to mention that in an attempt to either capture or hold on to power, some political parties have sometimes embellished their manifestoes with unrealistic promises. It is a political malpractice for an elected government to govern without reference to the manifesto that was placed before the voters which essentially formed the basis of their election.

Political parties must ensure that they relate their manifestoes to a strategic framework which carry the development vision of the entire nation. That is why the Constitution provides that manifesto of political parties must align with Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which is the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principle of State Policy which is the philosophical basis of government in Nigeria.

Political parties can also be strengthened to play more effective role in democratic consolidation through capacity building that include research and publications in thematic areas, country dialogue workshops, training and international conferences. I would like to thank the organisers of this programme , National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, for this innovative and timely meeting and for reaching out to such a broad range of stakeholders.

Let me conclude by saying that political parties can stay relevant so long as they mediate different interests and offer coherent visions, which they can advocate in elections and through running and effective people oriented government. Political parties that fail to address the issues that citizens consider to be most important , risk becoming irrelevant and disappearing from the political map.

Thank you for your attention, and I hope that your discussions will be highly productive in strengthening Nigeria’s political parties to become effective, professional and democratic institutions.

May God bless you all and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dogara is the Speaker of the House of Representatives

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

17 Photo News

Scenes from the premier of a movie, #BlackPanther, A Night in Wakanda, in Lekki, Lagos... on Friday

GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka

Lotanna Kennedy, wife of Kennedy Uzoka, Uzo Oshogwe, Managing Director of Afriland Properties Plc with their children and friends

TV personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka

Adesimbo Ukiri, MD/CEO of Avon Healthcare Limited

Dupe Olusola

Mr. Tony Elumelu and Omoni Oboli

Tony Elumelu and wife, Awele

News 18 Prof Akinwunmi Ishola’s death a great loss - Tinubu ÎÎÎ The death of playwright,

author and culture activist, Prof. Akinwunmi Isola, has been described as a huge loss, not only to the Yoruba nation but to Nigeria and the literary world as a whole.

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu while mourning the demise of the irrepressible writer said Prof. ishola would not be forgotten in a rush.

In a statement last night by his Media Office, Asiwaju said: “The death of Prof.

Akinwunmi Ishola saddens me. It is a huge loss.

“Prof. Ishola earned reputation for his writing and work in the promotion of Yoruba language. m “To his credit are many celebrated works like Efunsetan Aniwura, Oleku, Kosegbe, Saworoide and Agogo Eewo “Coming not too long after the death of Alagba Adebayo Faleti, we have lost another Yoruba literary scholar and culture icon.

“Though late Prof. Ishola was younger, both of them were like Siamese Twins.

Both were playwrights and authors. Both worked relentlessly for the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition.

“Alagba Faleti was born in Agbo-Oye in Oyo State and Prof. Ishola in the capital, Ibadan, both earned their stripes and lived in Ibadan.

He commiserated with the family of Prof. Ishola for this loss, while he mournedcwith Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

“May the soul of Prof.

Ishola rest in peace.” he concluded.

“We want to educate the general public on when and where to register and get voters cards as well as how to resolve problems of lost of voters cards and relocation issues”. He said.

In his address, the Ag Public Affairs Office of INEC in Bauchi state, Is’haq Hamza said the continues voters registration was in compliance with section (10) of the electoral act 2010 as amended as it becomes imperative to continue with the registration of eligible voters.

According to him, “the section 13 of the electoral act also provides for transfer of voters registration for those that have relocated to other places from where they register to their present location to enable them exercise their franchise.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 18, 2018

2019: APC will forget State Police after reelection - IPOB Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÎÎÎ The Indigenous People

of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to deceive Nigerians ahead of the 2019 general election by their last minute endorsement of State Police.

IPOB in a statement on Sunday signed by its Spokesperson Emma Powerful, described the party’s recommendation of State Police in the country as an “election gimmick” insisting it is just a bait to woo Nigerians to vote for them come 2019.

You may wish to recall that a restructuring committee set up by the APC, led by the Kaduna State governor, Nasiru Ahmed El’Rufai had among other things, recommended that Nigeria should adopt State Policing.

Although the federal government is yet to adopt the recommendation, IPOB said the party is only trying to buy time with such move.

In the statement, IPOB said that the idea of State Police would be forgotten after the election, just like the “APC did with (its promise of) restructuring”.

“Even the most unintelligent person knows that this state police proposal is a key component, if not the central plank, of the report on restructuring by the APC committee appointed by the presidency,” the statement read.

“It is a calculated fraud designed to buy time and confuse the gullible. It is merely an election gimmick calculated to deflect attention and convey the impression that this is a listening government, which is a lie.

“This APC regime promised restructuring before

they were elected into power, today they are ardent opponents of restructuring. With this state police gimmick, once you elect them back in 2019 they will become critics of state police. Only the gullible and unintelligent will be taken in by this charade” the Statement wrote.

Powerful said had the current administration been sincere about its intentions, “it would have implemented the proposal (of restructuring) immediately rather than merely issuing it as a report to be debated upon”.

He, however, added that

IPOB is not interested in “whatever structural reforms” the federal government wishes to undertake “because the key tenet of democracy which is public debate and vote on a crucial matter is conspicuously lacking in their approach and proposal for state police”.

“Our primary interest remains the full restoration of the full sovereignty of the nation of Biafra and nothing more,” he said, adding: “Anything short of a referendum to ascertain the wishes of the people is dead on arrival for us.

Left-Rpght: Valentine Obi, Founder/ Chief Executive Officer, eTranzact Plc; Dr. Felix Ohiwerei, Out-going Chairman, eTranzact Plc, Janet Ohiwerei, his wife and Wole Abegunde, Chairman, Board of Directors, eTranzact Plc; during the dinner party held in honour of Dr. Felix Ohiwerei in Lagos.

CSO’s urges Bauchi residents to register for future elections Samuel Luka, Bauchi

ÎÎÎ

The Secretary General of the Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organizations, Comrade Sadiq Sadiq Yusuf, has called on the residents of the state to ensure that they follow due process and register for them to obtain Permanent Voters Card to enable them cast their votes during the forth coming general election.

Comrade Yusuf made the call on behalf of coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) operating in Bauchi state, weekend while embarking on a campaign rally to sensitize the resident of the state on the need to register, vote and protect their votes.

He informed that it is constitutional right to be registered and come out enmass to vote for the candidate of their

choice during the election noting, “we have the right to make our choice during the election by voting for people who have integrity to deliver to citizens of Nigeria and we can only do that if we obtain voters card and exercise our franchise during the polls,” he said.

The sensitization exercise which was organized by One Voice Nigeria in collaboration

with Center for Information Technology and Development(CITAD) was participated by 15 CSO’s, representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Physically Challenged Association in Bauchi state.

The rally which was held in Bauchi metropolis, started from Ahmadu Bello way to Kobi street and Wunti roundabout with the CSO’s

carrying placards that read: “Register, Select, Vote, Protect, My Voice, My Vote, One Voice Nigeria” among others.

Also speaking, the Senior Programme Office of CITAD, Isa Garba pointed out that the aim of the exercise was to sensitize the public on the need to register, vote on Election Day, protect their votes as well as how to report their grievances in a positive ways to relevant authorities.

News 19

Daily Times Nigeria Monday January 19, 2018

Lagos APC reps endorse Ambode for second term ÎÎÎ

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives from Lagos State on Saturday endorsed the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term in office, citing the massive infrastructural development and giant strides in all sectors and sections of the State.

The APC Caucus in the House led by the Majority Leader, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, who presented a letter to the Governor at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja asking him to re-contest in 2019, said the decision to unanimously endorse Governor Ambode for a

second term was as a result of his brilliance performance in office in the last two and half years.

Speaking to Government House Correspondents after a closed-door meeting with the Governor, Gbajabiamila said the lawmakers were indeed proud to associate with the achievements of the Governor so far, and would be supporting him all the way for another term in office.

“We are members of the House of Representatives APC Caucus from Lagos State. We all came into Lagos today to perform a very unique and sacred duty; something we did not take very lightly at

all; something we deliberated over a couple of days ago and we spoke with one voice.

“Because of the giant strides of our amiable Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in the last two and a half years in governing the State; because of the things he has done across board, across all the Local Government Areas, across different sectors, we sat together and we decided without a dissenting voice to seek his audience and endorse him for re-election in 2019 as the Governor of Lagos State,” he said.

The House Leader, who described the endorsement as history repeating

itself as the Caucus was the first to endorse the Governor for election in 2015, said it was instructive that there was not a single dissenting voice in the decision to support Governor Ambode for reelection.

“This is a very unique occasion because we have said all we need to say behind closed doors but they are worth repeating. Ordinarily, some of us have been in this business for long time and when you have endorsements, there are always dissenting voices maybe one or two but among every single member, there was not one dissenting voice and I think that is very important.

Ambode

Court releases 475 Boko Haram suspects for rehabilitation Ibe Uwaleke

ÎÎÎ

Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade and other bikers, during the carnival show in Calabar, Cross River State… recently.

Dickson’s loyalists launch campaign at anniversary celebration Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎ

Some members of Governor Dickson’s kitchen cabinet and close associates cashed in on the massive turn out during the Governor’s just concluded sixth anniversary activities to begin subtle campaigns for next year’s general elections.

A motley crowd made up of youths and women were seen brandishing posters of some of the governor’s associates at the grand rally at the Oxbow Lake Pavilion with inscriptions canvassing for support for the different personalities.

The one that was conspicuously displayed was that of Hon Doye Diri, currently, member House of Representatives, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma constituency at the lower chamber.

From the inscription on the posters, the Rep member is eyeing the upper chamber for Bayelsa Central Senatorial seat currently held by Senator Emmanuel Paulker. One of the inscriptions read, “Koyelga Youths declare total support for Doye Diri”.

Observers say Diri will be banking strongly on the support of Governor

Dickson to unseat Senator Paulker, the Governor having failed to achieve that in 2015 due to then President Jonathan’s intervention which ensured that Paulker went for the third term at the upper chamber.

Another curious poster was that of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Kamela Okara. The poster with a catchy inscription, “Restoration at 6: Finishing Strong” bore the picture of the SSG on one side and the governor and his deputy at the other end.

Although the poster

had no other inscription to suggest the intention of the SSG ahead of 2019, insiders say the former Commissioner for Trade and Industry is a dark horse, which Dickson may use to spring surprise to the amazement of other followers.

Other factors that may count for Okara who is the son of the nonegerian Poet, Dr. Gabriel Okara is that he is from Yenagoa in Bayelsa Central Senatorial District which the governorship position would likely be zoned as other zones, East and West have had their turns.

The Federal High Court sitting at the Wawa Cantonment, Niger State over the weekend set free 475 Boko Haram suspects to be sent to their various state governments for proper rehabilitation.

This was confirmed from the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice which reported that the suspects were arrested at various different states and detained at Wawa Cantonment, Kainji, Niger State.

The office disclosed that their detention was based on the information that they belonged to the proscribed terrorist group known as Boko Haram or that they concealed information about the group which they knew or believed to be of material assistance in preventing the commission of act of terrorism or securing apprehension, prosecution or conviction of members of Boko Haram sect.

However, the prosecution counsel could not charge them for any offence due to lack of sufficient evidence against them. Therefore, the suspects were released on motion ex parte pursuance to section 35 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The court also directed states to provide for the re-

leased persons, rehabilitation at any appropriate centre provided by the states before being released to their families.

Those suspects who are mentally deranged or challenged with their health are to be provided medical attention at any appropriate medical or other mental health facilities.

The states were also to provide appropriate training in the manner and for the period that the state deemed appropriate and reasonable.

Among the list of the group released was a pathetic case of a female suspect, Lubabatu Yakubu who was arrested in 2014 by the officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) in Numan town, Adamawa State, two days after marriage and divorced by her Boko Haram husband.

Lubabatu was accused of her affiliation with Boko Haram husband.

Another suspect, a young mother cuddling her three months old baby, Mariam Mohammed, a Shua Arab from Borno State was also released. She was lured into the Boko Haram sect and taken to Sambisa forest by her elder brother and married off to his friend at eleven years old. She was arrested by soldiers of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in 2014 while trying to escape the Bo

20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

FEATURES

s

Multichioice DStv, GOtv: Need to obey Nigerian laws Bonny Amadi Multichoice’s DSTV Nigerian pay as you go cable television subscriber distribution firm, which of late has graced the country’s front-pages of national newspapers may have to contend with the country’s competitive law to strip self of monopoly.

Findings show that the company is feasting fat on the absence of competition law in the country, to thrive towards total monopoly of paid TV content distribution, a development that could be reversed as soon a competition bill is in place and commensurable sanctions meted out for monopolists.

MultiChoice’s DStv, early in the month of February, was fined $14 million (R180 million) in South Africa for price fixing.

The satellite television’s Media Sales division was found by South Africa’s Competition Commission to have contravened the country’s Competition Act in relation to “price fixing and fixing of trading conditions”.

Investigative eyes of the law enforcement and corporate governance compliance investigators would sooner than later close in on some of these companies that fail to adhere to corporate governance standards, irrespective of prevailing enabling supportive laws or not.

Before Glo Nigeria crashed call rates in Nigeria, MTN, a South African firm , maintained that per second billing was not possible, as in their reasoning , the cost of acquisition of its chips then was astronomical.

Its sister company, Multichoice has maintained that same trend with its refusal to introduce pay as you go on its bouquets, irrespective of mounting down time in its deliveries.

While DSTV came to cater for a niche market, GOTV, was further created for the mass market to enhance monopoly and strengthen unhealthy competition in the country, which has wrestled down all other local or emerging competitors.

The two companies, which may soon have heavy penalties hanging on their necks irrespective of the $14m sanction against them in faraway South Africa, may not be as lucky as their sister South African company, MTN, MTN opted to exploit the option of listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to evade heavy regulatory sanction that would shook the company to its foundation.

Recently, MTN Nigeria revealed that the company would be listing its shares on the Nigerian stock Exchange (NSE) this year , after raising about N153billion ($500m) from the either pubic offer or private placement of its shares in Nigerian.

Even as the volume of business MTN slated for listing on the NSE represents an insignificant size of the company’s operations in the country, cross-section of Nigerians have maintained that ethical business operations, high adherence to best corporate couture as well as development of business judicial infrastructures remains the key to ensure that foreign companies operating in the country get sanctioned as soon as they breach the contrary’s rules.

Lai Mohammed

It would be recalled that MTN Nigeria in 2015 was fined $5.2bn about N780 bn imposed on it by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for regulatory infractions.

The South African telecoms operator before taking to the option to list on the NSE, exploited many options to escape the sanction, and even filed a suit at the Federal High Court Lagos to quash the fine , a development that could have further worsen the company’s plight in the country.

In November 2015, the company entered into gentleman’s agreement with the NCC of which MTN also filed to honor and was on the course of triggering a tougher sanction form the commission.

A financial consultant, who pleaded anonymity, said that giving foreign companies the easy way out, whenever they breached the Nigerian law is not always the best, hence many others would also tow the path, break the law and seek the most beneficial way of resolution The expert said, “what is there in listing on the NSE the companies collect money of Nigerians through initial public offer, public offer or private placements they may decide to record profitability for few year and then start posting losses” According to the exert, it is not compulsory to list on the Exchange Nigerians investors have seen many hitherto profitable companies, all of a sudden start making losses, and the net option is convening a court ordered meeting to seek the shareholders vote to buy them out of the company.

He said that even s MTN may have been pressurized to list its shares on the NSE, historically, South African companies listed on the bourse had history of poor performance and this may also be the same with the telecommunication company.

Certainly the company would not be barred from delisting from the exchange when it feels like, hence the market is free

entry and free exit.

CEO Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema corroborate this recently when he said that the Exchange cannot stop any company from delisting when it deems fit” He added: “We cannot regulatory prevent a company that freely listed on our platform from delisting because it is not a prison.

According to the NSE CEO, “What we can do is to ensure that when they are leaving, there are certain things they must put in place for their shareholders and we believe that our current listing rules, which are bench-marked against other rules in other jurisdictions, do provide those protections” The NSE CEO maintained that the job of the Exchange is to make sure that it is easy for companies to come in and if they want to leave, “they leave in an orderly manner.

“So, what we have tried to do with our listing rules in the last one to two years is that we have tried to enhance the rules to ensure that companies behave in an orderly fashion, especially companies that want to delist voluntarily and where there is a business purpose why they are delisting”.Demonstration of the forces that culminated to the proposed listing on the bourse by MTN is traceable to a June 2016 agreement to pay a $1bn fine for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered subscribers amid a security crackdown.

The penalty, originally set at $5.2bn, led to the resignation of the Johannesburgbased company’s then chief executive officer and a slump in the share price that’s yet to be clawed back.

While MTN has taken the listing option which cross-section of stakeholders have described as a short term measure to eventual sell off of their Nigerian operations, Multi choice DSTV and GOTV may not have the exalted privilege of listing on the bourse and maybe they may want to seek

the easy way out to sell off their business in the country, instead of paying huge financial fines which may be coming their way.

It is generally believed that while the Nigerian competition law is still in the making, companies from countries where the law is fully operational exploit the lacuna in Nigeria to exploit consumers.

A stakeholder a subscriber to DSTV, speaking on condition of anonymity said that if Multichoie could flaunt the competition law in South Africa, where the law is effective, what will the company not do to exploit subscribers in Nigeria where the competition law is not yet in place?

He said, “ I stopped my subscription to DSTV hence weather you use it or not, if the time elapses, your charge elapses and you would be required to recharge again, that alone is another fraud like NEPA, ‘ Whether you use light or not, you must pay NEPA bill” MultiChoice’s DStv in the past week was fined $14 m (R180m) in South Africa for price fixing. The satellite television’s Media Sales division was found by South Africa’s Competition Commission to have contravened the country’s Competition Act in relation to “price fixing and fixing of trading conditions”.

Nigeria is one of the South African brand’s biggest markets and DSTV has been operating in the country for about 22 years.

However, the company has often been in the news mostly for ripping Nigerians off with its inflexible subscription conditions and unfriendly quality of service (QoS) which could be attributed to its monopolistic status in the Nigerian market.

“Monopoly is also a breach of competition law, which the company has been flaunting in Nigeria for the past 22 years,” an expert, on condition of anonymity said.

The Chairman of DSTV Nigeria, Mr. Adewunmi Ogunsaya is also being questioned for his shady practices in Nigeria and GOTV transmission circumvention of licensed digital switch over, DSO providers, Recall that in 2017 April, the Nigeria’s House of Representatives instructed its Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values to investigate Multichoice Nigeria’s ‘exorbitant charges’ for its DStv and GOtv packages.

In May 2017, Multichoice Nigeria increased its prices by 5% on all its packages, after it had increased it prices by more than 20% earlier.

As the House committee is bracing up with findings on exploitation of the Nigerians consumers and breach of the corporate governance law, it is only a matter of time for the NCC and the government to wage its sledge hammer on Multichoice Nigeria, Nigeria’s competition bill if passed into law would establish a National Administrative Framework for consumer protection, remove regulatory overlaps, create regulatory harmony between the Commission and other agencies involved in consumer protection and create a strict liability offence for common unfair trade practices to deter indulgence by providers of goods and services.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

OKIRIGWE GARDEN CITY LANDLORDS AND LANDLADIES ASSOCIATION NAME OF TRUSTEES 1. AGHIAGBE ITHENUMA JOSEPH 2. IKEDE PHILIP SEGUN 3. IDJERE DICKSON 4. ABEKE FELIX EREWU 5. BARR. EGBO JULIET ONOSAKPONOME 6. BARR. OKOKO JOHN 7. COMMANDER CHUKWUMA IKECHUKWU BONIFACE 8. OMORAKHA DICKSON 9. ADIAWA SAMUEL EMUEJEVOKE 10. PASTOR BOYE THOMAS EJIBOWHA 11. TIMOTHY MOSES OBJECTIVES 1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS 2. TO PROMOTE COOPERATION AND NETWORKING AMONG MEMBERS SIGNED: BARR. EMEKA ONOHWAKPOR 08022903889

NO 92 BROTHERS CLUB The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ENGR. CHIBUZO OFOEDU. 2 BARR. ECHEZONA AMALLAGOGE. 3 MR. UGOCHUKWU NWEZE. 4 MR. EMEKA ARUBARUEZE. 5 MR. CELESTINE OKOYE. 6 MR. THOMAS IKEJIDE. 7 MR. ELOCHUKWU UNOENU. AIM AND OBJECTIVE. TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED : TRUSTEES

ZAHARA FOUNDATION (DARE TO DREAM) The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1)IDIALU, OMONEFE JENNY - PRESIDENT. 2)OGBE, LOVINA LEYIRA - JIKUME - VICE-PRESIDENT. 3)UZOALOR OBIANUJU OGONNA - SECRETARY. 4)IDIALU, OMATSOLA EREMOSELE- FINANCIAL SECRETARY. 5)ADELEKE PAUL ADEOYE - PROVOST .

6)IDIALU, DORA - MEMBER .

7)IDIALU, DOREEN OMOYEMEN - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1. TO EMPOWER THE DISADVANTAGED CHILD, EQUIP THEM WITH SKILLS WHICH WOULD HELP THEM CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES. 2. TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORTS SECTOR IN NIGERIA 3. TO RAISE A NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS WHO WILL BECOME PROBLEM SOLVERS AND CHANGE AGENTS IN NIGERIA. 4. TO DEVELOP THE POTENTIAL OF THE LESS - PRIVILEGED CHILD IN AREAS SUCH AS SPORTS, ARTS, SCIENCE,ETC. WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY TRANSLATE TO NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: IDIALU, DOREEN OMOYEMEN ESQ.

ARENA GLOBAL REVIVAL MINISTRY

Change of names 21 (Trustees)

NITEL ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION SATELLITE TOWN, LAGOS

THIS GLORIOUS HOUSE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CENTRE

This is to inform the general public that the above named “ASSOCIATION “ has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of Companies and Allied Matters Acts 1990.

