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Ostracise corrupt members, Osinbajo urges church leaders

ÏÏÏ As Dogara, cleric warn against collapse of family system Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Acting President, Prof. Yemi

Osinbajo, has tasked leaders of churches in the country to disregard looters of the nation’s treasury who parade themselves as in-

fluential members in the society.

Osinbajo, expressed concern on how those who fraudulently amassed wealth have landed the country where it is today and called on church leaders to desist from holding such persons in high Continued on page 12

World Bank to assist Nigeria strengthen fiscal sustainability 12

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MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 389

N150

GLOBAL FINANCIAL/COMMODITY MARKETS

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2017 Budget: NASS’ introduction of fresh projects sparks row Tony Amokeodo and Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Ï Implementation of Budget under threat Ï Introduction of fresh projects at expense of our core projects in bad taste –Presidency Ï We have power to alter, introduce new projects –Lawmakers Ï SANs divided, urge the Executive to approach Supreme Court for interpretation

Though Nigerians have hailed the signing of the 2017 Budget into law

by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), the implementation of the budget is under threat, following fresh controversy over the propriety of introduction of about 400 projects by the Continued on page 5

Hate speech: Biafra 8 agitators, Arewa youths risk jail terms –Osinbajo

Controversies trail 8 2018 recession exit comment by NBS boss Stop beating drums 5 of war, Information minister tells Nigerians

L-R: Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali; Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuosho; and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, during the inauguration of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) in Abuja …on Thursday

Increased revenue mobilisation critical to Nigeria’s growth –Adeosun 28

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

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2017 Budget: NASS’ introduction of fresh projects sparks row Continued from page 1 National Assembly.

Signing the budget amidst expectations, Osinbajo hinted of the troubles ahead when he raised the alarm over the fresh projects, saying that it was gratifying to note that the Executive and the National Assembly had agreed to subsequently bring projects that was altered by way of virement.

The acting president later stirred hornet’s nest during a meeting for early preparation of 2018 Budget when he challenged the propriety of the National Assembly to alter the budget, arguing that the lawmakers lacked the power to introduce fresh projects into the budget.

But the lawmakers have fired back, insisting that they have the power to not only alter the estimates but introduce fresh projects.

Amidst the looming stand-off between the executive and the lawmaking arms of government over power of appropriation on budget matters, some legal luminaries have canvassed a legal option in which case both arms of government would approach the Supreme Court to address the problem once and for all.

While the executive is anchoring its power on section 81 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the legislature is insisting on his power by virtue of section 80 of the constitution.

The Senate and the House of

Representatives before proceeding for a two-week recess last week declared vehemently that the power to appropriate on budget matters rests exclusively with the National Assembly, both quoting sections sections 59, 80, 81, 82 and 83 to back up their claim.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, had almost simultaneously taken up issues with Osinbajo on the issue and had implied that Osinbajo was probably oblivious of the provision of the constitution before accusing the lawmaking arms of introducing fresh about 400 project into the 2017 Budget.

The Acting President had since signed the Budget, which he de-

Collapsed Tatabu Bridge in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, during the Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Fidet Okhiria’s visit to the site… on Sunday.

scribed as Budget of Economic Recovery and Growth aimed towards pulling Nigeria out of the zone of recession.

Although the executive and the legislators were at each other’s throat last week, indications are rife that the two had agreed that funds in the signed 2019 Budget could be vired from different subheads to take care of the newly introduced projects by the National Assembly.

In this regard, Virement could be carried out through a supplementary budget which the executive arm is expected to forward to the National Assembly for approval at the appropriate time.

But a presidential aide who sought anonymity on the matter, claimed that the full implementation of the budget would be difficult on the grounds of the new projects.

He said: “I can tell you that though the budget has been signed and the tension in the land has been reduced, the problem of implementation remains the greatest challenge of this government.

“How do you explain a situation where core projects that are dear and crucial to the Federal Government are either slashed, removed or altered while new projects are now introduced by the lawmakers. That is not fair.

“Is it not ironical that even though we have majority members in the National Assembly; they are there or inactive participants of altering projects which they know are very important to this government.

“Where are we going to get the money to funds these new projects?

“But we take solace in the agreement between the executive and the National Assembly to reintroduce these key projects. We are hopeful that common sense will prevail at the end”.

Meanwhile, prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Mallam Yusuf Ali, Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, Chief Mike Ozekhome and Mr. Femi Falana have waded into the issue.

Though they expressed divergent views over the issue, they urged the executive to quickly approach the Supreme Court to seek proper interpretation on power of appropriation.

The senior advocates spoke in separate interviews with The Daily Times on Sunday night.

While Ajayi and Falana argued that the lawmakers lacked the powers to alter the projects, Ali and Ozekhome disagreed.

Yusuf Ali said: “ When the executive brings a money bill which is widely known as budget to the NASS, it’s just a bill and like other bills submitted to the NASS, it has the powers to amend, add to or remove parts of the bill and in the case of a money bill, I am of the view that there is nothing in the Constitution that takes away the power of the NASS to include projects or remove some from the draft.

“The provisions of sections 80 & 81 of the Constitution are very clear and lucid as to the relative powers of the Executive and the NASS on money bills. The two sections make it very clear that no money can be withdrawn from the consolidated fund of the Federation without the authorisation of Continued on page 12

Stop beating drums of war, Information minister tells Nigerians Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has admonished those beating drums of war through hate speeches and divisive statements to desist in the interest of the nation’s unity and safety.

The Minister gave the advice at the weekend, during the 10th Annual Ramadan Lecture held in his country home, Oro, Kwara.

Mohammed expressed concern over the rate of inflammatory statements capable of causing division and war in the country in recent times; urging Nigerians to disregard those who were engaged in hate speeches as well as their purveyors.

“In the last couple of months,

we have witnessed the increase inflammatory and hate speeches.

“Hate speeches have been responsible for wars. Rwandan genocide where more than 800,000 people were killed was started by hate speeches.

“Like people say, wars are not really started by bullets; they are started by words of mouth.

“Nigeria is too big and God has a purpose for making us one and we shall remain united.

“We have been living together peacefully and we will continue to live together, because we have a lot to gain by being united.

“If there is war today, none of us will escape whether you are young or old whether you are Yoruba, Igbo of Hausa,” he said.

The Minister recounted a story he said Acting President Yemi

Osinbajo narrated on the dire consequences of the Rwanda war on two judges from that country.

“The Acting President told us a story that in 1982, he was a young lecturer in the University of Lagos and two Supreme Court Judges came visiting from Rwanda.

“He said ten years later, in 1992, he went to work in Rwanda and on the street with a bowl in hand looking for food were the Supreme Court Judges that he saw in Lagos.

“This shows that when there is war, the young, the old, the rich and the poor, we are all victims,” he said.

The Minister stressed that Nigerians must work together, understands their differences and must never pray for war.

Mohammed thanked those who

attended the lecture noting that their presence was key to its success.

He said the Ramadan lecture, the tenth in the series, was unique because its attendance cuts across religions and denomination.

The Minister explained that the presence of Christian faithful at the event was an indication that Nigerians, irrespective of their religious leaning, could work and live together.

The Special Guest of honour at the event, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State said he was impressed with the turnout of people in their diversity at the event.

The governor urged Muslim faithful to remain pious in the remaining days of Ramadan and pray for the unity of the country.

Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of

Kwara State commended the Minister for organising the annual lecture.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mahmud Ajeigbe said it was a great feat for the Minister to have sustained the Ramadan lecture for 10 years.

Earlier, the Guest Speaker, Sheikh Ibrahim Gidado from Lagos preached on piety especially during the Ramadan period.

He charged the gathering on the need for people to have the fear of God in all their dealings and to be compassionate and show love to the less privileged.

He also called for the support of Nigerians for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as their prayers for the President’s quick recovery.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

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Hate speech: Biafra agitators, Arewa youths risk jail terms – Osinbajo Mathew Dadiya, ÏÏÏ #dd Ɠ Ə ƐƆ ƅ ƌƍ ƈ ƆƏ Abuja

ÏÏÏ Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has warned that persons agitating for secession and the northern groups that issued ultimatum to Ndigbo risked jail terms as they violated Nigeria’s laws, adding that the Federal Government would not tolerate any act that could drag in the direction of another civil conflict.

Osinbajo gave the warning at a consultative meeting with traditional rulers from the South-East at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja, on Sunday.

He said that the manner

of the agitations, method and objective were wrong, unlawful and clearly violated the nation’s Constitution.

He said: “I want to repeat that both the agitations for secession and the ultimatum to leave the northern states are wrong and a violation of our Constitution.

“Our Constitution says in Section 2 that Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state to be known by the name `The Federal Republic of Nigeria’.

“That is the law of our country. Let us not be in any doubt about the fact that

the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that our country remains united.

“And, anyone who violates the law in the manner such as we are seeing all over the place will be met with the full force of the law.

“The reason why it is so is because for Nigeria’s unity, enough blood has been spilled and many hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost.’’

The acting president recalled that many Nigerians had paid the supreme price

to keep the country united, saying that “it will be wrong for men and women of goodwill in this generation to toy with those sacrifices that had been made’’.

He, therefore, maintained that men of goodwill must not tolerate any tendency that would drag the nation in the direction of yet another civil conflict.

He, however, said that the government and people “must be sensitive to the reasons why there are agitations by the various young men across the various zones of this country.

L-R: Former Group Managing Director, Telnet Nigeria Limited, Dr. Nadu Denloye; Executive Director Investments; Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mr. Shuaib Audu; Head, Research and Corporate Strategy, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Mr. Charles Omoera and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited (SITL), Mrs. Binta Max-Gbinije, during SITL’s Legacee Roundtable in Lagos… at the weekend.

“Many have to do with perceived marginalization; some have argued that safety in the different zones has been compromised.

“But I want to say the only way to make things right is to do things right.

And, it will be wrong of us to approach even our grievances by threatening to disobey the laws or by threatening the integrity of our nation,’’ he added.

Osinbajo reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to listening to “all the reasons, the various suggestions and the various agitations and the reasons for those agitations and to ensure that we do justice to all persons regardless of where you are from in this country.

“That is the commitment of Federal Government which I am able to make to you today.

“Our greatness lies in our being together and I believe very strongly that as our royal fathers you will ensure the message is clear to all.’’

He added that the greatness of any people lay in their ability to work together in spite of their differences and the types of offence that had been caused between each other.

The acting president expressed the hope that royal fathers would continue to offer useful suggestions and the right advice to ensure that the country remained united.

Osinbajo will meet with the traditional rulers from the northern part of the country on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has warned Arewa Youths, Niger Delta Watchdogs and other groups who are stroking the drum beat of war through hate campaigns to desist from such acts or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

The DSS gave the warning on Sunday in a statement signed by Tony Opuiyo, adding that it has commenced investigation to get the perpetrators of these hate campaigns as well as their sponsors.

The statement further went on to state that at the appropriate time all those involved in these condemnable acts will be unmasked and decisively dealt with in line with the laws of the land.

The agency said “it will stop at nothing to deploy all resources at its disposal to identify and deal with all those culpable, as well as maintain peace and order in every length and breadth of the Nation.”

The statement reads: “The Department of State Services (DSS) has watched with keen interest the disturbing trend desperate and mischievous elements have tended to steer the ship of our nationhood to calamity and irretrievable destruction.

Controversies trail 2018 recession exit comment by NBS boss Motolani Oseni

ÏÏÏ Controversies have continued to follow the latest pronouncements by the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Dr. Yemi Kale, that the Nigerian economy will be out of recession come 2018 as economists, industry analysts, and financial experts expressed divergent views.

The Daily Times recalls that in the first quarter of 2017, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by –0.52 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms, representing the fifth consecutive quarter of contraction since Q1 2016.

This represents 0.15 per cent higher than the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2016 (revised to –0.67 per cent from –0.36%) and higher by 1.21% points from rate

recorded in the preceding quarter, (revised to –1.73% from –1.30%). Quarter on quarter, real GDP growth was –12.92 per cent During the quarter, aggregate GDP stood at N26, 028,356.03 million in nominal terms, compared to N22, 235,315.29 million in Q1 2016, resulting in a Nominal GDP growth of 17.06 per cent. This growth was higher relative to growth recorded in Q1 2016 (11.39%).

But in spite this, the NBS boss in an interview with the Economic Confidential magazine in Abuja over the weekend, said, “If all prices do not collapse including Niger Delta crisis, by 2018 we would have recovered”.

Speaking on the economic situation currently bedeviling the nation, Dr. Kale said “It was an extremely difficult period and we all felt it. I will say that most of the indicators suggest that

we are coming out of it.”

“We have not come out of it yet. As if the worst has already happened and it’s a low process of recovery.

Now there is what we call technical recovery as different from the recovery Nigerians would prefer”, he said.

But The Daily Times spoke to the CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Ltd, Bismarck Rewane, who said he never believed the NBS boss said that and that he hasn’t seen the story, hence, he would not be able to comment on the development.

According to him, “He is quoted out of context and I don’t belief in the story, so, I’m not going to comment on it because it is not true.”

When pressed for further comment, he said: “First and foremost, I have not seen the report and secondly, I don’t believe that story

and I’m not going to comment on it”, he insisted.

However, Professor of Banking and Finance and Dean of Faculty, University of Uyo, Prof. Leo U. Ukpong, in an exclusive telephone chat on Sunday with our correspondent, said that usually, there is always an official spokesperson and the person who collects the statistics probably is the person to tell us. Because they are collecting the statistics every blessed day and they know what they are seeing.

“So, I would believe the bureau of statistics words more, because the Finance Minister and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor have political undertone, even though they should not, they try to paint the government’s logo.

When the Finance Minister said we are coming out of recession, I did not belief

her”, he explained.

“But in my opinion, I don’t even think it will be 2018. I thought it would break even somewhere in the third quarter (Q3) of 2017. But it is going to depend on how they implement and execute the recently approved budget; if they can approve spending, especially on short-term capital projects quick to inject money into the system, I think that will help the economy grow up faster.

“But if they go to the conferences and start playing politics and the money is not released even though the budget is approved, it could go into 2018.

“So, the ability to inject money quick into the system and stimulate the economy, if they do that, we may see an end to this recession somewhere at the end of this year, but if not, it might be somewhere

around first quarter (Q1) 2018,” Prof. Ukpong added.

Commenting on discordant voices from government agencies, Prof. Ukpong, noted that “it is not a good development but very bad. In order words, it is inconsistency and in a situation like that, the investors are confused and I think that is not good in terms of confidence”.

“Stock market may probably react negatively with these different positions and that is the same problem we’ve been having with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government when the president is saying one thing and the CBN Governor is doing something else. People lose confidence and investors will start withdrawing their money or not investing in the economy. So, it is very bad, they need to speak in one voice,” he said.

Politics The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has presented certificates of registration to the five newly-registered political parties in the country.

The parties are Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Democratic People’s Movement (ADPM), Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance (APDA), New Generation Party of Nigeria (NGP) and the Young Progressive Party (YPP).

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while presenting the certificates to the parties in Abuja, urged them not to consider their registration as an end in itself.

Yakubu said that the registration should be seen as opportunity for the political parties to exercise their critical roles in the best interest of growing the country’s democracy.

“As you are aware, political parties are at the heart of our democracy. Under the Constitution, no Nigerian can contest an election conducted by lNEC unless he or she is sponsored by a political party.

“Similarly, under the Constitution, you are registered to operate as national political parties.

“As such, you should remain committed to the politics of principles and development of the entire nation as articulated in your party constitutions and manifestos which you submitted along with your applications for registration.

“You must eschew the politics of division, bitterness, mud-slinging and hatred.

You must also be inclusive in all your activities by giving opportunity to all citizens, especially disadvantaged groups such as women, youths and persons with disabilities,“ Yakubu said.

He assured that the new parties would enjoy equal rights and privileges of recognised political parties under the Constitution, the Electoral Act as well as INEC’s regulations and guidelines.

“At sometimes, the commission will continue to strictly monitor the activities of all political parties and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any violation of the law governing the terms and conditions of your registration.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

We want to replace groundnuts pyramid with wheat and rice in Kano – Gawuma–P10

Gani Adams hails NASS on move to look at 2014 Confab reports –P11

INEC issues certificates to 5 new political parties, considering another 103 applications

PROF. YAKUBU

“I wish to remind all political parties that the law also provides for de-registration of parties. We shall vigorously apply this aspect of the law as the need arises,’’ he said.

The chairman said that INEC would pay special attention to the conduct of political parties during outstanding bye-elections and the three governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun.

“The commission will pay special attention to the conduct of political parties as well as their candidates and supporters.

“Hate speech and other violations of the

Electoral Acts attract appropriate sanctions under the law. ’’ He disclosed that the commission received three additional applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.

“This means that the commission is currently processing 103 applications.

“Out of this number, six associations are currently undergoing the initial assessment of their logos, names, acronyms and other legal requirements for registration.

“Thirty-three associations have passed

Rights group seeks urgent implementation of 2014 CONFAB Report The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) says urgent implementation of the 2014 Constitutional Conference Report (CCR) is key to addressing socioeconomic and political problems confronting Nigeria.

The group through its Ebonyi State Chairman, Mr Emeka Anosike made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abakaliki.

The committee, which decried the Federal Government’s delay in implementing the conference report, said it was in support of the current call and agitation by groups and notable Nigerians to implement it.

According to him, the current call and agitation by Nigerians from all works of life and ethnic backgrounds for the implementation of the 2014 Constitutional Conference shows that the people are united in the call.

He said that the document provided answers and solutions to the problems affecting the country since independence and called on the Federal Government to respect the views of Nigerians on the issue.

“Nigerians from all works of life

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across political, social, cultural and religious divides as well as from different ethnic backgrounds are calling for the implementation of the 2014 Constitutional Conference report “Restructuring of Nigeria is germane in solving the country’s multifaceted problems and 2014 constitutional conference report provides genuine answers and solutions to these problem.

“We as a rights group have been privileged to peruse critically through the document; I want to say without any equivocation that the report is a masterpiece and has provided answers and solutions to our problems as a country and as a people.

“We believe in the continued existence of Nigeria as one indivisible entity and we are also opposed to any violent disintegration hence the need to implement the report of the conference which undoubtedly has clearly provided the basis for this unity.

“What we are saying is that the implementation of the 2014 Constitutional Conference Report is very strategic in addressing the rising ethnic agitations, separatist calls, clamour for resource

control, power sharing among the six geopolitical zones, among others.

“The Federal Government should commence the process of making this document become part of our law by presenting the report before the National Assembly as an executive bill so that legislative action can commence on it,” Anosike said.

He said that the committee was committed to any legitimate move or struggle aimed at fast tracking the process of implementing the report.

The activist further pledged the group’s readiness to synergise with other groups with similar views in mounting pressure on the Federal Government to do the needful.

“The Federal Government must therefore act fast in the face of the present calls and agitation for the implementation of the 2014 confab report to prove that it is committed to the existence of one true united and indivisible Nigeria.

“Implementing the report will set in motion the process for restructuring exercise that will enthrone true federalism where justice, equity and rule of law will reign supreme,” he said.

the initial assessment and advised to proceed with the necessary documentation in support of their applications.

“Ten associations have passed the initial assessment, submitted the necessary documentation and the Commission is currently verifying their submissions.

“Finally, 54 associations have failed the initial assessment due mainly to the similarity of their proposed names or logos with existing political parties or associations,’’ he said.

Yakubu said that the commission would continue to give expeditious consideration to all applications in line with the requirements of the law.

On his part, Mr Mohammad Nalado, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), commended INEC for registering the five political parties, while congratulating the new parties.

Nalado urged Nigerians willing to go into politics to study the country’s Constitution and parties’ manifestoes to see if there was any party they could work with.

“What is happening now is a good development. It is also good to consider how we can make it easier for the electorate when they want to make their choice when it comes to voting.

“I am sure that if the list is too long it will be very difficult for the electorate to make a very good choice,’’ he said. (NAN)

...creates 10 additional centres in Bayelsa for CVR The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelssa State has created additional ten centres in the state for the on-going Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

Mr Clement Oha, Director and Administrative Secretary of the Commission in Bayelsa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Yenagoa that the centres were created to ease the challenge posed by the difficult terrain in the state.

NAN reports that the nation-wide CVR, began in April with nine centres in the state. This brings to 19 the number of centres in the state.

“INEC already knows the terrain in Bayelsa and the difficulties in transportation, so, we will continue to do all that we can do to ensure that no eligible person is disfranchise.

“The new centres are part of the Commission’s efforts to decentralise the exercise as centres get closer to the people; we seek support of the stakeholders to ensure that the exercise is hitch free.

“Well, so far so good, the registration exercise has recorded some success; people’s turnout is encouraging,” he said.

When NAN visited the Onopa, Yenagoa Local Government Area centre, INEC officers were present and the exercise was orderly.

An Officer at the centre, who refused to mention his name said the exercise had been smooth since it began in April, the turnout has been “great”.

“It has been smooth, the turnout is okay,” the officer said.

Mr Joy Apreala, commended INEC for putting the registration early before the 2019 elections.

“Yes, on the additional ten centres in the state, it is a welcome development and at least it will give opportunity to many eligible persons to register,” Apreala said.

Politics 10 How did you start with Agriculture and you are doing so well?

Let me start by saying the first issue we had was middle-men, during the inauguration of the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, in his speech he made mention of two fundamental issues that borders on the development of Agriculture particularly in the state, because it is our area of jurisdiction. The issue of middlemen, he said he will do away with them because most of the policies and interventions given to farmers if you use middlemen will not go to the farmers. He made sure that he deals directly with the farmers and that was what we are doing. We deal directly with the farmers; sit down with them, to tell us directly what is there problems and the government telling them what they can be able to do. We don’t do propaganda by telling the farmers we will do these and would not do it. We told the farmers we are unique and this is what we can do. We are into direct communications with them. He also mentioned the issue of fertilizer; this is a component that will solve 50 percent of the farmer’s problems not only in Kano but in the country at large.

We have a fertilizer blending company, KASCON. It was established in the 1980s by Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, the then executive governor of the state. That place suffered neglect, abandoned after his tenure and was turned into a refuse dumping site. At the emergence of this administration, it was reawakened and true to his words, the first action was to pump a lot of funds into the company to the tune of 500 Million Naira for the first instance to revive the place, making sure that the place works independently of any interference so that it can run and service itself and be able to produce affordable and qualitative fertilizer in abundance at all times. With that N500million I can boast to say; yesterday (last week) we received a new line of production, which is not only first in Nigeria or West Africa, but the only one like it is in South Africa, in the whole of Africa. That line was procured out of the profit of that company. To show you that Company can work, government companies can work, whoever said government companies cannot work has been disproved in this aspect.

The Fertilizers are available, availability is one very important issue, we spoke about subsidy of the product; on our coming in 2015, His Excellency the governor told me that the issue of subsidy is not possible but a scam, because the fertilizers will be round-tripped and sometimes when people get it cheap, they try to sell what they have and try to sell quickly for more turn over and they will not go to the farm and the same fertilizer will be brought back to be resold. So you find out the five loads of fertilizer or the 10 trips can be distributed for a value of 100 trailers. His Excellency said this is not possible and then we looked at the angle of saying if I need 10 bags of fertilizer and you give me two bags subsidy, I will have to go and look for the balance of 8 bags which will be bought at exorbitant price because it is not being controlled. You will find out that those two bags will not do anything and I will end up spend-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

We want to replace groundnuts pyramid with wheat and rice in Kano – Gawuma There is no way a farmer will go to farm to produce and then we will allow him to lose. If he loses today from a loan he has been given, how does he pay? We will be shouting that the farmer cannot pay loan, we should not do that. We should try to see that the pricing through our experts, our demonstration farms know how much it costs us to plant, from procurement of seeds to planting, application of pesticides to harvest.

DR. GAWUMA

In this era of Economic crunch, the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari has advocated for diversification of the nation’s economy from oil and to tap some unutilised sectors. Prominence is now being given to Agriculture with emphasis on Rice and Wheat production. The Kano state commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuma spoke with some Agriculture Correspondents in Kano on how the state has fared especially since the emergence of this regime. TOM OKPE was there. ing so much which means, I have not been subsidized as a farmer.

So, the best thing is to get the best quality fertilizer at an affordable price and that was what Kano State government did. What we did was first, get the fertilizer and we fixed the price. His Excellency asked KASCO management what it takes to produce, the cost implication of producing a bag of fertilizer, it came up to N4750.00 and he said ok, let us make a little out of it so that it can be affordable to the farmers. We produced and sold it at N5500.00.

That was in 2016. We made it available; Kano State has KASCO stores all around the 44 local governments of the state. Those stores, we make sure we take the fertilizers there to the farmers so that they will not have the burden of coming from the village to the city for purchase and incur more cost. I think along the road you came through you have seen some KASCO stores. In Karfi, Gwarmai, Konadangora, we have

them and they are all stocked with fertilizer which are sold for N5500.00.

How do you ensure quality?

Before now, some of the farmers that we told that fertilizers are going to be really available and at affordable price in 2016 could not believe it, they said no, it is not possible, but they kept coming and we kept telling them. We cannot blame them because that was what happened before. We keep enlightening them and were able to convince them and when they went to those places and are able to get the fertilizer, they were happy; most of them are thinking of the quality. There is no way that as government, we are going to compromise the quality of our fertilizer because every time we finish, we have our own laboratory and apart from that we send it to our Institute of Agriculture Research in ABU, Zaria for them to do the quality control test and we have all these results, so there is no way we

can compromise the quality of our fertilizer. We also use the soil marking system produced by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and rural development. They brought the soil marking system of all the 36 states of the Federation to identify that this soil in Kano requires 20-10-10 or 20-5-10. In 2016, we produced 20-5-10 not 20-10-10 for Kano then, but because the requirement of the soil of Kano and all the farmers that used our fertilizer 20-5-10 in Kano were very happy. There was an increase in production that year and that is what science means, to quantify or the reluctance of all the components that are required and you use the adequate method, inputs and timing which is what we did.

What is the influence of the Federal Government in all of these?

When the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari decided to bring rest to the issue of fertilizer in the country that was what happened. There was a joint agreement with the state governors, Federal Government and the Moroccan government and that was when the special intervention committee was set up on the issue of fertilizer where the governor of Jigawa State is the chairman. The Federal Government decided to bring in a million tons or to produce a million tons of fertilizer this year so that all the states will be able to give their farmers the ability and affordable fertilizer. The committee called the blending companies in the country and when they met, they all brought their cost, how they produced and all that. The model of Kano State was picked because we gave the lowest amount which was also affordable to farmers and that was what is being done today. The fertilizer is being sold at N5,500 and printed on the bags. All the companies, six were chosen to blend them up to one Million tons. Kano KASCO is the only government company that is producing the product among the

blending companies now.

We are blending 200,000 metric tons of fertilizer as that was what was given to us. It is also a business to Kano State because we are being paid for that.

Is the fertilizer company in collaboration with the Federal Government?

No, it is purely owned by Kano State, we are being commissioned by the Federal Government to do the blending as a company, there are other blending companies, I think six in the country, we are among them. That is the aspect of fertilizer which is readily available. When you ask the farmers if they have access to fertilizer they will tell you yes, and when you ask them can you afford them, they will equally tell you yes.

What about price tag on the sales of rice and wheat between the farmers and the middlemen, farmers complain of selling below cost price.

I was coming to the issue of wheat, I want us to finish with fertilizer; the issue of wheat, what Kano State has done on the key aspect is that, when we came, we sat down and analysed this aspect critically and that is the aspect of extension services. This is one fundamental aspect in agriculture; the little techniques that you can give to farmers can change their production level that you cannot think of. Kano State has been known for its extensive extension services in agriculture.

When we came in, His Excellency decided to employ 749 youths that have graduated in all forms of agriculture and we also partnered with different donor organisations like SASAKAWA, the Green Sand, IITA , they all came in because of what Kano State has done. They assist us in training these youths in extension services who go back to the rural areas to help the farmers in modern farming techniques. When you come to the aspect of interventions or the issue of some particular crops that the Federal Government wants to boost production like rice, wheat and tomatoes, Kano State makes it a priority in making sure that quality seeds are available as they are the key when it comes to planting. Quality seeds at affordable price are being bought for the farmers. For the first instances, after the launch of the wheat production or the planting season in Kebbi State

by President Muhammadu Buhari, our governor launched the same program with the Honorable Minister for Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh in Kano where the farmers are given interest free loans of N100Billion to procure seeds and distribute to famers to be paid back after production with seeds so that we can encourage them.

We used our experts with the CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June9 , 2017

Patrick Okohue The National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress, Otunba Gani Adams has commended the National Assembly for its decision to recall the recommendations of the last National Conference that took place in 2014 with a view to adopting some of the recommendations documented after the confab.