The General Public is hereby informed that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies & Allied Matters Act, 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE 1. ALH. (ENGR) MUFUTAU OLALEKAN OLANREWAJU. - CHAIRMAN. 2. MRS MARGARET EYO ABIA - SECRETARY. 3. MR EMMANUEL OLANIYI AKINTOYE - MEMBER. 4. MR IKECHUKWU OFALA IWENOFU - MEMBER.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Mr Amao Olayiwola Isaac (2) Mr Chidi Ubadire (3) Mrs Amao Deborah Oluwatoyin (4) Mrs Alofokhai Blessing (5) Mr Kolade Micheal Dare

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. To essentially promote peace,unity and foster love amongst residents of the estate and beyond.

2. To ensure that the common objectives of people with diverse culture coinhabiting in an area is fully achieved.

3. To practically pursue all agenda that will see to achieving maximum security in the estate and its immediate environ.

Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 daysfrom the date of this publication.

Signed by: TRUSTEES

INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF ROYAL CHOICE MINISTRY

NOTICE is hereby given that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for reduction in the number of her trustees to two (2) as follows: 1. Pastor (Dr.) Success Okechukwu Ibeakanma 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Faith Ngozi Ibeakanma. Amendment of her constitution will be made accordingly.

Anybody who has any objection should contact the Corporate Affairs Commission within 28 days of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEE Pastor (Dr.) Success Okechukwu Ibeakanma ADEBIMPE TAOFIKAT ADEWALE

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBIMPE TAOFIKAT RAHEEM, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBIMPE TAOFIKAT ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Diamond, other Banks, General public and authorities concerned should please take note.

BARUWA KAFAYAT OMOWUNMI I, formerly known and addressed as SULAIMON KAFAYAT OMOWUNMI , now wish to be known and addressed as BARUWA KAFAYAT OMOWUNMI . All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Diamond, other Banks, General public and authorities concerned should please take note.

JAY JONES I formerly known called and addressed as UKAH JAY JONES. Now wish to be known called and addressed as JAY JONES. Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MARY JAY-JONES

JAY JONES & ASSOCIATES CHAMBERS

WHITE TRUCK EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1. To help the less privileged 2. To hold outreach programmes 3. To promote the development of the natural environment

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1, To preach the gospel of christ 2, To help the less previlege Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed : Secretary

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

SIGNED: Secretary

PERFECT HEALING MINISTRY INT’L, AFOWA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR THE REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1.PASTOR AGHO CHRISTIAN 2.ADOGHAMHE FELIX 3.IMOKHAI JEFFREY 4.OKOLOGHO ORIS AZEBOKHAI 5.OBOH JULIET

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of original deed of Sublease belonging to Mrs. CECELIA TUNNEY-FOWOWE issued to her by Lagos State Development Property Corporation on Block 259A, a Wing Duplex, situate at No. 4 lbeju Lekki Street, Dolphin Estate, lkoyi, Lagos State got lost in transit and all efforts to trace the said documents proved abortive, LSDPC, Lagos state land registry and general public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OVIEN ANTHONIA OMOTUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as DADA ANTHONIA OMOTUNDE All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Diamond, other Banks, General public and authorities concerned should please take note.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1, To preach the gospel of christ 2, To help the less previlege

TRUSTEES ARE: 1,OKAFI PETER SUNNY 2, MAVIS FRIMPONG SUNNY 3, IREHOBHUDE FRANCES - secretary

SIGNED: SECRETARY

, formerly known and addressed as ORJI NAOMI NZOGI, now wish to be known and addressed as ORJI NAOMI NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Diamond, other Banks, General public and authorities concerned should please take note.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) EMMANUEL EDAH 2) EKPEMI EBARE 3) TAIYE EDAH

ARENA GLOBAL REVIVAL MINISTRY

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

DADA ANTHONIA OMOTUNDE

TRUSTEES ARE: 1,OKAFI PETER SUNNY 2, MAVIS FRIMPONG SUNNY 3, IREHOBHUDE FRANCES - secretary

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1999.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) TO EVANGELISE THE WORLD BY PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (2) TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND APPLY THEIR FAITH TO ALL AREAS OF THEIR LIVES

BAMIDELE ODUNTAN OLADEMEJI

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

Signed : Secretary

(Secretary)

I, formerly known and addressed as BAMIDELE OLADIMEJI WILSON , now wish to be known and addressed as BAMIDELE ODUNTAN OLADEMEJI . All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Diamond, other Banks, General public and authorities concerned should please take note.

ORJI NAOMI NGOZI

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act 1999.

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

(Chairman)

PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER PRO NATIONAL WOMEN COORDINATOR

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO TRAIN, ORDAIN AND LICENCE PASTORS FOR THE GOSPEL MINISTRY 2.TO GIVE OURSELVES TO PRAYER AND MINISTRY OF GOD’S WORD 3.TO PREACH CHRIST TO ALL NATIONS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET, PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYSFROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

I formerly known called and addressed as MARY -JAY KALU. Now wish to be known called and addressed as MARY JAY-JONES. Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AMADI GODFAVOUR ONYEKACHI I, formerly known and addressed as AMADI ONYEKACHI DESTINY, now wish to be known and addressed as AMADI GODFAVOUR ONYEKACHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS. IWUOHA MARYMAY CHIDINMA SUCCESS I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AHAMEFULE MARYMAY .C., now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IWUOHA MARYMAY CHIDINMA SUCCESS. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEYINKA JENNIFFER FISCHER I Formerly Known and Addressed as Osborne Adeyinka Jeniffer now wishes to be known, called and addressed as Adeyinka Jenniffer Fischer All Documents and Certificates bearing my former names remain valid. Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME My correct name is KASIM SARAH SPLENDOR and not KASIM SARAH . Now wish to be known and addressed as KASIM SARAH SPLENDOR . All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public should please take note.

Formerly known called and addressed as UKAHSOANYAH,JONES & CO. Now wish to be known called and addressed as JAY JONES & ASSOCIATES CHAMBERS. Former documents remain valid general public take note.

MRS. NDUMELE KELECHI CHRISTABEL

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UZOSIKE KELECHI CHRISTABEL, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NDUMELE KELECHI CHRISTABEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS ADEYEMI BOLANLE MUYIBAT

I Formerly Known and Addressed as Miss Soleye Bolanle Bukky now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Adeyemi Bolanle Muyibat All Documents and Certificates bearing my former names remain valid. NYSC, Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that the names CAPTAIN-URANTA HENRY GILBERT and CAPTAIN URANTA HENRY GILBERT refer to one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as URANTA CHUKWUKA HENRY . All former documents remain valid.

Banks and the general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to notify the general public that my account with Sterling bank,my name was Mistakenly written as Funmilayo Olowookere Instead of OLOWOOKERE FUNMILAYO RACHEAL,And my date of birth was wrongly written as 19/3/1973, Instead of 21/7/1977.

Former documents remain valid general public please take note.

22 Change of Names CONFIRMATION OF NAME

USAINI ABUBAKAR ABUBAKAR

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

OKONKWO CHRISTIAN CHIWENIKE

MRS AWOBAJO DUPE MAGRET

That in some of my documents, my name was appears as ALEX MICHAEL, while in some other ones, my name appears as DASHE MICHAEL ALEX.The names are refer to the same person bearing these names.All documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Hussein Abubakar Yusuf now wish to be known and addressed as USAINI ABUBAKAR ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note

I formerly known and addressed as Okonkwo Christian Ifeoluwa now wish to be known and addressed as . OKONKWO CHRISTIAN CHIWENIKE All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note

I formerly known and addressed as MRS AWOBAJO DUPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AWOBAJO DUPE MAGRET. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

SHEU FOLORUNSHO KADIRI

MRS SHOBOWALE OLUWATOSIN ELIZABETH

AJOSE DOYINSOLA TOMORI

OBIASOGU AMARACHI MABEL

I formerly known and addressed as ADEPOJU DOYINSOLA TOMORI now wish to be known and addressed as AJOSE DOYINSOLA TOMORI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SHEHU RASHEED KODIRI now wish to be known and addressed as SHEU FOLORUNSHO KADIRI. I was born on 01/01/1978. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AWOSEYE OLUWATOSIN OLUWADAMILARE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SHOBOWALE OLUWATOSIN ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MISS MAKINDE IDIAT BOLANLE

In some of my documents my name was written as OLANREWAJU OYEWO while in some other ones it was written as DAVID OLANREWAJU OYEWO. I am the one bearing all the names. I was born on 11/11/1979.

All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as MISS LASISI AISHAT while in some other ones it was written as MISS OGUNDELE AISHAT TITILAYO. I am the one bearing all the names. I was born on 21/07/1985. All documents bearing the names are valid.

General public to please take note.

I LAWAL ABIOLA LATIFAT, wish to state that the name LAWAL BOLA MAKINDE was used to issue my late mother’s death certificate

by LUTH on 02/03/2015 and letter of administration issued by High court of Lagos state Ikeja probate registry while MISS MAKINDE IDIAT BOLANLE her maiden name was used by National Population commission Mushin on 23/11/2015 to issue same which was in all her official documents. She was the same person bearing all the names.

MRS. MERCY IBE JIKENGHAN

NWEFURU MONDAY SHEDRACH

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MERCY IBE AMADI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MERCY IBE JIKENGHAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ALLISON AKAPN MOSES I formerly known and addressed as ALISON AKPAN now wish to be known and addressed as ALLISON AKAPN MOSES. All former documents remains valid. General public to please take note.

SOLOMON KWABE

OLANIKE OLUFISAYO OLADOJA OLADAPO

I formerly known and addressed as Solomon Kwabe Yusuf now wish to be known and addressed as Solomon Kwabe. All former document remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Olanike Olufisayo fatunase now wish to be known and addressed as Olanike Olufisayo Oladoja Oladapo. All former document remain valid.

General public take note

OKOYE GERTRUDE UCHE

CHIBUEZE OGECHUKWU GIFT

I formerly known and addressed as ANYANWU MABEL AMARACHI now wish to be known and addressed as OBIASOGU AMARACHI MABEL. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

YETUNDE MORENIKE SALAKO

I formerly known and addressed as FATIMO YETUNDE SAMSONDEEN now wish to be known and addressed as YETUNDE MORENIKE SALAKO. I was born on 08/08/1974. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS GANIYAT AINA WURAOLA LASISI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEBAYO OREOLUWA GANIYAT AINA. This is due to my marriage with LUKMAN ADEKUNLE ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CHARLIE STELLA MAYEN

AKINWUNMI OLUTAYO ESTHER

I formerly known and addressed as PIUS STELLA EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as CHARLIE STELLA MAYEN. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEKUNLE OLUTAYO ESTHER now wish to be known and addressed as AKINWUNMI OLUTAYO ESTHER. I was born on 23/03/1982. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

MR. ANTHONY UMUNNA OBI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MR. GERALD ANAYO OBI now wish to be known and addressed as MR. ANTHONY UMUNNA OBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as AYOBAMI OLUWASEYI COLLINS while in some other documents it was written as OSHUN OLUWASEYI COLLINS. I am the one bearing all the names and I want to maintain OSHUN OLUWASEYI COLLINS. All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

IDOKO EMMANUEL OTANWA

ADAMOH TAOFIKAT OLADELE

WELLINGTON GLADYS CHIBUKA

I formerly known and addressed as Amechi Gladys Chibuka now wish to be known and addressed as Wellington Gladys Chibuka.

All former document remain valid. General public take nonote MRS ORJI CHIOMA PRECIOUS

I formerly known and addressed as UCHE SHEDRACK now wish to be known and addressed as NWEFURU MONDAY SHEDRACH. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Ogbanje Emmanuel Oche now wish to be known and addressed as Idoko Emmanuel Otanwa.

All former document remain valid. General public take note

I formerly known and addressed as Oladele Taofikat Folashade now wish to be known and addressed as Adamoh Taofikat Oladele.

All former document remain valid. General public take note

ABUBAKAH YUSSUF DAUDA

MRS AMADI DORCAS AMARACHI I formerly known and addressed as MISS KANU DORCAS AMARACHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMADI DORCAS AMARACHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

NEBO SABINA NGOZIKA

I formerly known and addressed as NEBO SABINA now wish to be known and addressed as NEBO SABINA NGOZIKA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Garuba Yusuf now wish to be known and addressed as Abubakah Yussuf Dauda. That my actual date of birth is 1st January 1956 and not 16th February 1968. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note

OGBOKE CHIDIMMA PATRICIA

I formerly known and addressed as OKOYE OGECHUKWU GIFT now wish to be known and addressed asCHIBUEZE OGECHUKWU GIFT. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AGAH FRIDAY now wish to be known and addressed as AGAH FRIDAYNNAEMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS OKEKENWA ELIZABETH UZOAMAKA

I formerly known and addressed as OSUDE CHIDIMMA PATRICIA now wish to be known and addressed as OGBOKE CHIDIMMA PATRICIA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UGBECHIE OKWUDILI ELIZABETH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEKENWA ELIZABETH UZOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

NWAEZE EDITH NNENNA I formerly known and addressed as Obinna Edith Nnenna, now wish to be known as Nwaeze Edith Nnenna. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UCHE EVELYN ONYEKACHI

MRS. OGBU JUDITH CHIDIEBERE

I, formerly known and addressed as Uche Evelyn Orieoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Uche Evelyn Onyekachi . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. NWAGBO JUDITH CHIDIEBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGBU JUDITH CHIDIEBERE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

AKANI VINTIA SIMON

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. MARTHA DINEBARI CHRISTIANA ADAGI KAABEE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHRISTIANA VINCENT KPALAP. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, OGBOM PETER NKPENE, wish to add NKPENE to my name which was formerly OGBOM PETER. I now wish to be known and addressed as OGBOM PETER NKPENE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SIMON AKANI wish to correct my name and be known and addressed as AKANI VINTIA SIMON. All document bearing SIMON AKANI remain valid..

General public should please take note.

OLOWOKERE SOLA LEONSON BABALOLA

OBELUE CAJETAN IFEZUE

TASHIRU MUYIBAT KIKELOMO

GIOMII TORDI FELIX I, formerly known and addressed as, GIOMII TORDI, now wish to be known and addressed as, GIOMII TORDI FELIX. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Formerly Adedoyin Bola Mosurat. Now : Ajala Bola Mosurat. Former document remains valid.

General public should take note.

MARIA EUNICE GBADAMOSI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly MARY AYOMIDE OBAFEMI Now , MARIA EUNICE GBADAMOSI. Former document remains valid. General public should take note.

I, BADAMASI SALMANU YUSIPA hereby confirm that I am the same person bearing Salmanu Badamasi and Badamasi Salmanu Yusipa. Also that my correct date of birth is 28th day of January, 1983. Now I wish to be known and called BADAMASI SALMANU YUSIPA. All former documents remain valid. General Public and Authority concerned take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AGUFUGO UCHECHUKWU GERTRUDE now wish to be known and addressed as OKOYE GERTRUDE UCHE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

MRS MERCY EZEKIEL INYANG

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Effiong Asuquo, now wish to be known as Mrs Mercy Ezekiel Inyang. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS. CHRISTIANA VINCENT KPALAP

I formerly known and addressed as Obelue Cajetan Paul , now wish to be knnnown and addressed as Obelue Cajetan Ifezue. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

DAVID OLARINDE OLATUNJI

I formerly known, called and addressed as DAVID OLARINDE MARVEL now wish to be known, called and addressed as DAVID OLARINDE OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities concerned take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Mayibat Komolafe ,now wish to be known and addressed as Tashiru Muyibat Kikelomo . All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

EGWAI ABENI ADEJOKE

Formerly Omolabi Abeni Adejoke. Now Egwai Abeni adejoke. Former document remains valid.

General public should take note.

AGAH FRIDAYNNAEMEKA

MRS ADEBAYO OREOLUWA GANIYAT AINA

I formerly known and addressed as Olowokere Sola Babalola ,now wish to be known and addressed as Olowokere Sola Leonson Babalola . All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note AJALA BOLA MOSURAT

OLUWOLE EMMANUEL TOSIN

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNWOLE OLALEYE TOSIN now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWOLE EMMANUEL TOSIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKORO CHIOMA PRECIOUS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ORJI CHIOMA PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

WAHAB SIKIRU WASIU

I formerly known and addressed as WAHAB SIKIRU, now wish to be known and addressed as WAHAB SIKIRU WASIU, DATE OFBIRTH 06-061986. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS. IMANI HELEN IRENOMO

XXXXXX

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. PETERS HELEN IRENOMO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IMANI HELEN IRENOMO . All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOHN EKE OKIRIANYA, now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN OKIRIANYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AMEH NNAMDI KELVIN

EKENEDILICHUKWU JERRY STEWARD

I formerly known and addressed as Ngwu Kelvin Nnamdi ,now wish to be known and addressed as Ameh Nnamdi Kelvin . My date of birth is 23/09/1978.

All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

LOSS OF DRIVER’S LICENSE I, NWANKWO PATRICK, a driver, a male citizen of federal republic of Nigeria, wish to state that I lost my driver’s license issued to me by the federal road safety commission, Port Harcourt, Rivers state sometime in January, 2017.

That all efforts to locate it prove abortive, hence this publication.

General public should take note.

MRS. OMOLARA BENSON

Formerly: OMOLARA SHONUBI, Now: MRS. OMOLARA BENSON. Former document remains valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Ugwuanyi Kelechi Jeremia and Ugwuanyi Ekenedilichukwu ,now wish to be known and addressed as Ekenedilichukwu Jerry Steward and my date of birth is 9/10/1990. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

AMOKE RASHIDAT BAMGBOSE

Formerly BAMGBOSE RASHEEDAT OLASUNMBO Now AMOKE RASHIDAT BAMGBOSE . Former document remains valid.

General public should take note.

CORECTION OF NAME & DATE OF BIRTH MY NAME WAS MISTAKENLY WRITEN AS ADEKOYA OLABODE OLAYINKA INSTEAD OF ADEKOYA OLABODE ADEYINKA. MY CORECT NAME IS ADEKOYA OLABODE ADEYINKA AND MY CORECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 12 DECEMBER, 1979.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

DUMEZE CHARITY CARE FOUNDATION

Change of name 23

CORE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA OGUN STATE CHAPTER

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. DOKUNMU ROTIMI SAMUEL 2. ODEGBARO SURAJUDEEN 3. BIOKU MOSES GBADEWOLE 4. BAMIMEKE OLUWOLE 5. MUDASIRU ADENUGA 6. SAMUEL ADEBISI ADEKANBI 7. MUSIBAU AYODELE HASSAN 8. ADEWOLE ADEYE MI AKINLOYE 9. OLAYIWOLA JOSEPH OLATUNDE 10 BANTEFA YAKUBU AYINDE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS AND TO HELP EACH OTHERS IN TIMES OF NEEDS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIMI ODIA SPORTS & CHARITY FOUNDATION

INDIGENT WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ORGANIZATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, CAP C20, LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, 2004.

TRUSTEES 1. OKELUE AFUNWA PETERS 2. OGOJUBA NGOZI FAVOUR 3. OKELUE CHUKWUKADIBIA PAUL 4. NWEKE FRANCIS IYKE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE HELP TO THE POOR, ORPHANS, WIDOWS, AND AGED PEOPLE IN SOCIETY. 2. TO ORGANIZE AND SPONSOR PROJECTS AND OTHER INITIATIVES THAT WILL SERVE THE ABOVE PURPOSE. ANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA FCT WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. ODIA SIMIANER AGNES OSAS 2. OGBONMWAN OSAS CASCA 3. JEFFREY AZILE OSASERE 4. IRORO TANSHI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SPORTS ACTIVITIES 2. ORGANIZE SPORTING TOURNAMENT AND EVENTS. 3. TO PROMOTE SPORTS IN NIGERIA 4. TO INCULCATE MORAL DISCIPLINE AMONG YOUTH IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PROPHETIC FAITH AND MIRACLE ASSEMBLY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HON. ANAJEMBA AMAKA MARTINA, 2. MRS NWOKIKE INDIANNA ULUCHI 3.

ANAJEMBA ADANNIN GOLD. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO EMPOWER THE WOMEN. 2. TO HELP THE POOR AND LESS PRIVILEGED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

OGHENERIOBORUE CHURCH OF GOD

CALVARY RECOVERY MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 TRUSTEES: 1. EMMANUEL AMA(CHAIRMAN) 2. ROSELINE EMMANUEL (SECRETARY) 3. SARAH JOHN 4. SAMUEL EZE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: POPOOLA OLUMUYIWA ESQ ASSOCIATION OF ARAROMI MUSLIM COMMUNITY, ARAROMI, AIRPORT ROAD, AKURE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. AYENI ABBAS - CHAIRMAN 2. AMBALI MUTIU - SECRETARY 3. KADIRI SALIU - MEMBER 4. AMINU RAHMONI - MEMBER 5. BELLO TOLIAT - MEMBER AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO CATER FOR IT’S MEMBERS WELFARE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: DBANQUET CHAMBERS 08033436481

VISION OF HEAVEN CHURCH OF GOD

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1 OTOBO OGHENEVWE VINCENT 2 OTOBO LUCY 3 TEDHEKE RAPHAEL OGÀGA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO TAKE THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION OF OUR LORD JESUS TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD AND TO BRING SOULS INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST 2. TO DELIVER PEOPLE FROM DARKNESS AND THE BONDAGE OF SIN, SICKNESS, POVERTY AND EVERY SATANIC OPPRESSION AND MANIPULATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED” SECRETARY

MERCY UPON MERCY FOUNDATION

FRESH REFERENCE FOR AFRICA DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

LET’S SEW SKILLS EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES ARE 1.

GODSWILL MOSES UDUAK IDIODU 2.

AKPONA PRINCESS EVELYN 3.

ANUFA CHARLES 4.

SUNNEY UDO DICKSON 5.

ISAAC ESSIEN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.

TO TAKE THE GOSPEL OF SALVATION OF OUR LORD JESUS TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD AND TO BRING SOULS INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST 2.