Adams, who is also the Convener of Oodua Progressive Union, said with this development it was clear that the future of Nigeria is in the hands of the

11 Politics

Gani Adams hails NASS on move to look at 2014 Confab reports Assembly men. “We should stop deceiving ourselves, the future of Nigeria as an entity can only be guaranteed if the various yearnings of all components of the Nigeria union have their agitations met.

“It is only wise for the Federal lawmakers to critically look into the set out recommendations of the Confab which I have the honor to participate in so as to pacify everybody. Aside

assurance of national peace, it will also aid the rapid development of the nation,” he said.

By this action, Adams said the 8th National Assembly is on the verge of writing down its name in gold as the savior of the unity of Nigeria. “They should move beyond paper talks and be proactive and adopt the needed agitations which will assure all to want to remain under the union called Nigeria.

“Since they are the real representatives of Nigerians, it will be a plus for them to be on the side of the people and move the country forward,” he opined.

Adams further advised that the recommendations have addressed every aspects, sector and needs of the country, including the judiciary, executive, local government and others.

“For Instance, the conference recommended that each state

of the federation should have its Supreme and Appeal Court to fast track judicial process, it is therefore necessary that the lawmakers should take critical look into all the recommendations.”

He said the composition of the Conference was the best so far in Nigeria and it is better than any other political gatherings that the county has ever assembled

‘We want to replace groundnuts pyramid with wheat and rice in Kano’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

encouragement and help of one of the major partner in terms of wheat production, the Lake Chad Research Institute. These farmers were able to grow their wheat and pay the state government with seed.

Before doing that, the state gave a guarantee for the famers to procure the cleaning sorting and grading machine which are in our ware houses. They do that for value addition to the wheat. There are task forces for wheat production in the country which the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the governors of Kebbi and Kano states, the national president for wheat farmers are part of the key stake holders who determine the issue of price which is very important. Back in the 1980s, the farmers were being encouraged to go and produce wheat which they did and nobody came to buy and they lost. Since then, lots of farmers were discouraged, but the emergence of this administration under the leadership of President Buhari, the farmers agreed to go back to farm with encouragement of some governors like my governor. Today, Kano State is number one state in wheat production in the country.

In 2016, we cultivated over 10,000 hectares, but this year because of the intervention and the programs of wheat with the contribution of government, we cultivated over 30,000 hectars and that is because after production, we pay the state with the seeds and the state government encourage more farmers to come and when they come, what we do is to give them those seeds again as loan and this time around we have to add more money because more people have embraced the issue. More farmers have come into it. There is also an addition of N50 million this year too that we gave to farmers for the procurement as that is one of the main challenges of wheat production in Nigeria. This challenge is well known even by the minister who has discussed severally about this with my governor and the governor of Kebbi State on how we are going to encourage the issue of our production of quality seeds for wheat. These are some of the things we did in Kano that has

encouraged so much production in wheat and rice.

On the tomato aspect, Kano State by the coming of the incumbent governor has facilitated the beginning of production of Dangote tomato Production Company. The company has been there for a very long time because of so many reasons, they couldn’t start. Dangote and the state government facilitated an innovative platform on tomato production in the state which is a committee comprising of various stake holders on tomato and they started production. Along the line, there was problem of Tuta-Absoluta which is a pest that brought about a lot of lost in tomato not only in Kano but all over the country, precisely, Katsina, Jigawa, Kaduna and Kano too. The state government in its own effort of supporting the farmers approved the procurement of seeds, pesticides and other inputs worth N252Million to the tomato farmers. We are working on the issue of pricing of Dangote Tomato Factory. Pricing is something that is very important to the farmers. There are two seasons in the live circle of the tomatoes, when they are abandoned and they become cheap and when they are scarce and become expensive. We have to align the price whereby the farmers will be happy and Dangote will be happy. That is what we are working on now, government is fully a part of it and I think the chairman of TOGA is also right here with us.

The tomato growers association in Nigeria (TOGA) Kano Chapter and it is part of the commitment of the state in dealing with the farmers in getting to know what we are going to do to our farmers.

We have done so many things; the Minister has come, launched the distribution of 5000 water pumps for irrigation purposes. In Kano we have the best irrigation facilities in the country. We are utilizing that and the governor is on ground to see that we do not have any problem in that regard. We have almost completed the drilling of 1000 tube wells across the 44 local government areas in the state and so many other things that we have done to encourage farmers to embrace agriculture in the state.

How effective are the trained youths in the entire process?

Yes, this is another area where His Excellency is giving more attention and priority to deal with lives particularly in the aspect of production. We engaged 250 Fulani youths and sent them to Turkey where they went to learn skills and artificial dissemination. They are back now; most of them gainfully employed by consultants and some have gone to other states. A certain girl among them is doing very well to the extent that she is training some other youths under that aspect. We have put this up in some other local government areas where we are doing the TOT, Train the Trainer on artificial dissemination so that they can be able to help other youths in learning that aspect of lives production.

We have also retrained them on the aspect of commercial agric development project and have graduated and will be empowered with equipments and some funding where they can be on their own.

With the efforts of the state government in agriculture, do you think you will turn the tide on rice and wheat pyramid from ground-nut of yester years?

I think you are right; recently, we have embarked on mobilisation on the production of Wheat. We have given them one of our largest stores where they can be able to put in their wheat because of the challenges of cost. We are doing a program with them, ware housing program where we want to assist the farmers.

The first thing after production, the farmer needs to sell, pay his debt, and pay school fees. You find out that the millers are not sometimes doing very well to the farmers. All those processors you find out will give them any kind of price because they know the farmer is pressed.

The state is going to embark on that special program whereby we collect the wheat; whatever you give us, we give you 40percent that will be in conjunction with the state farmers association of Nigeria (WEFA).

When we collect your wheat, if it is N100, we give you N40 and will keep it in the ware house, not only keeping it, it will be cleaned, graded and

GANDUJE

be bagged. We have added value to it and you have gotten N40. You may go to do whatever you want to do until when the issue of pricing is settled between the Millers and the Task Force and that is what we are advocating now. We want to send this as a message as the Minister of Agriculture has mandated all agencies to look at this because we have a considerable audience with the farmers. All we are doing is to encourage the farmers to go back to farm.

We don’t want to do something that will now dampen their sales and going bad, that is the issue of pricing; we should be very realistic and be honest in what we do. If we process this Wheat, how much do we sell the product to people, how much money do we make? So, why don’t we buy the wheat at a very reasonable price from the farmer and the government? We as government, state and Federal have sat down and see how much it will cost a farmer to cultivate a hectare of land and know how much it will produce, how much tonnage of Wheat is the minimum we can produce. So, we know how much he has spent and how much he is expecting to make. There is no way a farmer will go to farm to produce and then we will allow him to lose. If he loses

today from a loan he has been given, how does he pay? We will be shouting that the farmer cannot pay loan, we should not do that. We should try to see that the pricing through our experts, our demonstration farms know how much it costs us to plant, from procurement of seeds to planting, application of pesticides to harvest. We have quantified that per hectare so it is not difficult for us to know. The Task Force can easily send the minimum price of a ton of wheat so that nobody can buy less than that amount. That is how we can encourage the farmers in their own way; the more we do that, the more we get more techniques. We are doing four tons per hectare, we will be able to reach a bundle of eight tons and by the time we reach eight tons per hectare, definitely the price will reduce. If this is the minimum we can get then there must be a minimum price for the farmers.

I am calling on all the stake holders involved to look at this factor because this is one area that is disturbing the farmers and then this is where the state government has agreed to come in. This is what Kano State has joined together to see how we can solve the problems of our farmers so that at least the issue of pricing will be dealt with.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Ostracise corrupt members, Osinbajo urges church leaders Continued from page 1 esteem.

The Acting President, who spoke at the Aso Villa Chapel service to mark the Father’s Day Celebration, called on all fathers in the country to be an exemplary leader that builds generation of righteous men and women.

His words: “I want to say to all of our leaders, the Christian leaders; the PFN and CAN, that it is the role of the church to build this nation. And the church has that role because God has said concerning us that we are the light of the world and we are the salt of the earth. That role is a very difficult role. We are not to teach the world how to be like the world but to teach the world how to be like our saviour, Jesus Christ.

“Every time we come to the church, we are told about giving, but we need to talk more about honesty. Just now His Eminence said Nigeria’s great problem is not an absence of prosperity, but that we have enough for our needs, but we don’t have enough for our greed. The greed of many is what has landed this country to where it is today. Many who are in position of authority, it is the greed that has landed us to where we are. Many who say the reason why they are stealing is because they need to have an arsenal for future political experiment, it is a lie! It is greed.

And if the church says you are not allowed to steal and we will ostracise the thieves in our midst, if a man’s resources, what a man has does not measure up to what he earns, if you found that a man has more money than he should have, if a man is earning a salary in a civil service or public service and he has houses everywhere, we have to hold him to account.

“He must first be held to account in the church. He must first be told in the church, we will not

allow this. If the church ostracise the thieves; if the church says we will not accept thieves here or we will ensure that we expose you, you are stealing the resources of our nation, you are stealing the resources of a private company or other establishments, then we will not have the kind of problems that we have in this country.

If only the church can.”

He also called on the fathers to bring up their children with virtue of integrity.

“When I listened to His Eminence a few minutes ago, talking about the importance of the type of training we received as a child; the type of training where you were taught primarily about integrity; that you must be a person of integrity; that you must be truthful, you must be honest.

That is the foundational teaching.

“Even knowing the Ten Commandment was enough to teach you about righteousness. That is so important especially for us who are Christians,” he stated.

Osinbajo urged all fathers in the country to follow the foot-step of Abraham in the scripture that God chose in order to “command his children and household in the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice.”

He called on fathers to love their wives and refrain from any form of domestic violence.

On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, warned against the collapse of the family system in the country, urging the government to invest more in family.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the service, he said: “We should invest more, really as a nation, in fatherhood or in family. And when children are properly brought up, you will see that most of the resources we channel towards control of crime and so many other government programmes, there will be no need

2017 Budget: NASS’ introduction of fresh projects sparks row Continued from page 5 an Appropriation Act duly passed by the NASS. A careful reading of section 80 puts the preeminence of NASS into focus when it comes to appropriation of funds.

“Since it is the Executive that is disputing the plenitude of the powers of NASS on the issue of appropriation, then the Executive should approach the Supreme Court on the matter.

For Mike Ozekhome, “The NASS has powers to modify and alter any budget,” adding, “either the Executive or NASS can go to the Supreme Court for interpretation.”

On his own part, Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi said: “No, Senate and House of Representatives do not have the power. Executive to a large extent has the power to

prepare the budget. Going to the Supreme Court by either party will be the best way to settle the enlargement of powers and arrogation of authority to itself by the NASS.” On his part, Femi Falana said: “The National Assembly does not have the power to alter the projects. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) is very clear on the power of the appropriations.

While the executive (the President) by the virtue of section 81 of the constitution will prepare the budget and lay it before the lawmakers, the latter will use their power appropriation on the estimates by the virtue of section 81 of the constitution. But the executive should go to Supreme Court to resolve the issue and seek proper interpretation on this vexed issue.”

for them. Because we will have some kind of transformation that only take place at the family level.

“Certain things cannot be done by the government, like we cannot just outsource discipline in a home, the issue of imparting or instilling morality in the life of our citizens. Government certainly cannot do that; it is the role of the family. So when we celebrate fathers like this, we celebrate fatherhood, we emphasise on the importance of the family as a unit in bringing up those components of society, performing its role and then turning citizens that are compliant. That therefore means that we won’t be spending money in fighting crime.

“When fathers do their work, the nation will have less work to do. And when next we have people in leadership who fail, who are patently corrupt, the question shouldn’t be ‘who is this?’ The question should be ‘who is the father of that person?’ I congratulate the fathers.”

He called on fathers to be exemplary in their conduct.

“If you wouldn’t want your children to follow your example, then it means you are failing as a father. And once father fails, family fails, certainly, the nation will fail because the family is the strength of a nation,” he said.

He described the occasion as one of the most important day in the life of a nation, saying a nation is a collection of families.

According to him, every leader, every good person, every armed robber, every militant, every terrorist comes from the family and when the family collapses, the nation collapses.

Earlier in his sermon titled: ‘Fathers to the Rescue of Our Beloved Nation,’ the Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Kalu Uche, stated that God established the family as a basic and foundation unit of a country.

“God has made fathers as the head and this assignment must be

exercised in love, honesty, gentleness and unity. The responsibility of a father makes him to be accountable to God. A father must render a selfless service and he must be faithful to his wife,” he said.

The clergyman, who attributed one of the problems besetting the nation to failure of many fathers, said many could not give their children good education, hence, they turned out to be criminals in the country.

The prelate noted that in the past, children were taught to respect elders and to be upright, contrary to what is obtainable today where children are abandoned and they constitute nuisance in the society.

He described those young people agitating for secession in the country, the Boko Haram group, among others as miscreants in the society.

“They were not given proper education, they were not brought up to respect humanity,” he added.

Former Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Governorship candidate in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore (2nd l); flagbearer of the PDP for the forthcoming July 8 bye-election in Osun West Senatorial District, Dr. Demola Adeleke (2nd r), during the reconciliation meeting organised by Senator Iyiola Omisore in Ile-Ife, Osun State… on Sunday.

World Bank to assist Nigeria strengthen fiscal sustainability Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The World Bank Group is

to assist Nigeria’s State Governments improve fiscal sustainability by strengthening and consolidating the Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP).

The FSP was introduced by Federal Government in 2016 as part of the measures to tackle the 2015-2016 fiscal crisis that followed the decline in revenue and budget cuts leading to two financial bailouts for the States by the Federal Government.

The Plan is also an instrument for reforming the whole gamut of the Public Sector Financial Management (PSFM) system spanning the three tiers

of government.

The 22-point FSP was acceded to by the State Governments in 2016 to implement fundamental reforms by taking measures including instilling a regime of fiscal transparency and accountability, improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the taming of unnecessary recurrent expenditure and strengthening adherence to debt management guidelines by the states.

The proposed intervention by the World Bank would involve financing capacity building and providing technical support for officials in the 36 States of the federation by equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills to

effectively manage the comprehensive implementation of the components of the FSP on a sustainable basis.

The objective is to ensure that the states are put on the path that would lead them out of the situation in which they have to be bailed out or fail to meet their financial obligations for the wellbeing of the citizenry.

The capacity building programme would also include imparting skills that would contribute in the successful implementation of the Open Government Partnership commitments with the view to boosting the fiscal transparency and accountability component of the Fiscal Sustainability Plan.

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

s

13

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Funding for Small and Medium Enterprises

R

ecently, the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) called on the Federal Government to adequately fund small businesses in order to achieve price stability and increase aggregate output in the Nigerian economy. According to the chamber, the Federal Government should develop policies that will enhance accessibility of funds to these enterprises in order to leapfrog Nigeria’s industrial development and create much-needed jobs for the teeming unemployed.

We are totally in support of this call, even as we advise that the Federal Government embrace it in entirety. It is a fact that small and medium enterprises are the engine of economic growth in any developed and developing society.

The major advantage of the sector is its employment potential at low capital cost, even as the labour intensity of the SME sector is much higher than that of the large enterprises. Unarguably, the role of these enterprises in the economic and social development of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised.

Most importantly, the SME sector is a nursery of entrepreneurship, often driven by individual creativity and innovation. As the engine of economic progress, small and medium enterprises are also the main driving force behind poverty reduction, wealth creation, income distribution and reduction in income disparities. Moreover, in a country like Nigeria with an adverse balance of payment situation, the growing contribution of the small scale industries sector in the export portfolio goes a long way in generating foreign exchange and smoothening out the adverse balance of payment situation.

This is important to the economy in that large percentage of their production inputs are sourced locally thus, reducing the pressure on the limited foreign exchange earnings, thereby helping

Publisher/Editor in Chief Group Managing Director Noel Anosike Group General Manager Olisa Egbunike 08034004224 Head, Operations Isaiah Udo 08033230673

to eliminate some of the deficit in the balance of payment. Even at that, it is praiseworthy that successive administrations were not oblivious of the place of SME in the country’s development.

Hence, the establishment of micro-finance banks to act as source of funds for them. Such policy is geared towards enhancing the operation of small-scale businesses through fiscal monetary, and export incentives that included tax holidays and tariff concession.

In terms of monetary support, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced credit guidelines requiring commercial and merchant banks to allocate a portion of their loanable funds to small businesses. In spite of these efforts, experts have worried that funds for small and medium enterprises had always been misappropriated because majority of the loans were granted in most cases on political rather than on commercial or project viability considerations.

In the end, those with little or no political connections are sidelined. Due to this, many SME’s resort to informal sources of finance, which include personal saving and borrowing from friends, families and credit associations? More painful is that formal financial institutions like commercial banks are still very unwilling to grant credits to SMEs. Another inhibiting factor is the improper implementation of policies and inability to recruit trained manpower and adequate equipment to aid the extension services to support the SMEs. Added to this, is the challenge of inadequate infrastructural facilities such as electricity, potable water, feeder roads, that have remained drawbacks to growth of these enterprises. With evidence of success in countries like India, Indonesia and Malaysia where SMEs constitute more than 40 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, those in Nigeria could become models if enabling policies are well implemented.

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Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo (m); Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria, Nogie Meggison (3rd r); Managing Director, DANA Air, Jacky Hathiramani (2nd r); Managing Director, Air Peace, Allen Onyema (r); Managing Director, Azman Air, Alhaji Yunusa Sarina Abdulmunaf (l); Area Manager, South West Africa, IATA, Dr. Samson Fatokun (2nd l) and Managing Director, Skyjet Aviation, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, (3rd l), after the Acting President’s meeting with Airline Operators of Nigeria in Abuja… at the weekend.

Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Sharon Ikeazor (r) and Director-General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Aliyu AzizAbubakar, during the presentation on the NIMC on-Line Real Time Verification Service in Abuja… on Sunday.

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L-R: Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; his wife, Kudirat, during the 10th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by Alhaji Lai Mohammed at the Oro Eid Praying ground, Oro Kwara State… at the weekend.

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Being rich is no longer fashionable if it cannot be used for human development.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Pastor Tunde Bakare

Pope John Paul II

What God purposed and did before time cannot be destroyed by time, because once upon a time, there was no time at all.

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

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Imo environmental agency dismisses 3 staff over illegalities, arrests 15 fake operatives Val Okara, Owerri

ÏÏÏ The Imo state Environmental Transformation Commission (ENTRACO) has announced the dismissal of three of its staff for their alleged involvement in sharp practices.

The commission equally arrested 15 fake persons impersonating as staffers of the commission and handed them over to security agencies for further investigations and prosecution.

The General Manager of ENTRACO, Mr. Jeff Nwoha, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists on Saturday in Owerri.

Nwoha, whose reappointment was announced by Governor Rochas Okorocha during the week after less than one month dissolution of all the political appointees by the governor, said that his commission has zero tolerance to illegalities.

He observed that the activities of illegal operators were a huge challenge to the commission and

urged the people of the state to be wary of the activities of such fraudsters. ``We often receive calls of our workers coming to demand this and that from residents but when we probe into that, we uncover such persons are not real workers of Imo ENTRACO. ``All we are using this medium to tell the public is to be careful who they deal with in the name of environmental workers in Imo state.’’

Nwoha, flanked by Messrs Chike

Obioha and Chike Ohanugba both senior officials of the commission, said that the commission is committed to promoting cleaner and healthy environment to drive huge infrastructural development of the state government.

According to him, ``the rescue mission of the government of Gov. Okorocha is doing a lot under the urban renewal programme especially in Owerri. These investments would amount to nothing if the environment is untidy.”

Unpaid Salary: Osun govt hails workers on understanding, steadfastness

Ize-Iyamu sponsor free medicare for disabled to mark birthday

Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÏÏÏ No fewer than 267 persons living

with physical challenges (PLWPC), at the weekend benefitted from a free medical screening exercise held as part of activities marking the 55th birthday of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Peopels Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2016 Edo governorship elections.

The event had in attendance many with hearing, sight and physical impairment among others and took place at the premises of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre for the physically challenged in Benin City.

It featured free medical checkup by specialist doctors drawn from both the public and private sectors followed by the free distribution of drugs for Malaria and Typhoid, Hepatitis and Diabetes, Prostate status in men, Dental health and counseling for HIV/AIDS. Ize-Iyamu who was present with his wife, Dr. Idia, a dentist, underwent medical screening at the exercise and said that the event was also designed to mark his wife’s birthday, June 21, as they both share the same date of birth.

Commending the PLWPC for turning out in large numbers to benefit from the exercise, the cleric-turned politician said his solidarity with them would be permanent, adding that regular health check up is a major key to the good life.

He said: “Physical disability is not manmade. God, who made you that way, has a purpose which you are alive to fulfill. My prayer is that your later life will be better than your former.”

Lamenting the parlous state of infrastructure at the Salvation Army Centre, the event venue, Ize-Iyamu called on the Edo state government to increase subventions due the centre as well as rehabilitate the dilapidated facilities or replace them outrightly with modern ones.

On her part, Dr. Idia Ize-Iyamu said that the focus of the exercise was preventive so that participants can get needed information about their health status while receiving free drugs and counsel for their challenges.

Nwoha reiterated his call on the need for residents to clean-up their surroundings and avoid acts capable of causing flooding in the urban centres.

The ENTRACO boss warned that those caught in the web of acts contrary to the law establishing the commission would be dealt with, adding ``as we speak several persons are in court with the commission for violation of environmental offences and some have been convicted.”

L-R: Pastor-in-Charge, Beautiful Gate Assembly, Galadimawa FCT, Tony Olajide; Pastor-in-Charge, RCCG Region 10, Emmanuel Adebayo Ibitayo; Assistant Pastor-in-Charge (CSR) FCT 7, Kolawole Adebisi and Pastor-in-Charge, Province FCT 7, Pastor Segun Rotimi, during the dedication of a parish, Beautiful Gate Assembly in Abuja… at the weekend. Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Igbo community in Lokoja pledges support for one Nigeria Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

ÏÏÏ Despite the ongoing agitation for

an Igbo dominated Republic of Biafra which culminated into ultimatum by the Arewa youths to Igbos in the north to quit the region, the Igbo community in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, has pledged its support for one Nigeria.

President-General of the community in Lokoja, Captain Maximus Okochi who spoke with journalists on Saturday, said that after consulting widely with his Igbo kinsmen living in the state capital and its environs, they have come to the conclusion that it is a misplaced priority to start agitating for breakup of the country.

“Even though agitation for independence is not new all over the world, what is strange is the violent way in which such agitation is being made. We are against breaking Nigeria. God who brought us together knows the reason for doing so and no one has the right to separate us. The unity of Nigeria is not

negotiable,” he said.

Captain Okochi said that Igbos in Kogi state have very cordial relationships with the people of the state.

Apart from sharing borders, they have also intermarried in virtually all the senatorial districts and have therefore become one.

He advised those spearheading the agitation to learn from history and drop the idea as it will do no one any good on the long run, saying that some of them witnessed what happened during the last agitation and its attendant consequences “If what happened from 1967 to 1970 was a mistake, then there should be no reason to repeat it as repeating a mistake amounts to senselessness which true Igbos are not known for,” Captain Okochi counseled He however advised the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, address the issues causing the agitation, pointing out that, such issues as marginalisation, underdevelopment and exclusion should be addressed in order

to reduce tensions.

Okochi equally admonished his kinsmen to employ decorum, sense of maturity and political dexterity in their demands for social justice and equality as legitimate partners in the Nigeria project He therefore called on the Igbos across generations to emulate the virtues of their past leaders who participated and contributed immensely to the attainment of the nation’s independence from the colonial masters .

“Igbos are supposed to be leading patriots in the course of the political, economic and technological development of Nigeria, but have decided to abandon the expected nationalistic and patriotic spirit to engage in a fresh effort of starting a new country that will not materialize”, he noted.

Capt. Okochi therefore admonished Nigerians to focus on matters that will lift Nigeria to greater heights and compete favorably with other nations, both developed and underdeveloped, economically and technologically.

ÏÏÏ The Osun state government has lauded workers in the state civil service on their understanding and steadfastness in the payment on modulated salary, which was compelled by financial challenges that greeted the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Adelani Baderinwa, stated this while addressing members of the Network of Non Governmental Organisations who paid him a courtesy visit on Friday.

According Baderinwa, the state workers have exhibited good sense of responsibility with the payment of modulated salary.

He stated that Governor Rauf Aregbeola held the workers in high esteem and he is very appreciative of their sacrifices.

Baderinwa maintained that when the state finances increase, the civil servant would be adequately taken care in term of normal salary payment and other emoluments, stating that Aregbesola is committed to their wellbeing.

The commissioner urged members of the NETNOS to support the state government by enlightening the people on the importance and purpose of the programmes, policies and projects of the Aregbesola’s administration.

He noted that the NGOs are reaching the people directly and have access to information, enjoining them to make sure that the people at the grassroots are well informed on the activities of the government.

Baderinwa stated that the state government is doing well on social protection programmes which NETNOS and other NGOs are canvassing for, adding that the Aregbesola’s administration does not condone human, child and woman abuse.

Reacting, the NETNOS president, Comrade Ibrahim Olayinka acknowledged the social intervention programme of the Aregbesola’s administration, disclosing that the group was ready to partner the state government on orientation and enlightenment of the people of the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

15 News

Ekiti to hand over Christ’s Schools to original owners Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏ A lawmaker representing Edu/

Moro/Patigi constituency of Kwara state at the House of Representatives, Aliyu Pategi, was at the weekend ordered by a Magistrate Court, Igbosere, Lagos to be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Afolashade Botoku, made the remand order on Friday following an application to that effect by the anti graft agency.

The agency had informed the court that Pategi stood surety for a former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, who has a pending criminal charge against her before the Federal High Court in Ibadan.

Akinjinde is being charged by the EFCC for allegedly collecting N650million out of the $115m doled out by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources,

Mrs. Diezaani Alison-Madueke, to compromise the 2015 general election.

Aliyu was said to have, on August 10, 2016, entered a bail bond of N650m to secure an administrative bail for Akinjinde, but the former minister was said to have jumped the bail.

Akinjide’s non-appearance had stalled her arraignment in the charge marked FHC/IB/26C/2017 before the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo state with the court threatening to strike out the charge should the EFCC failed to produce her.

On Friday, the EFCC dragged Aliyu before the magistrate court in Lagos, praying for his remand as Akinjide had absconded.

However, the court rejected an oral bail application for Aliyu by his lawyer, Adenrele Adegborioye, who had urged the court to note his client’s status as a serving federal legislator.

Counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the magistrate that Aliyu

entered a bail bond of N650m being the sum allegedly collected by Akinjide from Diezani.

The EFCC, in a 16-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one of its operatives, Danladi Daniel, said “That an intelligent report was received sometime in 2016 that Oloye Jumoke Akinjide and others benefited from the total sum of N650m from the proceed of gratification received by the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Deizani Alison-Madueke, from various oil marketers such as Northern Belt Oil and Gas Company; Actus Integrated Investment Limited and Adesanya Leno Olaitan.”

The EFCC said upon Akinjide’s invitation to its office on August 9, 2016, she volunteered a statement, following which she was released on administrative bail entered by Aliyu on August 10, 2016.

Meanwhile, the Magistrate has adjourned further proceedings in the case till June 20, 2017.

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ Ekiti state governor, Mr. Ayo

Fayose, has said his administration is ready to hand over mission schools to their original owners as long as they can prove that they have the ability to provide qualitative education in such institutions.

The governor stated this in AdoEkiti on Saturday during a meeting with the leadership of the Anglican Church in the state and members of the Alumni Association of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti on moves to hand over the school and Christ’s Girls School to their original owners.

In a statement on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, the governor said what was important is the provision of quality education to Ekiti children and improving on the standards the state had set.

The governor, who received a document prepared by the alumni, the Anglican Church and state government officials on the modalities for the handing over from the President, Christ’s School Alumni Association, Chief Uduimo Itsueli,

expressed hope that the process of handing over the schools would not be delayed.

“We met some months back and you said you would want to take over the running of the school. Government alone can’t fund education. We are in support of such moves, especially when those involved are credible and are people who will help to provide sound and quality education for our children.

“We are after quality education and we want to maintain our position as leaders in the education sector. We are first in NECO examinations and we are among the best in WAEC and the only industry here is education and we can’t afford to let it depreciate. I am persuaded that the church and the alumni association are credible and they have what it takes to make the schools better.

“Other groups who may have similar intention will be considered as long as they meet the requirements set down by the state government. It is clear that a lot of things are missing in the sector and the gap can’t be filled by the government alone,” he said.

NIS, NUC to establish Migration institute Augustine Okezie, Abuja

L-R: Evangelist Olu Bankole; Coordinator Royal Youth Ministry, Brother Paul Osho; Evangelist Sam Dada and others, during the Annual Royal Youth Conference, themed: 2017 Transformers in Lagos… on Sunday.

ÏÏÏ The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and he National Universities Commission (NUC) have concluded arrangements to jointly establish Migration Institution for West African Countries The Comptroller General of the Service, Mohammed Babandede, who made this known in Abuja during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Abubakar Abdul Rasheed said that the service is partnering with the commission to establish the Institute which will be situated in Toga ,Kebbi State, Nigeria, adding that the institute will also be affiliated to universities in Nigeria and few West

South Korea, Nigeria pledge stronger cultural ties Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Director-General of National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has assured of his council’s preparedness to participate in the next Korean cultural festival stressing the intent was to build an everlasting relationship with the Koreans in so many aspects, especially in terms of cultural festivals.

Speaking to the South Korean ambassador to Nigeria, Noh Kyu-Duk during a courtesy call to his office in Abuja, Runsewe implored his host to use his good office to accommodate some intelligent, hard working staff of the council in the series of

scholarship awards. He said it will be delighted if the envoy could also partner with NCAC in the area of language development strategy.

Runsewe said, “I want to assure you that as the custodians of culture in Nigeria, if you grant us your support in capacity building for our staff in the areas of coordination, organizing of seminars, workshops and conferences on arts and culture, we shall be extremely grateful and will seek to return the gesture in the area of our competence.”

He seized the moment to invite Mr. Noh Kyu-Duk to the forthcoming NAFEST saying, “I want to appeal to you to be our special guest of honour in our forthcoming NAF-

EST coming up in Kaduna later this year. It will interest you to know that National festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) is a strong avenue to showcase our culture, and preach the message of unity among the various states in the country.

“As regards the African Arts and crafts Expo (AFAC), it is also a channel to promote our culture among the various African nations. We shall be honored if you will allow us to declare one day of the event as South Korean day.”

While reminding the ambassador of the benefits the council has enjoyed in years passed, Runsewe appealed to the ambassador to re-open such vistas for reunification.

He stressed that the council would be willing to partner with the embassy in the training of craftsmen in the area of packing and finishing skills of Nigerian craft products.

Responding, the ambassador poured encomiums on his guest for being a round peg in round hole.

He observed, “Having read your profile, and your achievements at the tourism industry, I have a strong conviction that the culture sector shall wear a new look during your tenure.”

His told the DG that South Korean has more than 30 cultural centres in Africa, and was proud to make Nigeria the coordinating centre in Africa.

African Countries.

He said: “One thing we have to do if we want to develop our country is to develop our intellectual capacity, Our idea to reform the NIS is with the support from the NUC on roadmap to start NIS institute, We are envisaging Migration Institution for West African Countries, Nigeria Immigration is committed to tackling the challenges of Migration management in the west Africa.”

Babandede further added that the Institute will check migration issues and assist all Neighboring countries including French speaking nations in tackling their migration challenges.

“This institution that will be situated in Toga, Kebbi state Nigeria will be an institution that will be affiliated to universities and we realized that for us to succeed on the plan we have to partner with the NUC for guidelines so that we can have an institution that will develop capacity for migration challenges,” he added.

On the Nigeria Immigration new visa policies, the NIS boss emphasized that the service needs to engage intellectuals to develop officers in specific terms.

“We have come to the NUC to see how we can engage intellectuals to develop our officers. If we do this and intellectuals come in, they will train millions of Nigeria and it will automatically develop Nigeria,” Babandede stressed.

Also speaking about the NUC partnership with the Nigeria immigration service, the NUC Executive Secretary said the commission and NIS will work together to promote migration studies in Nigeria and for the whole of West Africa.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION

s

Saraki, Orubebe: Need for FG to change tactics on war against corruption Legal pundits and general public were stunned last week when the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) freed Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over false assets declaration charge by the Federal Government while the Court of Appeal in Abuja overruled the CCT and set aside the conviction of former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godsday Orubebe.

But ANDREW OROLUA in this piece, examines the matters arising and submits that the Federal Government should restrategise the war against corruption.

Osinbajo

Malami

Saraki

Orubebe

The Federal Government last week lost two major high profile corruption cases the discharge and acquittal of the Senate President, Bukola Abubakar Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and the Court of Appeal’s setting aside of the CCT’s conviction of former Minister of Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe.

On his part, Saraki was discharged and acquitted on 18 -count charge of false assets declaration leveled against him by the federal government. Chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar and the only member of the tribunal, Mr. Williams Atedze Agwadza, upheld the defendant’s ‘no case submission’ on the grounds that the prosecution led by a seasoned and independent prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), did not establish prima facie case against the defendant.

Surprisingly, the prosecution had called four witnesses and tendered 48 exhibits before the closed of the prosecution case.

Specifically, the prosecution case was built around clear misconducts of Saraki whose declarations of assets in 1999 when he became governor of Kwara State, in 2003 when he contested for second tenure and in 2007 at the end of his second tenure as well as in 2011 when he was elected into the National Assembly as Senator shows discrepancies particularly his non-declaration of houses in Lagos and Abuja.

Prosecution also did their best in establishing that Saraki as the governor of Kwara State operated foreign bank accounts that he lodged millions of pound sterling and dollars. Though witness was not called to collaborate the evidence of a Zenith Bank official whose testimony show that Saraki indeed authorized the transfers of money into the foreign accounts, it was clear that Saraki owned a foreign account and indeed operated it while in office as governor of Kwara state.

Then same fate also befall prosecution case that Saraki received salary long after he left office as governor of Kwara state. The tribunal had problem relying solely in the evidence con-

tained in an exhibit (bank statement) without a collaborating testimony of the accountant general of Kwara State. Agwadza, a member of the tribunal alluded to this fact in his ruling.

But the question is, would it have been possible for the prosecution to secure the attendance of Accountant General of Kwara State in court to give evidence against Saraki who singlehandedly brought the incumbent governor to office.

The simple answer is no because the hostile atmosphere created by the Saraki trial in Kwara State and elsewhere would not permit any one with genuine evidence and conscience to testify.

This is because of the belief that Saraki trial like Orubebe case was politically motivated.

Saraki left office as the governor of Kwara state in 2007 after his two terms tenure. It was only when he became the Senate President in 2015 that charges were raised and filed against him.

If he had not in defiant contested and won the ‘exalted post,’ in violation of the internal arrangement of the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) who till now want core member of the APC to occupy the seat of the Senate president, he would not have been tried.

It is an open secret that all other indicted former governors who served at the same period with Saraki and who are presently serving senators would never be tried for their alleged offences as long as they remain loyal to the people at the corridor of powers.

So, the reaction of the presidency which described the acquittal of Saraki at the CCT as outrageous is understandable. The special adviser to the president on prosecution, Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, had wondered how Saraki was acquitted in spite of the provision of overwhelming evidence against him.

He said: “It is a travesty of justice. It is pedestrian and it is outrageous. It is against the weight.”

But may we ask like the tribunal: What evidences? Is it not the evidences of the four witnesses that have been discredited during cross examination or the discredited charges itself that emanated from the combined team of in-

vestigation comprising operatives of Department of State Security (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau, that was declared unknown to law. A team which could not confront Saraki during their investigation to extract confessional statement from him.

Probably, the government was so much in haste to prosecute Saraki that it put up a combine team in order to meet the deadline but in the process flouted the law.

Same mistake was made on the initial criminal charges filed against Orubebe who was charged before the High Court of Federal Capital Territory for alleged embezzlement of fund that was voted for road construction while in the actual fact the said fund were not released by the government. The charge was later withdrawn and dismissed by the court.

Even the single charge filed against Orubebe at the Code of Conduct Tribunal was also hastily drafted after his unruly conduct at the 2015 presidential election collation centre in Abuja where his attempt to disrupt the collation of the election result that saw the defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan and the emergence of the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. That conduct attracted public condemnation.

Though, the tribunal found Orubebe guilty for failure to declare a plot of land, that ruling was set aside by the Court of Appeal in Abuja that discharged and acquitted Orubebe of the charge of false asset declaration.

The Court of Appeal Abuja also nullified Orubebe conviction by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Court of Appeal said in a judgment on last Wednesday on the appeal he filed that the decision of the tribunal which found him guilty of the allegation of false assets declaration in 2007 was a miscarriage of justice.

A three-man panel of Justices of the appellate court led by Justice Mohammed Abdul Aboki, voided the tribunal conviction.

Orubebe had in his Notice of Appeal marked CA/A/633c/2016, urged the appellate court to

not only set-aside judgment delivered by the tribunal chairman Danladi Umar on October 4, 2016, but to also discharge and acquit him of the charge.

The tribunal in its verdict, said it was satisfied that Orubebe shielded his ownership of Plot 2057 Asokoro District, Abuja. Umar also held that there was merit in the one-count amended charge the Federal Government filed against the former Minister and ordered a forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government.

The tribunal had noted that though Orubebe claimed that he had already sold the land before he submitted the assets declaration form, the title documents was still in his name six years after.

The appellate court agreed with Orubebe that: “The said plot said not to be declared in the charge on September 26, 2007 was not yet given to the appellant as at then.

“The appellant did not make any declaration of assets on June 29, 2011 as alleged on the charge. He only made a declaration on June 28, 2011, by which time he was no longer the owner of plot 2057.

The plot 2057 Asokoro District, Abuja, was a gift of empty land by the respondent (FRN) which he received on June 13, 2011 and parted with the same day. “Having sold the said plot and executed D1, D2 and D3, he could not be reasonably expected to still declare it as his assets.

“That the tribunal based its decision on an issue that was not put before it, but raised suo motu by it without giving parties opportunity to be heard, thereby rendering it a nullity.

Upholding the appeal on Wednesday, the appellate court panel held that the tribunal went beyond the case that was brought before it by the prosecution.

The appellate court held that Orubebe’s trial was not based on his non-declaration of title deed of the said property, but his alleged false declaration of his assets. It stressed that as

Continued on page 19

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Corruption: Institute urges inductees to embrace FG’s whistle blowing policy International Strategic Management Institute (ISMI) has called on its inductees to embrace the whistle blowing policy of the Federal Government to sanitise the country of corruption for rapid development.

Alhaji Shehu Yahaya, the Chairman of the institute made the call on Sunday at the 2017 induction ceremony of the institute in Jalingo.

Yahaya advised the inductees to shun the temptation to offer bribes in order to secure jobs in the country, saying such actions were inimical to the development of the country.

Represented by Mr. Timothy Yerima, a fellow of institute, the chairman urged them to use the knowledge gained in the training that qualified them for the induction to be self-reliant.

Dr. Edward Kwashieghe, a lecturer at the College of Agriculture, Jalingo, who delivered a keynote address at the occasion, told the inductees to believe in their abilities to create wealth with the knowledge gained.

Kwashieghe said that the current realities demanded that the youths should think outside of the box by looking around the problems in their communities and providing solutions to them.

“I want to advise you all to know what you have passion for and go ahead to pursue it rigorously and it will attract money to you.

“You have to think big, begin small and grow great for your good and that of the society,” he said.

In his comments, Mr Samuel Apeh, the North East Coordinator of the programme urged the inductees to use the knowledge gained to take the country out of recession.

Apeh said that the institute was ready to support its members in all positive ways to come up with innovations that would turn around the nation’s fortune.

The coordinator disclosed that 106 candidates mostly corps members registered for the programme in the 2016/2017 Session but 70 were able to pass through the processes successfully.

Need for FG to change tactics on war against corruption Continued from page 18 such, the unregistered instrument of transfer of the said property was admissible evidence in proof of the payment of purchase price, which showed that the property was already acquired

by Divention Properties Ltd. It is worthy of note that both Saraki and Orubebe cases were intended to redress issues of impunity and misconduct that have become a daily occurrence among the political class. But the manner in which the two cases were initiated has ridiculed the good intend of the statutes as it portrait the prosecuting agencies as being led into acts of vengeance.

Some have even described the two judgments as “very disturbing as it smacks off compromise on the side of the Federal Government” contending that “at this rate, it appears no publicly exposed persons will ever get convicted regardless of the incriminating charges against them, as long they hire high profile lawyers who will in turn help in navigating through the turf of judicial trails using the lacunae in the justice system to evade justice.”

Times Against Corruption 19

One of recalled judges constantly solicits money from Lawyers - Sagay Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC), Prof, Itse Sagay (SAN), has accused one of the recalled judges by the National Judiciary Council (NJC) of constantly soliciting money from lawyers.

Sagay, who spoke during an address at a programme organised by the National Association of Sea dogs over the weekend, described as unfortunate that the NJC will consider recalling such a judge back to the bench knowing fully well about his antecedents.

He said the recalling of the judge will further continue to dent the image of the judiciary which according to him is already battered.

The senior advocate while lamenting the spate of corruption among judges, whom he says often seek gratification also criticised the Federal Government’s approach to the anti-corruption war.

Sagay urged the presidency to return to the drawing board to peruse the constitution for ways to “firmly” deal with the scourge of corruption.

He said, “The Federal Government, particularly the President and Vice-President, who were

Sagay

elected into office principally to eliminate corruption, must go back to their drawing board, search and scan the constitution and other laws to draw the requisite irresistible power to deal firmly with

this terrible scourge of our times – otherwise we are all dead.

“Today, some judges actually solicit for money.

They don’t even wait to be offered money. One of the judges that has been asked by the NJC to go back to work is a constant solicitor of money. He writes to counsel, ‘my mother died yesterday, I need money to bury her.’

“Two months later, ‘my daughter is getting married next month, I need money to organise a wedding: Another month, the same judge will write, ‘my uncle has just been made a chief and I need to make a contribution, send money.’

“This is written to lawyers and the lawyers gladly contribute. In fact, there is a long list of lawyers now who have to go to the EFCC at least once a month to explain why they had to send so much money to the account of one judge or the other who demanded money.

“Some lawyers do it out of a sense of obligation while some lawyers do it for consideration of future favours. It just shows you how (low) our judges have sunk.”

He also urged the Federal government to take urgent steps to re-position its prosecution department to enhance proper and diligent prosecution.

Legislator tasks anti-graft agencies on thorough investigation of graft cases A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Babajimi Benson (Lagos-APC), has urged anti-graft agencies in the country to apply more diligence in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, Benson said that there was need for anti-corruption agencies to be meticulous to avoid waste of public funds.

The call stemmed from the failure of the Federal Government’s anti-corruption agencies to establish a case against President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, over alleged false declaration of assets.

The lawmaker condemned media trials against accused persons, and advised antigraft agencies to always prepare its witnesses before proceeding on any prosecution.

“People should not be tried on the pages of newspaper; a case is as good as its preparation.

“You need to prepare, you need to speak to lawyers and you need to tutor your witnesses appropriately so that when they speak or are cross examined in the dock, their statements should be good enough to cause a conviction,’’ he said.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) sitting in Abuja on Wednesday discharged and acquitted Saraki in the 18-count charge of false

declaration of assets brought against him by the Federal Government in September, 2015.

The tribunal held that the evidence brought against Saraki lacked verifiable value and was unreliable to hold the charges against the defendant.

In his ruling, Chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Danladi Umar, said that the prosecution, at the close of the case, failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendant.

Umar said that the four witnesses called by the prosecution gave contradictory evidence that were manifestly unreliable to convict the defendant or order him to enter his defence.

Kuku, aides, pocketed over N35.2m from Amnesty Funds within two months - Witness Andrew Orolua, Abuja Ayogu Nnamdi, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Henry Ugbolue, an aide to Kingsley Kuku, former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta, has told Justice M. M. Kolo of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Wuse, Abuja that Great & Gamaliel Alliance Limited received a turnover of a both N35.2 bmillion in two months.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 20, 2016 arraigned Ugbolue and Lawrence Pepple, both former aides to Kuku on two separate charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, false declaration of assets and fraudulent acquisition of property to the tune of N55million.

A statement signed by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media & Publicity of EFCC, said that Kuku (a fugitive) and Ugbolue were alleged to have conspired among themselves and awarded contracts running into millions to companies in which they had interests.

It was alleged that Ugbolue was the sole signa-

tory of Great & Gamaliel Alliance Limited, the company which provided integrated management of communications and stakeholders’ engagement chain for the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta.

On his part, Pepple was the director and sole signatory for KER Global Wave Limited, which was awarded a contract to provide Reintegration Support Services by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta under the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Testifying, Nnamdi, a compliance officer at the United Bank for Africa, UBA, who testified as PW1, told the court that, “a sum of N35, 206,564.89 was paid to the account of Great & Gamaliel Alliance Limited between March 4 and May 15, 2014 through the Office of Special Adviser to President on Niger Delta”.

Counsel to EFCC, Faruk Abdullah, sought to tender account opening documents, statement of account and mandate card in evidence, but the admissibility of the documents was objected to

by Ugbolue’s counsel, G. E. Ezeuko (SAN), on the grounds that the documents were originals of public documents adding that, only certified true

copies of public documents are admissible.

Ezeuko argued that, “one of the account statements has no certificate of identification and the one with certificate of identification did not comply with Section 84 (4) of the Evidence Act”.

He also noted that one of the account statements was not in the proof of evidence given to him.

Responding, Abdallah argued that, “we concede that the documents are originals of public document. However, contrary to the submission of the defendant’s counsel, the original of a public document is admissible as it’s a primary document itself. The Supreme Court had settled this when it held that, such document is the best form of document”.

Abdallah added that, “It’s only when you intend to tender a secondary evidence of a public document that it must be certified”.

Justice Kolo deferred ruling on the admissibility of the documents. He, however, admitted the documents, in the interim, as exhibits D & E adding that, “in the event the documents were found inadmissible everything relating to it would be expunged from the court record”.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ENOCKOLATUNJIOKEGBOLA - CHAIRMAN 2.DEACON SAMUEL ADETOROIPADEOLA - VICE CHAIRMAN 3.MARY OLADUNNIABOYADE (MRS.) - SECRETARY 4.JOSEPH OLADEJIOLAOYE - MEMBER 5.ALHAJIRASAQOYEDIRANIGBAYILOLA ,, 6.CHIEF JAMES OLATUNJIATANDA ,, 7.ALHAJAOYEBOLAGBAGIFALADE ,, 8.ALHAJINOSIRUMUDAAJEPE ,, 9.ELIZABETH MOSHOBALAJELALA (MRS.) ,,

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

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: A. TO UNITE MEMBER OF THE FORUM AS ONE FAMILY WITH A COMMON COURSE. B. TO PROVIDE AN AVENUE FOR THE DISCUSSION OF PROBLEM OF MEMBERS AND THAT OF OUR IMMEDIATE COMMUNITIES, ISEMI-ILE WITH A VIEW TO FINDING SOLUTION TO THEM. C. TO HARNESS OUR HISTORICAL ASSETS AND USE THEM AS A CATALYST FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. D. TO RETRIEVE AND RE-INVIGORATE THE PAST WITH A VIEW TO EXHUME OUR GLORIOUS HERITAGE FROM THE DEBRIS OF HISTORY. E. TO SERVE AS AN INSTITUTION FOR THE PROMOTION OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF OUR LAND 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UCHE SYDNEY EKEZIE 2. SAMUEL NWEKE 3. OKECHUKWU EKWUNIFE 4. OMOREGIE HONEST ARUOGBA

ENDLESS VISION EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

GREATBROWN FOUNDATION 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, 2004.

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CHAIRMAN SECRETARY MEMBER “ “

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO CATER FOR BOTH THE YOUNG AND OLD BY PUTTING SMILES ON THEIR FACES. 2.CREATE HOPE FOR LESS PRIVILEGED THROUGH PROVIDING HUMANITARIAN SERVICES. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: DANGRREAT B. ANYADOH (SECRETARY)

AMAZING GRACE INTERCESSORY EVANGELICAL MISSION INTERNATIONAL THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR OFAKA IDENYI DANIEL 2. PASTOR JANET ONYESI ONU 3. EVANGELIST ELIZABETH ENEHI OFAKA 4. PASTOR EMMANUEL EMIKWU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO PROCLAIM THE GOODNEWS TO ALL NATIONS. 2.TO ESTABLISH CHURCH BRANCHES WHENEVER CONVERTS ARE MADE FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE GOSPEL. ANY OBJECTION TO THE 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 TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SANNI ATINUKE DOLAPO -PRESIDENT 2. SANNI OLAYINKA DAVID -SEC 3. FAYEMI BOLUWATIFE ADISA -MEMBER

TRUSTEES: 1. OLUJIMI SUNDAY OLUSEGUN 2.ADEMOLA AYODEJI SINA 3. OLADEJI OLUSEGUN BABATUNDE 4. AFOLABI KOLAPO ALBERT. 5. AKINRINOLA ADEKUNLE SOLOMON

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1 .TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS

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

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

HADASSAH WOMEN EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

SIGNED: SOLICITOR ABIMBOLA OLANREWAJU

KUJE ICE FISH SELLERS ASSOCIATION

CHAIRMAN FINANCIAL SECRETARY SECRETARY MEMBER

ANY OBJECTION TO THE 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 TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. F. ABDUL (SOLICITOR)

IMOLE 1 INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION: THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED IMOLE 1 INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1, RAMON IBRAHIM 2, YISA IBRAHIM 3, AYANNA IBRAHIM 4, LAWAL IBRAHIM BALOGUN 5, AJAYI JELILI ADEDAYO 6, OLUBIYO NURUDEEN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO PROVIDE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. 3. TO REACH OUT AND SUPPORT OTHER NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: (SECRETARY)

ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PRINCIPALS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL OYO STATE

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THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1.TO FOSTER UNITY, PEACE AND PROGRESS AMONGST THE CLUB’S MEMBERS. 2.TO ENCOURAGE MUTUAL HELP AND GENERAL WELFARE OF MEMBERS.

SIGNED: GEN. SECRETARY

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. LINUS CHINEDU ANYADOH 2. DANGREAT BROWN ANYADOH 3. IJEOMA HOPE ANYADOH 4. GRACE CHIESO 5. KELECHI IFEANYI DURU

21 Public Notice

EXCELLENCE & FRIENDS MANAGEMENT CARE CENTRE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION OF ARTICLE 4(II) TO REFLECT THE ADDITIONAL NEW NUMBER OF TRUSTEES AND REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

RETAINED TRUSTEES 1. DR. OBINNA O. OLERIBE - CHAIRMAN 2. BARR. TEMITOPE OGUNBONA - SECRETARY 3. MRS JOSEPHINE UZOARU 4. PRINCESS O. OSITA OLERIBE 5. DR. OLABISI OLADIPO 6. MR SAMUEL OKAFOR REMOVED TRUSTEE 1. ENGR. KENNETH ONYEWUCHI ADDITIONAL NEW TRUSTEES 1. PROF. BABATUNDE LAWAL SALAKO 2. PROF SIMON D. TAYLOR-ROBINSON 3. DR. CHUKWUEMEKA NWACHUKWU 4. PROF. EDITH OKEKE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE S REMAIN THE SAME ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

EMPOWERING NIGERIAN CITIZENS FOUNDATION

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

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

THE 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. UCHE OBUBA- CHAIRMAN 2. OYEYINKA BANJO- TRUSTEE 3. ADUBA CHIDINMA. -TRUSTEE 4. NKEIRUKA AKWARANDU - SECRETARY 5. PHOEBEANA IMAFIDON - TRUSTEE

TRUSTEES: 1. EZE MICHAEL NWABUNWANNE - CHAIRMAN 2. UGWU THERESA, -SECRETARY,

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AFELUMO OLUTAYO SAMUEL - CHAIRMAN 2. AFELUMO OLUDAYO - SECRETARY 3. AFELUMO ADEOLA - MEMBER

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO FOSTER THE UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR DUPE LONGER OMOMEJE

FESTUS AND PATIENCE NGOCHINDO EDUCATIONAL 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. SIR (DR) EMERGE FESTUS NGOCHINDO 2. DAME (DR) EMEREOWA PATIENCE ADANGBOTA NGOCHINDO 3. CHRISTIANA MMAMA NGOCHINDO 4. LERE NGHOJEH NGOCHINDO 5. CHUREI MIMI NGOCHINDO 6. NGORETA NJUMA NGOCHINDO 7. DAVID ONYIAOBARI NGOCHINDO 8. FESTUS GOTEH NGOCHINDO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 TO ESTABLISH AND ADMINISTER PROGRAMS GEARED TOWARD SUSTAINABLE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2. TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE EXCELLENCE IN VARIOUS WALKS OF LIFE THROUGH PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS 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: PRINCEWILL ORUBELE SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF ITS MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B. 198, GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. PROVIDING READILY AVAILABLE AND EDUCATION FOR NIGERIAN CITIZENS.

ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN

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

FESTUS NGOCHINDO 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. FESTUS GOTEH NGOCHINDO 2. DAME PATIENCE ADANGBOTA NGOCHINDO

GRASSROOT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT 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. FESTUS GOTEH NGOCHINDO 2. DAME PATIENCE ADANGBOTA NGOCHINDO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ENGAGE IN HUMANITARIAN SERVICE WITH A VIEW TO ALLEVIATING POVERTY AMONGST INDIGENT MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY 2. TO CONTRIBUTE TO POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA THROUGH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED 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.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT TO INDIGENOUS GRASS-ROOT COMMUNITIES

SIGNED: PRINCESWILL ORUBELE SECRETARY

SIGNED: PRINCESWILL ORUBELE SECRETARY

2. TO EMPOWERMENT OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES AT GRASS-ROOT LEVEL THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE THAT PROMOTE EDUCATION, HEALTH AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT. 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.

Public Notice 22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

CARE DROPS GIRLS CHILD FOUNDATION

SPEM QUIA FILII FOUNDATION

OKPARA NOBLE CLUB OF NIGERIA

(CAC/IT/NO 89135) THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF NAME AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 CHANGE OF NAME AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION OLD NAME: CARE DROPS GIRLS CHILD FOUNDATION TO NEW NAME: CARE DROPS FOUNDATION THAT THE ENTIRE CONSTITUTION BE AMENDED TO REFLECT THE NEW NAME ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

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

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

OLD TRUSTEES ALL RETAINED: 1. DR. UWUBANMWEN OTAMERE PATRICK 2. MARY MBIRIRI 3. UWUBANMWEN OSASUMWEN AGHARESE

TRUSTEES: 1. OLOROGUN PETER OGHENEVWOGAGA ONOTUGOMA (JP) 2. OLOROGUN ABEL OVWIGHO OFERIOFE (JP) 3. OLOROGUN MIKE EDERHEHWEVBE 4. CHIEF GODWIN EGBOROBI 5. MR. PIUS AKPOJIVI

SIGNED: BARR UCHENNA CHUKWUEMEKA 08033458678

ORLU - ZURU -MEE IGWEBUIKE CULTURAL ASSOCIATION 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. PROF. FRANCIS DIKE, 2. CHIEF EMEKA DIWE 3. MRS CHIOMA AMANKWE 4. NZE SIMBO OKAFOR 5. CHIEF FELIX IFEZUO CHUKWUEMEKA. (SECRETARY) AIM AND OBJECTIVES : TO PROMOTE THE SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF ORLU ZONE. 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 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED SECRETARY

ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT AMBASSADORS CAC/IT/NO: 84617 The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change of trustee under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Old Trustees are: 1. Chikezie Onyia - Retained 2. Ceasar Nkundwa - Retained 3. Ugochukwu Ifeakandu- Retained 4. Tekay Montgomery Retained 5. Chike Thomas Nwatarli -Retained 6. Babayemi Adeyinka - Removed THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEE IS: 1. Ernest Amoakwa - Boadu The aim and objectives remain the same Any objection to thisapplication should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

NEW TRUSTEES ALL APPOINTED 1. DR. IKENNA CHIMA OMEJE 2. MRS EBELE EJIOFOR 3. EMEKA OMEJE 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 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

PAUL ERINNE FOUNDATION

FIRST STEP CENTRE FOR CITIZEN EMPOWERMENT The general public is hereby notified that the above named non-governmental organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration as an incorporated trustee under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C-20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1). IWUCHUKWU CHIJIOKE 2). AKINJOLIRE IHUNANYA NKECHI 3). AKPOBARO MESHACK 4). EMMA TEBBLE 5) EMEH ALEXANDER

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ASSOCIATION OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING PRACTITIONERS CAC/IT/NO: 60131 The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change of Trustees under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Julius Aroyehun - Retained 2. Mr. Andrew Emery - Retained 3. Mr. Chimezie Henry Nnamdi - Removed 4. Engr. Essien Martin - Removed 5. Chief. Sir. Nnamdi Mbelu - Removed 6. Mr Ayotunde Samuel - Removed The New Trustees Are 1. Mazi Sam Azoka Onyechi 2. Chief. Rowland Nze 3. Mr. Funmilayo Omokuwajo Joseph 4. Mr. Nick Ehi Azamosa The aim and Objective Remain the same Any objection to this Application should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: Barr. Chima Ejie

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Olaniawo Sunday Olusoji -Chairman 2. Agbeluyi Abiodun Gabriel -Secretary 3. Olatunji James Alafe - Treasurer

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OCHALIBE GABRIEL OWURU 2. OCHALIBE RACHEAL. The aim and objective: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

PRESIDENT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES i To educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities and promote active citizenship ii). To analyze public policies and promote viable alternatives iii). To promote accountability in public institutions Any objection to this registration should be addressed 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 PRESIDENT

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

CAC/IT/NO 77003 (APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION) THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES AND AMENDMENT OF THE ENTIRE CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 OLD TRUSTEES: 1). MR PAUL ERINNE RETAINED 2). DR THEO CHIKE OSANAKPO, SAN RETAINED NEW TRUSTEES ALL APPOINTED 1) DR SAM ERINNE APPOINTED 2) MRS IJEOMA EGBO APPOINTED 3). REV. SISTER LEONIE MARTHA OKARAGA HHCJ APPOINTED 4). VERY REV FATHER PETER AGBONOME CSSP APPOINTED 5). REV SISTER MICHAEL OKAFOR HFSN APPOINTED 6). REV FATHER JUDE ODIAKA SJ APPOINTED 7). EMEKA OKWUOSA APPOINTED CONSTITUTION AMENDMENTS i). Amend Article 5: To include the names of the additional trustees ii). Amend Article 7 (i) To include “The Head of the Holy Ghost Congregation in the South Eastern Province in Nigeria and the incorporated Trustees of the Holy Family Sisters of the need” iii). Amend Article 7(ii) To replace “Trustees” with any other Trustee” Any objection to this APPOINTMENT AND AMENDMENT should be addressed 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.