TO DELIVER PEOPLE FROM DARKNESS AND THE BONDAGE OF SIN, SICKNESS, POVERTY AND EVERY SATANIC OPPRESSION AND MANIPULATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. POPOOLA AKINLOLU MOSES - CHAIRMAN 2. IJI GBENGA PATRICK - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. SOCIETY BARGAINING, GOOD GOVERNANCE, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND ELIMINATING VIOLENCE. 2. PROVISION OF EDUCATION, SKILL UPGRADING, ASSOCIATION COLLABORATION IN AGRICULTURE, AGRICBUSINESS, FISHING, MINING AND SMALL SCALE MANUFACTURING. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AKINDELE ABIMBOLA MARIAH 2. ADEWALE DEMEHIN AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: 1. LENDING A HELPING HAND TO THE NEEDY AND VULNERABLE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1.

OSAZUWA OSADEBAMWEN FRANKLIN 2.

OSA TOP 3.

UWAGBOE DORIS 4.

JOSEPH UWAGBOE 5.

DESTINY ADEMOLA 6.

FELICIA UWAGBOE 7.

SHALOM OSAZUWA 8.

GLORIA OSAGHAE 9.

MR. FRED OSAGHAE 10. MRS VIVIAN OSAGHAE 11. OSARIEMEN AIGBEROMAWAN 12. TONY BELLO OSAGIE 13. MISS DEBORAH ALONGE 14. MISS HELEN ALONGE 15. OSAZE OKAE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.

TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ALL OVER THE WORLD 2.

TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED, WIDOWS AND ORPHANS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NATHANIEL IKECHUKWU ENYINNAYA -PRESIDENT 2. MERCY NKAIMAHA DAN -SECRETARY 3. RAPHAEL JAMES - MEMBER 4. OLUSOLA TAIWO BEECROFT ” 5. ATINUKE SMITH ” THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROMOTE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE THROUGH IMPACTFUL TRAININGS AND HANDS-ON IMPARTATION OF TAILORING SKILLS IN NIGERIAN YOUTHS 2. TO ENHANCE YOUTH PRODUCTIVITY, DRESSMAKING CREATIVITY AND INCOME EARNING STREAMS THROUGH FASHION DESIGNING. 3. TO DEVELOP HUMANITY AND FIGHT POVERTY THROUGH SKILLS ACQUISITION FOR ALL. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT #420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARRISTER OKENNA NNEBEDUM

WISE CHRISTIAN FAMILY PROPHETIC MISSION INTERNATIONAL

FAJIM MEDICARE FOUNDATION

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

TRUSTEES 1. FLORIDA UGONNA UZOARU-CHAIRMAN 2. PRINCESS IFUNANYA OSITA-OLERIBE 3. TEMITOPE OMOLAYO OGUNBONA - SECRETARY AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO ENSURE EASY ACCESS TO SERVICES AND PRODUCTS THAT AID SEXUAL SAFETY WHILE PROMOTING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND EQUALITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AKIN-OOYE ADERONKE FOLASHADE - CHAIRMAN 2. OOYE SUNDAY AKINTUNDE OLATUNJI 3. SAKPERE PATIENCE O. 4. ADEMOROTI JANET AJOKE 5. OSUNDIYA VICTORIA OLUWATOYIN 6. OMOIGUI AGBONTA BARRY 7. KUDABO AYODEJI ADEKUNLE - SECRETARY THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO ORGANIZE FAMILY OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND RAISE ALTARS OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN FAMILIES. 2. TO ESTABLISH MINISTRIES, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER INSTITUTION THAT WILL ENHANCE THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF MEMBERS AND SOCIETY IN GENERAL. 3. TO HELP THE DESTITUTE, NEEDY ORPHANS, REFUGEES, OF EVERY DESCRIPTION WHEREVER AND WHENEVER THE LORD DIRECTS AND PROVIDES FOR OTHER HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALHAJI ABDULKAREEM ADELABU JAMIU 2. PROF.ABDULKAREEM BIADE FATIMAH 3. DR.ABDULKAREEM ABIOLA IBRAHIM 4.ARCH.OBATADE ADETUNJI SAUBANA 5. PROF.BANJO A.F. ADEKUNBIOLA 6. PROF.OMILABU A. SUNDAY 7. HAJIA HASSAN OLASUMBO MUTIAT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:1. TO FACILITATE HEALTH EDUCATION BY ORGANIZING HEALTH TALK TO GROUPS,ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS IN THE COMMUNITY 2. TO JOIN/COLLABORATE WITH THE COMMUNITY TO OWN SUSTAINABLE HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS 3. INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIPS,ORGANIZE EXTRAMURAL CLASSES AND COUNSELLING IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO TAKE UP CAREER IN THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED : AKANDE LARRY

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SAFETY ACCESS FREEDOM AND EQUALITY INITIATIVE

24 Change of names AWOTEDU CUNNINGHAM I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ABOLANLE GANIYAT AWOTEDU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESED AS MRS ABOLANLE GANIYAT AWOTEDU CUNNINGHAM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

ADERONKE OLUWASEUN I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DARAMOLAADERINTO, ADERONKE OLUWASEUN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DARAMOLA, ADERONKE OLUWASEUN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

ADEJOLA ABIMBOLA OLOLADE I, formerly known and addressed as TORU ABIMBOLA OLOLADE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEJOLA ABIMBOLA OLOLADE due to change in my marital status.

All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OLOWOPOROKU DELE FELICIA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TAIWO DELE TAIWO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLOWOPOROKU DELE FELICIA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THE ETERNAL COVENANT BIBLE MINISTRY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. PASTOR OLUWAGBAMILA EMMANUEL SANYA 2. MRS OLUWAGBAMILA JANET FOLAKE 3. MRS OLAKUNLE SIMON OLUREMI 4. MR OJO OLAWALE KAYODE 5. MR AGUNBIADE SAMSON FOLORUNSO AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR DAPO ADEYA

DURU-OFOR PRAGMATIC FORUM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 TRUSTEES: 1. EGBOM UCHECHUKWU 2. MAC-ANELEH ROSELYN N. 3. DERIBE CHRISTIAN CHIBUZO AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY AND SOCIAL ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF DURU-OFOR FAMILY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARRISTER ARTHUR NWOSU SUNDAY.

DIVINE WORD EVANGELICAL MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 TRUSTEES 1. PASTOR MARVEL OSAYANYOBO EKOGIAWE-GENERAL OVERSEER 2. PROPHETESS TAIWO OSAYANYOBO -GENERAL SECRETARY 3. SISTER RHODA OSAYANYOBO -TREASURER 4. BROTHER MICHEAL OSAYANYOBO-FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5. SISTER SALOME OSAYANYOBO-WELFARE CO-ORDINATOR THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATION OF THE WORLD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. RAISING GENERATION OF CHRISTAIN THAT WILL BUILD A BETTER CHURCH FOR THE COMING OF OUR LORD. 3. TO PREACH AND TRAIN CHRISTAIN TO POSSES THE GOOD CHRISTAIN VIRTUES AND SHINES THOSE IN THE DARK. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED:PASTOR MARVEL OSAYANYOBO EKOGIAWE (GENERAL OVERSEER)

CHRIST WAY HOUSE OF GRACE EVANGELICAL MINISTRY THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 TRUSTEES 1. OPEISA ADEBISI EMMANUEL -CHAIRMAN 2. ORISADE OLUSOLA. 3 ORISADE SUSANA. 4 SINLE TIMOTHY AYO- SECRETARY. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO MINISTER TO THE DEAR SOCIAL NEED OF OUR ENVIRONMENT/ COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR WELFARE STRATEGIES: HOSPITAL, PRISON, ORPHANAGE AND NEEDY MINISTRY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

THE TRUTH LIGHT PENTECOSTAL CHURCH The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990 Trustees: 1. OYELAMI OLUBODE MOSES 2. ADEBAYO TAIWO AREMU 3. ADENIYI OLORUNFEMI DAVID

4. MAKOYAWO REMILEKUN OLUGBENGA 5. BOBA TITLAYO CLARA 6. ADEWUYI THERESA ADEWUMI

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1.Reaching the lost, edifying the body of Christ 2.To promote the word of Jesus Christ among Christians 3.To preach God’s word to the world and positively affecting soul through the power of the holy spirit 4To teach men and women how to be committed to God Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication Signed: TRUSTEES

PURE SPLASH FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. MR ABUBAKAR MUHAMMED 2. MR ABUBAKAR LAWAL 3. MRS NIMAT LAWAL 4. MRS GANIYAT SOLOYE 5. MISS TOLUWALASE SOLOYE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: - WASH : WATER & SANITATION HYGIENE - HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS - TRAINING - CONSULTANCY - LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN - GENERAL CONTRACTS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

SGS 1986 SET OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 TRUSTEES: 1. OHIRI MICHAEL. 2. EMMANUEL ABIODUN ALADENIYI. 3. SALU MUDIRA ADEBISI. 4. SERIKI YISA OLAKUNLE. 5. AMENAGHAWON JOSEPH IDAHOSA. 6. MICHAEL DJAN. 7. EFFIONG BASSEY USANG. 8. ADEBUKUNOLA OLUFUNMILAYO MORGAN. 9. EGBUNU ZACCHARIAS NDA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ENCOURAGE THE ALUMNI TO TAKE ABIDING INTEREST IN THE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ALMA MATTER. 2. TO UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES AIMED AT ENHANCING HUMAN CAPACITY BUILDING AND OF NATION BUILDING INCLUDING THOSE CHARITABLE NATURE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OMEGA REIGNS CHAMBERS. 3RD FLOOR STANDARD PLAZA OFF AMINU KANO CRESCENT WUSE 2 ABUJA FCT.

UNITY FORUM FOR COUNSELLING AND DEVELOPMENT

AGAPE LOVE GOD’S HELP DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990 Trustees: 1.PASTOR JACOB OLUWAGBEMIGA OKEYODE 2.OLUWAYEMI HOPE OKEYODE 3.MRS. RHODA OLUWAPEMI FADAHUNSI 4.MRS. ELIZABETH OLUWAGBOLADE ROTIMI-ELUDINNI 5.MRS. ESTHER AJULOOLUWA ADESIPE 6.MR. DAVID ASEGUNLOLUWA OKEYODE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To carry out philanthropic activities, provide monthly financial assistance for the windows, the poor and the needy.

2.To give scholarships to identify brilliant students who came from very poor homes.

3.To provide funds, food stuffs and needed materials to orphanage motherless baby homes, schools for the blind and the physically challenged generally.

4.To give financial support for very people who could not pay for their bills in the hospitals.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication Signed: TRUSTEES

DIVINE GLOBAL HERITAGE EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. OYEDELE ELIZABETH OLUWATOYIN 2. OYEDELE JOSEPH OYEBISI 3. ADEYANJU AMOS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ASSIST IN THE ALLEVIATION OF POVERTY IN THE SOCIETY BY RENDERING ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY 2. TO GIVE MORAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED AMONG THE PEOPLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

BEULAH VOICE OF DELIVERANCE PRAYER

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1 . PASTOR ANDREW IGBINADUWA 2 MRS CHRISTIANAH IGBINADUWA 3 PASTOR OLUWALANA OYALANA OLUWAGBEMIGA 4 ELDER WILLIAM ADEBAYO 5 EVANGELIST DANIEL OLORUNDARE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR DAPO ADEYA

THE FELLOWSHIP ABUJA INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACTS, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MUSA AHMED BABAYO 2. SHEHU MUHAMMED 3. ILIYASU USMAN 4. MOHAMMED MUSA AHMED 5. DAHIRU BABANGIDA 6. MOHAMMED MOHAMMED B 7. AISHATU HUSSAINI 8. HALIMA HUSSAINI ALIYU 9. ABDU FATI 10. UMAR AMINU ABUBAKAR 11. ISMAIL MUHAMMAD KHALIL 12. SANI YUSUF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY 2. TO ASSIST IN THE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUTH TO THEIR FULL POTENTIAL 3. TO INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY ON HOW TO IDENTIFY AND SOLVE PROBLEMS IN FAMILY MATTERS, PARENTING, EDUCATION, HEALTH RELATED ISSUES AND INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

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

CONSUMING FIRE AND MIRACLE CHURCH WORLDWIDE

GADAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. PROPHET DR CHIDOZIE FELIX EZEANWE 2. PASTOR MRS NKECHI EZEANWE (WIFE) 3. ELDER MR RAPHAEL OJO OGBONNA 4. ELDER MRS NNEDINMA OJO OGBONNA 5. ELDER MRS ANULI ANIEGBUNEM AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. OLUWATOBI AMOO - CHAIRMAN 2. MRS. FOLABO KAY AKIN-ADEWALE - MEMBER 3. MR. CHARLES OLANIYI ADEKUNLE - SECRETARY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO CREATE A PLATFORM FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS AND TO NETWORK AND EXPERIENCE GOD IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF LOVE. 2. TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: DE LEX CONSULT 08067338897

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 TRUSTEES (1) MRS EKEGHE HORSFALL IWONUME (2) MRS MBEKI ADAORA LILIAN (3) MR KELECHI OCHURU EKEGHE (4) M/S FOR ME KALU MARYANN (5) MR ONUOJA NDUKWE (6) MR ESINNAH IHEARIOCHI. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1)TO RESCUE AND HELP DRUG ADDICTS (2) TO ENCOURAGE POSITIVE CHANGE (3)TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILLAGED INCLUDE CHARITY AND PHILANTROPY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Change of Names 25

Aare Adams mourns Prof. Isola, says death amonumental loss to the Yoruba nation Patrick Okohue

Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare Gani Adams, has described the death of foremost Nigerian playwright, actor and culture activist, Professor Akinwunmi Isola, as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the Yoruba nation in particular.

Aare Adams yesterday mourned the death of Prof. Isola, saying “one of the illustrious sons and scholars of Yoruba is gone.”

DAUDA YANAT Formerly known and addressed as MUSA YANAT OYANE, now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDA YANAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

In a statement signed yesterday, by his Special assistant on media, Kehinde Aderemi, Aare Adams, described Prof.

Isola as one of the leading figures that promote Yoruba language and culture all through his life.

While commiserating with the family of the erudite scholar, Adams said: “It is sad that Nigeria has lost one of the foremost language expert and orator. His role and contributions to the development of Yoruba lanDAVID SUNDAY OTHUKE

Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY OTHUKE BULUKE, now wish to be known and addressed as DAVID SUNDAY OTHUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWOKORO SUNDAY ANTHONY

ONUGHA GBEMISOLA DORCAS

Formerly known and addressed as NWOKORO SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOKORO SUNDAY ANTHONY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OJO GBEMISOLA DORCAS, now wish to be known and addressed as ONUGHA GBEMISOLA DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General take note.

JOY CHIKODI OKORO UBOH

DADA TINUOLA ANIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as NDUKWE JOY KALU ;now wish to be known and addressed as JOY CHIKODI OKORO UBOH . All former documents remain valid .EMBASSIES; BANKS and General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AROMASHODU TINUOLA ANIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as DADA TINUOLA ANIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS IHEOHA ANYAKU ALICHO

DAUDA MONDINAT HELEN Formerly known and addressed as ALABI MONDINAT HELEN, now wish to be known and addressed as DAUDA MONDINAT HELEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEBUCHI ANYAKU ALICHO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IHEOHA ANYAKU ALICHO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS IFEOMA JANE KAMANYA

Formerly known and addressed as MISSS JANE IFEOMA OPARA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IFEOMA JANE KAMANYA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

BALOGUN AKINYEMI ENIOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN OLUWAGBEMISOLA ENIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN AKINYEMI ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OKOKO WOMEN DEVELOPMENT HEALTH FOUNDATION

guage was next to none, and it is worthy of note that many of the new generation writers in the country today learn a lot from his wealth of experiences.

“As an illustrious son of Yoruba descendants, Prof. Isola, in his life, preached peace through many of his literary works and contributed immensely to the promotion of the Yoruba language and culture.

He was a model of excellence to many writers

and activists, and his past records speak volumes.

“As we mourn the death of one of our heroes and role models, I, therefore, urge young writers to emulate the late professor,” he said.

The late Akinwunmi Isola, in his life, was a retired professor of Yoruba literature at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife. A revered culture activist, scholar and renowned writer that used his numerous literary

AGBOR MARY BENJAMIN Formerly known and addressed as IREK MARY SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBOR MARY BENJAMIN. That I was born on the 29th of April, 1968. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEBAYO MARY MELEKWE Formerly known and addressed as ETUMUDON MARIA MELEKWE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO MARY MELEKWE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DUROSINMI SIKIRAT ADEBIMPE

ANAGBOSO PAULINE ONYENONACHI

Formerly known and addressed as MUSARI SIKIRAT ADEBIMPE, now wish to be known and addressed as DUROSINMI SIKIRAT ADEBIMPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as CHIMA PAULINE ONYENONACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as ANAGBOSO PAULINE ONYENONACHI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EDOZIUNO MARY IJEAWELE

EIGBE BLESSING KATE I formerly known and addressed as Christopher blessing Catherine now wish to be known called and addressed as Eigbe blessing Kate.

All former documents remain valid.

That my date of birth was wrongly written as 30th November, 1987 instead of 30th November 1989.

General public take note.

ADEBOWALE KAFAYAT ADESOLA

Formerly known and addressed as BAKARE KAFAYAT ADESOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBOWALE KAFAYAT ADESOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO MARY IJEAWELE now wish to be known called and addressed as EDOZIUNO MARY IJEAWELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

works to promote Yoruba language and tradition.

He was a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and has received the Nigerian National Order of Merit. The late Isola was the author of over five plays and three novels. Some of his plays ADEKUNLE SARAH KEMI

REMOVAL OF NAME

Formerly TIAMIYU SARAH KEMI now ADEKUNLE SARAH KEMI. Former document remains valid. General public should take note.

FORMERLY IBE OKECHUKWU CHARLES NOW TO BE ADDRESSED AS IBE OKECHUKWU. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MOJISOLA RASHIDAT NIKE

XXXXX Formerly known and addressed as ONYEKACHI MUNACHIMSO JAYCE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONODU MUNACHIMSO JAYCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MODINAT KARIMU, now wish to be known and addressed as MOJISOLA RASHIDAT NIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHUKWUKA ONUWA EMMANUEL

Formerly known and addressed as Chuka Onuoha, now wish to be known and addreased as Chukwuka Onuwa Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid.

General take note.

AHMED OLATUNDE AYINDE

I formerly known and addressed as ADEWUYI OLATUNDE OLA now wish to be known called and addressed as AHMED OLATUNDE AYINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OSIGBEMHE STEPHANIE NNEKA

OYEKANMI MOTUNRAYO LIZ.

Formerly known and addressed as GEORGE STEPHANIE NNEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as OSIGBEMHE STEPHANIE NNEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS FAMOYIN MOTUNRAYO LIZ, now wish to be known and addressed as OYEKANMI MOTUNRAYO LIZ. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

TAWA AKANKE LAWAL

OLADIPUPO ORIYOMI ELIZABETH

GLORIA IZUAJE GODWIN NDUKA

Formerly known and addressed as TAWA AKANKE ONABANJO, now wish to be known and addressed as TAWA AKANKE LAWAL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI ORIYOMI ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIPUPO ORIYOMI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as GLORIA IZUAJE AZINO, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORIA IZUAJE GODWIN NDUKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MOUNTAIN OF AUTHORITY CHERUBIM & SERAPHIM CHURCH

were evergreen in the minds of his various admirers.

These include Efunsetan Aniwura, in the 60s, and Oleku among others.

Prof. Isola died last Saturday, in Ibadan. He was aged 84.

ONU OBODO CHRISTAIN Formerly known and adsressed as NDUBUISI CHRISTAIN, now wish to be known and addressed as ONU OBODO CHRISTAIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

XXXXX I formerly known and addressed as Uwaezuoke, Betty Amarachi now wish to be known called and addressed as George, Betty Amarachi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ROBERT OLUBUNMI AGNES

Formerly known and addressed as FADOJUTIMI OLUBUNMI AGNES, now wish to be known and addressed as ROBERT OLUBUNMI AGNES. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

XXXXX Formerly known and addressed as SHALEWA BUKKY SHOBANDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MUTIAT ABISOLA AJAYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

KANON LIFE MINISTRY

The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

Trustees: 1. FAYEMI KEHINDE ASANAT 2. JIMOH OLANREWAJU KAZEEM 3. WELLINGTON ELIZABETH

Trustees: 1. AFOLARANMI OPEYEMI JOSHUA 2. ALABI SAMUEL GBENGA 3. ABEGUNDE OLUWASEYI MOSES

Trustees: 1. PASTOR AIYEDUN VICTOR OSIGBODI 2. FASHINA OLUMIDE OLADELE 3. ABISOLA ADEDEJI ADENIYI 4. AIYEDUN OMONIGHO JOY

4. AJIDE GBEMINIYI ITUNU 5. MALOMO JAMES OLATUNJI 6. TITILOYE JAMES OLAOLUWA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: PROMOTION OF REPRODUCTIVE AND HEALTH AND POSITIVE HEALTH BEHAVIOR IN THE SOCIETY

AIMS OF THE TRUTH: 1. To teach the Gospel 2. To provide for means of developing meaningful relationships among believers.

3. To provide the means for developing and exercising spiritual gifts and the evangelization of the soul.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication

Signed: TRUSTEES

Signed: TRUSTEES

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Community mobilization for widespread development 2. Community sensitization for social economic and political awareness 3. Communal co-ordination for good governance Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tiqgris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication Signed: TRUSTEES

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 19, 2018

26

Buhari to visit Plateau, launch Agency’s five-year plan to end conflict

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki during a condolence visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai over the death of his father, late Mallam Yusuf Buratai, in Abuja.

By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÎÎÎ The long awaited visit

Jonathan ‘missing’ as Dickson ends 6th year celebrations Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎ

Former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was conspicuously absent at the weeklong sixth year anniversary celebration by the Bayelsa Governor,Henry Seriake Dickson.

Many eminent personalities across the country graced the ceremony, which began from February 11, 2018 with an interdenominational thanksgiving church service held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

Among the personalities who were in Bayelsa to felicitate with Governor Dickson who has been christened Valentine Governor as the main anniversary fell on February 14, Valentine Day were, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,Chieftain of the defunct National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, (rtd), former Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus and members of his National Work-

ing Committee, NWC. Other dignitaries include, former deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, former ministers of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, Labaran Maku, John Odey, former deputy governor of Sokoto State and Minister, water resources, Alhaji Muktar Shagari, among others.