ALPHA BETHESDA CHURCH

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication

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 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED” SECRETARY

IN GOD WE TRUST FARMERS ASSOCIATION

The aim and objective: 1. For the progress of members

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AND PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF HER MEMBERS 2. TO HELP ONE ANOTHER IN TIME OF NEED

cx

ARCHITUTORS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1 ARC. JAMES UCHECHUKWU ONYEMENAM 2.ARC. ADELEKE ADURAYEMI IWAKUN 3.ARC. AYODELE ANTHONY AKINMADE 4.ARC. BABAJIDE ADEMOLA AWONUBI 5.ARC. ADENIYI OLUMIDE AJAYI 6.ARC. ANTHONY NWOBBI 7.ARC. UGOCHUKWU OGBONNAYA UWADI 8.ARC. SANDRA CHIOMA IFEACHOR 9. ARC. OLALEKAN AKINBOLA AKINYEMI 10.ARC. MICHAEL OLUWAFEMI ALLEY The aim and objective: i.To enhance and promote continuous Architectural education amongst its members. ii.To promote research and development of Architectural building components, methods and process in Nigeria. iii.To increase the local content of Architectural building materials in the Nigerian built environment.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE THE HOPE SPRING WATER CHARITY FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION 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. Odurinde Temitope Shewu(Chairman) 2. Adebisi Rahmatallahi Oluwakemi(Secretary) 3. Dr. Oladosu Faisol Abiola 4. Oraeki Temple Chukwuemeka 5. Oladosu Mubarak THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. Assisting communities to identify the most ideal source of clean water in or around their community.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIATIVE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF IMPROVED HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ONUMABOR JUDE ATSENOKAH 2. DR OGINNI OLAKUNLE AYOKUNMI 3. AKANJI MICHAEL 4. OCHUBILI CHIOMA.

JEHOVAHJIREH FIRE MINISTRY 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, NO I OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.REVEREND HENRY U. ENORAGBON------- GENERAL OVERSEER/FOUNDER 2.STEPHEN OSAYI 3.GANIYAT TOPE SUNMON.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WHERE VULNERABLE PEOPLE CAN COME TO ACCESS HEALTHCARE AND HUMAN RIGHTS INFORMATION AND SERVICES. 2.TO BUILD ALLIANCES WITH DIVERSE SECTORS AND STAKEHOLDERS TO PROMOTE THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND HEALTHCARE OF VULNERABLE PEOPLE.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2.TO ADORN AND WORSHIP THE ALMIGHTY GOD IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH 3.TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THE WORLD OVER 4.TO ESTABLISH LOCAL BRANCHES FOR THE SPREAD AND PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 5.TO PROMOTE AND ENCOURAGE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP THROUGH EVANGELISM AND EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF MINISTERS OF THE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS

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

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

SIGNED: BY OMORUYI EHIGIE ESQ

JAMES HOPE COLLEGE FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR THE REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES. REMOVED TRUSTEES .1 MR MALCOLM PHILLIPS 2. MRS DURAND MARGARET IYABODE RETAINED TRUSTEES 1. MR JIM OVIA 2. PROF IBIDAPO OBE 3. PROF L F O OBIKA 4. PROF CHUKUKA ENWEMEKA 5. MRS KAY OVIA 6. MRS ROSA VERA - CRUZ ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION MUST REACH REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BARR EMEKA ANYAEJI

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

AKINWUMI JOHNSON OLUSOLA

AKINWUMI JOHNSON OLUSOLA.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNMODIMU JOHNSON OLUSOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINWUMI JOHNSON OLUSOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNMODIMU JOHNSON OLUSOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINWUMI JOHNSON OLUSOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

HASSAN RUKIYAT AYOMIDE

ELEGBEDE MONSURAT BOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as LAWAL RUKIYAT AYOMIDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as HASSAN RUKIYAT AYOMIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ELEGBEDE MONSURAT ARIKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ELEGBEDE MONSURAT BOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned

I, formerly known and addressed as BAYO LIKINYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ALFRED ADEBAYO LIKINYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IBIKUNLE ABISOLA OLUWATOSIN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. ADEBANJO ABISOLA OLUWATOSIN due to change in my marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Awonorin Oluwafunmilayo Omotolani, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Adesola Oluwafunmilayo Omotolani. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AKOREDE SAHEED AFIKODE now wish to be known and addressed as RAHMAN SAHEED AKOREDE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

AREMU KEHINDE RASHIDAT

OZOEMENA CHIDIMMA MARY PRECIOUS

IDRIS CHRISTIANA AWA

IREWOLE AJIBOLA MARY(MRS)

MRS. IKEDINKO GILBERT OGECHI EUCHARIA

ATUEGBU VIRGINIA NWAMAKA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWUKERE OGECHI EUCHARIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IKEDINKO GILBERT OGECHI EUCHARIA. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ANYAELE VIRGINIA NWAMAKA , now wish to be known and addressed as ATUEGBU VIRGINIA NWAMAKA . All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Isiaka Kehinde Rashidat, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Aremu Kehinde Rashidat. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKOLI CHIDIMMA MARYPRECIOUS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OZOEMENA CHIDIMMA MARY PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

MRS. NWAFOR VIVIAN KOSI

23 Public Notice

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NGIGE VIVIAN KOSI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. NWAFOR VIVIAN KOSI due to change in my marital status. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ALFRED ADEBAYO LIKINYO

LAMEED FAUSAT ADEJOKE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

IHECHI NWANKWO

I, formerly known and addressed as WAHEED FAUSAT ADEJOKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as LAMEED FAUSAT ADEJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

That on some of my documents, my name appears as ODUKWE ANTHONY OLISAEMEKA, while on my other documents, it appears as ODUKWE DUKE OLISAEMEKA. The I am the one bearing both names mentioned above. That all documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EUNICE IHECHI EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as IHECHI NWANKWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ADEBANJO ABISOLA OLUWATOSIN

ADESOLA OLUWAFUNMILAYO OMOTOLANI

RAHMAN SAHEED AKOREDE.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADUKU CHRISTIANA HAWA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as IDRIS CHRISTIANA AWA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as, ADERINKOLA AJIBOLA MARY, Now wish to be known and address as IREWOLE AJIBOLA MARY(MRS), all former documents remains valid, the general public should please take note.

BEWAJI CHRISTINA OHUNTOSAN

UZOHO CHRIS AJUZIEOGU

AGU CHIMUANYA

0LUWAFEMI OLAKITAN AWOLEYE

I formerly known and addressed as UZOHO CHRISTOPHER AJUZIEOGU , now wish to be known and addressed as UZOHO CHRIS AJUZIEOGU . All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGU CHIMUANYA JANEFRANCIS , now wish to be known and addressed as AGU CHIMUANYA. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank Plc., N power and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known as 0luwafemi Olakitan Alao wish to be known and addressed as 0luwafemi Olakitan Awoleye .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OBIDIKE MARTINS RALUCHUKWU

ADELEKE ZAINAB MOTUNRAYO

CHIAHA CHIOMA CALISTA

ADDITION OF NAME

I formerly known as Chiaha Chioma wish to be known and addressed as Chiaha Chioma Calista . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

That I SALAUDEEN ABDUL-QUADRI ADISA OLAITAN my name was formerly written as Salaudeen Abdul-quadri Olaitan want to add ADISA to my name, now wish to be known and addressed as SALAUDEEN ABDUL-QUADRI. ADISA OLAITAN .All Documents /Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

EZIDO ANGELA NNEDINSO

UGWUOGOR IKECHUKWU KEVIN

OKOLO NGOZI EBERE

MRS ENE OGONNA PATRICIA

I, formerly known and addressed as EZIDO NNEDINSO .A., now wish to be known and addressed as EZIDO ANGELA NNEDINSO. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU IKECHUKWU KEVIN, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUOGOR IKECHUKWU KEVIN. My National I.D. Card was wrongly written as “UGWU”. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AWUZIE NGOZI EBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLO NGOZI EBERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZE, OGONNA PATRICIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ENE OGONNA PATRICIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OFFORDILE IFEOMA AGATHA

MRS OKONKWO CHINWE LOVETH

AMEH ISREAL IKECHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OGBUU CHINWE LOVETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKONKWO CHINWE LOVETH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AMEH ISREAL ODU, now wish to be known and addressed as AMEH ISREAL IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. ECO Bank and General public should please take note.

I formerly known as NWOYE MARTINS RAPULUCHUKWU wish to be known and addressed as OBIDIKE MARTINS RALUCHUKWU .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

NWAEZE IFEANYI CHIDERA I, formerly known and addressed as IFEANYI CHIDERA ELIJAH, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAEZE IFEANYI CHIDERA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I formerly known as ADELEKE ADEOLA OLARIIKE wish to be known and addressed as ADELEKE ZAINAB MOTUNRAYO .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS EKENE CHINASA EDITH I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IDOKO CHINASA EDITH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKENE CHINASA EDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known as ABBEY CHRISTINA OHUNTOSAN wish to be known and addressed as BEWAJI CHRISTINA OHUNTOSAN .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OGHOGHO OSAKUE

EZETA LAWRETHA CHINENYENWA

MR ACHARA TOCHUKWU VITALIS JOHN MARY.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGHOGHO OSASUYI .O., now wish to be known and addressed as OGHOGHO OSAKUE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZETA LAWRETHA .C., now wish to be known and addressed as EZETA LAWRETHA CHINENYENWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AZIKE TOCHUKWU VITALIS, JOHN MARY now wish to be known and addressed as MR ACHARA TOCHUKWU VITALIS JOHN MARY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OFODILE IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as OFFORDILE IFEOMA AGATHA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ACHA EMMANUEL OKORIE

MRS OGBONNA MARIA PRINCESS

ONYIA ARINZECHUKWU LEONARD

OWO-UTUGBO EMMANUEL SUNDAY.

I, formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL ANTHONY ACHA, now wish to be known and addressed as ACHA EMMANUEL OKORIE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGBUANI CHIDINMA MARIA and NJOKU MARIA PRINCESS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGBONNA MARIA PRINCESS. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ERIKE TOCHUKWU CHIEMEGOLUM

MRS IJEOMA LOVE NNAMANI

I Formerly known as ERIKE TOCHUKWU CHUKWUEMEGOLUM now wish to be known as ERIKE TOCHUKWU CHIEMEGOLUM . Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

GBEMISOLA FLORENCE ONANUGA I Formerly known and addressed as Gbemisola Florence Olajide now wish to be known, called and addressed as Gbemisola Florence Onanuga All documents names remain valid Banks, Immigrations, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as MISS IJEOMA LOVETH NWACHUKWU now wish to be known as MRS IJEOMA LOVE NNAMANI. former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank and general public take note.

JACOB ABIOLA SAMUEL

I, formerly known and addressed as JACOB ABIOLA SHEFUYE, now wish to be known and addressed as JACOB ABIOLA SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEKWERE MARTINS CHIDIEBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONYIA ARINZECHUKWU LEONARD. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ANJORIN KOLAWOLE AJIBOLA

ADESHINA CHRISTIANA MODUPEOLUWA

I formerly known as KOLAWOLE AJIBOLA wish to be known and addressed as ANJORIN KOLAWOLE AJIBOLA .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as Saliu Modupe Idowu wish to be known and addressed as ADESHINA CHRISTIANA MODUPEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS ANUMELE UCHENNA REJOICE

MRS DAVID EMEM ETESIN

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ENEH UCHENNA REJOICE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANUMELE UCHENNA REJOICE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWOBA ANGELA CHINYERE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JOHNNY EMEM ETESIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS DAVID EMEM ETESIN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKOH ANASTASIA CHINAECHE

I, formerly known and addressed as OWO EMMANUEL CHINONYELUM, now wish to be known and addressed as OWOUTUGBO EMMANUEL SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NWOBA ANGELA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOBA ANGELA CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ETUKA JOHN CHUKWUMA

MRS. BELLO TOLULOPE FELICA

ODENIGBO AFOMA MIRIAN

AGBO STANLEY UGWUOKE and AGBO SUNDAY UGWUOKE refer as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as AGBO SUNDAY UGWUOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ETUKA JOHN CHUKWUMA EMEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as ETUKA JOHN CHUKWUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONI TOLULOPE FELICIA, now wish to be known addressed as MRS. BELLO TOLULOPE FELICA. All former documents remain valid; Banks and general public should take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as OZUAH AFOMA MIRIAN now wish to be known, called and addressed as ODENIGBO AFOMA MIRIAN

MRS. ISSA OLAWUNMI KAFILAT

ODUNFA WASIU AYINDE

FATIMAH ZARAH MUSA MUHAMMED

EKO OLUFUNMILAYO MUNIRAT

I formerly known and addressed as ODUNFA SAMUEL AYINDE now wish to be known and addressed as ODUNFA WASIU AYINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as FATIMAH ZARAH MUSA now wish to be known and addressed as FATIMAH ZARAH MUSA MUHAMMED All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MUSA OLAWUNMI KAFILAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ISSA OLAWUNMI KAFILAT, due to marriage. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKO CHINECHEREM, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOH ANASTASIA CHINAECHE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

bearing my former names remain valid Banks, Immigrations, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEOLA TAIWO OLUFUNMILAYO now wish to be known and addressed as EKO OLUFUNMILAYO MUNIRAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

24 Public Notice

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

THE EAGLE EYE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE CAC/IT/NO/48087

THE DIVINE LABOURERS MINISTRY

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS GLOBAL CHURCH

YOUTH AMBASSADORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

IBA ISASI MARKET MEN AND WOMEN ASSOCIATION

GBARAIN PRODUCTIVE MINDS ASSOCIATION

OFUOBI POSITIVE MINDS YOUTH CLUB OF NIGERIA

PERFECT DAY REVIVAL MINISTRY

RE: ESTATE OF MRS JULIANA .O. ANJORIN AT BAYO AKERELE STREET, ABARANJE, LAGOS STATE

ETERNAL GRACE INTERCESSOR BIBLE CHURCH

TURNING POINT POWER ASSEMBLY INTERNATIONAL

PROGRESSIVE BUTCHERS ASSOCIATION ABA

EVADO LIFE FOUNDATION

TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION OF DIOBU

THE EAGLE EYE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE CAC/IT/ NO/48087 The general public is hereby notified that the above named Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the removal and appointment of Trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NKEMDILIM LILIAN ADENUGA- Retained 2. EZUICHE OLILEANYA MADUGBA- Retained 3.AKUDO NKEONYEREM OLUGU-KALU- Retained 4. CHIBUZOR CHARLES OSIEGBU- Removed 5. EKENE ANTHONY OSIEGBU- Incoming AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To provide funds to the poor and the less privileged to enable them improve their living conditions Any objection to this notice must reach the Registrar- General of the Corporate Affairs Commission at Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

publication

SIGNED SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

AGBOOLA OLUFEMI OLANIWURA

OKWUONU BLESSING CHINONSO

. I, formerly known and addressed as AGBOOLA FEMI BELLO, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBOOLA OLUFEMI OLANIWURA. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

. I, formerly known and addressed as IHEMEDU CHINONSO BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as OKWUONU BLESSING CHINONSO. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

JUSTINA EBIRERI LORDKURAH.

That any document bearing any of the following names refers to me: MUINAT DAMILOLA ABDULLAHI, DAMILOLA BOSUN AJALA, AJALA DAMILOLA & MRS. MUINAT DAMILOLA A.AJALA or vice versa as long as it contains any of the aforementioned names. All former documents remain valid. General public please to take

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to certify that the name OGECHI and STEPHINA OTIBECHERE are our joint account name with Diamond Bank. We by this notice inform Diamond Bank to include our other name as OTIBECHERE BERNADINE OGECHI and OTIBECHERE STEPHINA ODICHINMA respectively. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH Formerly known and addressed as SULAIMON IDRIS, now wish to be known and addressed as MUSA IDRIS. Wrong date of birth.01/01/1986;Correct Date of birth.01/01/1886. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UDE IJEOMA NWANNA.

. Formerly known and addressed as IJEOMA UKEMEZIE, IJEOMA UDE ORJI, now wish to be known and addressed as UDE IJEOMA NWANNA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OFFOR AMARACHI FORTUNATE

Formerly known and addressed as ANYA AMARACHI FORTUNATE, now wish to be known and addressed as OFFOR AMARACHI FORTUNATE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUYEMI PHILIP ADULOJU.

Formerly known and addressed as PHILIPS OLUYEMI ADULOJU, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUYEMI PHILIP ADULOJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADELOWO ESTHER OLUWASOLA Formerly known and addressed as OYEBO ESTHER OLUWASOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADELOWO ESTHER OLUWASOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEMOLA OLAYINKA OLUWAKEMI Formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN OLAYINKA OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEMOLA OLAYINKA OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FOLAKE VICTORIA ADEKANBI

. I formerly known and addressed as AFOLAKE VICTORIA AFOLABI now wish to be known called and addressed as FOLAKE VICTORIA ADEKANBI. all former documents remain valid. General public take note.

. I formerly known as JUSTINA ESIJOLOMI EBIRERI now wish to be known as JUSTINA EBIRERI LORDKURAH. All documents bearing the former name remain valid. The general public should please take note.

MRS. DAMILOLA BOSE AKINGBOLA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS DAMILOLA BOSE OLADIRAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. DAMILOLA BOSE AKINGBOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH Formerly known and addressed as ABUBAKAR SHAFAATU, now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM GARBA SHAFATU. Wrong date of Birth:06/04/1991.Correct date of birth :28/03/1991. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ABIONA GRACE OLUWAFUNKE

Formerly known and addressed as ADENIYI OLUWAFUNKE GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIONA GRACE OLUWAFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGUNBAJO OLANIKE BARAKAT

Formerly known and addressed as BOLANLE OLANIKE VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNBAJO OLANIKE BARAKAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ELIZABETH NNENNA OGBAJIE

. Formerly known and addressed as UKOH MARY OGBAJIE, now wish to be known and addressed as ELIZABETH NNENNA OGBAJIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BELLO NIHINLOLA MARIAM Formerly known and addressed as ONASANYA NIHINLOLA MARIAM, now wish to be known and addressed as BELLO NIHINLOLA MARIAM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IHEKIRE CHINEMEREM MARTINA

Formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL CHINEMEREM MARTINA, now wish to be known and addressed as IHEKIRE CHINEMEREM MARTINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGBODO SUNDAY EMEKA . I formerly known and addressed as DAGBEME SUNDAY RELA now wish to be known called and addressed as OGBODO SUNDAY EMEKA. all former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLAITAN MONSURAT OMOBOLANLE. . I, formerly known and addressed as GBOLAHAN MONSURAT OMOBOLANLE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAITAN MONSURAT OMOBOLANLE. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME My name was wrongly written in some of my document as OKEKE EMMANUEL EBUKA instead of OKEKE EMMANUEL CHIMAOBI. My correct name is OKEKE EMMANUEL CHIMAOBI. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS UZOCHUKWU CHINONSO PRECIOUS I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGU CHINONSO PRECIOUS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UZOCHUKWU CHINONSO PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

KUKOYI OLUWAKEMI ADESUWA Formerly known and addressed Salami-Shinaba Kemi Olaitan, now wish to be known and addressed as Kukoyi Oluwakemi Adesuwa. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS YETUNDE MUSLIMOT ABASS-LAWAL. Formerly known and addressed as MISS YETUNDE MUSLIMOT ABASS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS YETUNDE MUSLIMOT ABASS-LAWAL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS OLAJUMOKE OLURONKE BRAITHWAITE Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLAJUMOKE OLURONKE PHILLIPS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLAJUMOKE OLURONKE BRAITHWAITE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NELSON MARK ETUKUDO.

. Formerly known and addressed as ETUKUDO IKOR MARK, now wish to be known and addressed as NELSON MARK ETUKUDO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OJO OLAWUMI OLOLADE . Formerly known and addressed as LAWAL TAWAKALITU OLOLADE, now wish to be known and addressed as OJO OLAWUMI OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

That my name IZEGBU UKWANDI JENIFER stated in my document in the bank instead of IZEGBU NKWANDI. That I am the same person bearing IZEGBU NKWANDI and IZEGBU UKWANDI JENIFER. That now I want to be called and addressed as IZEGBU UKWANDI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NDOMONU PASCHAL ENYERIBE

DIALA BEDE CHIBUIKE

I formerly known and addressed as NDOMONU ANTHONY, now wish to be known and addressed as NDOMONU PASCHAL ENYERIBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

. I formerly known and addressed as AKUTA BEDE CHIBUIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as DIALA BEDE CHIBUIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FAUSAT AFOLAKE EDJAVE

MRS AHMAD-KAREEM RASHEEDAT TOYIN

ADEBAYO DAMILOLA SULIAT. . I, formerly known and addressed as AKANDE DAMILOLA OMOWUMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO DAMILOLA SULIAT. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME My name was wrongly written in my bank account as EGWUOGU KINGSLEY TOCHUKWU instead of EGWUOGU KINGSLEY CHINEDU. My correct name is EGWUOGU KINGSLEY CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWABUZOR NGOZI EUPHEMIA

Formerly known and addressed as FAUSAT AFOLAKE DAUDA, now wish to be known and addressed as FAUSAT AFOLAKE EDJAVE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

. Formerly known and addressed as MISS KAREEM RASHEEDAT TOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AHMAD-KAREEM RASHEEDAT TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as NWABUZOR JENNIFER NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as NWABUZOR NGOZI EUPHEMIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

JANE OMOTAYO OLUSEYI.

OGUNDANA OMOLARA OLUWAYEMISI

My name was wrongly written as Nwaokocha Ann, instead of Modebei Uche Hannah. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME My name was wrongly written as JAMIU AKANBI instead of AKANBI JAMIU SALAUDEEN. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AKANBI JAMIU SALAUDEEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

BAMIDELE YETUNDE BLESSING . Formerly known and addressed as BAMIDELE CHRISTIANA MOTUNRAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as BAMIDELE YETUNDE BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm and certify that SAMUEL ASUQUO UDOH and SAMUEL ASUQUO refers to one and same person. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ELGHOCHE ELIZABETH OGOMEGBUNEM Formerly known and addressed as ESEDEBE ELIZABETH OGOMEGBUNEN, now wish to be known and addressed as ELGHOCHE ELIZABETH OGOMEGBUNEM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SOSSA DONA MONIQUE.

Formerly known and addressed as DEMIND OKAFOR UDOSEN, now wish to be known and addressed as OKAFORSATURDAY UBONG. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BLESSING SOSSA MONICK, now wish to be known and addressed as SOSSA DONA MONIQUE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

This is to state that my name was wrongly written on some of my documents as OZONWOYE CHIAMAKA RITA instead of OZONWOYE CHIAMAKA RITAFRANCESE. that my correct name is OZONWOYE CHIAMAKA RITAFRANCESE. General public take note.

CORRECTION/CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written as GONFIDENT THANKGOD OUDOUD instead of THANKGOD FRIDAY. That my correct name is THANKGOD FRIDAY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKAFORSATURDAY UBONG

OZONWOYE CHIAMAKA RITAFRANCESE

25 Public Notice

BALOGUN JAMIU ALANI Formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED ALANI JAMIU, now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN JAMIU ALANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as Oluseyi Omotayo Jane Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Jane Omotayo Oluseyi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

NWOBODO CHIDIMMA CYTHIA Formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO CHIDIMMA CYTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOBODO CHIDIMMA CYTHIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME My name was wrongly written as LAMIDI BERNICE BOSEDE instead of LAMIDI BERNICE BOSE. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as LAMIDI BERNICE BOSE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

My name was wrongly written in some of my document as EKENG GRACE ENIKO instead of EKENG GRACE INIKO. My correct name is EKENG GRACE INIKO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EHIGIAMUSOE EFE BRIGHT . Formerly known and addressed as EHIGIAMUSOE EFE, now wish to be known and addressed as EHIGIAMUSOE EFE BRIGHT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AGUDA GRACE OLUBUKOLA. . I formerly known and addressed as AGUDA MARY OLUBUKOLA now wish to be known called and addressed as AGUDA GRACE OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid, General public take note,

OTEMMISHI IDOWU ROSEMARY Formerly known and addressed as IDOWU OTEMMISHI, now wish to be known and addressed as OTEMMISHI IDOWU ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as DADA OMOLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNDANA OMOLARA OLUWAYEMISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

Formerly known and addressed as OKE ADEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OKE ADEYEMI DANIEL. Wrong date of Birth: 22/04/1988.Correct date of birth :22/08/1988. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MAGOUHO MAURICE Formerly known and addressed as MAYOR MOSES, now wish to be known and addressed as MAGOUHO MAURICE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS JIDE-OKUNAYA ADEBIMPE JOANIVY

Formerly known and addressed as MISS GYEDU ADEBIMPE JOANIVY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JIDE-OKUNAYA ADEBIMPE JOANIVY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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

AKINLEMINU BLESSING IJEOMA . I formerly known and addressed as CHINWE BLESSING IJEOMA now wish to be known called and addressed as AKINLEMINU BLESSING IJEOMA. all former documents remain valid, General public take note, CHIZOBA MAUREEN CHIKODILI. Formerly known and addressed as NWEKE MAUREEN CHIKODILI, now wish to be known and addressed as CHIZOBA MAUREEN CHIKODILI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Public Notice 26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

RAMON RASHEED SHINA

ISAH ADOWN

I formerly known and addressed as BARON WILLIAMS now wish to be known and addressed as RAMON RASHEED SHINA. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as FRIDAY DANJIBA IDOKO now wish to be known and addressed as ISAH ADOWN. My date of birth is 22/02/1958. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADEYINKA TINUOYE ADELEKE

MRS OWOIDOHO VICTOR PAUL

I formerly known and addressed as ADEYINKA ADEKEYE ADEYEMI now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYINKA TINUOYE ADELEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OWOIDOHO NDARAKE WILSON now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OWOIDOHO VICTOR PAUL. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

RAFIU IBRAHEEM AJAO.

ODUOLA ADEOLU ABRAHAM

CHIBUIKE JOHNPAUL ANOLIEFO

SULAIMAN RALIAT IYABO

EDEGBO ILEADA PATIENCE

I formerly known and addressed as BRAHEEM ALULA and BRAEEM ALULA. now wish to be known and addressed as RAFIU IBRAHEEM AJAO. My date of birth was wrongly written as 23/08/1983 instead of 07/10/1980. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ODUOLA ADEOLUWA now wish to be known and addressed as ODUOLA ADEOLU ABRAHAM All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as INNOCENT EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as CHIBUIKE JOHNPAUL ANOLIEFO. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ELEBURUIKE RODIYAT IYABO now wish to be known and addressed as SULAIMAN RALIAT IYABO. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JAMES LADI now wish to be known and addressed as EDEGBO ILEADA PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADEKUNLE ABDULRASAQ ADESINA

KAREEM QUDUS ABIODUN.

ONAYEMI ENO ELIZABETH

COMFORT YETUNDE JOHNSON

SULE NGYADAWA

I formerly known and addressed as ADEKUNLE ADESINA ABDULRASAQ OLUSEGUN now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE ABDULRASAQ ADESINA. All former documents remain valid. NIESV and General public to please take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as Kareem Qudus Oyeyemi now wish to be known and addressed as KAREEM QUDUS ABIODUN. General public should please take note

OYEWOLE OLUWATOSIN COMFORT I formerly known and addressed as OYEWOLE OLUWATOSIN AYO now wish to be known and addressed as OYEWOLE OLUWATOSIN COMFORT. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IDIO ENO ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as ONAYEMI ENO ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Comfort Yetunde Ketiku, now wish to be known and addressed as Comfort Yetunde Johnson. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OBIORA IZUCHUKWU OKPALA now wish to be known and addressed as OFFOJEKWU CHINONSO IZUCH All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

HASSAN ABDULRAUF ADEBAYO I formerly known and addressed as HASSAN IDOWU ABDULRAUF now wish to be known and addressed as HASSAN ABDULRAUF ADEBAYO All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ROSELINE JOSEPH EKANEM.

I formerly known and addressed as FIDELIS SULE, now wish to be known and addressed as SULE NGYADAWA. My correct date of birth is 11th day January 1983. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Roseline Mmenyeneabasi Sampson, now wish to be known and addressed as Roseline Joseph Ekanem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ETUK EZEKIEL JOHN

ADARA SEHEED ADEWALE

MRS RUFAI YOMI PEACE

I formerly known and addressed as Jimmy John Ezekiel, now wish to be known and addressed as Etuk Ezekiel John. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SULAIMON SEHEED , now wish to be known and addressed as ADARA SEHEED ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinsanya Yomi Peace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Rufai Yomi Peace. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS. UBI JOSEPHINE ANYA

GIFT NWINEYKPEGE STEPHEN.

MRS. OBINNA CHUKWUEMEKA CHIKA

ABONYI MARTINS CHUKS

SANDRA CHINYERE MBAGWU

SOLOMON BORNIFACE WONAH

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. NWOKOCHA CHIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OBINNA CHUKWUEMEKA CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION RIVERS STATE AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ABONYI MARTINS CALEB, now wish to be known and addressed as, ABONYI MARTINS CHUKS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, SANDRA CHINYERE EGEWUSI, now wish to be known and addressed as, SANDRA CHINYERE MBAGWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, BORNIFACE WONAH, now wish to be known and addressed as, SOLOMON BORNIFACE WONAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OMIETE EVANS

OYEWOLE FUNMILAYO AYOBAMI

SOLOMON OLUWAFUNKE TEMITOPE

MISS ADEMAKINWA FUNMILAYO BUKOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as, SOLOMON TAMUNOEMI EVANS, now wish to be known and addressed as, OMIETE EVANS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known, addressed and called Olowoyo Funmilayo Ayobami now wish to be known, addressed and called Oyewole Funmilayo Ayobami. All former documents bearing the former name remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known, addressed and called Ogunmilaye Oluwafunke Temitope now wish to be known addressed and called Solomon Oluwafunke Temitope. All former documents bearing the former name remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known, addressed and called Mrs Musa Funmilayo now wish to be known addressed and called as Miss Ademakinwa Funmilayo Bukola. All former documents bearing the former name remain valid. General public take note.

MRS HAUWA AKWU ILE

GIMBA AMINA

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. ODEY JOSEPHINE ANYA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. UBI JOSEPHINE ANYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS. DIMKPA SUSAN GODWIN I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. ODUKU SUSAN CHINGARUM, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. DIMKPA SUSAN GODWIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

IGBAYILOLA OLUBUMI CHRISTIANA I formerly known, called and addressed as REV. PROPHETESS DR. IRAPADA .C. OBISANYA OLUBUMI now wish to be referred to as IGBAYILOLA OLUBUMI CHRISTIANA. All former document remain valid,general public and other affected Institution, please take note.

EGWU JUSTINA IDOWU

Formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL JUSTINA IDOWU, now wish to be known and addressed as EGWU JUSTINA IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written on my international passport as IKPECHAI REBECCA EMAIRU instead of IKPEHAIE REBECCA EMAIRU. That my correct name is IKPEHAIE REBECCA EMAIRU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MR FABUSUA OLUFEMI ISREAL

. I formerly known as MR FABUSUA OLALEKAN SUNDAY now wish to be known as MR FABUSUA OLUFEMI ISREAL. All documents bearing the former name remain valid.

GTBANK, WEMA BANK and the general public should

I, formerly known and addressed as, MRS. GIFT GLORY OYAWIRI (Nee GBARASOGHO), now wish to be known and addressed as, GIFT NWINEYKPEGE STEPHEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ARINZE PASCAL CHINEDU

I, formerly known and addressed as, BENJAMIN PASCAL .C., now wish to be known and addressed as, ARINZE PASCAL CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS NEWTON JULIET CHIZOBAM

MRS.JOKOGBOLA FUNMILOLA RASHIDAT

OFFOJEKWU CHINONSO IZUCH

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLOTU FUNMILOLA RASHIDAT , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JOKOGBOLA FUNMILOLA RASHIDAT . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

BANIGO JOY EDWARD

PRINCESS TEGA EMMANUELOGBEDHERE.

I, formerly known and addressed as ,MORRISON QUEEN EGOBURE,now wish to be known and addressed as ,BANIGO JOY EDWARD.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

HANGE GRACE HANGE GRACE: I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TYAVNYOR GRACE. NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS HANGE GRACE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

MRS NEWTON JULIET CHIZOBAM: I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OBI CHRISTIAN JULIET NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS NEWTON JULIET CHIZOBAM ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

MRS HAUWA AKWU ILE: I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS HAWA MUHAMMED AKWU NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS HAUWA AKWU ILE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

GIMBA AMINA: I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABDULKADIR AMINA GIMBA NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GIMBA AMINA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL

OLUYOMI TOLULOPE SAMSON

MICHEAL ADEWALE WAVES

OLOKUNOLA OLANREWAJU LASBAT

BEN-ADEKUNLE BETSY KEHINDE

OLOKUNOLA OLANREWAJU LASBAT: I, FORMERLY BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED OLANREWAJU LASBAT BOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLOKUNOLA OLANREWAJU LASBAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

BEN-ADEKUNLE BETSY KEHINDE: I, FORMERLY BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED ADEDULU BETSY KEHINDE BOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BEN-ADEKUNLE BETSY KEHINDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

OLUYOMI TOLULOPE SAMSON: I, FORMERLY BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED RAHEEM TOLULOPE SAMSON, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUYOMI TOLULOPE SAMSON. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OLAIWOLA IBITOYE OLAJUMOKE . I formerly known as IBITOYE OLAJUMOKE IYADUNNI now wish to be known as OLAIWOLA IBITOYE OLAJUMOKE . All documents bearing the former name remain valid. The general JOHN THOMAS

JOHN THOMAS : I, FORMERLY BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED DODONDAWA THOMAS, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JOHN THOMAS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MICHEAL ADEWALE WAVES: I, FORMERLY BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED ADEWALE WAVES, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MICHEAL ADEWALE WAVES. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formally known and addressed as Ogbedhere princess E.T, now wish to be known and addressed as Princess Tega EmmanuelOgbedhere. All formal documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EKPENYONG STEPHEN EGWUO. . I formerly known and addressed as IGWE KALU STEPHEN Now wish to be known called and addressed as EKPENYONG STEPHEN EGWUO. all former documents remain valid, General public take note.

ONWUMEREDIKE CHUKWUNONSO MATHEW This is to state that my name was wrongly written on some of my documents as NONSO ONWUMERE instead of ONWUMEREDIKE CHUKWUNONSO MATHEW. that my correct name is ONWUMEREDIKE CHUKWUNONSO MATHEW. General public take note.

BELOVED PROGRESSIVE CLUB The General Public is hereby given notice that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration in accordance with the part “C” of the companies and allied matters Act, 1990.

NAMES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. MR. ROLAND IFEANYI NWAOLE 2. MR. STANLEY UMEH OYENKA 3. MR. EZEOKE AUGUSTINE C. 4. MR. OBINNA PETER OJEH 5. MR. IKENNA UMEAKU PETER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE The reason for our coming together as a club is owed to the progress and social welfare of the people just as the name implies base on: a) To promote the standard of living, better understanding, care and improvement of each other b) To promote and encourage the co-operation between members for realization of our goals. c) To harness the potentialities of members and direct them towards becoming better individuals for the good of all the nation at large. d) To excel where other fail through the combine effort of each member of the club e) To be our brother’s keeper at all time as such to render help when other fail. f) To make sure members lack any good business to put in good standing owed to moneylessness g) To promote and embark on social activities deem for the benefit of the members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, corporate affairs commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES–––

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

27 Features

Wheat farmers demand National Policy on production Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria on Tuesday, called on the Federal Government to put in place a national policy on wheat, to encourage wheat farmers and boost production.

National President of the association, Alhaji Salim Muhammad, made the call in Kano on Tuesday, while speaking to journalists on the issues affecting the farm product.

He said the policy would guide decision makers in establishing conscious plans and actions that would guarantee improved wheat production in the country.

Muhammad, who is also a member of the Presidential Task Force on Wheat, nonetheless, expressed regret over the continuous neglect of wheat farming by various governments.

He said wheat farmers across the country had not enjoyed government support since the 2017 farming season, adding that the development has forced many wheat farmers out of business.

Muhammad further said the proposed policy should encompass wheat processing, packaging and marketing.

Also speaking at the occasion, Chairman of Kano State chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Alhaji Farouk Rabiu, said wheat farmers in the state were facing the challenge of inadequate improved seeds.

He said that hitch-free supplies of improved varieties of wheat seeds would boost wheat production in the country.

Rabiu said wheat farmers in Kano State were currently producing between two and three tonnes of wheat per hectare.

“The production would increase if improved seeds were provided for the farmers,” he said.

Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna decried lack of

Wheat farm as it should be

high-quality seeds facing wheat cultivation in the state.

Gawuna said the state government has spent N50 million on the procurement of improved wheat seeds and added that the move has made the seeds available to wheat farmers in the state.

The commissioner said that the state government had revived fertiliser blending plant, so as to make the product available and affordable to farmers in the state.

The Federal Government is currently working towards achieving self-sufficiency in wheat production in the country, especially through the Anchor Borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Bumper wheat harvest season

Lawmaker lifts farmers with rice seedlings, herbicides worth N2.5M

Participants at the occasion

A member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Tanko Tunga, on Tuesday, distributed 400 bags of rice seedlings and herbicides worth N2.5m to about 400 farmers in Awe North Constituency of the state.

Tunga, at the ceremony, appealed to the farmers to plant the seedlings to boost rice production in the area and the state at large.

He said they should embrace farming in order to achieve food

security in the state and the country at large.

For the country to achieve food sufficiency, the lawmaker said youths and other Nigerians must return to the farm.

According to him, “No society can live comfortably without agriculture; agriculture is the major source of livelihood of every family and nation.“ Alhaji Hashimu Janda, Chairman, Interim Management Committee of Awe Local

Government Area of the state, advised Nigerians to pray for peace and unity of the country.

He also urged them to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.

Alhaji Salisu Na’Allah, one of the beneficiaries, who spoke on behalf of the other beneficiaries, promised that farmers will use the items for the purpose they were meant for.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

STATEMENT OF THE NEWSPAPERS PROPRIETORS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

T

he Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has received with grave concern, the Monday June 12, 2017 invasion by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) of the Apapa, Lagos Corporate Headquarters of The Sun Newspapers.

Facts before the NPAN indicate that the EFCC operatives swooped on the newspaper in the early morning of June 12, while Nigerians were commemorating the historic day of Free Expression, and ordered security men to take them on a guided tour of the premises of the newspaper. The EFCC operatives subsequently prevented journalists and staff from performing their constitutional duties, and abridging their rights to Free Speech by preventing those who were in the premises from leaving, and others reporting for duty from entering the premises.

Although the EFCC said they were there to enforce a 10-year old Interim Order of Forfeiture on the shareholding of Sun Newspapers, the Editors of the Sun Newspapers said the EFCC officials were there on a vengeance and intimidation mission to settle scores on several stories published by the newspaper, including the alleged ownership of certain properties by the wife of the EFCC Acting Chairman for which the Acting Chairman had threatened libel lawsuits. Instead of lawsuits, the EFCC operatives raided the newspaper offices to revive a 10year old Interim Order of Forfeiture that is already before an appellate court.

Given these developments, it is our considered view that the EFCC, being a State institution and a creation of the law, cannot be above the law: and the manner of the invasion tends to suggest that the EFCC was out on a self-help mission, a voyage to intimidate journalists, criminalise journalism and cower free speech.

We should continue to remind ourselves that this crude tactics of invasion of media houses and harassment of journalists did not work in the past, is not going to work now, and will never work. It is unknown to The Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria and all people of reason and goodwill to call the EFCC to order for the greater good of the Federal Republic Nigeria and the rule of law.

Very many thanks!

Nduka Obaigbena President, Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN)

Quit notice: We are sons and daughters of northern region -Igbo leader Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏ The

Eze Igbo lll ,Igwe Godwin Emeka the Igbo leader of Adamawa state replied to the quit notice given to Igbo’s in the North by the Arewa Youth Forum as a mere propaganda, asserting that Igbos in the region are going nowhere because they are also bonafide Sons and Daughters of the northern region and consider the order as a huge mistake.

Igwe Emeka asked questions that need urgent answers from the Arewa group of where do they want them to go to considering the fact that their means of livelihood is entire in the north and live as normal people without any cause of alarm or sentiments of sort.

“Nigeria is our father land; we are sons and daughters of this great country, leave and go where? He asked.

While speaking to journalist in his Palace in Yola, he maintained that the Arewa Youth were ignorant of the fact that Igbos are Nigerians and also part of the North.

According to him, Igbos exist in Adamawa and other northern states, they are part of the people and culture of the north and not strangers.

He disclosed that Igbo are contributing to the growth and development of any state they are staying, hence are inseparable part of that community.

“If we go to the East, we are considered strangers thus, the north is home to us, most of

us were born and grew up in the north, we were schooled in the north, married in the north, we have relationships and bond with the people of the north, we are Igbos of the North”, He affirmed.

The leader of the Igbos called upon his people in the north not to panic, but continue doing their businesses like never before as they are home.

“The Igbos are peace loving people whose main goal is to contribute to the development of where ever they find themselves”, Igwe disclosed.

While praying for peace and unity in the country, Omenaka called upon the Federal and state government to ensure they protect Igbo’s and their property in their domain.

Increased revenue mobilisation critical to Nigeria’s growth - Adeosun Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Minister

of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has said that revenue mobilisation is critical to the economic reform agenda of the Federal Government.

Adeosun noted that government revenue was too small compared to the size of the economy, government and the needs the people.

The Finance minister said this while delivering the keynote address at the NSE-Bloomberg CEO Round Table in Lagos at the weekend.

She said: “We see increasing revenue as the longterm strategic solution for sustainable and inclusive growth. Revenue is required in the short-term for investments and in the me-

dium to long-term for our debt service.

“Our acceptance that our ambitions cannot be financed by oil revenue is an equal acceptance that there is a finite limit to how much can, and should be financed by debt. If we don’t want to borrow, we need more revenue.

“The problem is not that our debt service is too high but our revenue is too low and the manner in which the imbalance between our debt service and revenue will be corrected, apart from rebalancing our borrowings in favour of longer tenure loans and external sources, is by finally and frontally facing the issue of revenue.”

She emphasised the limitation of relying on oil, adding, “We believe that Nigeria is an ‘oil-plus’ economy

and we should model ourselves after countries that have similar profiles like Egypt with a population of 91 million and 490,000 barrels of oil per day (185 people to a barrel of oil) and has a highly diversified revenue base”.

She further explained that as a nation, Nigeria cannot model herslf after Saudi Arabia, with their 30 million population and 10 million barrels of oil per day (3 people to a barrel of oil), adding, in Nigeria, we have a population of close to 180 million people and about 2 million barrels of oil per day (90 people to a barrel of oil). We must therefore, diversify our revenue base”.

Adeosun stated that revenue mobilisation is therefore critical to Nigeira’s success.

NIWA seeks C’River govt intervention in access to Calabar office Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

ÏÏÏ The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) headquarters, Lokoja, has appealed to the Cross River state government to, as a matter of urgency, construct drainage to have access to their area office in Calabar.

A press release signed by the

General Manager corporate affairs, Mr. Tayo Fadile, which was made available to journalists in Lokoja, said the NIWA area office in Calabar has been flooded with water and mud due to water diversion work by the Cross River state government to execute a project at Diamond Hill, Hope Wadal, opposite the Governor’s office in

the state capital.

According to the statement, the NIWA Calabar area office Manager, Engr. Rufus O. Ogbonlato has reported that the excavation and removal of the top soil that blocked the existing drainage started around May, 2016 hindering the staff of the Authority to have access to their offices.

BADMUS ABDUL JELEEL

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

LUSEMITI OLUWATOYIN SIMISOLA

BADMUS ABDUL JELEEL: I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS GBADAMOSI JELILI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BADMUS ABDUL JELEEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I Osibamowo Olaoluwatunde Idowu is the same person bearing these names Osibamowo Eolaoluwa Tunde.

All Documents /Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

ILUSEMITI OLUWATOYIN SIMISOLA: I, FORMERLY BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED MALOMO OLUWATOYIN SIMISOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ILUSEMITI OLUWATOYIN SIMISOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

29 News

Ebere Chibuzor

Over N70bn needed for completion of East-West road

ÏÏÏ Under the auspices of a Non Gov-

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

NGO empowers 2000 women with certificate ernmental Organisation (NGO) Future Assured, “Women Economic Empowerment Programme for Poverty Alleviation”, says, it has empowered 2000 women with certificate of attendance after the skill acquisition program, yesterday.

Women Economic Empowerment Programme for Poverty Alleviation is one of the components of ‘Future Assured’ a pet project of wife of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria Aisha Buhari, which encompasses healthcare delivery, education among others, held in Lagos last year.

Speaking at the event, coordinator of the skill acquisition program, Mrs Stella Akande said that the women had been trained properly, while machines and other learning tools were allocated for them to train with.

Akande said, Money was spent massively, as all the equipment during the training were provided by the NGO. Contributing, public servant Aisha Alabankudi urged that they had been trained, noting, in the nearest future they would be given kits to start up something, advising them to be focused.

“My message to the women is for them to be focused and know themselves. They needed to be motivated , plan themselves and know whom they are and they should not stop learning. They should develop themselves, they should keep learning and even learn from the people they trained,” She noted.

She said, the women should help themselves in order to help others, and equally charged them to seek advice as well as to avoid to be opinionated.

A beneficiary, Princess Franca Okogie Idumudia said, “We came here today on the invitation of Aisha Buhari. She empowered all the women you see here today, and we asked we should come today for the award only for us to come here and we are told that we are giving paper as certificate and when I decided to ask of a more empowerment benefit which is finance , only for me to be court marshalled by the police and asked to sit down and talk less. I prayed that Aisha Buhari should not abandoned the mul-

ÏÏÏ The Niger Delta Development Com-

mission, NDDC, and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs need over N70 billion to complete the construction of the EastWest Road which straddles the six SouthSouth States.

Speaking while receiving the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, at the NDDC headquarters in Port-Harcourt, the NDDC Managing Director, Mr. Nsima Ekere said that the commission would partner with the Ministry and private sector investors on the construction of the East-West road.

He said the strategy would be to harness private sector collaboration to complete the road and that the portions that

have totally collapsed would be addressed immediately.

He lamented that the Eleme-Refinery junction section was in a very terrible state. “It is so bad that a ten-minutes journey on that axis now takes three hours.

That section of the road has failed and we will get contractors to the site immediately,” he said.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer further stated that the construction of the remaining sections of the East-West road would be handled by many contractors.

“Our strategy involves multiple contractors. The road, which is a strategic link to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, connects Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.”

According to Ekere, the Commission

was embarking on a centralized e-project management scheme which would reduce waste and costs on project management. He added: “We are determined to improve on our project management capabilities. NDDC projects all over the Niger Delta will be managed from a central project management platform such that I can sit in my office at the headquarters and monitor projects all over the region.

The essence of this is to ensure a robust project management portfolio and reduce waste and costs.

“We are determined to do things differently. We are determined to leave behind a new and improved NDDC. We are determined to reform our systems to help us reduce the incidents of abandoned projects,” he said.

The NDDC boss commended the Minister for auditing the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, stating that the NDDC would borrow a leaf from that exercise.

In his remarks, the Minister commended the NDDC Board and Management for its efforts towards reforming the Commission’s processes. He called on the staff of the Commission to co-operate with the management during its audit exercise.

The Minister said: “We must from this day, hasten our processes within the Commission. There is no more room for partisanship. We will stop political interference in the NDDC. Any political interference in the Commission will be resisted. I assure you, political interference will no longer be an obstacle for the NDDC.”

Oyo OPC lauds Ajimobi for his giants’ strides ÏÏÏ Comrade Rotimi Olumo, the Oyo

Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Mr. Rufus Bature (l), in a handshake with Senate Committee on Industries, Mr. Barnabas Gemade, during the Committee’s visit to the Government House in Jos… on Saturday.

State coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, has lauded Governor Abiola Ajimobi for the achievement his administration has achieved in the area of infrastructural development, peace, security and unity in the last six years.

He made this remark, while having an interactive section with newsmen in Ibadan shortly after the organization’s state executive meeting.

Comrade Rotimi Olumo said that in the last six years, the incumbent administration has brought unprecedented development to the state.

Comrade Olumo said that the allinclusive style of Senator Ajimobi’s government is a proper pursuit of democracy and should be allowed to continue.

The OPC leader in the state also called on Governor Ajimobi to continue to maintain his leadership role, particularly as it regards the review of chieftaincy law in Ibadanland so as not to cause unnecessary crisis in Ibadanland.

FG, Microsoft partner to boost Nigeria’s digital service delivery Tony Nwakaegho

ÏÏÏ Federal

Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment is partnering with Microsoft, via its Africa Open4Business programme, to digitally transform the delivery of services to the investor community in Nigeria and evolve the regulatory and procedural environment governing business.

The ministry while harnessing advances in cloud technologies aims to transform the reach and scope of government-to-investor services in the country, creating an agile and investment-friendly environment.

It affirmed that digital technologies play a pivotal and fundamental role in evaluating and changing the landscape for reforms, with e-reforms becoming the next big thing for Nigeria, for government operations and services, and for the economy at large.

“Our partnership with Microsoft is designed to drive business model innovations, which will transform the delivery of services to current and prospective investors in Nigeria,” said Okechukwu Enelamah, minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

“The objective is to deliver self-provisioned, expedient and technologydriven services to the highly-valued

constituencies of investors that we are mandated and keen to serve”.

The partnership between the ministry and Microsoft will tap into the portfolio of services availed via the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, to jointly drive digital transformation and advance Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business ranking.

The World Bank compiles the Ease of Doing Business ranking annually in partnership with governments, and Nigeria is currently ranked 169 out of 190 economies.

Country rankings are highly observed by the global investor community, as they generally reflect not only

the conduciveness of the regulatory and procedural environment facing new market entrants, but also how businesses interact with government regulatory agencies throughout their lifespan.

Commenting on the support from Microsoft, Hakeen Adeniji-Adele, public sector director at Microsoft Nigeria, said: “The Africa Open4Business programme helps to tackle one of the main challenges deterring investors: A lack of credible and timely investment-related information. By helping to modernise and digitise this information, we will enable government to engage with investors on a

frequent and timely basis, to increase investment levels and, ultimately, the pace of job creation.”

On his part, Azza El Shinnawy, director of Government Solutions, Microsoft Africa Initiatives, “By integrating cloud technology, we will be able to cut down both the time and costs investors spend to incorporate and maintain their businesses in Nigeria.

“Cloud technology will also help government to proactively communicate opportunities to a global community of investors, expanding investment horizons and showing that Nigeria is indeed open for business.”

30

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

4

Monday, June 19, 2017

EXTRATIME

Germany in tough Confed Cup start

W

orld champions Germany will pit an inexperienced lineup against Australia in their FIFA Confederations Cup opener today with striker Timo Werner anticipating a robust challenge from the Socceroos.

With an average age of just 24 years, four months, and a combined total of 179 international appearances, Germany have the most youthful squad of the eight Confed Cup teams.

Only three of the squad – Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi, Matthias Ginter and Julian Draxler – lifted the World Cup in Brazil three years ago, but none of the trio played in the Rio de Janeiro final.

With the likes of Thomas Mueller, Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng all left at home, Joshua Kimmich is the only Bayern Munich star in the Germany squad.

On the back of his breakthrough season with RB Leipzig, striker Timo Werner, 21, expects a fiery start in Sochi for the untested, green Germans.

“We don’t all know how fit we are after a long and hard season,” admitted Werner.

“Now comes an unpleasant game in which the Australians will try, with their physiques and toughness, to take us on.

“But we have a duty to win the three points. We need to get a quick goal and then exert some dominance.”

A year out from the World Cup in Russia, there has never been a better time for the Socceroos to poach a first win over Germany at a major competition at the fourth attempt.

The world champions have made no secret of the fact their goal is not to win the Confederations Cup, but to blood their next generation of stars.

“The first priority is to develop the team, the second to win here,” said team manager Oliver Bierhoff bluntly.

With the likes of key midfielders Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos rested, the pressure falls on 23-year-old captain Draxler.

With 30 caps, the Paris St-Germain star has the most experience and is expected to lead by example in the attacking midfield role.

World-class goalkeeper Neuer is recovering from foot surgery, so Bayer Leverkusen’s shot-stopper Bernd Leno is tasked with keeping Australia’s attack at bay.

Australia have held their heads high against Germany in their last two meetings in friendlies.

The Socceroos shocked the below-strength Germans 2-1 in Moenchengladbach in 2011.

Then two years ago, the 2015 Asian Cup champions drew 2-2 against Germany in Kaiserslautern.

Nwakali set for loan move!

N

igeria U-20 international Kelechi Nwakali is being tipped to be farmed out on loan for the second consecutive season.

In his assessment of Arsenal’s 35 young professionals, Gunners youth-team guru Jeorge Bird has predicted that the Flying Eagles skipper will return to London for pre-season ahead of a loan move. ‘’After excelling on loan in the Dutch second tier with Maastricht last season, another spell elsewhere seems likely for the talented Nigeria youth international,’’ Jeorge Bird said. ‘’Firstly, though, he could spend pre-season with Arsenal.’’

The 19-year-old Nwakali is not yet qualified to be granted a work permit in England based on the transfers fees Arsenal paid to secure his signature from Diamond/ASJ Academy, and has yet to debut for the Super Eagles.

He experienced first team football last season, making 33 appearances in the Dutch second tier for MVV Maastricht, including the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Watford loanee Uche Agbo has been ranked among the top four Under 21 players with the most tackles in Europe top five leagues consisting of La Liga, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1.

Onyekuru

Meanwhile, out-of-favour Super Eagles striker Izu Azuka was on target in the 16th round of matches in the Kazakhstan Premier League on Sunday.

Okzhetpes Kokshetau defeated Akzhaiyk Uralsk 2-1, with the Nigerian netting the only goal for his team from the penalty spot in the 58th minute.

The 28-year-old had not scored in the league since his brace against Shakhter Karagandy on match day two, prior to Sunday’s meeting at Astana Arena.

Azuka appeared for Kazakhstan clubs Irtysh Pavlodar and FC Taraz before his transfer to Akzhaiyk Uralsk in 2017.

On his curriculum vitae, the striker has also represented clubs in Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and Turkey.

Nwakali

Revealed!

Kano election: NBBF acted on NOC’s advice Ben Nwachukwu, Abuja

More revelations are trailing the crises engulfing the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) that led to the body conducting a parallel election into its board.

Extra Time gathered exclusively that some members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) had earlier encouraged the Tijani Umar-led board to go on with their plan to conduct their own election.

Our impeccable sources disclosed that those NOC members in sympathy with Umar who as incumbent President was a victim of the earlier guidelines released by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to prevent those who have served two terms from contesting, supported him to contest.