For one week, Bayelsa was a beehive of activities as the state government used the occasion to inaugurate many completed projects.

Interestingly, many of the visitors are members

Sixth anniversary: Dickson thanks Obasanjo, others for celebrating with Bayelsa Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÎÎÎ Governor of

Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson on Sunday expressed profound gratitude to former president Olusegun Obasanjo for honoring the government and people of Bayelsa during the sixth anniversary celebration his administration.

During the period of the former president’s stay in Bayelsa, he commissioned remarkable projects such as the Bayelsa Specialist Hospital, World-class Diagnostic Center and the Aquaculture village with 500 fishponds.

The former president

News

also used the period to inspire future leaders of the state during a special interactive session at the Ijaw National Academy.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson in a statement issued on Sunday said Obasanjo’s visit to Bayelsa was a rare privilege and a great honour to the government and people of the oil rich and fast developing state.

According to him the historic visit will remain memorable in the annals of the state while noting leader came despite his very busy schedule.

The Commissioner also commended immediate past President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience for hosting Obasanjo in their country home in Otuoke.

He also thanked former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, former Sokoto State, Murktar Shagari, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana for commissioning the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme office, Malaria, Tuberclosis, HIV/AIDS Research Center and the Information House respectively.

of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, some of who served in government during the reign of Jonathan as president, yet the former president did not participate in any of the activities lined up for the anniversary.

It was curious that Obasanjo had to go to the country home of Jonathan at Otuoke in Ogbia Council Area to pay the former Preside It would be recalled that similar thing happened last year when Governor Dickson commissioned the iconic new Governor’s Of-

fice, which was performed by former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who also commissioned the ultra modern Ijaw National Academy, in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

The conspicuous absence of Jonathan on that occasion also raised eyebrows on the nature of relationship between Dickson and Jonathan.

The two leaders have however continued to maintain that they have a warm relationship, although many political thinkers believe otherwise.

of President Mohammedu Buhari to the city of Jos, the Plateau State capital, will finally come on stream Wednesday, 28 of February.

The visit postponed twice by the Presidency, will see the president launch a document tagged the ‘Five-Year Strategic Plan To End Conflict’ put together by the Plateau State Peace Building Agency, (PPBA).

Speaking on the visit, the Director General, PPBA, Mr. Joseph Lengmang, said, “as an agency we are honored that the President will be launching our five years strategic plan document to end conflict: This is historic because, it is the first of its kind in the country”, he said.

Recall that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, had recently commended the Plateau State Government for bringing on board the PPBA, which is aimed at addressing conflicts, with emphasis on Berom community and the Fulani face off.

Osinbajo who spoke at the just concluded National Summit On Security held in Abuja, said, “we are mindful of the Peace-Building efforts of some State Governments in Plateau State, for example, the Government constituted a Peace and Reconciliation Committee to work with the Berom and Fulani communities which had been at loggerheads.

Tributes, as Nigerians remember late Giwa-Amu ten years after The late Brig. Gen Solomon Giwa-Amu was at the weekend literarily brought back to life ten years after his death, as Nigerians of different walks of life paid glowing tributes to his wellspent life.

The Ladi Kwali hall of the Sheraton Hotel Abuja venue of 10th anniversary of his remembrance put together by the Solomon Giwa-Amu Foundation was filled to the brim by family friends, professional colleagues and other people whose paths and that of Giwa - Amu crossed.

The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Liyel Imoke, former governor of Cross River State set the tone of tributes when in his opening remark

said having a foundation established in his name attest to the fact that the former director of Army Public Relations left a legacy behind.

He said “ not every Brigadier General who passed through the Nigerian Army has a foundation and not every Brigadier General that died had a 10 years remembrance or memorial event after them.

“What makes us come together is the kind of life he spent. For anyone that had the privilege of interacting with him will understand why this foundation and event is so important” He said the Giwa-Amu stood out exceptionally in his responsibility with

strong commitment in discharging his duties.

He added that Giwa-Amu was not just an ADC to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he was not just a regular guard but an adviser to former the President.”He was a subordinate who stood his ground to tell his mind to s tough boss like President Obasanjo” Imoke said he was surprised to see Giwa-Amu quitting his position as an ADC to further his career.

“I don’t know how many people will take such decision to quit as an ADC to the President, though the assignment was tedious but it is a prestigious and influential office”.

News 27

Daily Times Nigeria Monday February 19, 2018

Human trafficking: NAPTIP calls for MOU between Nigeria, destination countries Titus Akhigbe, Benin The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has called for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and destination Countries that would lead to seizure and confiscation of assets of traffickers through judicial process.

The Director General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie OkahDonli, advised forfeiture from international traffickers and their collaborators, should be returned to Nigeria and converted to victims of trafficking trust fund based on mutual respect.

Okah-Donli disclosed this while delivering a Lec-

ture on Youth Migration, Deportation and Rehabilitation: The way forward” to mark the 60th Birthday of a Benin-based Business man, Capt. (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, at Ugbowo main Campus of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), at the Weekend.

She advocated investigation and prosecution of nationals of destination Countries directly or indirectly involved human trafficking and other related crimes, adding that full disclosure in prosecution of offenders would eliminate one-sided prosecution.

According to her, “Strengthening existing partnership between Nigeria and destination Coun-

Shun partisan politics, protect professional integrity, journalists advised Journalists have been advised to shun partisan politics and other acts that may unnecessarily interfere with factual news reportage and bring the profession to disrepute.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Ministry of Information, Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Kola Ajumobi who gave the advice at a forum organised by journalists working with the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State and the State Ministry of Information, said that journalists have an important responsibility in building and sustaining democracy in the country.

In his lecture, titled “The

21st Century Journalist (videography, news writing and reportage in Nigeria)”, Mr. Ajumobi stressed that disseminating falsehood or half-truths would lead to loss of public confidence in the media.

Ajumobi noted that the electronic media was deregulated in 1994 to break the government monopoly of broadcast stations adding that the enormous increase of media organization to no fewer than 402 Radio and Television stations across the country has resulted in the prevailing stiff competition and rivalry which consequently placed demands on journalists to possess re-

quired skills to enable them discharge their responsibilities accurately.

He stressed that in spite of a number of challenges such as inadequate working tools, poor remunerations, and lack of training and retraining as well as working in hazardous environment, journalists must be sacrificial, passionate and ready to go the extra mile to be effective.

According to him, a 21st century journalist who hopes to thrive and stand tall in the profession must possess power of expression, language proficiency, presentation skills, strong passion, and good dress sense

adding that he must also be diligent, knowledgeable and multi talented in order to rise in the profession.

Ajumobi emphasised that journalists must always exude self-confidence, courage and boldness in the discharge of their duties in order to achieve an effective 4th Estate of the Realm.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Assistant to Ekiti State Governor on Public Communication and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka commended the organizers of the event and stressed the need for journalists to be conversant with the paradigm shift in the profession.

Climate change: Don’t depend on early rain for planting, farmers warned Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Climate Change Unit has advised farmers not to commence planting yet as the rainy season had not arrived in spite of rainfalls and flash floods recently witnessed in Ado Ekiti and environs.

A statement released by the unit indicated that there would however be a favourable weather condition for farming this year.

It predicted that there

Two of the four suspected phones thieves arrested in Oshodi by the Rapid Respond Squad(RSS) Jelili Ganiyu (left) and Toyin Samuel being paraded by the RSS

Police mobile camera aid arrest of ex-convict, three others for robbery Joy Anyim

2019: Your third force political farce, group tells Obasanjo ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure.

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Rescue Mission Support Group, (RMSG) on Sunday vowed to mobilize Nigerian masses against some old political leaders who have ruined the country’s economy and planning to stage a come back into power.

The group also said that some corrupt politicians who belonged to the old “constabulary forces” would be resisted by the youths in the country.

It noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu all belonged to the

ÏÒ6ƔƔƔ

old constabulary forces who had been looting and plundering the nation’s wealth.

Michael Omosebi, the Coordinator of the group while addressing some youths at Itaogbolu In Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo state, said they have decided to support the current governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose for president in 2019.

Omosebi noted that the coalition forces being propagated by the likes of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo is another political farce and means to return the corrupt old people to power.

He said that the idea be-

hind the “Third Force” was complete fraud and strategy to rule Nigeria again by same politicians who plundered the commonwealth.

“It behooves on us to appeal also to the masses in the interest of a better Nigeria that come 2019 disregard the idea of the third force.

“The idea is complete fraud, balderdash, a twaddle, nonsense, and another trap by these old constabulary men to dupe the masses again.

“These old forces started ruling at tender ages, some not even up to thirty years of age when they started plundering and as well looting Nigeria’s wealth.

“We think the packaging

and merger that ushered in President Buhari into his APC government should say something to us.

“We at the RMSG enjoined the Nigerian populace and the larger electorates to eschew any affiliation or support to such forces as its another means to retain old people in power” he added.

According to him, the Rescue Mission Support Group was fully ready to throw its weight and support to young political leaders who can be trusted and faithful.

Omosebi hinted that the group identified Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, as one of the best among the few young lead-

would be wider length of rainfall and heavy rain year.

The Unit advised people in the State, particularly farmers, to take advantage of its expertise and predictions to plan their planting seasons.

Ekiti State has witnessed very heavy rainfalls accompanied by storm, which blew off the roofs of some houses and damaged perimeter fences of properties as well as created a flash flood mostly around Ajilosun Area in Ado Ekiti this year.

One of the three mobile CCTV camera procured by the Lagos State Government for Rapid Response Squad and stationed in Oshodi has assisted the police in arresting two suspected phone thieves and two fraudsters.

The four suspects were caught on the footage of the mobile CCTV camera stationed in Oshodi to assist the officers of Rapid Response Squad in their surveillance activities in the area.

The suspects, Jelili Ganiu (19), Samson Owolabi (23), Segun Lawoye (47) an exconvict and Toyin Samuel (38) were arrested in Oshodi on Thursday and Friday.

Jelili and Owolabi were caught on footage of the camera stealing substance suspected to be mobile phones from a passer by on Oshodi pedestrian bridge.

They were monitored through the camera thereafter exchanging the stolen

item with another suspect currently at large before returning to the same location.

They were later trailed

by RRS operatives attached to the vehicle and arrested at the foot of the pedestrian bridge.

Both men after interrogation at the RRS headquarters confessed that they stole an Infinix Hot mobile phone from a passer by on the bridge and that the third suspect who they exchanged the object with was the keeper of their stolen items.

Jelili added that the third suspect, Omso Nla, is the one who sell the phones whose money is later shared in the evening.

Jelili said, “Owolabi and I are conductors in Oshodi but when there was no work or we arrive late at the park to re-unite with our bosses, we steal phones, purse and other valuables from the users of the pedestrian bridge in Oshodi.”

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Osun Assembly condoles with Yoruba nation over Akinwumi Ishola’s death

ÏÏÏState

of Osun Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, RT. Honourable Najeem Salam has condoled with the entire Yoruba nation over the death of Nigeria’s prolific writer, Professor Akinwumi Ishola who died on Saturday.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the House described Professor Ishola’s death as a great loss.

The House pointed that the late Professor of Yoruba literature at Obafemi Awolowo University was a man of letter with authentic thoughts and original idea on Yoruba cosmology.

“It is so unfortunate that the cold hands of death plucked one of intelligentsia, Professor Akinwumi Ishola who wrote his first play, Efunsetan Aniwura,

between 1961 and 1962 whilst still a student at the University of Ibadan.

The Linguist was renowned for works like ‘O Leku’ and the college anthem that is currently being sung in Wesley College, Ibadan among other works.

Having written a number of plays and novels, Professor Ishola, also went into broadcasting, creating a production company that has turned a number of his plays into television dramas and films.

A multiple award winner, in recognition of his immense contributions, he was awarded the National Merit Award and the Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters.

The wordsmith was also a visiting professor at the University of Georgia.”

Osun Assembly Pray God to grant him eternal rest.

Niger APC endorses Buhari, Bello, for 2019 Saka Bolaji - Minna

ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress, APC, in Niger state has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Abubakar Sani Bello for the 2019 elections.

The endorsement was made at a rally organised to receive defectors from the opposition parties in the state, comprising PDP chieftains and former commissioners in the previous PDP government.

Receiving the defectors, Governor Sani Bello assured them of equal opportunity as old members, noting that if he, a former PDP member could become governor in the APC, then nothing should stop them from achieving the same feat.

The hallmark of the rally was the reception of defectors from the PDP. They include former PDP executives and some commissioners in the last administration among others totaling 34,000.

In his address at the pre

Founder Kazeem Eletu-Odibo Foundation, Prince, Kazeem Eletu-Odibo presenting an award of recognition to Aare Jegunmade(1) of Lagos during the unveiling of Kazeem Eletu-Odibo Foundation, in Lagos...at the Weekend.

Adamawa: We will sweep off PDP dirty remnants - Defectors Tom Garba, Yola

rally meeting with the defectors, Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello attributed the rising profile of the APC in the state to strict adherence to the principle of party supremacy.

The Governor advised the new members to ensure compliance with the party structure by recognizing and adhering to the principle of party supremacy.

“The cohesion, progress and unity we are witnessing in Niger State, APC today are product of strict adherence to the party supremacy. We respect party supremacy here and I am glad that the caliber of people coming back to the family is experienced party men.

“I want to advice that you all go back to your wards and build strong and cordial relationship. You are all party men, go to the wards and romance with our members and possibly massage them, as you come to share your experience and help to further build a strong party in the state,” the governor advised.

ÏÏÏIn a resounding gath-

conspired against the emergence of qualified and competent Nigerian youths in politics and governance.

He said that it was not enough for youth to always complain about bad leadership, but that they needed to break the status quo by taking the chance to be elected and create the transformation they needed for a change. “ The Nigeria youth have a challenge in their hands for the future of our country; this is the tone for them to rise up.

They should not sit down

and fold your hands and be lamenting over bad leadership or politicians. “ Enough of a political system that accepts the votes of young Nigerians every election year, pay them peanuts as political thugs and consultants during elections, discard them after elections and keep them in the waiting rooms and corridors of government offices for the next four years, is not acceptable.

“Our leaders, the older generation and the Nigerian ruling class must

ering to denounce their membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), about 42,000 members of PDP defected to All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Adamawa state.

The defectors, mostly members of PDP faction in the State, denounced their loyalty to the opposition party Saturday to the ruling party (APC) through Chief Maiden Teneke attested that “ they Will sweep off PDP dirty remnants” in the state.

Gulak one of the key leading men of those defected and the former Political adviser to Goodluck Jonathan laid their basis of decamping to be due to ‘’ impunity and lack of internal democracy, ‘’ as he cited the controversial dissolution of their faction state Working Committee (SWC) of the party by the then Makarfi led caretaker committee. ‘’Members of the PDP

numbering 42,000 across the 21 local government areas including party executives have today wish to formally dump PDP and join APC officially. ‘‘With this development, we formally burry PDP in Adamawa state. Though we are not like others, who kept decamping when their dreams and ambitions were not met. ‘’Constitutionally we have right to leave and join any other party. Former president Olusegun Obasanjo had earlier left PDP and tore his party membership card. ‘’So also former vice president Atiku Abubakar; it could be recalled had first left PDP and joined AC that later metamorphosed to ACN. From ACN Atiku returned back to PDP that he first left and before you know the former vice president again cross-carpet to APC and now left it to PDP again. ‘’So everyone has right to change if feel disenchanted

and we have made consultations with our people who asked us to move to APC. ‘’ Degrading of Boko Haram terrorists, whose aim is to eliminate the region from the country’s map is enough to justify the defection to the ruling party, and let me assure you that PDP will soon be buried in Adamawa,’’Gulak noted.

He further stated that APC gave them all the reasons to defect with their good internally democracy mechanism and erudite progressive work of the Governor of Adamawa, Senator Jibrilla Bindow.

According to him Bindow is transforming the state in a quite unprecedented manner, putting the State in the history of development. ‘’In the history of Adamawa state it’s only Governor Bindow that have changed the State to an enviable level.

“We are now joining him not for our own interest but for the general interest of

Nigerian Youths called upon to actively participate on politics Doosuur Iwambe- Abuja

ÏÏÏA

Non Government organisation, Youths Arise for Un-diluted change has called on Nigerian youths to take their destiny into their hands by participating more actively in politics and governance.

Coordinator of the group, Akharame Izedome Lucky told journalists in Abuja over the weekend that lack of equal access to opportunities and frustration with bad governance have

come to terms with the fact that in today’s modern world, Nigeria cannot make competitive, real and sustainable development until they begin to acknowledge the role Nigerian youths can play in the leadership of our country. “ The only way to realise this dream is for them to register themselves in political parties and participate fully” he said.

For his part, coordinator, Project Nigeria First Mr. Uche Nwabukwu who also lent his voice to the

call said, the youths can only hold their leaders accountable only when they participate fully in politics.

He called on all Nigerians above the age of 18 to get their Permanent Voters Cards, PVC and as well as campaign for good governance.

Also, Mandy Ikpebe, said that the solution to Nigeria’s problem is not about changing political parties but get a road map where Nigerians will know the direction the country is headed

our dear state.’’

The national official of the party, PDP, Chief Medan Teneke an ex-officio representing North East, said that their decision to join the ruling party, was informed by APC-led government developmental stride. “ We will effectively use the broom to sweep off the dirty PDP in Adamawa state, “Teneke said.

Comrade Salihu Mustapha, APC Northeast chairman pointed out that, the decamping was as a result of good work of APC administration. ‘’ All federal roads have been awarded for rehabilitations while some have reached concluding state of bidding for awarding by federal government.”

Salihu lauded the appointment of sons and daughters of the region into key positions including Chief of Army staff, General Tukur Buratai, National Security adviser Babagana Mungono, SGF Boss Mustpaha, and Minister of the FCT, as laudable.

and will be in the next 20 years.

“The problem is not the facts that they should do all this in four years. They should come up with a template to say that this is the way we should go in another 20 years in this country, out then in black and white so that whoever is coming can continue.

“Our government must begin to see Nigerian youths as innovators, business leaders, thinkers, problem solvers and architects of a new Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

29News

Police parade 57 suspects, as monarchs sue for peace Memoye Oghu , Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe Rivers State Police

Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arch, Olamilekan Adegbite presenting cheque to one of the recipient of the compensation for the commencement of Lusada - Igbesa Road, at Salvation Army Primary School, Igbesa, Ogun state.

Ambode okays N30, 000 monthly stipends for 1,000 interns ÏÏÏLagos

State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the payment of N30, 000 as monthly stipends to Ready.Set.Work (RSW) interns who have been placed in various organisations for sixmonth paid internships.

The Governor also approved N8million in seed funding for the top five winners of the RSW Business Pitch Competition, whose businesses will be placed in incubation, while the beneficiaries will commence their internships and incubation, respectively, on March 1st, 2018.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh in a statement on Sunday said the interns were part of the 2,000 final year students from six tertiary institutions in the State who took part in the 2017 edition of the 13-week intensive Entrepreneurship and Employability training programme.

He said that the Ready.Set. Work programme, which held its pilot in 2016 with 500 final year students from three tertiary institutions in Lagos State, was scaled up in 2017 to 12,000 Students from six institutions including Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos State College of Health Technology, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education.

“In 2016, we placed 76 students in internships with partner organizations like PwC, SystemSpecs, Total, GTBank, FCMB and Access Bank, to mention a few, who provided 6-month paid internship opportunities for RSW graduates. His Excellency, the Governor, further expanded the scheme by approving funds to place an additional 100 RSW graduates in internship positions with SMEs across Lagos

State, with monthly stipends provided by the government.

“In 2017, we were able to scale up and secure internship slots in about 180 organisations across the State for 1,000 top performing RSW graduates. The placement process involved a series of Internship Fairs at which companies had the opportunity to interview and select their interns from a pool of qualified candidates,” Bank-Olemoh said.

He also disclosed that preparation for Ready.Set.Work 2018 has commenced, adding that the programme would be expanded to train 25,000 while 5,000 final year students would participate in the 13-week faceto-face classes and that 20,000 students in their penultimate year would take part in the RSW Online Academy.

Besides, Bank-Olemoh said the programme was also increasing the number of participating schools to accom-

modate more students in the programme, among which are Yaba College of Technology, Federal College of Education (Technical) and a private institution, Caleb University.

The Special Adviser added that the inclusion of new schools was in line with Governor Ambode’s commitment to ensuring that every student that graduates from any tertiary institution in Lagos State is prepared for the world of work as an employer of labour or a value-adding employee.

Bank-Olemoh also called on professionals from different sectors to join the RSW Faculty, the largest volunteer faculty in Nigeria, as facilitators for the 2018 training programme, adding that the RSW Faculty recruitment would kick off officially on February 22nd, while the application portal will be accessible on the programme website - www.readysetwork. com.ng.

Abia rehabilitates Libya returnes

Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia

ÏÏÏAbia

State government on Friday received five indigenes from Libya as illegal immigrants with an assurance for their rehabilitation, reintegration and a conference for them.

The deportees were formally received at the Port Harcourt International, Airport by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Vulnerable Group, Mrs Precious Achumba, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs

Vivian Iro-Uchime.

The deportees are Kelechi Sunday (41), Aba South Local Government Area (LGA), Uche Ike (27), Chinonso Nelson (27) and his wife, Kate (28), all from Ikwuano LGA and Tracey Amanze (22) from Isialangwa South LGA. Addressing them before handing them over to officials of their respective LGA councils in her office, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Vulnerable Group, Mrs Precious Achumba said the state government had put the necessary measures in place for their rehabilitation and reintegration with their various fami-

lies and communities, assuring that the ministry would organize a conference for all the Abia deportees from Libya.

While expressing her happiness that they returned from Libya alive, disclosed that the deportees would be enrolled in the state government’s skill acquisition programmes.

“Government will train you in any skill of your choice and after the training you will be financially empowered to start your own business,” Achumba said and urged them not to lose hope but to be prepared to reintegrate

themselves in the society and begin to contribute to the development of their community and state.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs Vivian IroUchime said that a desk had been opened at the Diaspora office to counsel and offer necessary information to prospective migrants.