According to our sources, the plot by the Umar-led board to conduct its elections outside Abuja and a day earlier than the stipulated date by the minister was agreed on between him and those NOC members after a crucial meeting in Lagos.

We also gathered from our sources that the contributions made by Umar as a Vice President of NPC and President of NBBF was what drew the sympathy of some NOC members to him.

“The Kano election was not conducted in isolation. Tijani Umar has some NOC members on his side and they encouraged him to conduct his own election. That is why he went ahead to conduct election into the board of NBBF. “We learnt further that the secret conduct of the factional election in a hotel in Abuja by the ministry was on the advice of some NOC top shots,” our source said.

The source further argued that the Sports Minister has made a grave mistake by allowing factions in the NBBF, noting that if nothing is done fast to broker peace in the federation, the sport will be heading to oblivion.

Meanwhile, a member of the NOC who pleaded anonymity told Extra Time that this crisis in NBBF will put pressure on the NOC as the international body, FIBA, will bombard them with questions on what led to this and if FIBA is

BirminghamchaseOnyekuru, asAzukashinesinKazakhstan

Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru has yet another potential suitor, with news that Championship side Birmingham City are chasing his signature.

According to the Daily Mail, Birmingham are prepared to break their club record transfer fee to sign the player from Belgian side KES Eupen.

A fee of £7.5-million has been mooted, which would easily break the Blues’ previous record of £6-million paid to Valencia to sign Nikola Zigic in 2010.

Onyekuru enjoyed a superb season for Eupen and has been marked as one of European football’s rising stars.

He has been courted by the likes of Arsenal and West Ham United, but remains on the market ahead of the 2017/18 season.

31

Tijani Umar

not convinced, the action may attract sanctions to the country.

He however assured that NOC would do its best to bring everybody to the roundtable and broker peace.

Zidane pleads with Ronaldo to stay

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane broke off his holiday to call Cristiano Ronaldo in a bid to persuade his unsettled star not to quit the club.

Ronaldo, on Confederations Cup duty in Russia with Portugal, is reportedly furious over a tax probe into the off shore accounts dealing with his image rights, and has reportedly vowed to leave Spain.

“I am leaving Real Madrid,” Ronaldo told his Portuguese colleagues. “I have made a decision. There is no turning back.”

According to foreign reports, when Zidane heard Ronaldo had sworn to quit he broke off from his family holiday and called his No 7 to tell him Madrid “needed him for his goals, and also his winning

mentality”.

It was also reported that club captain Sergio Ramos had called Ronaldo to ask him to stay.

In just 265 games for Real Madrid Ronaldo has scored 285 goals, winning three Champions League finals in four seasons.

The 32-year-old Ronaldo is the latest football superstar to come under scrutiny for tax evasion after Lionel Messi was handed a 2.1-million-euro ($2.3 million) fine last year for avoiding paying taxes on part of the income he earned from image rights via companies in Belize, Britain, Switzerland and Uruguay.

Ronaldo is accused of defrauding the authorities of 14.7 million euros in tax through offshore companies.

Ronaldo

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The Anambra Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

ANSG trains MDAs representatives on aerial photography AT 2

Anambra agog for Obiano football competition AT 2 Stakeholders assure early completion of market projects

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (l) with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, when the envoy visited Obiano at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia...recently.

Obiano commissions computerised vehicle testing service Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

Anambra

T E A M

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has commissioned a world class computerized Vehicle Inspection Service (ANCVTS) centre, geared towards ascertaining the sanity and effectiveness of vehicles.

The $5 million (N1.6billion) state-of-the-art Temple SYC Inspection Ltd is in partnership with Ministry of Road, Rail and Water Transportation, vis-a-vis Anambra State government.

The center which had already been cited in Awka, would be replicated in other two zones, Nnewi and Onitsha and would be completed before December this year.

Commissioning the projects, the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, said the establishment of the project was to ensure safety of lives and property and minimise accident rates among road users.

Governor Obiano noted that his administration would always place premium to providing the welfare of people to give them a breath of fresh air.

The Governor pointed out that he had properly equipped the Road Safety Corps in the state with sophisticated speed testing gadget as well as alcohol detective device to arrest and prosecute road users who breach road rules.

He commended Road Safety Corps for evacuating unworthy

Special Project Editor Kenneth Madueke

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

vehicles parked along the roads that had constituted threat to the lives of the people, adding that he would increase the workforce of Vehicle Inspection Officers to enable them enforce the exercise.

The governor revealed that he had intensified effort on patching portholes and maintaining all dilapidated roads to ensure safety.

The Commissioner for Road, Rail and Water Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chinwe Nwaebili, pointed out that the equipment at the center would specifically inspect and test the vehicle’s headlights, underneath inspection for loose bolts, knots, leakages and brakes alongside other components in the vehicle.

Chairman Anambra State Investment, Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), HRH Igwe Cyril Enweze, recalled that since the groundbreaking ceremony was performed on November 5, 2015, the company had

worked diligently on the project.

Igwe Enweze maintained that the significance of the investment was in line with the state’s vision to ensure that all vehicles plying its roads were registered with and operate a maximum standard of safety.

He stressed that it would create job, enhance Road Safety, and improve the state’s internally generated revenue among others.

On his part, Managing Director, Anambra State Computerized Vehicle Testing Service, Mr. Prince Segun Obayendo, said the project was in line with the third, out of the five pillars of road safety declaration made by the United Nations in 2010.

He commended Governor Obiano for adopting Safety policy that would enhance adequate protection of lives and property, adding that the project would be replicated in other two zones such as Nnewi and Onitsha.

Stakeholders in the construction of the N10 million project in each of the 62 markets in Anambra State have assured of early competition of the projects.

Speaking to The Anambra Times after the tripartite meeting among the consultants, the Amalgamated Markets Traders Association of State (AMATAS) leadership and the contractors, Mr. Aniemena of Kenneth, of CEA Professional Service Limited, said they met to discuss on the modalities to apply for the tenders as captured in the advertisement as posted in various markets in the state.

He said one of the parameters was that each of the market will have three contractors prospecting for the job, by applying in person or through their registered business or limited liability company with N10,000 each to designated banks as captured.

He said in generating the projects, each market captured where its needs is greatest, which is “bottom- up approach with the active participation and buy in of the traders”.

He said with these, the traders have been able to choose what they want, not government or anybody choosing for them.

Aniemena said the projects indicated by traders covered hall facilities, water, toilets, road work, and electricity among others as each of the market desired.

He said the first phase of the tender took place on Thursday and the successful bidders would be presented to the state Executive council today (Monday) for final approval.

The projects, he said, at the commencement will take two months to be completed and barring any unforeseen circumstances will start this June.

His Royal Highness (Surveyor) Charles C. Agbala, the Igwe of Uke, assured that the projects would be successfully completed as they did in the 181 state community projects which 80 percent of it have been done .

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Anambra agog for Obiano football competition

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (first right) with Chairman, Elite International Investment Limited, Madam Huang Zhi Hui and at the far right, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, chairman, Orient Petroleum Resources Plc, during the ground breaking ceremony of the Anambra International Cargo Airport at Umeri, Anambra East LGA of Anambra State...recently

Traders in different markets in Anambra State are in high spirit as they prepare for another round of football competition sponsored by Governor Willie Obiano of the state.

The chairman of the Organising Committee, Rev Fr. (Coach), Obinna Dike, said that the committee set up by the State Commissioner for Sports, Mrs. Uju Nwogu, has already started working with the traders on the eligibility of the players that will participate in the competition.

He said the leadership of Amalgamated Markets Traders Association of State (AMATAS) has said only apprentices and their masters who are bona fide registered members of the respective markets will participate

ANSG trains MDAs representatives on aerial photography Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

The Anambra State government has commenced a week-long training workshop on Aerial Photography in Awka, the state capital.

The training which aims at facilitating the state government planning and development is being conducted by the Aeroprecisa limited.

The M.D/CEO of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Architect Michael M. Okonkwo, disclosed that the State government wants to use the Aerial photography for collation, storage and usage of such data for the purpose of development, planning and possible enhancement of revenue generation in the state, hence the need to train and select a number of staff representatives from different MDAS. Addressing newsmen, Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta, stated that the essence of the training is to enable the state government ensure proper land usage, land conservation and proper city planning to boost governments Urban renewal plan.

Also speaking, the head of department on Corporate Investment and Promotion Service(CIPS) in Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Miss Ifeoma Obi, said so far

in the training, She has learnt that one can conveniently sit at home and still get the data bases of people in schools, towns and different local governments within the state through the use of Aerial photography.

The Executive director of ACTDA, Ernest Adinweruka, in a remark disclosed that the Aerial photography is going to ease the collection of data of banks and other institutions, monitoring of taxes and also for updating information tracking systems.

Ultimatum to leave the North: Don’t play second fool, Ezeonwuka tells Ndigbo A prominent Igbo leader and the Ogirisigbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, has warned that “Ndigbo should not play the second fool” by taking lightly the threat by the Coalition of Northern Youths that Ndigbo should quit Northern states as from Oc-

tober 1, 2017.

Chief Ezeonwuka, member Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who spoke to newsmen in his Rojenny Tourist Village, Oba, said the outbursts from the Northern youths looked like a child’s play but it is only a tree that heard that it would be caught down and remained where it is.

He said Ndigbo would be playing second fool if they ignore the threat, saying “what we are doing is to play second fool. They said first fool is not fool but second fool is proper fool”.

He said it was only Igbo ethnic group that goes to other parts of the country and developed them, when some of them do not have hurts in their villages, noting that the abandoned property in Port- Hacourt, Rivers State would have taught them lesson.

“Instead of investing in their home, they keep investing out-

side Igbo land. History will always repeat itself. This happened in 1967 and a lot came back with nothing, yet they did not learn their lessons”.

He said Arewa youths cannot chase Ndigbo out of the North but added that the threat is a wake-up call for Ndigbo to start thinking home-ward and bring their business to their home states.

Embittered Ezeonwuka said Arewa youths have the right to ask Ndigbo to leave their place because it is their land and challenged Ndigbo to return and develop their own land or they should remain slaves in other people’s land.

He dismissed the possibility of a coup in Nigeria as suggested by some section as the likely motivating factor for such outbursts from Northern youths, so that they would create instability and use it as an alibi to take over power through the military.

in the competition.

Warning that nobody who is not a trader would be allowed to play, the chairman said the competition would be played according to the six zones of the markets in the State.

He said the six champions from each of the zones would play the finals and the semi-finals, noting that the winner will go home with handsome cash reward and consolation prizes.

Enumerating the gains of the competition, Rev. Father Dike said the Governor has been liaising with major stakeholders in the State and traders are among the major stakeholders.

He said traders carry out their genuine businesses in addition to payment of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and Governor Obiano recognizes and appreciates these roles, hence his decision to sponsor football for traders to make them fit and healthy.

Consequently, the chairman of the Organising Committee said the competition will take-off this June and the opening match will hold at Godwin Achebe Memorial Stadium, Fegge, Onitsha.

In his speech, Mr. Vincent Ifeme, the AMATAS Public Relations Officer (PRO), who is representing Traders in the Committee, lauded Governor Obiano for this gesture, noting that they were not surprised by his soft spot for traders considering that his mother was one of them.

He said that the competition will afford them opportunity to take time off from their busy schedule of chasing money to recreate and ease tension.

He warned that “nobody from outside the market will be eligible to play to avoid defeating the objective of the competition,” adding “some have already started preparing and I assure you it is going to be an exciting competition”.

Obiano commences second phase of street lighting Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has commenced the second phase of street lighting in the state.

The street lighting initiative was initiated by the present administration to light up every part of the state, to promote night life and further enhance economic activities.

The street lighting ceremony took place at Afor Nkpor, in Idemili North local government area of Anambra State.

The LED lamp covered Umunnachi – Ogidi – Borromeo round-about, covering 9.5 km.

Performing the ceremony, Governor Obiano said it was in his campaign promises to transform Anambra State and give it a standard look.

Governor Obiano noted that the exercise commenced nine months ago and over 100 km had been completed in the first phase, while another 100 km would also be completed in the second phase.

The governor pointed out that the the Bridge Head to Upper Iweka axis had been completed, while Amansea – Borromeo had felt executive and decorative touch.

He assured to complete the exercise as de-

signed across the state.

The Commissioner for Power and Domestic Water Resources, Mr Obi Nwankwo stressed that Governor Obiano’s administration had commenced rehabilitation and articulation of boreholes to ensure accessibility of water across the state.

He commended Governor Obiano for his genuine interest in providing the basic needs of the people.

The Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, HRM Igwe Alex Onyido expressed satisfaction, saying the light would boost commercial activities and provide security.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

The Anambra Times 3

Include S’East in $5.851 rail project, ONICCIMA urges FG Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider its decision to exclude South-East from the $5.851billion modernisation project.

The ONICCIMA in a statement made available to The Anambra Times said that the zone should be included in the rail project, without any second thought, as a matter equity, justice and fairness.

The Chamber expressed strong concern over the willful exclusion of the South-East zone from the plan, which if implemented as envisaged, will

surely unleash tremendous economic and social benefits on the nation, from the benefiting zones.

Said the ONICCIMA: “Unfortunately, out of the six geopolitical zones in the country, it is only the South/East Zone that was not, included in this strategic project plan. To the Chamber, this is a clearly designed effort aimed at crippling the economic and developmental potentials of the South-East region for no justifiable reason other than political. How could the Minister of Transport or the Federal Government defend this sheer disregard, through the denial of the rail project, of the South-East which is noted world-wide for its prowess in industrialization, trade

and commerce? This, therefore, seems as a calculated setback and slight on millions of the organized private sector (OPS) operators in the Zone, in particular, and the entire citizenry of South East in general, whose businesses and lives will, invariably, be negatively affected in no small measure due to this singular exclusion”.

In the statement signed by the President of the Chamber, Mr. Uchenna Apakam, a pharmacist, ONICCIMA recalled, with the same sadness and disbelief, similar action of the Federal Government against the socioeconomic interest of people of the South-East, such as the Onitsha River Port Complex, which has remained decrepit since 2012, when it was com-

missioned-because the Federal Government is yet to fund the concessionaries.

‘What of the 2nd Niger Bridge, which is yet to take off, despite repeated assurances by this administration? What of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway and many other Federal roads in the South/East, which have become perpetual death traps? Again, it is only the South-East Zone that has only but five states and fewer local government areas than any other zones throughout the country; in fact, the list of these act of marginalization of the Zone is endless,” the ONICCIMA lamented.

Continuing, ONICCIMA said: “No part of this country should be marked out for designed illtreatments and marginaliza-

tion- as the South-East Zone has been witnessing. Moreover, it will be to eternal credit of President Buhari, as the father of the nation, if he could see all parts the Country as his single constituency, without political, religious, tribal or any other personalized considerations.

For, no nation has ever attained her greatness in the face of grave injustice, maltreatment and aberrant exclusion of a significant part of its own, as the South-East Zone has been experiencing in this country.

Finally, as already noted here, excluding only the South/East zone from the railway project, as it is no, can never at any giving time, pas integrity test of social justice, fairness and objectivity”.

Obiano govt ready to promote Anambra Trade fair, says Nnachetta

Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State and Mr. Guang Zhongqi, Consul-general of the Chinese Embassy during a courtesy call on the governor at the Governor’s Lodge... recently

Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Communication Strategy, Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta, has affirmed the readiness of Chief Willie Obiano’s administration to promote the 2017 Anambra Trade Fair in every possible way to ensure its success.

The Commissioner disclosed this when some members of the 2017 Anambra Trade Fair Committee drawn from the three City Chambers of Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex office Awka, recently.

The Commissioner, while assuring the committee of the

Ultimatum to Ndigbo to vacate the North, treasonable felony –IYF The President Igbo Youths Forum (IYF), Comrade Kenneth Emeh, has described as “treasonable felony” the call by the Coalition of Northern Youths to Ndigbo to leave Northern states

by October 1, this year.

Emeh, who spoke to newsmen in Onitsha, the Anambra State commercial centre, lashed out at the security agencies especially the Directorate of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Police for not arresting the leaders of the coalition who are well known by them.

He said if such statement had come from the youths of other regions, especially the South East, the security agencies of this country would have moved into action to arrest them, but now they appeared helpless be-

cause it came from the North.

He also condemned fickle response from the Northern leaders, who he said, the youths were carrying their mandate and therefore called Igbo leaders to brace up for the challenges ahead because they have started again like 1967-1970 pogrom.

“They met at Arewa House, the official conference centre of the North, to show you the whole thing has the stamp of authority of the Northern leaders. And where was the DSS? If it is in the East DSS would have arrested the youths that is if they would allow the meeting to hold. But the North is sacrosanct. They can say and do anything and nobody queries them. This call is pure treasonable felony,” Emeh said.

He then enjoined Ndigbo in the North to as matter of utmost urgency start coming back, so that they join in the working for the referendum preparatory for the eventual exit from Nigeria.

He said programmes and policies of All Progressives Congress (APC) led by President Muhammed Buhari has shown a clear attempt to further marginalise the South East, saying that beyond deliberating scheming out Ndigbo in his appointment, the recent exclusion of South East in $5.851b railway project, the throwing away of the South East Development Commission Bill by the House of Representatives, intimidation and arrest of prominent persons both in government and business like the unwarranted search of the

residence of Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, detention of Ifeanyi Uba for several months now without arraigning him before court as required by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are all geared towards marginalising Ndigbo.

Said the youth leader: “Ndigbo are not the problem of the North.

Their problem is self –inflicted.

We did not ask them not to go to school. It is clear that this our union is not working. And it has to be dissolved. This marriage of inconvenience cannot work.

Since Nigeria has rejected us, we can’t reject ourselves. The president is behind them. He unleashed Herdsmen on Nigerians and that is why nobody has been arrested.

ministry’s full support, called on them to bring up their work plan as the ministry is poised to give necessary assistance wherever it is needed so far it is within its means. He maintained that the Governor who has been at the forefront of the promotion of locally made goods would ensure that the trade Fair becomes a huge success, serving as a veritable avenue to showcase goods and services of Ndi Anambra’s young and established entrepreneurs. He further hinted that the trade fair could benefit from the new TV transmitter being set up by the government, which would be operational in a short while, asking the committee to get the students of our secondary and tertiary schools to be part of the event as it would open up their eyes to new ideas encouraging them to become more productive after their formal education.

Lastly, the commissioner said that the ministry would support the trade fair by making available to the committee the use of different media at its disposal for the publicity of the event.

In his speech, the President of the 2017 Anambra Trade Fair Planning Committee, Mr. Don Ebubeogu who said the committee were at the ministry to inform the commissioner formally of the trade fair holding in October.

He also thanked the commissioner for the ministry’s support during last year’s trade fair event, while asking that the ministry should do more in bringing publicity and attracting government presence to the event as well as sending in the ministry’s nominee to help fine tune things preparatory to the event.

The Anambra Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Nov. guber poll: Nwibe craves to Ngige’s anointed aspirant

Former Biafra warlord, Col. Joe Achuzia (middle in white) with Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State on Political Matters, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu and his entourage during a visit to Achuzia in Asaba...recently

Okaula calls on Govts, stakeholders to address causes of crime

Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sam Okaula, has stressed the need for the various governments in the country and relevant stakeholders to address the increasing cases of greed, ignorance and social inequalities which are the major causes of security challenges in the society.

Okaula, who spoke through the Onitsha Area Commander, Abubukar Yahaya, when he presented a lecture on crime prevention during the decoration of Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu, the chairman of Motor Spare Parts Market (Ngbuka), Obosi in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State, said that the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria underscored scope of security “when it declares that the security and welfare of the people

shall be the primary purpose of government”.

The Commissioner said crime prevention required a committed synergy and partnership with the government and diverse groups in various communities which can influence the way the police perform their way.

He stressed the need for the citizens to shun violence if our country must achieve socio-economic and political harmony, stating that the current security challenges were perpetrated by those living within the society.

The Commissioner identified crime prevention strategies which should be carefully followed as creating, implementing and monitoring of national action plan for violence prevention, enhancing capacity for collecting data on violence, promotion of primary prevention responses, straighten responses for victims of violence among

others.

Okaula also stressed the need for strategic roles of traditional institutions in community policing as the custodians of the people’s culture, values, norms and tradition as well as the terrains.

He said the Police in fighting crime should build strong synergy and partnership with private security guards to assist in community policing especially in the area of intelligence gathering Receiving the award, Chief Obiagwu expressed happiness that some people recognized the little effort he has been putting in to sanitise Ngbuka market, stressing that four years ago, the market was no go area because of all sorts of crime and criminality that were going on then.

Obiagwu said he was happy that today he can confidently report that stolen cars were

not more traced to the market, promising that there are still so much to be done in the market.

He lauded the Commissioner of Police who was represented by the Area Commander and the Divsional Police Officer (DPO) for Ugwuagba Obosi, Babalola Adewuyi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

Earlier in his address during the decoration of the chairman, the director of Operations, Crime Prevention Campaign of Nigeria, Zone 9 Command, Evang. Francis Nwokike, said the organization embarked on crime sensitization to improve social, political, democratic, ethnic and religious understanding.

He said since Obiagwu became the chairman of Ngbuka market, he has worked hard to improve the security of the market by restoring peace, love tolerance and mutual understanding among other achievements.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the November 18 governorship election in Aanmabra State, Chief Nwibe, has said he would want be a preferred candidate of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, in the race.

Nwibe, who was responding to a questions at the Correspondents’ Chapel Forum of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State council, said that he was being perceived in some quarters as the minister’s anointed nominee in the election, noting that there were reasons for some people to have such impression.

Describing Ngige as “a political avatar in the state”, Nwibe said he had served him, politically for over nearly 15 years.

“The minister is a great Igbo man; he did great for this state as governor. I would love to be his anointed candidate; because I know that if he anoints me, my journey to becoming the next governor of the state is sure” he said.

But Nwibe denied being Ngige’s anointed aspirant among the APC aspirants, saying that it was a mere speculation, apparently stemming from his close relationship with Ngige.

He said APC as a political party that championed change in all ramification would organise free and fair primary for its aspirants in Anambra State.

He said it would amount to political suicide for the party to give its ticket to those who had no kindred interest in the party.

Nwibe described those who were flocking APC in the state for the sole purpose of using the platform to contest the November election as ‘food is ready politicians’.

He said such people had no party ideology, but were propelled by selfish interest of joining any political party that could be seen as a vehicle to power.

“There are two groups of aspirants on the platform of the party for the governorship election in the state. Those who believe strongly in the change mantra of the APC and those who came in after the party had won power at the centre because they believe they can win power using the platform of the party.

Biafran veterans hail Obiano organising befitting burial For fallen heroes Stories by: Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra has been lauded by the state chapter of Biafran War Veterans for being fearless and his demonstration of belief in the survival of the Biafrans by according those that died during the Biafran war a befitting burial.

The war veterans stated this

when they were hosted by the Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to Gov. Willie Obiano who also doubles as the governor’s Liaison Officer to the Biafran War Veterans, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu.

They commended the governor for appointing a Liaison Officer for them and thanked the governor for all his support and care over the years.

The Veterans, speaking through their Anambra state President, Major Emmanuel Udemezue, lamented that combatants on the side of Biafra were not rehabilitated as their counterparts on the Nigerian side.

He called on the Igbos to continue to remember the sacrifices of those that died that they may live, stressing that it was not a crime to say no to the senseless killings of

Ndigbo in1966/67.

The war veterans exonerated Governor Obiano of any complicity in the brutal killings of members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at Nkpor, Idemili Local Government Area of the State on May 30th, 2016 and advised that those still holding such erroneous views to jettison it as the governor is innocent.

Responding, Governor Willie

Obiano’s Liaison Officer to the Biafran War Veterans and the Senior Special Assistant on Political Mattters, appreciated the war veterans for the sacrifices they made in the defense of Ndigbo and reminded them that they were not the aggressors in the conflict but were in their homes and war was brought to them and that they committed no crime by defending themselves and Ndigbo.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

LASG pays 6,509 retirees over N28b pension rights

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Equities market returns of 33 per cent in 4 weeks

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IFRS: NAICOM withholds assent to nine firms’ accounts

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BEDC to publish power availability schedule In view of prevailing electricity generation limitations nationwide, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) will soon commence the publication of power availability schedule for customers in its franchise areas of Edo and Delta states.

Managing Director/Chief Executive officer (CEO), Mrs. FunkeOsibodu disclosed this at a Media Parley with On-Air Personalities and journalists at the weekend in Benin.

She explained that the power availability schedule became necessary to enable customers predict when electricity would be supplied or interrupted and restored and thus enable them plan their activities around the schedule.

“It has become necessary to undertake programme for customers of BEDC in order to improve our services to customer.

They however should note that load shedding time may sometimes vary due to changes in generation, technical challenges and other unforeseen events beyond our control. This will first be published for Edo and Delta State and after perfecting this, similar publication will be done for Ondo and Ekiti State” she stated.

The BEDC boss said the schedule was being given final shape before the advertisement will be published in leading newspapers when the implementation commences.

According to her, the load management schedule was prepared based on the roaster submitted by each of the company’s 24 business units, while codes were assigned to each 11KV feeder emanating from injection substations that feeds specific areas in the four states.

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Deputy Business Editor Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Monday, June 19, 2017

MTN 1/2.....L-R: chief transformation officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Olubayo Adekanmbi; Acting Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Oyeronke Oyetunde ; Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, and Chief Operating Office, MTN, Muhammad Zia Siddiqui, during the opening of the 21 days of Y’ello care 2017 in Lagos

Dangote, others sign MoU on Apapa Wharf Road Succour will soon come to users of the Apapa Wharf Road, as the Federal Government has handed over the troubled road to Dangote Industries Limited and Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) for immediate reconstruction with concrete overlay.

After the nation and port users have lost several billions of Naira on the dilapidated road, the FG, at the weekend in Lagos, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the two companies to repair the road.

The construction of the road will be handled by AGDangote, a subsidiary of Dangote industries limited.

Dangote Group and FMN are funding the project valued at N4.3 billion, whileAGDangote

which is handling the construction of the road have constructed concrete roads in Ibese, Ogun State and is currently working on roads in Obajana.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony held at the Conference Hall of Area B Command of the Nigeria Police, Apapa, Honorary Adviser to the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Engineer Joseph Makoju said the Group was moved by the deplorable state of the road, which informed the need to look for like-thinking partners to effect repairs and salvage the road.

According to him, the deplorable state of the road has impacted negatively on business activities and lives of people within the locality. He explained that the state of the road crip-

pled economic activities, as people spent whole days in traffic losing precious work hours.

Makoju said that the two kilometre road to the gate of ApapaWharf was vital to the nation’s economy and described it as the national economy’s artery.

He commended the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, who, he said, put in extra efforts to ensure the handing over of the road for reconstruction, saying that the project has been on ground for over a year. The new road, he said will be concrete based in contrast to laterite base and has a life span of between 30 years to 50 years.

He said road reconstruction is a higher form of corporate social responsibility, CSR, as

Dangote Group is not asking for tax rebates.

According to him, businesses need to engage with host communities through corporate social responsibility projects to ensure sustainability.

Minister of Works, BabatundeFashola in his remarks at the event said, “We are here to embark on what will be the final solution to a massive inconvenience business and people in Apapa suffered over the years.

Apapa is the nation’s first industrial base and was served by a good rail system. Cargo and containers were moved by rail to all parts of the country. The road network was for transport of passengers. The roads were good.

However, we allowed the rails to collapse and choose road for evacuation of containers and cargo. But we are working to stop all these. The minister of transport is taking steps to revive the rails and evacuation of cargo and containers from the ports.”

DSO: Again, NBC fails to meet deadline, insists country needs 32m STBs Tony Nwakaegho National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has failed again in its attempt to get terrestrial television stations in the country switch over to digital broadcasting, insisting that it will cover 12 states in the Digital Switch Over (DSO) project by December 2017.

The NBC had fixed 17 June, 2017, as the deadline for all television broadcast stations to switch to digital broadcasting, but failed,

adding that the country need 32 million Set Top Box (STB) for it to switch from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting.

Director General of National Broadcasting Commission, Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, who stated this recently during a press conference in Lagos, noting that following the successful switch over in Abuja in December, 2016, the commission planned to switch over in one state in each of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

The DG NBC said that the next

phase of the project would be Kaduna in the Northwest; Gombe in the Northeast; Kwara in North Central; Osun in Southwest; Delta in South-South and Enugu in Southeast.

He said,“At our last stakeholders’ meeting last week, the decision was taken to launch in Ilorin, Kwara state by the end of June; Kaduna by the beginning of July.”

According to him,“These follow the completion of the installation of the transmission facilities in

these locations, and subsequently, we would launch Osogbo in Osun; Enugu in Enugu state; and then Delta as well as Gombe state.