She said that the deportees could have avoided their horrible experience ‘‘if they had armed themselves with relevant information before embarking on the ill-fated sojourn to Libya.”

Command has showcased its success in the first 47 days of the year, parading 57 suspects and recovering nine stolen vehicles, just as two prominent Monarchs in the state sued for peace and unity across the state and country.

Giving statistical breakdown of the Command’s achievements from January to February 16, 2018 to newsmen in Port Harcourt over the weekend, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Zaki M Ahmed revealed that the state Police Command arrested 22 suspected armed robbers; 22 suspected cultists and 12 suspected kidnappers while it recovered nine stolen vehicles, one AK 47 riffle, 22 locally made pistols and 55 live ammunition within the period under review.

CP Ahmed stated that crime rate in the state dropped within the period because of the proactive and concerted efforts adopted by men and officers of the command to fight crime in the state, which he observed, peaked last year.

“The state witnessed pockets of criminal activities such as killing and beheading among other criminal activities. But to God be the Glory, towards the end of the year, these criminal elements were tackled head long, leading to a steady drop in criminal activities in the state in the last few months,” he stated, adding that he has directed Area Commanders, DPOs and Heads of Tactical Units in the Command to redouble their efforts and embark on massive raids of criminal hideouts and black spots.

Some of the paraded suspects who spoke to our correspondent at the state Police Headquarters, venue of the parade confessed for their crimes. Two of the suspects, who are dismissed soldiers, having served for 15 years in the infantry division of the 22 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, ex-Lance Corporals Sam Ajeduwa, 33 from Borno state and Ibrahim Abubakar, 35 said they got involved in car snatching to support their families while waiting for their discharge allowances from the Army.

When asked if he was aware that the Hilux vehicle he claimed he was asked to deliver in Katsina state was stolen, Ajeduwa replied, “Yes. I know but as I was sacked from my job, I had

no option with which to feed my family than to carry out that task to deliver the Hilux to the Alhaji so that I will get the money for my family.”

While thanking stakeholders and members of the public for their support and cooperation leading to these modest successes so far, the commissioner solicited for more of such partnership to make the state crime free.

In the same vein, two prominent monarchs from the Kalabari ethnic nationality in the state have called for peace and unity across the state, particularly in the Kalabari kingdom.

The Monarchs made the appeals over the weekend, when the Regent of Abonnema Town, headquarters of Akuku Toru Local Government Area, High Chief (Dr) O.B.Lulu-Briggs led a delegation of Abonnema council of chiefs on an official courtesy call on the Amayanabo of Kalabari land, HRM, King (Prof) T.J.T. Princewill, Amachree X1 in Buguma Town, headquarters of Asari Toru Local Government Area, both in Rivers state.

The Amayanabo, King Princewill called for unity among the Kalabaris, especially now that he is the king of the kingdom. He said that what happened in Abonnema does not affect Abonnema alone but the entire Kalabari kingdom and that if Abonnema is in crisis, there would be no way forward for the Kalabari people.

He however urged the Abonnema people to always think about peace and unity and that he was also speaking as an indigene of the ancient Abonnema town.

Earlier in his address, High Chief O. B. LuluBriggs, the Regent of Abonnema town commended the Kalabari Monarch for his show of love and solidarity visit after the unfortunate attack on his person last November 25, 2017 in Abonnema. “Let me use this opportunity to also express my gratitude for the high powered delegation you sent. Your Majesty, thank you for being your brother’s keeper,” stated an address read on his behalf by Chief Ibim Iyibo Young Briggs.

No reasons were however given for the conspicuous absence of Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas, former Aviation Minister and Chief (Dr) Patrick Dele Cole, former Editor and Group Managing Director of Daily Times Publications from the delegation of the Regent. Both men are prominent members of the Abonnema Town council of Chiefs.

a

Katsina Utd, others win NPFL ties as Pillars, Enyimba draw

N

ewcomers, Katsina United headlined the biggest win of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 9 fixtures.

The Changi Boys defeated FC IfeanyiUbah 3-0 in Sunday’s NPFL matchday 9 clash at the Mohammadu Dikko Stadium in

Katsina.

Striker, Eric Dufegha scored the match opener in the 40th minute while Tasiu Lawal increased the goal tally to two in the 45th minute and midfielder, Destiny Ashadi grabbed the match winner in the 51st minute to hand the Katsina outfit a well-deserved victory

over the Anambra Warriors.

Abia Warriors made their home advantage count positively with an emphatic 3-1 win against newcomers, Yobe Desert Stars at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Effiong Ndifreke grabbed a brace in the 9th and 29th minute while Samson Obi scored in the

16th minute to hand the Umuahia Warriors the whole three points at stake. Manika Usman scored the consolation for Desert Yobe Stars in the 74th minute.

Elsewhere in Lafia, Nasarawa United played out an energy sapping 3-3 draw with newcomers, Kwara United at the Lafia Town-

Page 30

ship Stadium. Defender, Seun Sogbesan scored from the penalty spot in the 20th minute to give the Solid Miners the match opener.

Nojeem Olukokun scored a brace in the 73rd and 84th minute for the Lafia landlords while Stephen Alfred grabbed a brace for

Monday, February 19 2018

Adeagbo in seventh heaven after Winter Olympics feat

I

n an unprecedented application of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules, a three point deduction has been imposed on Sunshine Stars by the League Management Company (LMC).

In a Summary Jurisdiction notice issued the club Friday night, the LMC reviewed a series of past breaches of the rule by the club dating back to the 2014/2015 season for which varying sanctions, including monetary fines, playing without fans, ban of use of home ground and an order to identify for prosecution, supporters cited for acts of breach of security and or interference with match officials.

“These repeated breaches constitute aggravated circumstances which are considered with a view towards imposing more severe sanctions. It is noted that despite the imposition of a range of corrective sanctions including fines, ‘closed door’ orders and stadium bans, Sunshine Stars has failed to curb these acts of disturbances and contempt for match officials which are capable of bringing the league to disrepute,” stated the notice to the club signed by Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer.

A further order to pay N1million to the LMC and N500,000 to the injured match official in addition to a further order to deduct additional three points from the club’s total for the season in case of a recurrence, was also imposed on the club. Sunshine Stars were given 48 hours to in writing, submit to the decision or enter an appeal which if it loses will attract further sanctions.

In a related development, the LMC requested the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to withdraw three match officials from further consideration for future NPFL matches for conducts capable of bringing the league to disrepute. They are the center referee, David Akure and assistant referees, Apine Emmanuel, and Lewis Gwantana

N

LMC hammer falls on Sunshine Stars The LMC noted that while the referees posed and widely circulated photographs showing the injury to one of the assistant referees, the incident was not adequately captured in the official match report submitted which was also submitted late.

And in other decisions, for engaging in physical confrontation after Matchday 8 in Ilorin, Coach of Kwara United, Maji Mohammed and Team Manager of Katsina United Ganiyu Adeleke have been charged for

breach of code of conduct for club officials.

Consequently, Maji Mohammed and Ganiyu Adeleke have been suspended from further participation and access to venues of all NPFL activities for the next ten matches.

Reprieve however came for some players and officials of FC Ifeanyiubah who were last season banned for one year for violent conduct at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja at the end of the 2016/17 Matchday

36 fixture.

The LMC notified the club that the ban has been lifted on condition of good behaviour until the end of the season. The club officers are Chidi Nwogu (Secretary) and Obi Adirika (Kits Manager). The players are Isaac Loute, Wilson Elu, Godfrey Uchenna Jnr, and Michael Egbeta.

Others are Kone Soumaila, Ngoma Luamba, Stephen Eze, Adeleye Olamilekan and Nkrumah Douglas.

Wikki Tourists in Owerri for sightseeing – Ubido

H

Julius Ubido

the Harmony Boys in the 64th and 86th minute and Michael Ohanu added the third goal in the 90th minute to end the clash on even scores. Rivers United enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 win against visiting side, Niger Tornadoes at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.

eartland captain and defensive midfielder, Julius Ubido has said his side will turn back empty-handed visiting side, Wikki Tourists.

The Naze Millionaires are hosts of the Bauchi Elephants in Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 9 clash at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

The top-flights come into the Sunday’s clash with contrasting fortunes from their immediate past matches. The Owerri side were beaten 0-2 at neighbours, FC IfeanyiUbah in the oriental derby in Nnewi while

the Bauchi landlords piped Lobi Stars 1-0 at their adopted home in Jos. Though the former Lobi Stars utility player is suspended for the Sunday’s clash due to accumulated cards he said he has given his teammates the marching order to beat the visitors hands down for him.

“Wikki Tourists are actually in Owerri for tourism just to admire the beauty of the city as they will be turned back empty-handed.

“We have broken the bad luck that saw us producing poor results on our home ground and the jinx is broken forever.

“No team will get a point from us any-

more on our home ground, the ground is now a fortress against visiting teams.

“Wikki Tourists should now make up their minds to look for away points elsewhere not in Owerri.

“We know they will come out strongly to chance eking a point but we will not afford them the luxury.

“We played two straight away matches at Niger Tornadoes and FC IfeanyiUbah and got three points which is not a bad result.

“Three points is not negotiable against visiting side, Wikki Tourists as we need the points to further shore up our position on

igeria’s skeleton athlete, Simidele Adeagbo, reached seventh heaven, in Pyeongchang, South Korea, after achieving her feat as first black and African woman to compete at the Winter Olympic Games. Adeagbo was one of the fans favourite at the Sliding Venue and relished the support after her first run on the final day which earned her a personal best of 53:73 seconds. “I had a personal best. I might have come in last, but I think I have made such a big step for the sport, for my country, for Africa, for the global sports movement, that I’m just beaming. My heart is full.

“I felt the support from the top to the bottom. When I was sliding, I heard people cheering me along the way. I feel so blessed to have the support from everybody around the world,” she stated.

Adeagbo’s time of 3:36:78, after four heats, put her in 20th position, 2.82 seconds behind her closest rival, and 9.50 seconds behind the gold medal position.

However, she posted some of the best start time in the four heats and her 5:06 seconds in the first heat was the third best start-time overall. The history making Nigerian, who had only four months experience in the sport hopes that her journey has inspired other young Nigerians to aim for and achieve greatness.

“I was inspired by our bobsled team and that’s what got me going on this journey.

It is about inspiring other people, not only in Nigeria but in Africa and around the world and I hope that people look at me and think of greatness and know they can start from somewhere and progress to wherever they want to go,” she said.

Interestingly, the significance of Simidele’s achievement was made even more evident when IOC President, Thomas Bach, congratulated her after the final run.

the league log.

“I feel sad over my unavailability for the clash I know there is reason for everything that happens.

“I wanted to take part in the game to oversee the defeat of Wikki Tourists.

“However, I have charged my teammates to rise to the occasion to defeat Wikki Tourists for my sake.

“I believe strongly that we will claim the whole three points at stake in the encounter,” said Ubido to frontpixs.com.

The Owerri outfit are 13th on the 20team top-flight log on 10 points six behind league leaders, Akwa United.

25

Monday, February 19, 2018

EXTRATIME

Goffin suffers painful exit in Rotterdam

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elgium’s David Goffin was forced to retire from his semi-final against Grigor Dimitrov at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam on Saturday after suffering a freak eye injury.

The 27-year-old was trailing 6-3 0-1 when he framed an attempted volley directly into his left eye and was unable to continue. It was not clear how serious the injury was.

Goffin also suffered a bizarre accident at last year’s French Open when he tripped over a tarpaulin cover and injured his right ankle, forcing him to quit.

World number five Dimitrov will face either new world number one Roger Federer or Italy’s Andreas Seppi in the final.

George Groves defeats Chris Eubank Jnr in a bloody battle

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hris Eubank Jnr fought with all the heroism which distinguished his father and made a helluva fight of it at the end but only in mythology does David slay Goliath.

George Groves was not only the bigger but the truth which Junior and Senior will find harder to swallow than the blood running down the son’s face is that he was also the better.

Eubank Jnr. becomes World Boxing super star A lthough Sebastian Eubank Jnr., lost Saturdays match to his opponent.

George Groves injuries sustained by the George may not allow him fight the next fight thereby risen hope of Sebastian to fight in his place.

There was early Eubank success at the Manchester Arena on Saturday as Sebastian — the younger brother of Chris Jnr — won his professional debut on a undercard packed with British interest.

The 26-year-old is the fourth member of the famous fighting family to enter the paid ranks - following Junior, cousin Harlem and half-brother Nathanael Wilson through the ropes.

It was far from the perfect start for the self-confessed ‘black sheep of the family,’ however. As well as missing out the expo-

sure of a live TV audience, the 26-year-old was stranded outside the arena — struggling to get through security — just 20 minutes before the first bell was due to ring.

When he did eventually make his way under the bright lights, Eubank secured a four-round points win over Poland’s Kamil Kulczyk.

There were no such troubles for Tommy Langford, however, as he successfully defended his British middleweight belt with a points victory over Jack Arnfield in the first title fight of the evening.

After an even start, the West Brom fan began to land heavy shots to head and body as the challenger marched in gamely.

Anfield rallied late on and his jab found the target throughout, but he was beaten on all

three cards as Langford extended his professional record to 20-1.

In the chief support, despite the support of former world heavyweight champion and fellow traveller Tyson Fury, Isaac Lowe failed to wrestle the British featherweight title from Ryan Walsh – who kept hold of his belt courtesy of split decision draw.

Lowe, now unbeaten in 17 professional contests, began the brighter, moving well and making the champion miss.

But Walsh, who had traded boxing boots for trainers, began to find his feet and a home for his shots. His left hook, in particular, was punishing the challenger when he dropped his right hand.

By the second half of the contest Lowe, who had looked so elusive early on, had become embroiled in a gruelling scrap. The

24-year-old was still boxing on the back foot, but increasingly Walsh was able to force him into retreat and on to the ropes.

In the penultimate session, the champion was cut above his left eye. Undeterred, the 31-year-old continued to march forward as both fighters tried - unsuccessfully - to nick the win.

Earlier, Zach Parker, who was only a phone call away from the biggest fight of his career after being named reserve fighter for the main event, took just over five minutes to enhance his burgeoning reputation. The 23-year-old stretched his perfect record to 15-0 with a vicious second-round stoppage of Spain’s Adasat Rodriguez, flooring his opponent twice with a nasty barrage of shots before it was waved off.

Bruyne, Salah Mourinho greatest error

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Kevin De Bruyne

ou can only wonder whether, when alone with his thoughts at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester, Jose Mourinho thinks about his greatest mistakes in football.

Among them might be that, on his watch as Chelsea boss, Kevin De Bruyne was allowed to leave for Wolfsburg in 2014 and Mohamed Salah for Roma in 2015.

Chelsea got a combined £34million for those sales (£18m for De Bruyne and £16m for Salah) as both were deemed outcasts. Now, they are in a shoot-out to be named Player of the Year.

De Bruyne has been the conductor of the Manchester City orchestra that is blowing everyone away, both in England and in Europe following their 4-0 win in Basle.

Salah’s Liverpool won 5-0 away at Porto in the Champions League with the Egyptian scoring the goal of the

evening, as he juggled the ball over a helpless Jose Sa. Both have been worthy of celebrat-

Mo Salah

ing but only one can take the trophy for the season’s best player home. Here, we look at who will put that piece of silverware on their mantlepiece and why.

While Salah has managed half as many assists as De Bruyne, the 25-year-old has scored more than three times as many as his Manchester counterpart. All in his debut season at Anfield too.

That is the impact his return to England has had. In fact, nine Premier League teams have scored less league goals than Salah has been involved in (29, scoring 22 and assisting seven).

Liverpool lost Philippe Coutinho in January – a move which always appeared inevitable after his head was turned by Barcelona. Salah is their new superstar. The goals he has scored this campaign have contributed 13 points to Liverpool, with his two against Tottenham a fortnight ago turning a 2-0 loss into a 2-2 draw.

It is fair to imagine whether Jose Mourinho rues letting Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah go

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email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08038099089 Editor Daily: TONY AMOKEODO

Monday, February 19, 2018

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The Anambra Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Obiano promises more AT2 projects in his second term

Ojoto Igweship tussle: Call panel to order, Okafor urges ANSG AT3 7000 Unizik students undergo training in entrepreneurship ÏÏÏNnamdi

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (third right); Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige (second right); former Governor Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (first right); Catholic Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, Most Rev (Dr.) Valerian Okeke (fourth right) and others, after the commendation service of the former Vice President, Late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka ..,recently

Newly recruited teachers to be subjected to rigorous training -Obiano Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra State Governor,

Anambra

T E A M

Chief Willie Obiano, has disclosed that newly recruited teachers in the state would be subjected to rigorous training to expose them to the modern style of teaching, in line with global standard.

This is just as the state government has commenced recruitment exercise of 1000 teachers to boost the capacity strength of teachers in various fields of learning.

The recruitment process will have 500 teachers in the secondary and 500 in primary schools.

Governor Obiano stated

this during the commissioning of the new Administrative Building of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Onitsha Zonal Office of the Ministry of Education, Onitsha.

The building was built by the Senior Secondary School Parents -Teacher -Association, Onitsha Zone.

Obiano revealed that his administration had commenced perimeter fencing of various technical schools in the state, saying the premise of the Onitsha Zonal Office would also benefit from the fencing in accordance with United Nations directive.

Other amenities Obiano

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Ndu

promised to provide were immediate re-roofing of the old buildings in the office, high powered generator set, landscaping, and provision of borehole and reticulation of borehole, among others.

“My administration will continue to invest in education as one of the driving force that will reposition the future of the youths.

“We will not relent in providing for the welfare of teachers in addition to improving standard of learning,” Obiano reassurred.

He however commended the selfless efforts of the parents to support government in education, urged the parents in other zones to borrow a leaf.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha, noted that the support from the parents was due to the

physical attraction of the present administration in Education, said Obiano had recorded tremendously and would always have his name on gold.

The Chairman, PPSSC, Lady Joy Ulasi, explained that one of the dreams of Obiano administration was to promote effective learning in schools through quality assurance indices and maintenance of discipline among staff and students.

The Zonal Director of Education, Onitsha Zone, Barrister Ugo Eze, and the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Francis Udeoba, noted that Anambra State had stood high on education, which according to them would transform the psych of the future generations to believe in themselves for positive results.

Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State has trained over Seven Thousand fresh (7000) fresh students in Leadership and Entrepreneurship.

In an interview to x-ray the week long Orientation course that culminated in matriculation, the Dean Students Affairs, Professor Stanley Udedi, said the students were addressed by some captains of industries, politicians and Director, Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies, Professor Ngozi Anyikwa.

He said the event which took place at the Basil Oli Hostel, was titled: Leadership and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Education, adding that the new students were exposed to diverse topics, ranging from acquiring entrepreneurial skills while in school, and encouraged the freshmen to take advantage of Chike Okoli Centre’s capacity as a foremost skill acquisition centre to build themselves as creators of labour.

The students, according to Professor Udedi, were warned not to tow lazy path considering the high unemployment situation in the country, even as he thanked the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of the event, Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku (FAS); the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Professor Charles Esimone, for their support to make the event a worthwhile.

The Dean, Students Affairs of the institution, said highlighted some of the measures he is putting up to ensure that students remain the primary focus of the university, which one such measures being the inauguration of a Student Education Endowment Fund to help indigent students that can’t afford their tuition or living expenses, with the hope they pay back when they graduate and are gainfully employed.

He inaugurated a committee that would look into how such funds will be sourced and administered in a sustainable way.

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Nnewi farmer, Umeononaku harvests 60kg yam tubber ÏÏÏThe

Cross section of professors during the commissioning and dedication of Life International Hospital and 41st inaugural lecture of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, entitled ‘EndoEYE View of the Woman’ delivered by Prof. Ikechebelu at the University’s auditorium...recently

Obiano promises more projects in his second term Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra

State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, says he will effectively utilise the second term offered him by the citizens to pursue policies that will improve their living conditions.

Governor Obiano stated this while addressing the congregation at the Cathedral Church of Saint John Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area recently.

He appreciated the people for the confidence they reposed in him, which he said manifested in their overwhelming support during last year’s gubernatorial election in the state.

The Governor charged the clergy to take advice from their superiors seriously to help them build their faith in working for God. Governor Obiano applauded the church for its support to his administration and expressed gratitude to Archbishop Christian Efobi for his exploits in the vineyard for close to three decades.

Earlier in a sermon, the retiring Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Most Reverend Christian Efobi, described infighting among priests as a major

cause of division in the church.

Most Reverend Efobi advised the clergy to embrace love to help in building bridges of unity, understanding and progress in the church.

He reiterated the need for priests to stand on the pillar of truth, while charging them to tolerate and forgive each other.

He expressed happiness to those that supported the growth of the ministry.

Clerics charged to be committed to word of God Ministers in the Lord’s vineyard have been charged to remain obedient and committed to the word and teachings of Jesus Christ, even in the face of tribulations.

Archbishop (Dr.) Moses Chinedu Ezeh of the Flood Plain of Jordan Church, Amawbia, gave the charge during the Harvest, Thanksgiving and Ordination of five deacons and deaconesses called to minister in the Lord’s vineyard.

He charged the newly ordained pastors to always preach the word of God in and out of season, reminding them that temptations always confront ministers in the vineyard of God, noting that with faith they

shall overcome the devil.

Archbishop Ezeh enjoined them to always stand by the truth and not to go after earthly wealth which he said is transient.

He noted that problem of our society today is lack of knowledge of the Will of God, resulting in societal ills, such as adultery, hatred, gossip and all forms of criminality.

The Archbishop stated that ministers of the word have great roles to transform the society through unadulterated preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which according to him, is the salvation of man.

He also urged political leaders to shun greed and pursue such leadership virtues that entrench love, peace and stability among their subjects.

“Our society would be liberated from sin if the church leaders and the followers imbibe the good news which are enshrined in the Bible.

God is ever willing to forgive us and heal our land,” the Archbishop added.

Those ordained pastors were prophetess Mrs. Blessing Ajekwe, Uzoamaka Joy Ejidike, Evan Uchenna Nwokoye, Evan Nwachiakwa Uba and Chioma.

Clerics charged to be committed to word of God

ÏÏÏMinisters in the Lord’s vine-

yard have been charged to remain obedient and committed to the word and teachings of Jesus Christ, even in the face of tribulations.

Archbishop (Dr.) Moses Chinedu Ezeh of the Flood Plain of Jordan Church, Amawbia, gave the charge during the Harvest, Thanksgiving and Ordination of five deacons and deaconesses called to minister in the Lord’s vineyard.

He charged the newly ordained pastors to always preach the word of God in and out of season, reminding them that temptations always confront

ministers in the vineyard of God, noting that with faith they shall overcome the devil.

Archbishop Ezeh enjoined them to always stand by the truth and not to go after earthly wealth which he said is transient.

He noted that problem of our society today is lack of knowledge of the Will of God, resulting in societal ills, such as adultery, hatred, gossip and all forms of criminality.

The Archbishop stated that ministers of the word have great roles to transform the society through unadulterated preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ,

which according to him, is the salvation of man.

He also urged political leaders to shun greed and pursue such leadership virtues that entrench love, peace and stability among their subjects.

“Our society would be liberated from sin if the church leaders and the followers imbibe the good news which are enshrined in the Bible. God is ever willing to forgive us and heal our land,” the Archbishop added.

Those ordained pastors were prophetess Mrs. Blessing Ajekwe, Uzoamaka Joy Ejidike, Evan Uchenna Nwokoye, Evan Nwachiakwa Uba and Chioma.

efforts of the Obiano administration in the area of agriculture has continued to yield multiple dividends, as an Nnewi based farmer, Mr. Basil Umeononaku, has harvested a six-finger elephant yam tuber weighing sixty kilogrammes.

The 60kg height of yam tuber was formally presented to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanisation, Processing and Export, Mr. Afam Mbanefo, in his office at Awka recently.

The Commissioner, while appreciating the dexterity of the farmer, revealed that Governor Willie Obiano during one of his visits to Nnewi provided funds to the farmer for agricultural practices, adding that government would encourage him the more, this time around.

According to Commissioner Mbanefo, the target is to have him cultivate between three and five hundred tubers of that yam specie next planting season.

He called on other farmers in the state to take a cue from Mr. Umeononaku, adding that he had done the state proud.

Earlier in his speech, the farmer, Mr. Umeononaku from Umudim Nnewi extolled Anambra State government for their support and encouragement, explaining that the feat was made possible by the financial assistance of the state government.

Mr. Umeononaku, who said that the sixty kilogrammes weight of yam tuber was produced after seven months of hard-work, promised to increase the produce if given enough land for planting.

The President General of Nzukora Nnewi, Sir Ugo Udemezue, commended the state government for their genuine investments in agriculture, thanking the Commissioner for his outstanding performance.

Among those that were present include the Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Engineer Mike Ogbuekwe, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Comrade Leo Imoka, the Public Relation Officer, Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Mike Affa and the Personal Assistant to the Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Seth Ebere among others.

NGO distributes drugs, food items to widows, others in Achi community ÏÏÏTarget Health, Education and Economic Empowerment (THEEE) Initiative, a non -governmental organisation founded by Lady U & Victor Obi Anadiume has again distributed free drugs, wrappers, tomatoes and rice as well as supplements to widows, widowers, orphans and indigents as well as less privileged and physically challenged persons from four autonomous communities particularly Umungbu and Gbalagu families of Enugu Akwu Achi, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.

In her address at the occasion recently, the Chairperson of THEEE Initiative Management Committee, Mrs, Ifeoma Anyalebechi, said the scheme too takes care of orphans, indigent brilliant students who are being sponsored to various levels of education.

She said that THEEE Initiative has economically empowered Churches, sports sponsorship via international footballers, Schools, Hospitals, Musicians and Security Organisations to mention but a few, adding that the youths and women of Enugu Akwu communities were also empowered economically empowered with over Fifty million (N50 million) interest free revolving loan.

According to Anyalebechi, the NGO has partnered NHIS to cater for the health of Achi people through Izundu Medical service Oji River and will soon mobilise football competition at grassroot for inter village matches.

She said a family was recently sponsored to India to treat their baby with medical challenges successfully, while complimentary feeding cereals and infant milk of high quality and right nutrient composition was shared to mothers in

Enugu Akwu to support their undernourished babies.

Mrs. Anyalebechi said the gesture from THEEE Initiative founders, Omeluora 1 of Achi, Mr. Victor and Lady U Obi Anadiume, has been on in the past ten years and its cost implication is in several millions of naira and that over 6,000 persons have benefited in the last 10 years.

She said the Management committee is proud of the founders of THEEE Initiative and share in the great legacy of Christian morals and ideals set by them.

Some of the beneficiaries who benefitted from the THEEE Initiative founders, Mr. Victor and Lady U Obi Anadiume yearly largess including Mrs. Patience Iloh, Mrs. Josephine Ezeaputa, Susanna Akasibe, widows, and Mr. Moses Nnebe, a widower, prayed God to preserve the initiators of THEEE Initiative as they have touched their lives positively. They also asked God to grant the Obi Anadiume’s health and life as they have continued to invest in the lives of the Achi citizens and residents especially the widows and widowers.

Some other members of the THEEE Initiative Management Committee, Chief Dennis Okwute, Engr. Darlington Anyalebechi and Mr. Tony Ngwu were grateful to Mr. Victor Obi Anadiume and wife, Lady U, for sustaining their philanthropy in Achi in the last 10 years championing rural development, pipe-borne water, health care and food apostolate.

As well, a team of blind beneficiaries led by Mr. Emmanuel Uchendu, a.k.a Omekaozodi, were excited they were remembered to partake in the largess and prayed for God’s mercies upon the Anadiume’s.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

The Anambra Times 3

Anambra entrepreneurial training Ojoto Igweship tussle: Call panel to order, Okafor urges ANSG institute to commence soon -ASBA boss ÏÏÏThe Igweship tussle in Ojoto,

Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has continued to take another dimension as one of the candidates, Chief Dennis Okafor has called on Governor Willie Obiano to disband the panel set up to look into the matter.

Okafor, who was duly selected, ratified and installed as Igwe-elect of Ojoto, expressed dissatisfaction over irregularities perpetuated by the panel.

The Ojoto Igweship Crisis Panel of Enquiry was set up by Governor Willie Obiano to look into the crisis in Igweship matter in Ojoto traditional institution.

The terms of reference for the Panel of Enquiry mandates them to examine the immediate and remote causes of the crises surrounding the Igweship tussle in the town with a view to recommending a solution and to handle any other matters relevant to lasting peace in the community.

It was gathered that Umuofor kindred of the Enugo Ojoto village had successfully selected Okafor and presented him to the Ojoto Akanasato community as Igwe elect.

After the selection, ratification and installation, Ojoto Akanasato Union under the leadership of its President-General, Engr. (Dr.) Edwin Umeghalu, had in a letter dated 13th of May, 2017, written the Igweelect, Chief Okafor, confirming him as the Eze of Ojoto.

This confirmation and ratification made him the Igwe/Eze-elect of Ojoto in accordance with Anambra State traditional Rulers Law 2007 as ammended, the constitution, norms, custom, culture and tradition of Ojoto.

According to the constitution of the Ojoto Akanasato Union, 28 days after the demise of an Igwe, the Town Union is to commence the process for the selection of his suc-

cessor, which must be completed on or before the last Ofala of the departed Igwe.

The selection is to be done at the kindred level after which the Igweship candidate who emerged will be presented to the Town Union which will in turn write the Local and State Government Authorities informing them of the selection for further actions.

Article 26, Section One (1, 2 and 3) of the same constitution, clearly posits that the Igweship shall be rotated between the Two sections of the Community, in order of seniority of 8 principal villages.

The Two sections of the community are Okpuno with four villages namely Ezieke, Ojor, Ire and Umuuchem as well as Obiofia whose villages include Enugo, Ndiabo, Umuezema and Ezema.

The immediate past traditional ruler of the Community, Igwe Augustine Obidigwe, who passed on May 2016, was from Umuonyia, the most senior kindred in Ezieke village which is under the Okpuno section.

It is in keeping with these processes that Chief Dennis Adindu Okafor of Umuofor kindred in Enugo section was selected and was last year presented to the Town Union and subsequently installed as Ezego of Ojoto by the Okpalas led by most senior Impala in Ojoto alive (Ojomo) of Ojor, Chief Godwin Efoagui.

The matter got worst few days ago at the Government House, Awka, when the panel, instead of looking into the issue in dispute, chose to start screening of candidates afresh thereby technically supervising the selection of the traditional ruler for the town. This is utravires because government does not carry out selection for the community, rather recognise Igwe presenedt to her by community through issuance of certificate of recognition by the governor.

Anambra Speaker reassures CSOs on LG autonomy ÏÏÏThe Speaker, Anambra State

House of Assembly, Mrs. Rita Maduagwu, says Anambra State Government is willing to implement the Local Government Autonomy in the state.

The speaker, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Sir Hartford Oseke, said this in Awka while addressing a coalition civil society groups at the assembly ground. ``The issue of local government autonomy is not peculiar to Anambra State; it takes the decision of the majority in the House for a bill to be passed. ``The issue will feature in the next public hearing in less than a month, but it is not a decision to be taken by the Speaker alone,” the Speaker said.

The Anambra State President,

Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Mr. Jerry Nnubia, said that their visit was the second on the issue of LG autonomy in Anambra State. ``We have returned again to register our displeasure at delays and failure to pass the bill establishing LG autonomy in the state. ``The House will write their name ``on sands of time’’ by passing the bill of the LG autonomy into law,’’ Nnubia said.

The Spokesman of the Community Empowerment Network (COMEN), Mr Eloka Okafor, enjoined the assembly to expedite action on the bill. ``The House should swiftly pass the bill into law because there is no need for wide consultation, public hearings, and the likes on the matter,’’ Okafor said.

Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏThe Managing Director, Anam-

bra State Small Business Agency (ASBA), Hon. Clement Chukwuka, says the proposed State Entrepreneurial Training institute, Awka, will soon take off based on public private partnership arrangement.

He disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Awka at the weekend, adding that the training institute will be located within the premises of the Agency on the Onisha-Enugu expressway.

The idea was conceived in 2016 by the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano and is to partner with various Technical and Agricultural Universities in the World.

Aside this, the college will also partner the Nnamdi Azikiwe University entrepreneurial Studies Awka0and Innoson Technical College Nnewi among other technical studies centres in Nigeria, that would afford the students quality

teaching on Entrepreneurial training and acquisitions, thereby adding value to their certificates at the end of their courses at the institution.

Chukwuka said the establishment of this idea was borne out of a vision to primarily impact and empower the teeming youths, the younger generation, who constitutes the greater percentage of Nigeria’s population on one hand and others who desire buying and selling training to equip them to be responsible citizens of our great nation, Nigeria.

He said the institution will offer a structured approach to providing youths with market-relevant skills and a reliable pathway to economic empowerment that prevents a descent from negative and destructive behaviour often associated with unemployment.

To achieve the objective, Chukwuka maintained that the Agency is committed to a policy of providing the best trading education and training for the greatest number, and

thorough training of each individual in the shortest time possible in accordance with internationally acknowledged and accepted best practices in every area of its operation.

The goal of the training institution is to give equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operation.

To this effect, the institution shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status or handicap, he noted.

According to the ASBA boss, the scheme shall focus on training beneficiaries for professionalism in Small and Medium Businesses through performance, adding that the administration of the institution will concern itself with every aspect of trading excellence and within a lively, lovely, supportive and conducive environment.

The Agency, he added, is poised to operate a school system whereby the major academic units will be independent to carry out its activities under a central administration of Anambra State Government.

Former Secretary General, Commonwealth, and Chairman, Anambra Elder’s Council, Chief Emeka Anyaoku (second left); former Governor Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife (left); Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke (third right), and the SSG, Anambra State, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu (right), during the meeting of Anambra Elder’s Council at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia..recently

Anambra East communities picked ODF status ÏÏÏCommunities

in Anambra East Local Government Area have been urged to contribute to the present drive to achieve open defecation-free status.

Spaeaking at a ceremony to mark the “World Toilet day” organised by UNICEF and the European Union in the Council Area, the UNICEF WASH Consultant, Anambra East Local Government Area, Mrs. Amina Ominyi, explained the serious health implications of open defecation to the people.

Mrs. Ominyi explained that there was on-going water safety plan to teach people how to purify their water, adding that Anambra State has projected the country to the world by being the only state that has com-

menced the implementation of the water safety plan successfully.

Also speaking, the WASH Coordinator for the Council Area, Mrs. Helen Offor, explained how a household could build an affordable modern toilet facility and enjoined communities in the Area to contact WASH UNIT of the local government Council for repair of faulty boreholes by experts while urging them to provide adequate security to guard their water facilities against vandalism.

Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman for the Council, Honourable Pius Ifeadi, had expressed optimism that the area would achieve open defecation-free status before the end

of this year.

Honourable Ifeadi identified lack of access to clean water, poor sanitatary practices and diseases associated with them as part of the major causes of illness and deaths of millions of children across the world, and called on Environmental Health Officers to complement efforts of EU and UNICEF WASH UNIT of the Council Area in the house to house inspection, urging all stakeholders to join the campaign against open defecation.

Demonstration of handwashing after using the toilet and a practical lesson on how to build an affordable toilet facility within a household formed the highlights of the event.

The Anambra Times 4 Catholic Bishop, NGO donate food items, others to Oji River Leprosy settlement ÏÏÏThe Catholic bishop of

Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor in conjunction with a German based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Beginn e.V. have paid a humanitarian visit to the Oji River Leprosy Centre Enugu State.

The bishop during the visit with the support of the Beginn e.V. Group, donated different gift items to the settlement, including 15 crutches, 11 mattresses and mats, bags of rice, 60 tubers of yam, and cartons of noodles, among others.

He said the gesture was part of the activities marking the World Leprosy Day. “Today is the first time I am visiting on a Sunday, which coincided with World Leprosy Day. “I am happy at what I am seeing today. I also appreciate other organisations and kind individuals for their support to the centre.’

The prelate, however, decried the level of stigmatisation being meted out on the inmates by members of the public, even when they have been certified leprosy - free medically.

Bishop Ezeokafor regretted that the appeal he made to the Enugu State Government to evacuate them from the centre in order to reintegrate them into the larger society was yet to receive attention.

“It is better to reintegrate them into the larger society than to allow them take to begging .It is one thing to encourage them to go back home, it is yet another to provide them

with useful skills in order to make them useful and productive to the society,”’ he added.

Bishop Ezeokafor expressed gratitude to Beginn e. V. for their support over the years to the diocese, noting that the NGO started rendering assistance to the Diocese since 2006.

He said the entrance of Beginn e.V, helped in no small measures in increasing the items and other relief materials they presented to the centre.

“Beginn e.V, started in my hometown Nanka. Beginne e.V means: Building, Development, Health, and Education in Nanka Nigeria. It is a German word.

“I got to know them through, Rev. Fr. Dr. Martins Ibeh. Beginne e. V, has done so much for us. Nanka alone benefitted over 60% of the 163 scholarship they offered to the young people.

“They demolished the old structure at St. Anthony’s Nursery & Primary, Nanka and built a modern two storey building for the pupils.

They bought Spacious for the pupils too.

“In this Oji leprosy settlement, they have invested so much. They have been facilitating my visit here.

They have supplied all kinds of drugs to the centre.

“They have rendered assistance in the areas of health and education in the centre. I can’t thank them enough. We are grateful to them. Oji River Leprosy Centre is under my Diocese. I will not abandon them,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

ANSG recruits more Health personnel to boost Healthcare delivery Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏThe State Government says

it has commenced recruitment of more health personnel into all the Primary Health Centres in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike disclosed this while defending the 2018 budget proposal of the Ministry before the House Committees on Health, Finance and Appropriation.

Dr. Akabuike explained that the 361 primary health centres in the state will also be equipped with enough facilities immediately the proposed budget of the ministry is approved by the House.

He noted that this will bring health services closer to the door

steps of the people.

Dr Akabuike told the committee that the Ministry is determined to give the citizens access to quality health care through the implementation of the Anambra State Health Insurance scheme,which requires beneficiaries to pay twelve thousand naira into the state coffers and enjoy accessible, affordable and quality health care for one year.He maintained that only hospitals that are qualified will be selected for the programme and commended House Committee on Health for partnering with the Ministry to realize its vision last year.

In his speech, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Dr. Nnamdi Okafor commended Governor Willie Obiano for increasing the budgetary allocation of the Ministry from two

point eight billion to seven point eight billion, stressing that it has improved the services rendered to patients at the state Teaching Hospital and Primary Health Centres across the state.

Dr. Okafor charged the Ministry to surpass their achievements last year to further improve clinical services rendered to patients in the state Teaching Hospitals and Primary Health Centres. The Committee equally commended the Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Dr. Basil Nwankwo, for performing creditably within six months in office and assured of all necessary support to transform the Hospital to World class health facility that will meet the health needs of the people and discourage medical tourism abroad.

Onitsha Chamber boss urges ANSG to address multiple levies ÏÏÏThe

President of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mine and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), Mr. Donatus Ebubeogu, has called on the Anambra State Government to address the negative issue of multiple taxation and levies in the state.

Ebubeogu, who made the call during an interaction with newsmen in Onitsha, the Anambra commercial nerve centre recently, lamented that doing business in Anambra State is becoming increasingly difficult due to the activities of hoodlums who extort money from businessmen from the point of sale and purchase till you exit Onitsha.

He said in Lagos one can move his/her goods from Idumota to Agege or Ikeja to Lagos Island, Alaba to Surlere without anybody molesting you, but in Onitsha, it is difficult to move goods in a Datsun Truck or motorbike from Main Market to Upper Iweka, or Ochanja to others due to the activities of hoodlums.

The Onitsha Chamber boss said it is pathetic that Government failed to address this problem as the officials even deny their existence.

“But I tell them that Government cannot be helpless. We must hold Government accountable here. If Government is helpless, traders in Onitsha know how to address their problem after 10 years either

as Boys Oye or Bakassi boys. They will engage in self-help. These boys are graduating from collecting these illegal levies to snatching of bags to full time criminals,” said Ebubeogu.

He accused politicians who recruit these boys of being behind these illegal multiple levies because they create unwarranted revenue windows for themselves to extort money from people in the state.

He called for the rebranding of Onitsha as a city and the people in it by changing their value system, lamenting that Anmabra State and indeed the entre South East has the lowest moral in the country today.

He said they can even sanitise the state and indeed the entire zone and that is why he made the clarion call to the media to partner with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce addresses the issue.

He also called on the Anambra State Government to do something urgent by setting up a taskforce that will immediately start arresting these hoodlums or empower traders to arrest them.

Ebubeogu was optimistic that if Lagos can address this problem, Anambra State and indeed all the states in the South East can equally do it, urging them to immediately domesticate the ease of doing business which was launched by the Federal Government last year.

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (6th right); Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev (Dr.) Paulinus Ezeokafor (5th right);Senator Victor Umeh (2nd right) and other Service Chiefs during the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, at St Patricks Cathedral, Awka...recently

Umuizogu Ifite-Nibo sends SOS to ANSG over collapsed bridge ÏÏÏUmuizogu village, Ifite-Ni-

bo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State is now cut-off from the rest of the community as the only bridge that connects them to the nearest village, Umuamam, was destroyed by flood last rainy season.

Our correspondent, who visited the area, reports that as the new rainy and farming season quickly draws closer, the hope of the Umuizogu villagers’ to exploit agriculture, the mainstay of their economy, may have been greatly hampered.

The prefabricated bridge

built during the Nigerian civil war by the military with hardwood and steel serving as rails, bore the burdens of motorcyclists, trucks and other heavy duty vehicles which conveyed agricultural produce from the area, now could only carry pedestrians, who also walk in fear of the unknown.

Residents of the community recounted the several mishaps encountered by school children, market women and farmers on the bridge on daily basis.

On his part, a community youth leader, Mr. Prince Onyekwelu called on the State Gov-

ernment to come to their aid as soon as possible to avert the looming challenges being faced by the community.

According to the chairman of Umuizogu Village, Ichie George Nwolisa, the village had engaged in self-help efforts to raise funds to rebuild the bridge without positive results.

The villagers fear that if nothing is done to address this challenge, they will be on the verge of isolation from their brothers in the rest of the Nibo community and may also face food shortage.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

Gov Ambode okays N30.000 monthly stipends for 1,000 interns Page B2

Ogun compensates 232 residents of Igbesa Page B3

NAMA boss extols women engineers Page B6

Gov Dickson’s investment in health’ll turn Bayelsa to medial tourism hub- Obasanjo

L-R; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Director-General, Debt Management Office,Patience Oniha, Ag. Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, 9mobile, Oluseyi Osunsedo and Publisher /CEO BusinessDay, Frank Aigbogun, at the BusinessDay Conference on Nigeria’s Economic Outlook for 2018, which held in Lagos.

$16bn Egina probe:

Senate insists on appearance of foreign firms’ CEOs over $2.9bn contract . Orders foreign MDs to show their stamped travel documents

Olufemi Samuel and Tunde Opalana, Abuja

The Senate Ad -Hoc Committee investigating Total Upstream Nigeria Limited’s $16billion Egina Deep Sea Project for Cost Variation and Local Content Elements has restated its earlier request that managing directors and chief executive officers of foreign companies that participated in the Egina Project must personally appear to give information on their activities in the multi-

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Deputy Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capitak Market Editor Bonny Amadi Money Market Correspondent Motolani Oseni

million dollar contracts they got as part of the Egina project under the consortium of SAIPEM. Restating the order for their appearance in one week time after three previous requests to Mr. Guidio D’ Aloisio , the Managing Director of SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Limited at an investigative hearing over the weekend, Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Lagos West), the chairman of the committee, said that except the companies’ CEOs have something to hide in the transactions they had with Total Upstream Nigeria Limited through the SAIPEM consortium, then they should appear to account for their part of the $2.9bn contracts awarded to the consortium.