So, as we conclude the six states currently in progress, we would choose another set of six states reflecting the geo-political zones, for the next phase, until the entire country is completely covered.” he said,“We have proceeded with the faith that the DSO is just too vital to our national progress and should not face any more delays.”

Business News B2 Bonny Amadi In a bid to end unethical practices by companies and boost h nation’s revenue, Nigeria has signed the global convention prohibiting profit transfer by companies, the process many companies have deployed to fraudulently evade profit tax in Nigeria, To further boost Nigeria’s revenue base, the federal government has disclosed that a consultant is currently working on tax status of rich Nigerians, for aggressive tax mobilization, hence, it has been discovered that only 214 rich Nigerians pay over N20 million taxes

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Tax evasion: Nigeria signs convention ending profit tax evasion

annually.

“Fairness demands that those who have more must carry their fair share of the tax burden and so to this end, for the last 15 months, we have engaged in huge data gathering exercise with leading investigation agencies” and we may have to step on big toes” These were disclosed by the Minister of finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun recently in Lagos, adding that

the tax revenue derivable from profits and other sources combined still places the country’s tax generated revenue lowest in the sub region and that the government is pitting other stringent measures tp address the short fall and block all leakages.

According to the minister, the approval to sign the global convention was granted the ministry of finance on Wednesday June 14,

2017 and that it is expected that the move is one of the positive steps by the federal government to boost tax revenue.

“On Wednesday, FEC granted permission to the Ministry of Finance to sign the Global Convention on base erosion and profit shifting which allows companies who generate profit in Nigeria to evade taxes by shifting these profits to countries or jurisdiction where

little or no tax is payable” Kemi Adeosun said “ This practice harm Nigeria and it must stop.”

The minister said that hence Nigeria is currently diversifying its revenue base and tax payment plays vital role in revenue mobilization, divergent measures are being worked out by the government to boost tax revenue, she revealed that only 214 people pay taxes of over N20 million and all reside in Lagos.

Again, NBC fails to meet digital switchover deadline Tony Nwakaegho The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has failed again in its attempt to get terrestrial television stations in the country switch over to digital broadcasting, insisting that it will cover 12 states in the Digital Switch over (DSO) project by December 2017.

The NBC had fixed 17 June, 2017, as the deadline for all television broadcast stations to switch to digital broadcasting, but failed, adding that the country need 32 million Set Top Box (STB) for it to switch from analogue to digital terrestrial broadcasting.

Director General of National Broadcasting Commission, Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, who stated this recently during a press conference in Lagos, noted that following the successful switch over in Abuja in December, 2016, the commission planned to switch over in one state in each of the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

The DG NBC said that the

next phase of the project would be Kaduna, in the Northwest; Gombe in the Northeast; Kwara in North Central; Osun in Southwest; Delta in South-South and Enugu in Southeast.

He said, “At our last stakeholders’ meeting last week, the decision was taken to launch in Ilorin, Kwara state by the end of June; Kaduna by the beginning of July.”

According to him, “These follow the completion of the installation of the transmission facilities in these locations, and subsequently, we would launch Osogbo in Osun; Enugu in Enugu state; and then Delta as well as Gombe state.

“So, as we conclude the six states currently in progress, we would choose another set of six states reflecting the geo-political zones, for the next phase, until the entire country is completely covered.”

He said, “We have proceeded with the faith that the DSO is just too vital to our national progress and should not face any more delays.”

LASG pays 6,509 retirees over N28b pension rights

Joy Ekeke

Commissioner, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr Akintola Benson, has said the Lagos state government has paid accrued pension rights of over N28 billion into the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of 6,509 retirees in the last 22 months.

Speaking at the 12th Retirement Benefits Documentation Seminar (RBDS) organised by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) for employees due to retire from the state public service between July and December this year, he said the government has continued to remit money into the officers’ account.

He added that an approximate N62 billion has been paid into the RSAs of about 13,000 retirees since the commencement of the

payment of entitlements in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

He said: “Indeed, we are proud to note that Lagos State remains the only state in the federation that is up to date in its monthly remittances into serving employees’ RSAs. “The RBDS comes up bi-annually and this being the 12th in the series shows that it is a tradition which has come to stay and its importance cannot be underestimated. This seminar is put together for the core civil servants and other employees in the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), Teachers’ Establishment & Pensions Office (TEPO), government parastatals and local government staff, who will be retiring from the state’s public service between July and December, 2017.”

L-R: Managing Director/CEO , AG-Dangote Construction Company Ltd, Mr. Ashif Juma, Representative of President/CE Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, Honorary Adviser to the President/CE , Engr. Joseph Makoju, welcome Minister of Power ,Works and Housing , Mr. Babatunde Fashola, at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, , between Dangote Group, NPA and Flour Mills of N4.3 billion for rehabilitation of Apapa Wharf Road Project and site hand over to AG-Dangote Construction Comp. Ltd in Apapa Lagos at the weekend.

Shareholders approve Ecobank’s $400m convertible bond to strengthen position

AfolabiAdesola

Shareholders of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’), the parent company of the Ecobank Group has approved the issue of up to $400 million in convertible bonds, during the 29th Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting, held in Lomé on 16 June 2017.

The convertible bond which will be on offer to all Ecobank shareholders on identical terms shortly, will have a maturity of 5 years and a coupon of 6.46% above 3-month LIBOR, with an option to convert at an exercise price of 6 US cents during the conversion period.

The bank stated that the proceeds have been earmarked to repay the bridging finance re-

quired to create a Resolution Vehicle to manage Ecobank’s legacy loan portfolio and to optimise the maturities of the Group’s debt portfolio.

Ecobank’s Group Chairman, Emmanuel Ikazaboh, while addressing shareholders said: “We are delighted with the strength of the support shown for the issue by our existing shareholders, as it vindicates the vigorous action taken to address our challenged legacy assets, as well as indicating their confidence in Ecobank’s future.

“Nevertheless, it is a matter of great regret that the Board was unable to recommend the payment of a dividend in respect of 2016”.

“Ecobank’s senior management is united in its firm resolve to work urgently, yet

diligently, to reinstate cash dividends as soon as ETI’s financial position permits.”

Commenting on Ecobank’s recent performance, Ade Ayeyemi, Group CEO, said: “Despite continued macroeconomic challenges in some parts of the continent, all of our businesses are making meaningful progress, with an ongoing focus on cost discipline, stringent credit control and the increasing digitisation of our services to enhance the customer experience.

We are proactively resolving our legacy loan issues, achieving $2 million of recoveries from the Resolution Vehicle in the first quarter of 2017. I am confident that these positive developments will be reflected in an improving performance from Ecobank going forward.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni Following the release of May inflation rate by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), financial analysts have attributed the 16.25 per cent to the continuous and aggressive injection of forex into the official foreign exchange market by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) since February this year.

Although, the new inflation rate is a bit higher than the projected 16.13 per cent by numerous industry experts, but better than 17.28 per cent recorded in the previous month, data released by the statistics office has showed.

It is worthy of notes that the new rate, represented the fourth consecutive month of a decline

B3

Money Market

CBN’s continuous FX injection impacted May inflation rate – Analysts attributable to exhibiting effects of some easing in already high food and non-food prices, as well as, favourable base effects over 2016 prices.

Commenting on this development, through the telephone over the weekend, Dr. Adi Bongo, Faculty member, Lagos Business School (LBS), said that there is a correlation between the exchange rate and inflation rate, as the country’s economy is import dependent.

He noted that the decision of the apex bank to continue intervening in the Forex market has paid off, because it has helped in

stimulating the country’s economy positively.

However, NBS latest data showed that the largest economy in Africa’s inflation, depreciated to 16.25 per cent in May, from 17.24 per cent in April, with a separate food price index showed inflation at 19.27 per cent, down from 19.30 percent in April.

The statistics office disclosed in its “Consumer Price Index (CPI) May 2017’’ report released on Thursday, in Abuja, that base on month-on-month statistics basis, the bureau stated that the Headline index increased by

1.88 per cent in May 2017, 0.28 per cent points higher than the rate of 1.60 per cent recorded in April 2017.

It stated that food inflation increased by 19.27 per cent (yearon-year) in May 2017, down by 0.03 per cent points from the rate of 19.30 per cent recorded in A Also, Dean, School of Business, University of Uyo, Professor Leo Ukpong, told our correspondent that almost 100 basis decline in inflation rate was as a result of the intervention of the apex bank in the forex market, which made the value of the naira to appreciate from N525

against the dollar in February, to N370 per dollar at the parallel market.

According to him, “If they are able to sustain this trend and reduce inflation to 15 percent in the next two months, then we can say the intervention of the CBN as really worked.”

The professor of Financial Economics noted that though the country’s production capacity since the apex bank commenced its recent forex intervention in February, it has helped lower the price of some imported goods, which impacted on the May inflation rate.

GTBank targets military, others over subsidized package Guaranty Trust Bank plc, has launched GTPATRIOT, a unique Salary Account Package, which offers Nigeria’s servicemen and servicewomen subsidized banking products and dedicated value added services.

The GTPatriot Account allows serving members of the Military and Paramilitary institutions to open accounts with zero minimum balance, whilst offering reduced Current Account maintenance fees and access to loans at reduced interest rates, amongst other value added services.

GTBank has been at the forefront of providing innovative account packages designed for the unique needs of various segments of the society. Among these account packages are the GTCrea8 e-Savers account which offers young people, especially undergraduates, benefits beyond banking, such as scholarships and career master classes, and the GTBank Seniors Account which offers senior citizens aged 65 years and above free banking services.

With the introduction of the GTPatriot Account, the bank will expand and deepen its relationship with another core segment of the society in line with its goal of enriching the lives of all customers and the communities in which it operates.

Commenting on the inauguration of the GTPatriot Account, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje said, “As an institution that deeply believes in service, we are excited to introduce this premium account that recognizes, applauds and appreci-

L-R: Greg Davis, Group Executive Finance; Ade Ayeyemi, Group Chief Executive Officer; Emmanuel Ikhazoboh, Chairman, and Tei Mante, Non-Executive Director all of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), during the Annual General Meeting of ETI in Lome, Togo, over the weekend.

Forex: Dealers harp on official market closure, hike Naira to 370/$1

Foreign exchange operators at the unofficial segment of the market capitalised on the closure of the official forex market for the week on Friday, and its various windows, by jerking up the local currency, Naira price over the weekend to 370 per dollar, investigation by Business Times has revealed.

The Naira had closed on Friday, at the 368 to a dollar, the same rate it traded on Thursday; and most part of last week except on Monday, when the market opened for the week and closed at 365at the parallel market.

This is just as the nation’s currency appreciated by 0.06 per cent on Friday to close at N365.29 against the dollar at the Investors and Exporters FX (I&E FX) window and CBN window respectively, ac-

Ï ƍƍƏƆƅƈ ƐƆ Ƅƕ ƠêƠÕü Ɛ 9÷& 0 Ɠƈ Ɨ Ɠ

cording to data obtained from FMDQ website.

In our fact findings, Business Times observed that parallel market operators were selling the Naira at a flat rate of 370 to a dollar.

Forex dealer who speak with our correspondent over the weekend, said that being at the weekend and with the closure of the official forex The local currency, had traded flat at 365 per United States dollar on Monday, but relapsed on Tuesday and Wednesday to close at 368, even though some parallel market operators sold at 367, depending on the buyer purchasing power.

At the official market, the Naira on Friday, also retained the previous day rate of 305.

market, most of us are selling w370, but when the market opened on Monday the price will be adjusted to 365 per dollar.

But the local currency had remained steady 367 on Thursday to the dollar, but slipped by one point the following day to close last trading week at 368 per greenback.

75 but depreciated slightly compare to Wednesday price of 305.70 and 305.65 sold earlier in the week under review.

Meanwhile, Head, Bureaus De Change (BDC) operators in the country, Aminu

Gwadabe, has urged the central bank to step up efforts to unify the country’s multiple exchange rates to sustain gains in the local currency over the last few months.

The central bank has been intervening on the official market in the recent time in order to narrow the spread between rates on the

official market and black market - where the local currency trades around 30 percent weaker. It has sold about $5 billion since February.

The bank opened a currency window in April for investors to trade the Naira at rates set freely between buyers and sellers, hoping to increase the amount of dollars available in Nigeria.

Capital Market B4 Afolabi Adesola Gains on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has extended to the fourth consecutive week, as the All- Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 1.60 per cent to close the week ended 16th June, 2017, at 33,810.56 points.

The ASI, at a 24-month high, has a positive year to date (YTD) return of 25.81 per cent and 32.51 per cent since the beginning of the quarter to date.

The Market Capitalization similarly appreciated 1.63 per cent to close the week at N11.692 trillion, as all other Indices finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSE ASeM , NSE Oil/Gas, NSE Lotus

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

Equities market returns of 33 per cent in 4 weeks

Berger paints challenges sustainability threat over employees’ gratuity

...as Finacial Services Industry leads II and NSE Industrial Goods Indices that depreciated by 0.32 per cent, 4.20 per cent, 0.71 per cent, and 0.28 per cent, respectively.

Top traded Equities in volume terms were Access Bank Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc. They accounted for 918.046 million shares worth N10.324 billion in 5,809 deals, contributing 33.53 per cent and 32.22 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value re-

spectively.

Total turnover recorded during trading activities stood at 2.737 billion shares. They were valued at N32.042 billion and executed in 32,217 deals by investors on the floor of the Exchange. This is in contrast to a total of 3.100 billion shares valued at N29.180 billion that exchanged hands in the previous week in 33,677deals.

The Financial Services’ Industry with 2.189 billion shares, led the activity chart by volume

traded in 18,832 deals, which were valued at N21.792 billion, thus contributing 79.98 per cent and 68.01per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with 287.945 million shares worth N621.772 million in 2,031deals; and the third place was occupied by Consumer Goods’ Industry with a turnover of 114.832 million shares worth N5.370 billion in 5,040 deals.

WEEKLY REPORT STOCK MARKET REPORT FOR JUNE 16TH, 2017 A total turnover of 2.737 billion shares worth N32.042 billion in 32,217 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 3.100 billion shares valued at N29.180 billion that exchanged hands last week in 33,677deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 2.189 billion shares valued at N21.792 billion traded in 18,832 deals; thus contributing 79.98% and 68.01% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates Industry followed with 287.945 million shares worth N621.772 million in 2,031deals. The third place was occupied by Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 114.832 million shares worth N5.370 billion in 5,040 deals.

Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Access Bank Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 918.046 million shares worth N10.324 billion in 5,809 deals, contributing 33.53% and 32.22% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Equity Turnover - Last 5 days

Date

Deals

Turnover Volume

Turnover Value (N)

Traded Stocks

Advanced Stocks

Declined Stocks

Unchanged Stocks

12-Jun-17

6,635

501,081,775

6,111,783,952.33

106

20

30

56

13-Jun-17

6,167

410,223,496

5,545,886,112.78

114

31

28

55

14-Jun-17

7,357

759,046,475

6,295,123,668.63

106

36

22

48

15-Jun-17

6,584

573,603,902

7,852,237,456.92

108

33

24

51

16-Jun-17

5,474

493,267,478

6,237,237,747.98

119

25

31

63

FG introduces asset classes to boost PPP as experts call for confidence boost For Further Inquiries Contact: Market Operations Department

Page 1

…spends N1.2trillion in 12 months on capital projects

Stories by Bonny Amadi The Federal Government has expressed concern on the controversy trailing high cost of debt servicing in the country, but emphasized that it is only a boost in revenue that will end it, adding that, new classes will be introduced to enhance Public Private Sector Partnership (PPP).

Government says that it is targeting revenue growth, through, among other fronts, public private partnership (PPP), through sustainable and developmental policy, as well as, reassuring the private sector of government’s commitment to keep its promises.

“We intend to revive Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Nigeria; and trying to revive existing and failed PPP projects. Nigeria’s private sector is extremely efficient, creative and resilient, but it needs predictability in policy. We will introduce new assets classes of guaranteed instruments that will provide adequate safeguard for the protection of private capital” said Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Nigeria’s minister of finance in Lagos recently.

This was coming, as a cross-section of experts also stressed that only confidence boost would trigger noticeable rise in revenue to address the ease of doing business in the country; and the commitment of the

government to sustain a political will aimed at driving the macro economic dynamics in the country.

At the NSE Bloomberg’s CEO Roundtable, themed: “Innovating out of Nigeria’s Recession: Exploring New Paradigms for Nigeria’s Economic Growth,”which held on Friday, 16th June, 2017, at the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s (NSE’s) event center, Lagos, Adeosun, in her keynote address,said that the country’s economy is passing through rough terrain to recovery.

The minister, who came in at the middle of the event, barely spent ten minutes with the CEO’s, as she spared no time for

feedback, said that government is focusing on growing economy, through other main contributors to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP,, adding that over concentration on crude oil revenue has dealt a big blow to the economy, especially, when global oil price declines.

“Oil is only 10 per cent of our economy, but it represents up to 60 per cent of our revenue, which is why when the price of oil fell, we had a double impact.

We lost revenue and government found it difficult to really meet its needs.”

According to the minister, agriculture contributes 20 per cent to Nigeria’s economy ading that 10 per cent increase in agriculture’s contribution will translate to 2 per cent

growth in the GDP. “We will continue to prioritize infrastructure spending.

In the last 12 months, we have spent approximately N1.2 trillion on capital projects, our road spending was N200 billion, which compares to N19 billion in 2015, transport and aviation received N143 billion compared to N6 billion in 2015” the minister said.

Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, has continued to cushion threat to business continuity and sustainability, as crosssection of its workforce sustains work to rule over staff gratuity .

The expected impact of such he strike action by the company’s staff ha continued to generate market hearsay as cross section of market experts say that business sustainability is usually threatened when crisis of confidence ensues between management and staff, a development that among other consequences, could trigger multiplicity of court cases that may have adverse effect on the company.

Daily Times Nigeria gathered that, employees of Berger Paints Nigeria Plc,, with the support from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) launched a sustained protest demonstration at company‘s Oba Akran Road, Ikeja, Lagos State, premises , demanding for thepayment of their perks.

The company’s workers alleged that since 2015, the management had stopped paying gratuity to workers. The protesting workers alleged that efforts to make the management change its policy were rebuffed.

Consequently, the members of staff, with the backing of the NLC staged a warning protest against this to press home their demands. The protest, it was gathered, would be sustained, should the management fail to rescinded what the NLC, termed, “ anti labour practice.”

Meanwhile, in the company in an effort to address the negative impact the labour action may have on its confidence level , said that following the new development in its pension scheme, has fixed December 2015 as exit date of is gratuity scheme The statement released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and signed by Oluseun Oluwole, Company Secretary. Legal adviser , said that the 2015 gratuity exit date has been communicated to the company’s workers in the course of several meetings, while he management has provided some concessions and allowances to is staff to ameliorate challenges.

“However, some members of staff are pressing for more allowances, “and indicating this through a peaceful strike action, which is restricted to our heed office,” the company explained.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

33,810.56 5,474.00 493,267,478.00 6,237,237,747.98 11,691,788,119,742.44

B5

Daily Times Nigeria Monday June 19, 2017

W e e kly M ark e t Ro u n d U p Equities Market Review and Outlook The

upbeat

performance

in

the

Nigerian

Equities

market

since

introduction of the I&E window was extended to this week’s trading sessions as Investor sentiment towards equities remained bullish.

Investors initially took profit in the opening trades of the week but the market rebounded on Wednesday with the momentum being sustained till Friday. Consequently, the All Share Index gained 1.6% W-o-W to close at 33,810.56 points, pushing YTD gain to 25.8%. Performance was largely driven by price appreciations in GUARANTY (+6.7%), ZENITH (+10.6%), UNILEVER (+20.9%), MAYBAKER (+60.6%) and CCNN (+33.7%). Accordingly, investors gained N187.9bn as market capitalization improved to N11.7tn. Activity level, however, was mixed as average volume traded in the week declined 11.7% to 547.4m units

To p 10 G ain ers Tick er M A YB A KER SK YEB A N K CCN N TRA NSC ORP ASH A K A CE M U NILEVER O K O M U OIL PRESC O U NITYBN K FIDSO N To p 10 Losers Tick er INTBRE W FO LE ARN A FRC A CH A MPIO N CUST O D YINS DIA M O N D BN K M O BIL CUTIX D A N GSU G A R NE M

Price(N) 4.56 0.75 8.85 1.86 14.07 42.99 70.18 72.33 0.82 3.30

Price Ch g % 60.6 % 41.5 % 33.7 % 22.4 % 21.3 % 20.9 % 15.8 % 15.7 % 15.5 % 15.4 %

Price(N) 26.05 55.58 0.83 3.10 3.36 1.33 264.10 1.86 9.06 0.92

Price Ch g % -19.2 % -13.6 % -12.6 % -8.6 % -8.4 % -7.6 % -7.6 % -7.5 % -7.2 % -7.1 %

To p 10 Tr a d es b y V olu m e Tick er V olu m e (m) A CCESS 290.8 FBN H 228.0 TRA NSC ORP 221.3 ZENITHB A N K 208.7 G U ARA N TY 166.7 FC M B 160.0 DIA M O N D BN K 126.3 LASA C O 119.5 UB A 96.6 FIDELITYBK 90.3 To p 10 Tr a d es by V alu e Tick er V alu e (m ) G U ARA N TY 5744.1 ZENITHB A N K 4488.3 A CCESS 2996.7 NESTLE 1881.0 FBN H 1571.2 NB 1528.3 D A N GCE M 1288.1 UB A 853.1 ETI 570.9 SEPLA T 421.7

NSE All Share Index

Performance across sectors was mixed, although positively skewed, as

Naira Value (m)

29,500

up 5.0% W-o-W on account of upticks in GUARANTY (+6.7%) and while

the

Insurance

index

trailed

closely,

99,000

79,000

3 of 5 indices advanced W-o-W. The Banking index advanced the most, (+10.6%)

Ch g % 26.9 % 21.0 % 14.0 % 8.8 % 7.4 % 7.2 % 6.0 % 4.0 % 2.7 % 2.0 %

NSE A ll Sh ar e In d e x

while average value increased 9.8% to N6.4bn.

ZENITH

Ch g % 17.0 % 13.3 % 13.0 % 12.2 % 9.8 % 9.4 % 7.4 % 7.0 % 5.7 % 5.3 %

27,000

59,000

accumulating 3.6% W-o-W on the back of gains in MANSARD (+12.1%) and AIICO (+5.4%). Similarly, the Consumer Goods index inched 0.5% higher W-o-W due to bullish sentiment in UNILEVER

39,000 24,500 19,000

(+20.9%) and NIGERIAN BREWERIES (+5.1%). On the flip side, the 13.6%) and SEPLAT (-1.8%), while the Industrial Goods index slid 0.3% W-o-W on account of losses in WAPCO (-0.9%).

Investor

sentiment

as

reflected

by

the

market

22,000

(1,000)

03-Mar 08-Mar 13-Mar 18-Mar 23-Mar 28-Mar 02-Apr 07-Apr 12-Apr 17-Apr 22-Apr 27-Apr 02-May 07-May 12-May 17-May 22-May 27-May 01-Jun 06-Jun 11-Jun 16-Jun

Oil & Gas index declined 4.2% W-o-W due to profit taking in FORTE (-

`

breadth

(advancers/decliners’ ratio) softened to 0.9x (from 2.3x recorded in the previous week) as 35 stocks advanced while 39 declined. The best

Term of t h e d a y

19.2%), FORTE (-13.6) and LEARNAFRCA (-12.6%) were the worst

D e m u t u aliz a tio n is w he n a m u t u al co m p a ny o w n e d by its users/m e m b ers co nverts in t o a co m p a ny o w n e d by sh are h old ers. In ef f ect, t h e users/m e m b ers exch a n g e t h eir Syst rig h ts oef mic use fRisk or sh ares in t h e d e m u t u aliz e d co m p a ny

performers. Whilst we remain optimistic that the upbeat market

Th e risk in h ere n t t o t h e e n tire m ark e t or a n e n tire m ark e t se g m e n t.

performing

stocks

for

the

week

were

MAYBAKER

(+60.6%),

SKYEBANK (+41.5%) and CCNN (+33.7%) while INTBREW (-

performance would persist in the near term as investor sentiment remains largely driven by strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals and FX management, we envisage some profit taking by investors on value stocks in the early trading sessions of next week.

or in d ustry.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

B6 CSR

An understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility and social marketing Stories by Godwin Anyebe The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social marketing has become a subject of debate among stakeholders. While it is believed in some quarters that CSR is a corporation’s initiatives to assess and take responsibility for the company’s effects on environmental and social well-being, social marketing aim mostly to transform habits and attitudes from a perceived negative one to a more positive one.

Meanwhile, analysts believe that it has become necessary to turn towards social issues in order to maintain competitive superiority in the market.

Nowadays, corporations carry out their public relations practices and present them to the public under the names of either CSR or social marketing. In fact,findings reveal that, these two concepts hold different characteristics, even though corporations tend to ignore the differences. The most important reason for this is the fact that the population does not have preliminary information regarding social marketing; and perceive the projects realized by corporations as “corporate social responsibility.”

Commenting on this issue, a public relations consultant, Fagbemi Oluwafemi stated that, of a truth, there is a difference between CSR and social marketing, but the reason most people find it difficult to understand the difference, is the way and manner the concept is communicated

to them. He expressed concern, about the relevance of communication, when a brand engage in a corporate social responsibility project or social marketing initiative, admonishing practitioners to take content communication into consideration when developing strategies.

While explaining the relationship between CSR and social marketing, he disclosed that; “the relationship between the two is based on a sharing a common goal, which is gaining a competitive advantage: increasing the reputation of a brand, building the corporate culture or establishing long term relationships with suppliers or consumers.”

According to him, “Both of them are highly related, because CSR’s innovative strategies, involve the development of new products or processes that require social marketing initiative. For instance, the introduction of recycled packages or the reduction of natural resources, such as, water or electricity, may be communicated as a CSR advancement that was made through social marketing division. Overall, a part of CSR and social marketing are associated with product development and innovation that may influence the market value of the product.”

However, a brand management consultant, Pwano Maxwell, who once consulted for the defunct Savannah Sugar Company in Adamawa state, said that; “the intensity of social marketing and CSR differs depending on the

L-R: Opeyemi Awojobi, National Coordinator, Power Oil Health camp, Dr. Akinsete Olayinka, Director Hospital Services, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Omotayo Azeez, Public Relations Manager, Power Oil, Dr. Toyin Adeyalo Ogundare Deputy Director Hospital Services, Ondo State Ministry of Health during the official Flag Off of Power Oil Health camp in Ondo State, Akure recently. life cycle of the industry, the product or the typology of business. For instance, car companies, that invest in environmental respectful proposes, also invest in social marketing.

According to him, regarding there is a difference between corporate social responsibility and social marketing he pointed out that corporate social responsibility tend to be more socially responsible than social marketing, due to stronger regulations and the need to communicate transparency. Moreover, brand owners receive more pressure from their

stakeholders and consumers who are getting higher demanding. It is significant to state that companies with an intense use of social marketing frequently introduce CSR’s initiatives to assure a high skilled external labor.

For Maxwell, “CSR means the charity fund that is formed generally by a profit making organization in order to make activities for the benefit of society. For instance, the CSR unit of a firm may donate a sum of money to a school or a hospital, award scholarships for poor children or support a cleaning day

Power Oil Health Initiative spreads to Ondo Power Oil Health camp initiative has extended its reach to Ondo state, while offering its medical outreach/ awareness programme to the indigenes of the stae, in collaboration with along with the state’s Ministry of Health.

This information was made public at an event put together recently in the heart of Isinkan Market in the state, to celebrate the official flag-off of the Power Oil Health camp project in the state. The event was attended by key representatives from the market committee, as well as, other representatives from the Ministry of

Health, all of whom gave their support to the project.

Power Oil Health Camp is now actively established and operational in 15 locations across Nigeria, including the new expansion into Akure, Ondo State, offering free basic medical health check up to Nigerians in the area of BMI check, Blood pressure & free medical consultation. The plan is to initiate a movement from one local government area to another in Ondo State, and ensure that all the state’s indigenes benefit from the project.

Speaking at the event, Brand Manager, Power Oil, Amisha Chawla, said, “it is

amazing, considering the rate at which the initiative is spreading fast across Nigeria within a short period.

By end of 2016, the project was present in 9 locations and before the end of the second quarter of 2017 we have grown into setting up 14 camps in 13 locations pan Nigeria. It should also be note that the long term plan is to cover the entire nation promoting a good eating habit and ultimately healthy lifestyle amongst Nigerians” Also speaking, Omotayo Azeez, Public Relations Manager, Power Oil said; “that the medical teams are

currently present in the following states; Lagos (2 locations), Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Rivers, Delta, Imo and the recent expansion into Ondo State.”

On his part, the Director, Hospital Services, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akinsete Olayinka, stated that, “it’s a great challenge that the company has decided to take up with the health status awareness project; and the Ministry is delighted to welcome the Power Oil team into Ondo State, just as he assured that the the firm of the government’s backing to enable it to succeed.

at a local park or a beach.

CSR programs are mostly used to form a firm’s ‘good neighbor’ or ‘good citizen’ image. A firm practicing CSR devotes 95% of its sources for profit making and 5 % (or less) for making the world a better place. “ However, some studies point out that CSR is not only a type of charitableness but a consistent policy supporting long term goals. Over the years companies are under mounting pressure to take responsibility for the effects of their corporate conduct on society, especially when these effects go beyond the

firms’ directs commercial interests. As a result, an increasing number of companies, big and small alike, have developed CSR programs.”

While comparing public relations with social marketing, he disclosed that; “actually, it may not be totally right to compare public relations and social marketing practices because while public relations is a discipline that has existed since the first half of the twentieth century, social marketing emerged in the second half of the twentieth century.

Teachers search website for 2017 Maltina Teacher of the Year

The search for 2017 Maltina Teacher of the Year (MTOY) has gathered increased momentum, as more teachers across the country have been taking advantage of the opportunity by visiting the MTOY website to submit their entries.

Organisers of the MTOY and various stakeholders in the nation’s education sector, had, at the flag-off of the event last month, encouraged teachers in both public and private secondary schools to participate in the innovative award aimed at rewarding teachers and the teaching profession in the country.

Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser of

Nigerian Breweries Plc, said recently in Lagos that entries have been received from teachers in many states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Ekanem restated that the MTOY initiative is to reward commitment and diligence to duty by exceptional teachers.

It is executed on the platform of Nigerian Breweries’ Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust.

As it was last year, each State Champion will get N500,000 and the Top 10 teachers will be recognised before the grand winners are announced. The first and second runners-up will receive trophies and an additional N1 million and N750, 000 respectively.

Insurance B7 The challenge of keeping to the International Finance Reporting Standards (IFRS) still confronts Nigeria’s insurance sector, forcing the Apex insurance regulator to still wield its big stick on the defaulting companies.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) explained in a statement; ‘Status of 2016 Financial Statements of Insurance Companies as at June 13th, 2017, ”that its inability to approve audited 2016 accounts of nine insurance companies, while giving endorsement to accounts of 32 other companies, was in keeping with international best practices.

However, the 18 other companies yet to deliver their 2016 audited financial statements to the regulator for endorsement, are to ensure their results comply with provisions of the IFRS adopted by the Nigerian insurance sector three years ago.

Nigeria currently boasts of

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19 2017

IFRS: NAICOM withholds assent to nine firms’ accounts ÏMƈ ƆƏƈ `Ɔƈ ƑƏ ƅƆè 1Ƒƈ Ɔ ƈ ƑƏ ƅƆè Ɛ ƆƏ ƎƑƆƏƈƆƗ

59 of the existing insurance and reinsurance firms in the country.

The apex insurance regulator, set the 30th June deadline for all insurance companies to file their annual reports, failing which attracts a daily fine of N5000 until such firms file and get their report approved by the regulator.

NAICOM explained in a recent statement that while the 32 approved results met the globally accepted IFRS, the other nine companies’ audited results were found wanting, leading to the companies being queried or further review of the results.

NAICOM said that four out of the nine companies, whose 2016

audited results did not conform to the IFRS’ provisioning, were queried, while the other five results were placed under review.

The companies queried by the apex insurance regulator, for defaulting in their 2016 audited financial statements are, the Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation, United Metropolitan Nigerian Life, Standard Alliance General Insurance, and Guinea insurance.

NAICOM said that all insurance companies, including others yet to submit their 2016 audited financial statements, are obliged to present their accounts in consonance with the international Finance Reporting requirements.

Daily Times Nigeria recalls

that, the Nigerian insurance sector, fully adopted the IFRS system of accounts reportage three years ago.

Meanwhile, based on compliance with the globally acceptable reporting standard, NAICOM said that it approved the audited financial statements of 32 other Insurance Firms.

The IFRS’ compliant companies whose 2016 audited financial statements were approved

by NAICOM are, Wapic Life Insurance, Ensure Insurance, Continental Reinsurance, Zenith General Insurance, FBN Insurance, FBN General Insurance, Zenith Life Assurance and Consolidated Hall Mark Assurance.

2016 results approved by the

Mutual Benefits: 2016 claims’ payment hit N3.3 bn As a way of meeting its obligations on time, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, in 2016 financial year, lifted its claims’ payment by 43 per cent to N3.3 billion, just as its underwritten income soared to N10.7 billion.

The company’s result released recently by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for the 2016 financial year ended 31 December, revealed that underwriting income grew by 27 per cent, from N8.3 billion in the 2015 financial year.

The result further showed that the N3.3 billion claim’s payment in 2016, was achieved from N2.3 billion paid out in 2015, a feat, the company’s drivers acknowledged, is in conformity with its commitment to deliver value to all stakeholders, through rendering of global standard services to its diversified clients.

The company said that the remarkable result was driven by a commitment to mitigate risks through improved risk management framework and improved risk retention policy.

The Mutual Benefits Assurance Group, according to the audited result, recorded one of the highest underwriting profit non-life N4.1 billion, in the industry in 2016, reflecting a 16 per cent growth from N3.6 billion recorded in 2015.

commission include, NSIA Insurance, Standard Alliance Life, Mutual Benefit Assurance, Old Mutual Life Assurance, ‘UnityKapital Assurance and Cornerstone Insurance.

Fin Insurance, Royal Exchange General, Leadway Assurance Plc, Old Mutual General Insurance Plc, Staco Assurance, Mutual Benefit Life Assurance, and Sovereign Trust Insurance, The approved results include, LASACO Assurance, Regency Insurance, N.E.M Insurance, and Prestige Assurance. They also include, AIICO Insurance, AXA Mansard, Custodian and Allied, Custodial Life, Law Union and Rock, and Wapic General Insurance.

#ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè Əƍ Ə ƐƆ ƌƌƑ ƈƅ Ɛƈ ÷ d`è ƈƏƐƆƋ Mƈ ƆƏƈ è &ƌƆƊ Rƍ Ə ì 6Ɔ Ɨ Ƈ #Ɔƍ ƏƐƌƆ Ɛè 6 Ɔƌ Ɛ Ƌ ƕ n ƈƐè G n ƈƒƆƏ ƈƐƕ jƆ ƅ ƈ 6 ƍƈƐ Ƌ æGnj6çè #Əê jƈƐƈƋ ƕ ƗƆƕƆƌ ì ƈƏƌ è LƆƗƈƅ Ƌ Ɨƒƈ Əƕ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ è æGnj6çè ^Ə Ƈê RƋƑƇƆƌƈ 0 ƌ ƗƆì #ƆƍƑƐƕ ƈƏƌ è LƆƗƈƅ Ƌ Ɨƒƈ Əƕ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ æGnj6çè #Əê ƗƆƐ Ƌ # Ə ƌ Ƌ Ɨ `Ɔ ƈƗƆ Ɛ dƍƆ ƊƆƏè G n ƈƒƆƏ ƈƐƕ jƆ ƅ ƈ 6 ƍƈƐ Ƌè ^Ə Ƈê Ƌ ƈ dƑƋ ƈƌ Ɗ ƌƑè ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƍƑƄƋƈƅ ƋƆƅƐƑƏƆ ƈ ƅ ƌƌƆƌ Ə Ɛƈ Ƈ z ƏƋƗ Ƌ Ɨ # Ə # ƕ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ G n ƈƒƆƏ ƈƐƕ jƆ ƅ ƈ 6 ƍƈƐ Ƌè ƏƆƅƆ ƐƋƕê

LASACO boosts Insurance sector’s turnover by 80 per cent Č z ƍƈƅè Mê&êLè Ɛƈ Ɔ Ɛ Ƌ `Ɔ ƐƏ ƈƋ ƄƆ ƈ Ɨ stories by Bonny Amadi LASACO Assurance Plc lifted the total turnover of the listed equities and the in insurance sector for the week ended 16th June, 2017, with a total turnover of 206,534,274 shares.

The company’s turnover for the week was valued at N103, 283,371.00 and was transacted by investors in 381 deals, at N0.52 per share.

Lasaco’s turnover during the week, accounted for about

80 per cent of the insurance sector’s turnover for the week, which stood 262,171,886 million shares valued at N153,081,628.09.

The company’s turnover also accounted for about nine per cent of the total equities turnover for the week, which closed the week at 2,737,223,126 shares.

Daily Times recalls that in the last quarter 2016, LASACO’s shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting, AGM, kicked against any form of merger with another company,

but voted for funds’ raising, through rights issue.

LASACO Assurance, formerly known as, Lagos State Assurance Company Limited, obtained License as an insurer on 7th July, 1980; it commenced operations on 1st of August, 1980, and was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), in 1991.

Meanwhile, the insurance sector’s turnover was further lifted by other three firms, WAPIC, N.E.M Insurance and Continental reinsurance.

Wapic insurance pulled a turnover of 13,631,340 shares, valued at N6, 908,090.76 and exchanged by investors in 253 deals at N0.50 per share. N.E.M Insurance trailed behind with 11,613,854 shares, worth N10, 787,321.38 and exchanged by investors in 172 deals, while trading at N0.92 per share.

However, Continental Reinsurance, during the week ended 16th June, 2017, closed trading with a total turnover of 10,923,025 shares, valued N15,472,569.34 , which was exchanged by investors in 189 deals at N1.38 per share.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday,June 19, 2017

B8

Business Interview

Trade unionism now goes beyond factories – Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye, National President, ASSBIFI Since you were elected as the President of the Association of Banks Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, few months ago, what are the challenges facing you?

Well, I have always been part of the executives of the ASBIFFI. You know that our culture and Alumina system has always been driven by succession plans. I have been the Deputy National President since 2010; is like coming home to just add to whatever I have been doing before.

I have always been in Central Working Committee (CWC), which is an arm of ASBIFFI. So, it has been wonderful, it has been motivating and challenging, but I give God the glory.

How prepared are you for this job, especially as you are in the midst of, mostly men?

The beautiful things about ASBIFFI are that, they don’t believe in gender equality, they also approved justice in place for gender equality. In our constitution there is gender equality in every position, there is gender balancing, it means for years I have been talking to these guys; and for years, they have being encouraging me, challenging me and motivating me.

It may also need to know that as at today, am the chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Women commission, for that reason, I have worked in the mist of men also in theTrade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

In this organization, we have not only thinking about gender equality alone because, we realised that leadership position is about Intelligence and integrity;it is not gender sensitive. Again, it is about the person, somebody can be a man, but if he may not have leadership traits. Also, there can be a woman without the leadership traits. So, it is about the person not the gender.

But for me, I survive in the midst of ASBIFFI’s men; they are intelligent, very responsible and they occupy high positions. But, we respect one another. So, there is no point for me to be inferior as a woman.

Coming from the insurance sector, how would you describe the mass sacked and all other issues affecting the sector?

Talking about the Insurance sector, what I will talk about in the sector is the same I will equally talk about the Banking sector.

With the current situation of the country, you know, in every economicy, the government is the highest spender; and in view of the situation we are in presently, government is not spending much the way any it should be doing.

Before now, the ministries, parastatals, organizations have their own budgets. So, before now, you will see a parasatals like NNPC, Nigeria Army, Custom and others have their own resources, and they could easily do Insurance and do other spending, but they

Comrade Olasanoye, is the National President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, (ASSBIFI). A woman of many parts, she is also the Vice President of Uniglobal for African region, Vice President of Association of Professionals and Managers for Africa, Women Leader, Trade Union Congress(TUC) of Nigeria, as well as, a member of several professional bodies including; Chartered Insurer, Chartered Industrial Relation and Labour Practitioner, Chartered Administrator and Chartered Reconciliator. In this interview with FEMI GANIYU and OGUNTADE ISMAILA, she said labour activities are now about ideas. She also speaks about various other national issues. Excerpt.

Oyinkan Olasanoye

could save money; and these were really help the liquidity of the sectors.

But, now, with the Treasury Single Account, TSA, no big parastatal can really do insurance, save money. So, it is not about the insurance sector alone, but it is about the whole financial sector of the economy.

Inasmuch as, we have liquidity problem, the government is not spending, the parasatals’ allowance and money are being warehoused, the recession is really affecting everybody..

Are you saying that TSA is no longer feasible or it is not longer necessary in the economy because, the proponents of TSA, like the Federal Government, say that it is the best thing to have happened to the economy?

TSA is necessary, but its modality needs to be adjusted. We are not saying that TSA is not effective, but what we are saying is that the policy is affecting the masses of the country and the economy.

The government has always insisted that the banking sector ought to do its traditional job of given out loan and all other services to raise money, rather depending public sector fund; and the TSA has come to redirect the way banking is done. Do you think the banking sector has failed in addressing the nation’s challenges in terms of economic revitalization?

Thank you very much Sir. You

see, the peculiarity of the financial sector is that, we trade with money, is not a manufacturing sector that, if the policy of the government on a cassava is not suitable to you as a famer, you can move to the cocoa sector.

The only raw material we need to trade is money; and everywhere in the world, the government is the highest spender. When the highest spender has withdrawn its money; and other Nigerians, the manufacturers don’t have money to trade, even individuals, and now, we are having recession all over the country, so, what do say? See, salaries are not enough to take home, talk less of saving it.

What we are saying is that there some policies you don’t just come one day and stop, there are policies that require a gradual process to implement.

For example, before now, bankers, insurance workers were given targets, we raised an eyebrow that these targets should be reasonable, but the employers and government, which are supposed to listen to us did not do so. So, It became a policy that if you know the chairman of this or that local government; or governor or the group managing director of the NNPC; and so on, if you are related to them, you can run to them to put money in your bank or have a policy with your insurance company. So, they will give you that target to be able to achieve that target and normally, for normal business sector, if I give you target one million this year, then,

next year, at least, I should be able to add 30% to it, of course, you are still meeting the target.

The day government stopped TSA, you can no longer get these public sector funds, the target have been increased , there is no way individual retail selling can be achieved.

So, people are being laid off for not meeting up their targets. This is a challenge the union is facing.

Due to continued mass sack of some of your members, how far have you gone with the collective bargaining process?

Thank you very much sir, we have be having issues on having an improvement on the collective bargaining, the one we are using currently is outdated.

Ideally, we bargain on the agreement, which we renew every two years, the one only thing we are able to do because the employers’ secretariat cannot be active is that, we are ready to negotiate afresh. But employers does not longer have functional and active secretariat there to work with. So, what we have done so far is that we have started having negotiation on each bank and on each insurance company. We now build individual agreement on it, until we are able to have the compressive one for the sectors. We are working on the Federal Ministry of Labour, we keep writing them.

If you want to give somebody target, let it be on their retail sales, but, unfortunately, in Nigeria, there is no middle again, either you are rich or poor, so, let it be to meet both the poor and the rich at least in savings, currents and in fixed deposit. But because of the situation on the ground they keep on given targets. The only thing we can do as an association of the Union is that, anybody that is being laid off , that have not committed any offence, we will make sure that the laid off or the retrenchment , re-engineering or whatever names is being called, followed due process; and that that is what we have been doing.

Government just reeled its economic growth and recovery plan, what is your reaction to the policy?

The beautiful thing about Nigerian is that we are highly intelligent, and when it comes to writing strategies and all other policies, we do them beautifully.

Going through the write up, it is a wonderful thing, but I just want to appeal to the government that if they can have a political will, it is something that can assist the country, but I want them to have succession plans and also the political will to do it.

Some foreign firms operate with impunity in terms of casualisation of workers in workplaces? What are you doing to eradicate it?

The difference between a casual staff and the full time staff with condition is that part of the conditions are salary, the remuneration, safety at workplace. We have enough laws in Nigeria, safety at workplace, factory acts, employee compensation, we have so many of them; the Labour Act we are using as at today is outdated, we have tried sometimes to sponsor bill on upgrading of the Labour Acts, but as at now, nothing seriously have been done about it.

For me, I personally believe that, why we have not been able to achieve the achievement of this upgrading of our Act, is this: in every other country of the world, we have tripartite system, the employer, the employee and government, the government becomes the regulator, the supervising authority over the employment, but in Nigeria, we have a unilateral system, employer and the government are fused together as one.

With due respect, there is no bank or any financial institution in Nigeria that you will trace the masquerade that you will not trace it to the Executive and the Legislative body of the country.

So, it has been very difficult to get new labour law in place.

Now, coming back to casualisation, we have done something with the Ministry of Labour, we insisted that every organization that is providing labour, outsourcing and casualisation should be registered, and that there should be a collective agreement, the collective bargain on how they implement the condition of service of this contract workers. I know they have been registered, I know they have put the collective agreement in place, but because majority of these organizations do not want this contract staff to know their right, they will refuse them from being unionized.

There are female managers globally such as, Christine Lagard, IMF President. What inspiration do you draw from her?

I draw my inspiration firstly from the Almighty God, the giver and author of everything, including the position I occupy. Yes, to every other leader in the world, I look up to them; I tried to pick the positive part of what they are doing. Lagard is somebody that when she is determined, she goes out for it; she is somebody that is well read, knows what she is doing.

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TIMES Monday, June 19, 2017

David Chocarroa Winning hearts of Africa through roles in Telemundo series

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DTN Awards: The winners, their imprints Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu In every decade, a bright star looms into the horizon and shines brighter that his peers, and that informed the choice of business mogul, Tony Onyemaech Elumelu, as the Times Heroes “Man of the Decade” in its recently concluded 91st Anniversary celebration at the Federal Capital Territory.

That Tony Elumelu earned the award back to back for his passion and tenacity to transform and build Africa, would be an understatement for a man An indigene of Delta State born to a middle class family in Jos, Plateau State on March 22, 1963, Elumelu, who bagged a degree in economics and sity of Lagos, respectively, is also an alumnus of ment Programme.

The man who made $123 million in 3 weeks is a Nigerian economist, banker, investor and philanthropist.

In his early career, Tony Elumelu acquired and

single-country bank to a pan-African institution with over seven million customers in nineteen African countries.

Elumelu founded Heirs Holdings, which invests in pitality, agri-business and healthcare sectors. In the same year, he established the Tony Elumelu Foundation, an Africa-based and African-funded philanthropic organisation dedicated to the promotion of excellence in business leadership and entrepreneurship and to enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector across Africa.

In 2015, the inaugural group of winners of the

Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu

TEEP (Tony

Elumelu

Entrepreneurship

Proling one thousand African entrepreneurs were em-

Chris Ubosi

discover and support 10,000 African entrepreneurs over the next decade, with a target of creating one million new jobs and $10 billion in additional revenues in the process.

Member Advertising Practitioners Council

member of Ikoyi Club 1938 and Lagos Tennis Club.

Linda Ikeji The second Times Heroes “Impact and Service” prize at The Daily Times 91st Anniversary celebration was grabbed by Linda Ikeji for her continuous drive to excel and A Nigerian news carrier blogger, writer, entrepreneur and former model, Linda was born on September 19, 1980, and was raised in a Catholic family from Nkwerre, Imo State as the second child. Linda, who

like to mobilise for investment in his Power Africa programme, which aims to improve electricity access in Africa. That same year, together with the melu Foundation launched an impact investment ers to the concept and practice of impact investing.

of Lagos, began her hobby in writing at the age of 10.

In 2006, she started blogging as a hobby.

At that time, the internet was not as pronounced in Nigeria and she had to make her posts at a cybercafé. Linda became an active blogger in 2007, using a blogger subdomain and later obtained her custom domain www.lindaikejisblog.com.

geared toward long-term investment in sectors that promote African development, he also has given millions in humanitarian aid, including to Nigerian Elumelu holds honorary doctoral degrees from geria. He sits on numerous boards, including the deed, space will not permit a more extended chronicle of his resume.

He is married to Awele Vivien Elumelu, a medical doctor, in 1993, and they have seven children together.

munications and Broadcasting Industries in Nigeria.

Chris Ubosi The Times Heroes Awards focused prize of “Impact and Service” at the just concluded 91st Anniversary of The Daily Times went to

review the 1987 policy and make recommendations for its improvement. He served on the Electronic Media and Information & Com-

Group on the National Mass Communication

Advisory Board of “Social Media Week”, held

FM 97.3, The Beat 99.9FM and Naija FM 102.7. holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the ence Degree in Project Management from He has in the last 24 years been actively involved in the Built Environment, Telecom-

achieve their desire. bored,” she says. “I want to do something

interests in the energy, agribusiness, and hospitality sectors. Elumelu was subsequently appointed Chairman of the company. In 2012, Elumelu was awarded the prestigious Commander of the Order pecially within the realm of encouraging personal enterprise.

In 2013, Elumelu pledged $2.5 billion towards

from architecture and engineering but moved on to broadcasting when it incorporated Steam Broadcasting and established COOL FM and Wazobia FM. Obosi also worked as the Deputy Managing Director of the company for all of 20 years before leaving to establish Megalectrics Limited, which did a lot of radio consulting for the Federal Government and for stations in Nairobi and Ghana. Eventually Megalectrics Limited went on to set up some of the most

Linda Ikeji

ment Blog. She has proven that dedication, focus and hard work can indeed result in

Member, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Sur-

economic and social transformation from within and to radically intensify job creation in Africa.

In 2011, Heirs Holdings acquired a controlling interest in the Transnational Corporation of Nige-

which have helped shape the media space in Nigeria over two decades.

A pioneer in private broadcasting and new erated and consulted severally for various top private radio stations in the country. He consulted also for the Federal Government in the establishment of the 32 digital stations nationwide.

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an international event which held simultaneously in 29 cities worldwide. tions Committee for the National Economic the Communications Subcommittee of the Federal Government National Flood Disasmittee of the Freetown Youth for Peace and Prosperity Festival, Sierra Leone, November and International seminars, involving Media, Broadcasting and ICT. The Beat 99.9FM and Naija FM 102.7 and 1 MTV Networks in their content general and operations in Nigeria, and also carried out several projects in joint venture with them.

He is also a Co-founder of MTech Communications Plc, a fully indigenous mobile technications, using existing GSM networks and state-of-the-art mobile technology. nies within the country, as well as Board of Management/Trustees of St. Saviors School,

she assists young girls aged 16–25 who have great business ideas and are willing to venture into entrepreneurship. In phase 1 of the project, she gave out the sum of N10 million. In August 2012 when Forbes Africa dedicated itself to celebrating African Women, Linda Ikeji featured as the second young Nigerian woman recognised.

Ibukun Abiodun Awosika

I have the energy and passion to run this. ing here now, running all things. If you have the right people, you can do other things. I have Linda Ikeji Music. I have four people working in that section. I have producers, directors, cameramen, and creative people. limit myself at all. I feel there is absolutely nothing you cannot do once you set your mind to it,” she added.

Bold, daring and optimistic, The Daily zeal - and wish her a long and comfortable stay at the top.

Ibukun Abiodun Awosika The recent Daily Times 91st Anniversary was not an all-male affair as the oldest print entity recognised a true woman of virtue, a powering the future generation, with The Times Heroes Woman of the Year Award.

On September 7, 2015, Mrs. Ibukun Abioto be appointed as the Board Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, since its establishment in 1894. Before her appointment, Ibukun was a non-Executive Director of the Bank.

A woman of great capacity, Ibukun Awosika is the founder/CEO of The Chair Center, Sokoa Chair Center Limited and TCC Security Systems. She is a fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and a multiple

award winning entrepreneur.

She is a board member of Women in pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, host promoter of the After School Graduate Deknown for her service to humanity and management and business. She was instrumental in the success story of House of Tara, and many more entrepreneurs.

She has numerous awards, including the International Women Entrepreneurial among others.

Early years, education Ibukun was born in Ibadan in 1962 to a Nigerian father, Mr. Abdulmashood Adekola and Cameroonian mother, Hannah Aduke Adekola nee Ashu.

Ibukun Awosika holds a B.sc in ChemBusiness School, Barcelona, Spain and is an alumnae of the Lagos Business School Chief Executive Programme.

Career She was the Managing Director of The Chair Centre Ltd, a market leader in the ofindustry, until she was appointed the Chief Ltd, a joint-venture company of Sokoa S.A of France, Guaranty Trust Bank, The Chair Centre Ltd, and some other local investors.

Ministry Ibukun Awosika is an ordained pastor of The Fountain of Life Church as well as the founder of Christian Missionary Fund, a Non-Governmental body dedicated to raising support for Christian missionaries across the country.

Humanity Besides her well documented career achievements, Ibukun Awosika is widely known for her services to humanity. She is the immediate past Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Women in Managewomen in management and business. She still serves as a member of the Board of Trustees.

She founded the Afterschool Graduate career centre in Lagos, Nigeria and has featured numerous times as a speaker on The Platform Nigeria, an annual forum designed to facilitate growth in the areas of personal capacity and productivity as well as to foster National Development within Nigeria.

Also, Mrs. Awosika served on the NaCorporate Governance Committee for the NNPC. She is also a member of the National recently appointed to the Board of the Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund Media of Dragons Den by Sony Pictures. She is lasting solution to youth unemployment by creating an enabling environment while the latter is a platform for sharing ethical business values and principles.

Also, Iuikun is a member of the Board of Directors for Cadbury Plc, Digital Jewels Ltd, and a member of the Governing Board of The Convention on Business Integrity, and Youths Business Initiative (a project of She is married to Abiodun Oludola Awosika, and their marriage is blessed with three

Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 19, 2017

I was uncomfortable doing nude scenes, but my character did it naturally–Chocarro David Chocarro is an Argentinian actor, host, presenter and model. Born in Buenos Aires on April 5, 1980, the spirited young man with an irresistible smile began his artistic career in commercials. With his enviable physique, the product of a healthy lifestyle and plenty of exercise, Chocarro made more than 80 commercials for leading global brands and was featured in print ads across Latin America, making him a familiar face around an exclusive contract with Telemundo. “Alguien te mira” was followed by “Aurora” and a challenging double role in “La casa de al lado,” (Behind Closed Doors) leading to starring role in one of the most ambitious and eagerly awaited telenovelas of 2012, “El rostro de la venganza” (The Face of Destiny).That same year marked Laursen, the play made its debut at Microteatro Miami. Despite the success of his career in so many areas and Allegra and Brigitta. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Chocarro leads us into his world of acting, what attracted

revolve around drug abuse, prostitution, gang rivalry, domestic violence and police corruption; how prevalent are these issues in your country and other South American countries?

Certainly, the topics you mention are real current issues in many awareness of these issues and started community campaigns.

Do these telenovelas in a way help to reduce the rate of these crimes?

awareness of important topics.

Doors was one of the ones that

and how was the reception? beautiful experience because the play was written by my wife, Carolina Laursen, and the audiences had a great time. In presented play, with 300 shows in

since 2010, how has your relationship with the production you? working with Telemundo as

career has taken greater heights Telemundo. And, I can share that one of my next projects is portraying one of the greatest

it working with her?

had fun in the process.

What makes Saul Aguirre stand out in this telenovela (Iron Rose) and what are the consequences playing a role like that?

The thing that stands out about Saul Aguirre in Iron Rose is

What attracted you to the script of Iron Rose? make an impact on society, because this story highlights many real issues. And I could not miss the chance to work with Aracely Arambula and Danna Paola.

Share your highlights and lowlights of this production.

The best thing without a doubt is the quality of the production, the casting, the story and the friends I made. The hardest part was that it my family.

Are you concerned that the messages conveyed by the production may be wrongly interpreted and therefore produce negative consequences?

On one hand, I do not think that the production or the actors are responsible for educating. On the other hand, we should be able to share and create awareness on a Are you aware of your huge popularity in Africa, particularly Nigeria?

I know that people in Africa recognize me from watching me on the Telemundo International network, but I was unaware of my popularity. It is

countries in Africa. I am extremely grateful for this.

Will you welcome an invitation to Nigeria?

people following us on social media. from that of a psychopath to a doting boyfriend, how challenging are these roles, particularly your role in La Casa de al Lado (Behind Closed Doors)?

I enjoy interpreting characters that are my total opposites, because I

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opportunity to play around a lot more.

scene in the theatre production, how comfortable were you playing that role? comfortable doing nude scenes, but my character did it naturally.

It was needed in the play, as part doing nudes in theatre, but when I hesitated to do.

With the long hours spent on set, how do you compensate for that with your family?