According to Chief Kayode Odunaro, Media Officer to Adeola, the committee added that if the situations were reversed with Nigerian companies doing business in Italy, the Italian Parliament will not take

kindly to the non- appearance of the Nigerian firm’s CEOs to assist it in a parliamentary investigation. The foreign companies in the consortium with SAIPEM Contracting Nigeria Ltd are SAIPEM BV, SAIPEM SA and SAIPEM Portugal.

Only the Managing Director of the Allied Dominion Oil and Shipping Services Ltd, the only Nigerian company in the consortium, Mr. Tien George, honoured the committee ‘s invitation along with D’Aloisio.

Adeola said investigations carried by his committee so far showed that some of these companies that got this dollar-denominated multi- million contracts have only three employees, adding that the foreign managing directors should come along with their stamped travelling documents to authenticate the claims they actually came to Nigeria to sign the contracts given to them.

“From revelations so far, it

is like the more you look the less you see in the contracts that mid-wife the almost completed Egina Project.

“But we are optimistic that the investigations will result in refund of millions, if not billions of dollars either to the Nigeria government or Total Upstream Nigeria Limited, which will ultimately reduce the cost of Egina Project and result in advantage to Nigeria in the joint venture business that is to run for 25 years exploiting Nigerian asset”.

The chairman of the committee stated that by the time all the unapproved cost variations by the various sub - contractors in the project are computed with additional sum to be recovered through computation of the differentials in the practice of main contractors getting contracts in mostly dollars and giving out contracts in naira is computed, it will be clear that the Egina project could have cost far less than $16bn.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that the huge investments by Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson at ensuring quality healthcare delivery will soon turn the state into a medical tourism hub in the country.

A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, stated that Obasanjo stated this during a command performance in his honour at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa at the weekend.

Obasanjo also said that he would henceforth visit the state regularly to have his medical check-ups. Obasanjo had during his three-Day visit to Bayelsa commissioned several legacy projects, including the WorldClass Diagnostic Centre, Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre in Yenagoa and the Aquaculture Village in Igbogene He also interacted with students of the flagship free Model Boarding School, Ijaw National Academy, Kaima as well as enrolling in the state Health Insurance Scheme, there by becoming an honorary enrollees of the scheme.

The former President, noted with satisfaction, the level of development that has transformed the state, especially in the area of education, health, infrastructure, tourism among others, stressing that, he would testify what he has seen to the world.

According to him, Governor Dickson’s placement of education at the top of his administration’s agenda, is a means to eradicate poverty, curb insecurity and create jobs for the teeming youths in the state, and called on investors within and outside the country to take advantage of the prevailing security, peace and stability in the state. Obasanjo lauded Governor Dickson for recognising and honouring past and serving leaders of the state for their immense contributions to the development and growth of the state. The former President described Dickson as an emerging statesman and a Transformational leader stressing that anybody who wanted to see transformation should come to Dickson’s Bayelsa.

Obasanjo thanked Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, political and traditional leaders, stakeholders as well women and youths in the state for their support and encouragement which has enabled the succeed so far.

In his remarks, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan congratulatContd. on page B6

Gov Tambuwal commends Jaíz Bank

Matthew Dadiya, Abuja

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has commended Jaiz Bank, saying that the bank has done much to create a unique identity and boost ethical operations in the banking sector in the country.

Tambuwal spoke when the Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Hassan Usman, paid a courtesy visit to him in Sokoto.

A statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said Tambuwal also assured the bank of the state government’s cooperation at all times.

“We will partner with the bank to improve access to loans and other facilities fr our workers and farmers especially,” the statement quoted the Governor as saying.

In his remarks after the meeting, the MD said Jaiz Bank is a strong financial institution and will seek to deepen its presence in Sokoto State.

He said they have products that will enhance the businesses of all its customers, and specifically assured civil servants and farmers of quality products and services that would be beneficial to them and their families.

“Our products and services are suitable for Sokoto. We have wide ranging items which will benefit them. The people here are desirous of ethical banking services which provide for socially responsible investment outlets. Jaiz is the number place for such services,” he added.

L-R: The Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Hassan Usman, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and another official of the bank after their meeting with the Governor in Sokoto.

PZ Cussons’ Chemistry challenge to stimulate competition among Lagos schools Aladesope Aladelokun, Lagos

Nigeria’s number one pure science competition, PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge (PZCCC) competition, has commenced registration for its 5th edition.

The competition, which is an initiative of the PZ Cussons foundation and supported by some of its premium brands; Premier and Nunu Milk, is designed to promote the study of chemistry through open competition amongst public and private secondary schools in Lagos.

Since its inception in 2013, the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge has grown from barely over 800 students enter-

ing the competition to 3000 in 2017, being its most successful edition.

In a statement issued by the company to announcement PZCCC 2018, the Executive Director for Brand Development & Activation, Christos Giouras said that the continuous increase in the number of participants each year was a testament to the fact that the objectives of the competition was being achieved.

“Our main objective with the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge is to stimulate and inspire the learning of Chemistry among students and raise their IQ, while demonstrating the relevance of chemistry in our society.

“To see how the competition has grown over the years is very inspiring, and we are indeed pleased to be kicking off the 5th season. As part of our growth process we have increased the stakes this year, the overall winner will receive a prize money of N1m amongst other prizes for the schools, the teachers aren’t left out as well” he said.

The competition is divided into four stages and is quite tasking, as it has been designed to challenge the IQ of contestants; the general tests, practical tests and then the live quiz, only successful contestants from each of the stages progress and eventually the best six will battle it out at the

final to produce the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge Champion for 2018.

According to PZ Cussons, the overall top three winners will receive “a trophy, a medal and N1, 000,000, N750, 000, and N500, 000 respectively. Additional prizes also include laboratory equipments for the schools and teachers who came out tops in the Teacher’s Aptitude Test segment.

Schools in Lagos are advised to take advantage of this platform to also encourage the study of science, particularly Chemistry thereby inspiring the junior ones to pick interest in the study of Chemistry across all secondary schools.

Gov Ambode okays N30.000 monthly stipends for 1,000 interns Ben Omoike,Lagos

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the payment of N30,000 as monthly stipends to Ready.Set.Work (RSW) interns who have been placed in various organisations for sixmonth paid internships.

Ambode also approved N8million in seed funding for the top five winners of the RSW Business Pitch Competition, whose businesses will be placed in incubation, while the beneficiaries will commence their internships and incubation, respectively, on March 1st, 2018.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh, stated this in a statement made available on Sunday.

He added that the interns were part of the 2,000 final year students from six tertiary institutions in the State who took part in the 2017 edition of the 13-week intensive Entrepreneurship and Employability training programme.

He said that the Ready.Set. Work programme, which held its pilot in 2016 with 500 final year students from three tertiary institutions in Lagos State, was scaled up in 2017 to 12,000 Students from six institutions including Lagos State University, University of Lagos, Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos State College of Health Technology, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education.

“In 2016, we placed 76 stu-

dents in internships with partner organizations like PwC, SystemSpecs, Total, GTBank, FCMB and Access Bank, to mention a few, who provided 6-month paid internship opportunities for RSW graduates. His Excellency, the Governor, further expanded the scheme by approving funds to place an additional 100 RSW graduates in internship positions with SMEs across Lagos State, with monthly stipends provided by the government.

“In 2017, we were able to scale up and secure internship slots in about 180 organisations across the State for 1,000 top performing RSW graduates. The placement process involved a series of Internship Fairs at which companies had the opportunity to interview

and select their interns from a pool of qualified candidates,” Bank-Olemoh said.

He also disclosed that preparation for Ready.Set.Work 2018 has commenced, adding that the programme would be expanded to train 25,000 while 5,000 final year students would participate in the 13-week face-to-face classes and that 20,000 students in their penultimate year would take part in the RSW Online Academy.

Besides, Bank-Olemoh said the programme was also increasing the number of participating schools to accommodate more students in the programme, among which are Yaba College of Technology, Federal College of Education (Technical) and a private institution, Caleb University.

The Special Adviser added that the inclusion of new schools was in line with Governor Ambode’s commitment to ensuring that every student that graduates from any tertiary institution in Lagos State is prepared for the world of work as an employer of labour or a value-adding employee.

Bank-Olemoh also called on professionals from different sectors to join the RSW Faculty, the largest volunteer faculty in Nigeria, as facilitators for the 2018 training programme, adding that the RSW Faculty recruitment would kick off officially on February 22nd, while the application portal will be accessible on the programme website - www.readysetwork.com.ng.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018 The Federal Republic of Germany, in collaboration with the Nigerian partnering bodies, has in the last five years, successfully trained and educated 494 Nigerians across the country in its ongoing German Dual Vocational Training Partnership with Nigeria (GDVTPW-N) programme.

According to the G-DVTPW project Coordinator, Engr. kehinde Stephen Awoyele,”first phase of the project ran successful from 2012-2015, and it is now in the second phase that will terminate in 2018.”

A statistical report made available by the Assistant Coordinator of the project, Segun Okejimi revealed that, 180 trainers were trained in Lagos, 72 in Abuja, and 69 in Abeokuta.

In the apprenticeship category, the report showed that 124 apprentices were trained in Lagos, while 31 and 18 apprentices were trained in Abuja and Abeokuta, respectively.

According to information from the office of the Project Coordinator, Engr.Awoyele, Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or National Technical Certificate (NTE)/ National Business Certificate (NBC) is the basic entrance requirement for the partnership programme focusing on Office Administration, Industrial Mechanics, Industrial Electronics and Technical Facility Management professions.

Learning contents for Office Administration include: office organisation, project assistance, written and oral correspondence in the business routine, application of the MS office package, organization of meetings and events, time and self management.

For Industrial Mechanics: progresses planning and operational safety; mechanical engineering; treating different raw materials including welding; manual and machine processing, production of components with machines are treated.

In the Industrial Electronics, progress planning and operational safety, mechanical engineering, installation and dismounting of electrical fittings, Electrical fittings and circuits, implementing control and drive engineering and manual and machine processing are focused upon.

In the Technical Facility

B3 Business News

German Govt empowers Nigerian youths in vocational programme Management aspect: installation and maintenance of ventilation and air-conditioning systems, installation and dismounting of electric installations and repair work on industrial facilities are undertaken.

Awoyele highlighted 70% -75% In-company-hands-on (practical) training and 25%30% class theory as one of the dynamic features of the programme. Giving an insight into the drive of the project, Awoyele informed that, “German Dual Vocational Training Partnership With Nigeria, is an initiative of Federal Republic of Germany and is geared towards raising the

employability bar of Nigerian youths and reducing poverty in the country. It is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and conducted by sequagGmbH. It’s steered by the CCI Giessen-Friedberg as the German project partner.

“Partnering bodies include: Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK), Nigeria; Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (LCCI), Nigerian German Business Association (NGBA) Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Abuja and Ogun States (ACCI and OGUNCIMA).”

Dr. Bernhard Schlagheck said that: “Dual Vocational Training System is the commonest form of vocational training in Germany; “Dual” in this context means a combination of practical, on-thejob training and theoretical education at a vocational school, ensuring a proper balance of theory and practice.”

Speaking in the same vein, during a graduation ceremony in Lagos for one of the batches of apprentices trained in Office Administration, German Consul General to Nigeria, Mr. Ingo Herbert, tasked Nigerian government to give Dual Vocational Training (DVT), special attention

by borrowing from Germany that brought its economy out of doldrums through DVT. According to him, as a result of the introduction of the training, Germany today has the lowest unemployment rate in the world and not less than 95% of its youths are gainfully employed.

German Senior Dual Vocational Training expert, Ludwig Gruenter said the projects came with electronic timer to produce beeping sound of 800 hertz.

According to him, when such PCB device is well inbuilt or incorporated, it serves as efficient starting or stopping timer to industrial

Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arch, Olamilekan Adegbite presenting cheque to one of the recipient of the compensation for the commencement of Lusada - Igbesa Road, at Salvation Army Primary School, Igbesa, Ogun state.

Ogun compensates 232 residents of Igbesa In preparation for the commencement of construction on the 10km Lusada -Igbesa Road, the Ogun State Government has compensated owners of 232 structures affected by the project.

Speaking at the occasion held at Salvation Army Primary School, Igbesa, the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite, said that this was the first time since 2011 that compensation would be brought to

the community of the beneficiaries.

“The State Government in its magnanimity has decided to bring this compensation exercise to Igbesa to ease the difficulty the beneficiaries might encounter if they come to Abeokuta to collect their bank drafts,’’ he said The Commissioner, through his media aide, Mr. Temidayo Agida, hinted that the 10km road which would be completed between six to eight months would enhance accessibility and improve

the livelihood of the people of the area, imploring residents to cooperate with the engineers and contractors to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Imonite Lucky, expressed his gratitude to the State government for the unique gesture and understanding on the payment of the compensation to them at their location, Igbesa, as he equally acknowledges that the project would bring development to the town.

Igbesa road under construction

machines.

OGUNCCIMA Deputy President and CEO, Fanol RDC Products Ltd, Wasiu Babatunde Olaleye, emphasised effective contributions made to his organisation by Jelili Adeosun, one of the apprentices trained in (I.E) at Industrial Skills Training Center (ISTC), Lagos, adding that Adeosun having mastered the cores of the training would be of great value to new set of apprentices to be trained in I.E in Abeokuta.

According to Okejimi, following expensive equipment to establish, most of the apprentices still work with the companies that made them available for the training, adding that they were in the meantime advised to form clusters.

He said, National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) is fully aware of the programme and significant progress has been made in recent months for the accreditation of the programme.

The second phase of the project will be rounded off this year, for its sustainability, he said, Permanent Working Group (PWG), comprising of top members and decision makers, carefully selected from the public and private sectors have been constituted to “work on the sustainability measures beyond 2018, through privatepublic dialogue, PR strategy, design of framework conditions among others”.

Chairman, Board of Business Education, Services and Training, LCCI, Soboma Ajumogobia, said that, “Our Nigerian partners will rise to the unique challenge of shouldering the onerous responsibility for this important project and also for sustaining it in the years and decades ahead of 2018, as we collectively strive to build a critical mass of competitive, productive and highly skilled workers.”

Feature B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

SMEDAN, Abaribe’s alliance give Made-in-Aba products global acceptance The collaboration between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, to promote locally made goods using the Madein-Aba products as a selling point has begun to yield results. MATHEW DADIYA writes on the economic importance of locally made goods.

In modern society, locally made goods and services drive economic development rapidly, attract foreign currencies, boost the country’s external reserves, increase Growth Domestic Products (GDP) growth and generate millions of job opportunities.

This is due to the fact that productivity remains the most important determinant of economic growth.

Since the Industrial Revolution in the 50s and 60s, manufacturing has been the key to rapid economic growth. But in Nigeria the case has been on the reverse side.

Nigeria, like other developing countries need a new growth model. The problem is not just that they need to wean themselves from their reliance on fickle capital inflows and commodity booms, which have often left them vulnerable to shocks and prone to crises. Obviously, there is need to focus more on export-oriented industrialization. This brings home, the much talk issue of made-in -Nigeria.

Made-in-Nigeria products are some of the major solutions to attaining industrial and economic development, and the Nigerian manufacturers have shown that they can match the quality of imported goods. Perhaps, we have to change our attitude in believing that imported things are superior to local goods. We have locallymade goods which are of similar value and quality.

However, this cannot be achieved without creating conducive business environment to entrepreneurship and enterprise creation to sustain innovative

Dikko Umaru Radda, SMEDAN DG

young firms and enable them to expand rapidly.

Achieving this requires a broad range of mutually reinforcing and supportive policies. Many of these affect the economy as a whole but impinge importantly on potential entrepreneurs and SMEs. Prior to this programme, the mere mention of the term “Made in Aba” often meant as a derogatory term, one that was meant to inspire derision and humor at locally made products perceived to be substandard. It comes from a typical Nigerian tendency to associate originality and quality with foreign products. Rather than patronize local alternatives, the average Nigerian would rather dole out half a fortune on Gucci bags and Fendi slippers.

Some of the products produced in Aba include Shoes, military hardware, electronic equipment, automobile tyres, clothes, fabrics, plastics, high-tech security doors, generators amongst several other products. With all these range of products, the level of patronage has been relatively low over the years.

Since assumption of office, President Muhammadu Buhari has been very emphatic on his administration’s stand in the promotion of made in Nigeria products.

It is in view of this that SMEDAN and Senator Abaribe have embarked on promoting Made-in-Aba products for some years now. In 2017, the 4th Made-in-Aba Trade fair facilitated by

SMEDAN and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe kicked off with a call on Nigerians to patronise Made in Nigeria products. The event which took place at the Arts and Craft Village Abuja, in March 2017 was well attended by top echelon of the society. The Director General of SMEDAN, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, realised that governments often need to go beyond provision of the framework conditions that influence the business environment to address policy and market failures that dampen entrepreneurial activity and limit the scope for innovative small firms to grow.

The Made-in-Aba Trade Fair, which is held in Abuja annually, is a zonal intervention project of Senator Abaribe. Last year, the event was declared open

by The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki who assured that the Senate would continue to do everything to promote made in Nigeria goods.

Saraki also said that the senate had taken it upon itself from 2016 to amend the Procurement Act to ensure that the local manufacturers benefit from the over N2 trillion government expenditure on procurement.

He said: “We commend you for your tireless propagation and advocacy for made-in-Aba goods. We use this opportunity to assure you and the Senate that we shall continue to improve on the quality of made-inAba and indeed made-inNigeria goods. Goods produced in Aba are indeed of high quality. There is noth-

Senator Abaribe

ing that can be manufactured elsewhere which cannot be produced in Aba.” I commend you for your determination and creativity. When I came for your trade fair in Abuja earlier in the year, I promised you that with the support of my colleagues here in the Senate, we will make the campaign to buy Made in Nigeria go beyond a trade fair and become a national agenda for all Nigerians.

Today, we have made it a national project. I also promised you that we will amend the existing law to give your efforts a solid legal backing that will ensure patronage for your products and that of other local manufacturers. That has also been done with the amendment of the Public Procurement Act.” The SMEDAN DG, Dr. Radda has continued to call for stronger collaboration with all SME development agencies in the country to speed development of the sub sector and provide job opportunities.

Made-in-Aba is an idea conceptualised by Senator Abaribe and has been promoting the trade fair from a zonal intervention fund made available to him from the 2017 budget.

During the 2017 trade fair, Abaribe said: “Long before now when I started promoting the Made in Aba Trade Fair here in Abuja to showcase the beautiful products from my constituents and create awareness among people in top positions and ordinary Nigerians that goods produced in this country are of good quality,

I did not know there will be economic recession. Now, it is obvious that both as a way of saving the dwindling foreign exchange that the country earns and to also put our country in a position to promote exports, we need to turn to goods produced in Nigeria.

That is the only way we can be self-sufficient as a nation and get millions of our unemployed people to be gainfully engaged.”

“There are very few foreign goods for which we do not have local alternatives that are of high quality. Our people are creative.

There are a lot of potentials here. We just need to support each other. I advise NESG to deliberate on practical ways of providing financial, promotional and logistic supports for the local manufacturers.”“We in the Senate have moved a step further in promoting Made in Nigeria products when on June 16, 2016, we passed an amendment to the Public Procurement Act which now compels all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Federal Government to patronize local goods and services in all their procurement.

In fact, by the provision of the new law, it is only when there is no local alternative that MDAs can resort to foreign products. But the SMEDAN boss had said that the Federal Government supports the trade fair and recognises the place of Aba in promoting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria.

This joint efforts led largely by SMEDAN and

Sen. Abaribe have done much to correct the image of Aba and the products made there. Ever since the commencement of the programme, there has been a massive campaign on and off the internet, exhibiting the best “Made in Aba” products. “Made in Aba” is made for the Nigerian, sturdy, long-lasting and beautiful.

Meanwhile, the overall effect of this made-in-Aba campaign is to get both the government and the people to accept and patronize made in Nigeria product to protect the economy and improve growth especially in the manufacturing sector through the promotion of SMEs. The trade fair is an annual event that requires the support of everyone.

This alliance between Senator Ababribe and SMEDAN has significantly changed the perception of most Nigerians and people around the globe about Nigeria’s made goods. No doubt, culture is increasingly acknowledged as a factor which can contribute to building an entrepreneurial society as it is an important determinant of career preferences and helps shape attitudes to risk-taking and reward. Developing an entrepreneurial culture and fostering entrepreneurial attitudes and values has moved high on government agendas.

The green light appeared to have been given by the Nigerian Army, which has ordered a huge number of boots for its officers and soldiers from Aba manufacturers. Many government agencies have also increased demand for the made in Nigeria products thereby encouraging manufacturers to invest more while the government through SMEDAN has continued to provide the policy thrust that will sustain this local economic activities.

In developed economies and other fast growing economies, promotion of SMEs is regarded as an important issue in many because SMEs perform multiple functions for the society and economy of a country. The SMEs represent a large weight of the economic activity of a country and in many countries SMEs account for an overwhelming number of business establishments and employees and are a major player in economic activity.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

A Night in Wakanda: UBA celebrates Africa’s excellence, diversity Pan-African Financial Institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc again showcased its footprint in the world of entertainment as it premiered the most anticipated movie of the year, ‘#BlackPanther, A Night in Wakanda’.

The movie, which was hosted

by TV personality, Ebuka ObiUchendu, premiered over the weekend at Imax Cinemas in Lekki, and saw a gathering of top personalities in the world of entertainment and finance led by the Chairman UBA Group, Mr Tony Elumelu and his lovely wife and children, the GMD Kennedy Uzoka and his wife Lotanna; the DMD Victor Osadolor and other top executives of the bank.

A - list artists and media gurus such as Mo Abudu, Omoni Oboli, Eyinnaya Osigwe, Lala Akindoju, Noble Igwe; female African footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala and a host of others were also on ground to showcase Africa’s excellence dressed in their African finery as kings and queens.

Uzoka, who arrived early to welcome guests at the premiere said that as Africa’s Global Bank, UBA will continue to support any event that promotes the culture and heritage of the African continent.

He added that Leo, UBA’s flagship chat personality had given out a number of free tickets to ensure that ordinary Nigerians were able to participate in the epoch-making event.

The entire Imax Cinemas was acquired for the night by UBA to allow for the crowd of movie lovers who had thronged the venue to the Black Panther.

UBA certainly knows how to put its customers first.

B5 Money Market

Stories by Motolani Oseni The money market value has depreciated by a total sum of N0.88trillion in just one month, as Repurchase Agreements (Repos), Buy-Backs and Unsecured Placements accounted for 16.90 per cent of market turnover 24.31 per cent in December in 2017.

The Daily Times checks revealed that the three segments combined contributed 93.64 per cent to the total turnover in the Fixed Income and Currencies (FIC) markets.

In fact, activities in the secured Money Market (i.e. Repos/BuyBacks) settled at N1.86trn in January 2018 32.23 per cent, N0.88 trillion less than the value recorded in December 2017 (N2.74trn). Year on Year (YoY), turnover on Repos/ Buy-Backs recorded a 4.06 per cent (0.07trn) increase from the value recorded in January 2017 (N1.79trn) Unsecured Placements/Takings closed the month at a turnover of N120.61billion, a 14.69 per cent decrease (N20.76bn) from the figure recorded in December 2017 (N141.37bn) and a 49.65 per cent decrease (N118.93bn) on YoY basis (N239.54bn as at Jan. 2017) Average O/N8 NIBOR9 for the period under review stood at 11.24 per cent (8.56% in Dec. 2017), indicating a fall in inter-bank liquidity However, the number of executed trades captured on the E-Bond Trading System in Jan. 2018 amounted to 17,041 as against 16,307 recorded in Dec. 2017. Even though, the executed T.bills trades increased by 4.97 per cent (725) while FGN bonds increased by 1.79 per cent.

Meanwhile, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) operating in the country are determined to move to a more market-based presentation of foreign-currency (FC) assets, liabilities and profit-and-loss items is likely to come into focus when they publish their 2017 results in the coming weeks, Fitch Ratings says.

Financial statements with FC items translated more in line with market exchange rates will give a more realistic representation of banks’ FC positions and capital at risk from potential further depreciation of the naira.

Exchange-rate risk warrants scrutiny for Nigerian banks because about 40% of assets and liabilities in Nigeria’s banking sector are denominated in US dollars and not all banks operate with matched FC positions.

The new Fitch report stated that most of the bank that was rated by the rating agency will publish

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Money market value drops

by N0.9trn in January

Ï `Ɔƍ è ƐƓ Ɛ ƆƏ ƅƅ Ƒ Ɛ Ƈ Ə ơÕêÖü ƌ ƏƊƆƐ ƐƑƏ ƒƆƏ Ï#L ƌ ƒƆ Ƈ Ə ƌ ƏƊƆƐéƄ ƆƗ ƍƏƆ Ɔ Ɛ Ɛƈ Ƈ 0 ƆƐ their 2017 financial statements based on the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Fixing (NiFEX) rate (about NGN330/USD) instead of the official exchange rate of NGN305/USD, which they previously used. It further pointed out that some may use a blended rate. The NiFEX rate is the Central Bank of Nigeria’s reference rate for spot foreign-exchange transactions, widely used on the interbank market.

According to Fitch, “Adopting the NiFEX rate is, however, only a partial step towards using market exchange rates. IFRS guidelines say that companies operating in countries with multiple exchange rates should translate their FC assets and liabilities into local currency based on the exchange rates at which they expect to settle them.

But the guidelines leave scope for considerable judgment and flexibility, and Nigeria operates with multiple exchange rates, which adds to the confusion.”

The rating agency, noted that ex-

change rate used under the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Rate Fixing (NAFEX) mechanism is the closest to a true market rate.

“Switching to NiFEX or a blended rate would give a more meaningful representation of banks’ FC positions than using the official rate, in our view. But banks would still be translating FC into naira at a rate significantly below the NAFEX rate.

“We do not expect banks will go further at this stage as every increase in the exchange rate used could lead to a drop in reported regulatory capital ratios, due to inflation of FC risk-weighted assets, even though the impact would be partially offset by FC translation gains.

“We recently examined Nigerian banks’ FC positions as part of a peer group review. We calculated banks’ capacity, based on end-September 2017 data, to withstand a hypothetical severe naira depreciation to NGN450/USD without

breaching their minimum regulatory total capital adequacy ratios (CARs).

The Central Bank of Nigeria sets different minimum CARs for Nigerian banks: 16 per cent for those it considers to be systemically important, 15 per cent for those with international banking licences and 10 per cent for the rest.”

We found that that the largest banks - Access, FBN Holdings, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Zenith - would be able to withstand this scenario without breaching their minimum CAR requirements.

However, second-tier banks had mixed results. Capitalisation is an important ratings differentiator for Nigerian banks, albeit within a narrow rating range. All the ratings are in the highly speculative ‘B’ range, constrained in most cases by Nigeria’s sovereign rating of ‘B+’/Negative and our assessment of the operating environment.

01 ƗƆƄƑ Ɗ ƇƏ ƑƗ ƈ ƗƏ ƅƆ Ɛ Md9^ ƅ ƈƆƒƆƌƆ Ɛ

The National Social Investment Office (NSIO) has debunked report that massive fraud has hampered the success of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a document from the Office of the Vice President, which was obtained by our correspondent over the weekend, stated that a total of 7,812,201 lives have been directly impacted by its programmes.

The NSIO, which is under the Office of the Vice President, noted that over seven million homes can testify to their efforts, as well as another set of 1,500,000 secondary beneficiaries

comprising mainly farmers and cooks can also validate its claims.

The statement, signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investments, Office of the Vice President, Mrs. Maryam Uwais, stated that the ttention of the NSIO has been drawn to misleading media reports alluding that “massive fraud has hindered the NSIP. According to her, we wish to restate that the intervention programmes are recording significant successes across the States where we have deployed.

“It has become expedient to state that the reports remain a regrettable exaggeration of the attempt by the Special Advisor to the President

on Social Investments to update the media about the progress of the programmes, while reassuring the press that some of the challenges being recorded in a few States are being tackled effectively and transparently.”

For instance, “We are encouraged by the unspeakable joy we see on the faces of the 297,973 poor and vulnerable beneficiaries of our National Cash Transfer Programme (NCTP) that is currently being implemented in the 217 local governments spread across the 20 States of the Federation.”

Commenting on whether the instances of sharp practices being perpetrated at the State levels have

impacted the quantum of funds available to the NSIO, the Special Adviser clarified that the amount involved in the identified sharp practices were insignificant to affect the desired social impact. According to her, the NSIO is working with security agencies to curb the breaches, as evidenced in a few minimal instances.

“It is rather curious therefore that several media reports towed the single lane of giving a negative slant to the bold efforts and successes of the National Social Investment Office by the sensational reporting.

“We are pleased to reiterate the fact that, despite some limited process breaches recorded in some rural

communities, the Social Investment Programmes are recording profound successes and having the desired impact on lives, as envisaged by Government, as designed and in implementation”, she explained.

The special interventions by the Federal Government continue to support the populace by addressing financial inclusion and supporting poor and vulnerable households around the country.

The NSIO will continue to drive the implementation of the SIPs with efficiency, diligence and transparency. And we call on Nigerians to be the true witnesses of the output of our activities.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

B6News Xtra

# ƈƏ ƈ ƐƏ ƐƆ ƕ ƍ ƏƐ ƆƏ ƈƍ ƈ ƐƆƏƋƈ Ɔ ƓƈƐ Ɗƕ Ƈ Ə ƆƔƍ ƈ

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Dana Air achieved a major feat over the weekend with the signing of an interline agreement between the airline and regional powerhouse, Asky, bothering on cooperation and aircraft partnership.

By this development, Dana’s strategic route and fleet expansion programme will receive a major boost Speaking during a brief signing

ceremony at Dana Air’s Corporate Head office in Lagos, the Group Managing Director of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani said, ‘we have taken a bold step towards achieving our strategic route and fleet expansion program. With this partnership, we shall be adding some brand new aircraft to our fleet soon.’’

‘We have also had advanced talks with some other notable aircraft manufacturers and very soon, some

of aircraft outside the country on maintenance will also be arriving.

“This is part of our desire to provide options for our guests who have also been requesting us to consider some under-served cities in Nigeria.

We want to assure our guests of our commitment towards providing safe, reliable, affordable and world-class air transport services in Nigeria.’’

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, the CEO of Asky airlines, Mr

Ahadu Simachew said, ‘Dana Air , having survived the sundry issues in the aviation industry for ten years and still waxing stronger, appears to us as the most experienced and wellmanaged airline in Nigeria, with a very strong, passionate and creative management team.

“We are happy to have reached an agreement and we believe this is good for Nigeria and Africa.’’

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Gov Dickson’s investment in health’ll turn Bayelsa to medial tourism hub- Obasanjo Contd from B1

ed Governor Dickson’s policies, programmes and projects, which have led to the unprecedented level of development in all sectors of the state.

He also used the occasion to call on Bayelsans to continue to support the governor to consolidate on his achievements in the remaining two years of his tenure, stressing that, Bayelsa State is one of the safest, secure and stable states in the country for investments.

The former President Jonathan thanked Governor Dickson for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, citing the collaboration of the government and the Azikel Group, as a sign of greater things to come for the State.

On his part, Governor Dickson thanked both former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan for their exemplary lifestyles and roles in the country and in the state, and called on leaders at all levels to collaborate with the government to ensure the attainment of a well secured, stable and progressive State.

Governor Dickson, who lamented the over-dependence on government’s resources, pointed out that, Dr. Azibapu Eruani’s Azikel Refinery has sent a powerful message to the investing public that Bayelsa is hub for investment in the country.

&Ƅ ƕƈ ƗƆ ƈƆ Ɨ Ɛƈ Ƌ Ɨ Ƈ Ə ƅ ƐƐƋƆ ƅ Ƌ ƕ Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki Ebonyi State government has denied donating land to the Federal Government to establish the proposed cattle colony in any part of the state.

It also described as absolute falsehood, a trending report on the social media that it gave herdsmen a nod to operate as they liked without regulations. This was even as it ordered for the immediate arrest of a Facebook user in the state (name withheld) for allegedly peddling false information which it said was injurious to the government.

Addressing Journalists in his office, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, Chief Donatus Njoku, clarified that the trending social report was a misrepresentation of the position of Governor David Umahi at a meeting it held with herdsmen, farmers and security agencies.

“That was a complete misrepresentation of the government. The Governor, as you know, have strong passion for agriculture and he is been sounding it clear in every fora that Ebonyi State does not have land to give out for any other thing apart from agriculture and agric is our mainstay.

“So, Governor never said that Ebonyi State will give out land for cattle colony. There was nothing like that. I was in that meeting. The position of the Ebonyi State Government was that those herdsmen that were with us here over the years; some of them were even born here. Since they are living harmoniously with our people, they cannot be aske” he explained.

NAMA boss extols women engineers Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA, Capt Fola Akinkuotu has commended the ingenuity of women engineers in the country in ensuring stability in the system.

Speaking at the investiture of Engr (Mrs) Felicia Nnenna Agubata as the 15th president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Capt Akinkuotu described her as a woman of courage, patient and hard work that has transformed the system in the engineering department of NAMA within her few years in the agency.

According to Akinkuotu, Agubata has remained persistent in her profession stressing that the sky will be her limit.

The NAMA boss who was full of praises to have seen a woman excelling in the field dominated by male, assured the women engineers of the support of the management of NAMA, stressing that in the days of his flying as a pilot that so many women trainee pilots were under him.

Ï ^z&M ƆƐ ƆƓ ƍƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ He noted that when given the opportunity and enabling environment like Agubata, women folk will continue to excel in their endeavors.

Akinkuotu commended the leadership and members of APWEN for the investiture of Agubata as their 15th president noting that it was an honour.

In her inaugural speech,

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Agubata pledged to uphold the dignity of women engineers and to serve the entire engineering profession and humanity at large.

Agubata, who acknowledged the challenges ahead , especially the expectations from the engineering community and stakeholders, assured that there would be capacity and strength to mobilse necessary human and material resources to create value for the greatest good of the the society in line with the mission of APWEN. She said “Just think about your mother and her toils in your growing up years and the picture the 21st century woman who still plays the traditional role of a woman with joy and yet acquired the necessary professional skills” Agubata declared that there was no research work that has shown conclusively that one gender was stronger or weaker than the other adding that both sexes when given the exposures, training and orientation that the outcome will be very interesting. “to guarantee continuous progress, both

sexes must complement and support each other. This will ensure that our potentials as one humanity is maximized across all spheres” She explained that all hands must be on deck to meet the evolving needs of the society and to improve human experience and expand opportunities for the emergent woman Agubata said APWEN will continue to encourage sound engineering practice and create avenue for women engineers to coloborste with professionals across all disciplines in the country and globally, adding that APWEN was launched in 1983 with current membership strength at 3000 registered female engineers.

She noted that the association has consistently contributed to the encouragement of the girl child in taking up the sciences and mathematics to increase the prospects of studying engineering.

Agubata congratulated the immediate past president, Engr Hauwa Sadique for a successful tenure.

The investiture ceremony was witnessed by important dignitaries across the country.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, February 19, 2018

B8CSR

By Godwin Anyebe Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has taken many companies in Nigeria by surprise.

Now CSR activities have to be measurable with definite budgets. This has increased the scope for meaningful intervention by corporate Nigeria towards combating many problem areas and contributing towards inclusive growth.

One area of involvement could be towards creating employment opportunities through enterprise formation, particularly for women.

Support could be extended as part of CSR to women belonging to unemployment sector; and also to those individuals desiring to enter in to enterprise activities. The support could involve financial, training and marketing components. Enterprises could also be formed under the cooperative model with corporate hand holding during initial stages. Checks

by Daily Times reveal that most of what companies in Nigeria do and tag as CSR do not stand to benefit the woman who has been classified in Africa as the most neglected species.

For example, in developing countries like India, CSR gained popularity only in the new millennium, though business houses, particularly those like TATA ,had an early orientation towards service to society.

In the words of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata group, he said, “In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business, but is in fact the very purpose of its existence”.

Approximately two- third of the equity of the parent firm, Tata Sons Ltd, is held by philanthropic trusts through which it utilises on an average about 8 to 14 per cent of its net profit every year for various social causes, which even at the beginning of the new millennium, had amounted to1.36 billion rupees.

In Nigeria, there is a wide gap between sections of people in terms of income as well as socio-economic status, an ideal CSR should contain both ethical and philosophical dimensions analysts believe.

As a matter of fact, a number of larger companies have spent millions of naira on various social causes and betterment of community in which they are conducting their businesses.

They have and continued to work towards improving health, education, basic amenities, condition of women and children and so on.

But experts posited that, with a good legislation, these activities would have to be streamlined and carried out in a regular and more systematic manner with definite budgets.

Reacting on this issue, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) and the founding Partner of the law firm of Kenna Partners. Professor Fabian Ajogwu, said; “there was a proposal at the National Assembly to pass the corporate social responsibility bill.

“On the surface of it, it looks like it was going to promote the corporate social responsibility. But then, when you read further, it says that you will need a takeoff grant of about N1bn, it would have a DG, directors and so on. It was going to surcharge two per cent of every company’s profit to pay to this commission.

“We know that there is nowhere in the world where you make corporate social responsibility a mandatory thing. It is a desirable thing, but you don’t legislate on it. Once that is done, it is a taxation, by whatever name you call it. So, we went and made submis-

A typical empowerment organised by Federal Government to women in Nigeria

CSR and women empowerment in Nigeria: The way forward sions to the National Assembly and said these are best practices across the world, we cannot be different.”

According to him, “in any case, the primary responsibility of the welfare of the people of Nigeria is vested on the government. Companies may be kind, nice and sponsor things; we cannot outsource our welfare to those companies.

“These are a kind of quite advocacy which we do. If we don’t raise it and the laws are made, they bind everyone. We also do the training of preparing people to become directors. People assume that you only prepare to enter university through Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, prepare to go to post graduate, prepare orientation to become staff, they don’t feel that you now need to prepare yourself to assume directorship responsibilities. “ Very often, we have seen that uniquely, being a director is highest level of responsibility. But most don’t even know that that responsibility is coupled with a burden of leadership. “ If you fail, it is not just that you failed, you could end up in jail. Most times, you see that when companies go down, the real people that are taken are the directors”.

He said, “Rarely do you go looking for shareholders. So, we try to educate in board programme that has been specially designed by the society in collaboration with key institutions that still work closely with it such as the International Finance Corporation and World Bank. They have run programmes in association with the society to enhance the boards of financial institutions.

“You will see that the third wave which we had in 2009, where we had Intercontinental Bank, Oceanic

Bank challenges, some of those challenges have to do with the quality and strength of the board. “ The society also collaborated with Lagos business school, the NDIC, the Nigeria Stock Exchange to train the directors of their dealing companies; and they were about 400 companies.

In the last five years, the society has worked strongly with almost all the key regulators. It has supported the NCC in helping to issue its code of corporate governance.”

He stated that; “once we had a look at the market capitalization of 12 blue chip companies that included Nestle, Unilever, John Holt, Nigerian Breweries; and we found out that the total market capitalization of those companies was less than the market capitalization of MTN alone.

“Yet MTN, is a private company.

It is not listed in the stock exchange, the code of corporate governance of the SEC is not applicable to it. NCC in its wisdom , decided that they have succeeded in launching out the industry. “The next phase, also as important as network quality, is the behavior of those who are in charge of these industries. There is a phrase used in the corporate world for companies which had grown so big over the years, which is ‘too big to fail’. “ A company can grow to a point where its failure will lead to the failure of so many other people in the society. You cannot imaging where telecommunication company would collapse, it will drag down all the subscribers, network access and people would be laid off”. According to him, “that company should regard itself as too big to fail. So it becomes important that the behavior of governance of the entities are adhered to. We should not be a nation that

reacts only, we should be preventive.

“Much of these collaborations efforts is geared towards one thing – sending the message of corporate governance, behavioral governance, risk management across to those sectors.

And what is the impact? The impact lies on the number of board members that have gone for the programme, which I will put at between 1000 and 1500; senior managements that have gone through this programme and the number of bills that have been properly conceived or amended because of our interventions. “ A whole of Nigerians only know about the law when it has become law.

They don’t get involved when it is at the making process, where suggestions can be made to affect change. “ The society has tried to keep faith with its mission, which is to be the leading role player in the development and promotion of corporate governance within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It has external partnership, but the emphasis today is to get it right at home.

‘The next phase of launch of the activities of the society now is the SOE’s, the State Owned Enterprises.

They function like companies and it is important that they have corporate governance code.”

While speaking on Creation of Self-Employment Opportunities, a member of civil liberty organization (CLO), Comrade Philomena Aaron said; “business organisations can provide the necessary guidance towards the setting up of micro-enterprises by groups of women belonging to unemployed sector of the population, as well as individual women who want to operate an enterprise as a sole proprietor. “Studies have shown that improper selection of the

enterprise activity as well as the inability to market the product or service affects the viability and continuity of the enterprise over time. “ This is one area where the expertise and involvement of a corporate could make a difference. The suitability and viability of the project could be evaluated by the corporate and necessary direction and hand holding provided throughout the developmental stages of the enterprise.”

According to her, “some enterprise activities like the setting up of a food processing plant or a dairy would require bigger investments, due to larger scale of operations. “The size of the business may then range from small to medium scale. In these cases, the corporate can also enter in to partnership with a large group of women to operate the enterprise jointly and could follow a social enterprise model. “The ownership could either be a co-operative model where many stakeholders are involved and The corporate could subsidise the initial investment either through an endowment or a soft loan’.

He said the enterprise could be developed as a joint partnership, with the corporate having joint ownership (holding a maximum of forty-nine percent) along with the unemployed women seeking for empowerment.

“In this form of enterprise building, which could be the case in the case of a dairy, food processing / coir processing or any other small/ medium scale unit, the women members are directly involved in the production and therefore would also be wage earners can take up enterprise activities that have either a ready local market or those that have demand in accessible urban areas”.

Life&

TIMES Monday, February 19, 2018

Azu Nwagbogu on photography L P

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, February 19, 2018

Images are most important language of communication –Azu Nwagbogu, Founder Lagos Photo Festival Azu Nwagbogu is the founder and direc-

separatist state that lead to the civil war that changed forever the way the world viewed

Nigeria that is dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African arts and artists. The collector and curator is also the founder of numerous other projects supporting and celebrating African arts

ing with Magnum Photos to show work from

to discover and learn about contemporary African Art and diaspora. In gearing up for

Fosso, No Touch Am by Osborne Macharia for which we sponsored and collaborated on

Azu Nwagbogu in this chat with MUTIAT

We are also super pleased to announce a creative partnership with National Geograph-

What is the Lagos Photo festival all about?

Lagos Photo is an annual international festival of photography that brings artists visual story tellers and photographers from all over the world in a month long series of exhibitions workshops

and also the massive opportunity to become

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Middel recreates and retells this sad shameful event in a very creative and Performative

festival?

leading art festivals on the continent and the only control the narratives that relate to us as Africans if not others will hijack and shape our What new ideas are you bringing on board tant language of communication today and of the 8th edition?

This is a special edition and through our theme: Regimes of Truth we explore contemportant to use the knowledge from the past to visualize a newer better future and this is something that contemporary photographers

continuously receive is overwhelming and our continued growth dethat? tered itself as a science and with that the weight and burden of being an arbiter of generally?

We are glad to contribute our part to this community and it is very important to build and support this growing community of visual story We are fortunate to have the support of several who value our contribution to society none more so than Ford Foundation and all

There is no doubt that the creative industry is our most buoyant ex-

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T E A M

blessed with do much talent and our part is to do all we can to nurture

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, February 19, 2018

Nutrition L3

Judith Frank-Edet

Healing spices Humans have been using spices on their foods as far back as

Nutmeg

vomiting and nausea.

generous amounts.

Turmeric

ache, sinus congestion, gout, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, asthma,

Curry leaves

Onions Fights diabetes

Ginger Improves digestion

right at the root.

Lowers cholesterol

sickness.

Garlic Prevents greying of hair

Thyme

Wellness L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, February 19, 2018

Mutiat Alli

The dark side of slimming pills -

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