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TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 540

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Excitement as Daily Times unveils 2017 Award winners 5-13

Ï Man of the Year - Ibe Kachikwu Ï Woman of the Year - Mrs Aisha Buhari Ï Politician of the Year - Gov Willie Obiano Ï Governor of the Year - Nyesom Wike Ï Good Governance Award - Gov Ibikunle Amosun & Gov Aminu Tambuwal

Ibe Kachikwu

Mrs Aisha Buhari

Gov Obiano

Gov Wike

Gov Amosun

Gov Tambuwal

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ƾè ƾƠơƤ

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Excitement as Daily Times unveils 2017 Award winners

Mathew Dadiya, Tunde Opalana and Augustine Okezie, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Though the excitement of participative deliberation was pervasive among the editors, having to take a hard decision on distinguished Nigerians who have excelled in their different walks of life, it

was a tough decision for the management and editors of The Daily Times. The board of editors of The Daily Times including the Chairman/ Publisher, Mr. Fidelis Anosike and the Group Managing Director, Mr. Noel Anosike, had to contend with the realisation that the nominees for the 2017 Daily Times Award were

quite astounding in their achievements and contributions to the greatness of the country and uplift of the mankind. It was a long night and memorable occasion. The event of Thursday, December 28, 2017, would continue to linger on among the participants of the decision to choose the award winners.

And when the issue of who would emerge as the winners among the nominees commenced, it was an anti-climax as the deliberation was frank, engaging and down to earth. In the end, the winners emerged through painstaking nomination and voting. The Daily Times, Nigeria’s heritage newspaper, therefore announced the

2017 Winners of its Prestigious Award as follows: * Man of the Year Dr. Ibe Kachikwu * Woman of the Year Mrs. Aisha Buhari * Politician of the Year Governor Willie Obiano * Governor of the YearGovernor Nyesom Wike * Good Governance Award - Governors Ibikunle Amosun and Aminu

Tambuwal * Lifetime Achievement Award- Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Ugochukwu Onyeama, former Governor Segun Osoba, Mr. Sam Amuka- Pemu, Chief Henry Odukomaiya, and Prince Tony Momoh. Life Impact AwardChief Olu Jacobs and Leo Stan Ekeh

Man of the Year: Ibe Kachikwu Ï j Ɗƈ ƈƋ ÷ ƆƅƐ Ə Ɛ ƆƔƐ ƋƆƒƆƋ ÏÏÏ Given his track record

as an accomplished technocrat with enviable professional and academic track record in the industry in which he has had over 30 years of cognate experience locally and internationally, Kachikwu’s appointment as the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to many industry watchers was a ‘round peg in a round hole’ and kudos was given to President Muhammadu Buhari who made sanitisation of the oil sector a cardinal plank of his presidency. It was argued that President Buhari couldn’t have looked for a better upright manager of the nation’s oil resources than Kachikwu especially at a time when there was a record breaking mind boggling malfeasance in the management of the NNPC and Nigeria in desperate need of more oil sales revenue to support government budgets, protect foreign reserves and help stop the ongoing devaluation of the national currency. At his assumption of office, these formed the essential part of the challenges that Dr. Kachikwu confronted “as he tried to halt selling of crude oil to politically-connected, ”carpetbaggers” that lack the capacity to perform, establish and adhere to strong internal policies for vetting and choosing buyers of oil, and for apportioning cargoes of oil among buyers, publicly account for earnings from sales of crude from NPDC and its oil trading subsidiaries, and cease unconstitutional withholding of federal revenue”. As the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources

and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said that the NNPC was to be unbundled into 30 profitmaking companies with separate Managing Directors as part of the ongoing transformation of the national oil company. Under his supervision, the NNPC moved from a loss position of N160 billion to some N3 billion by January 2016, adding that by year end the Corporation should start making some profit. “For the first time, we are unbundling the subset of the NNPC to 30 independent companies with their own Managing Directors. Titles like Group Executive Directors are going to disappear and in their place you are going to have Chief Executive Officers and they are going to take responsibilities for their titles. At the end of the day, the CEO of an upstream company must deliver an upstream result,” Dr. Kachikwu stated. The Minister noted that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is focusing on developing the nation’s gas resources in order to boost revenue as part of the diversification policy of the Federal Government. Dr. Kachikwu said the petroleum sector, under his watch, would rapidly review the contracting cycle of projects from two years to six months in the upstream, stressing that efforts are in top gear to review the existing Production Sharing Contracts which is long overdue. In what could be described as a face-off between Kachikwu, and his successor at NNPC, Maikanti Baru, the Minister of State was compelled to accuse Baru of “completely eroding” some

of the reforms he introduced as head of the oil firm. Buhari had appointed Kachikwu as NNPC GMD in August 2015 but replaced him with Baru in July 2016. In the letter written to President Buhari, Kachikwu alleged that Baru had been sidelining the NNPC board. “Like the previous reorganisations and repostings done since Mr. Baru resumed as GMD, I was never given the opportunity before the announcements to discuss these appointments. This is so despite being the minister of state petroleum and chairman, NNPC board,” the letter read. “The open administration I introduced with your support in our year of pushing reforms, has been completely eroded. NNPC staff are afraid of contacting me for the fear of being punished, sidelined in appointments and targeted”. His reformation drive was endorsed by the United States Government which pledged its readiness to work with the Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in achieving the Federal Government’s reform agenda in the oil and gas industry. The then USA Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle assured Dr. Kachikwu of United States willingness to provide all necessary support to the NNPC Management to realize its set goals and objectives. Amb. Entwistle noted that though the job of the GMD of NNPC is about the most challenging job in Nigeria, the USA is convinced that Dr. Kachikwu has the skills, training and requisite experience to lead the oil and gas industry in Nigeria towards

the path of growth and sustainable development. Commending the USA for the pledge of support, Dr. Kachikwu reiterated the determination of the new NNPC Management to implement the spirit and letter of President Muhammadu Buhari’s reform agenda in the petroleum industry. The GMD stated that the new NNPC would be driven by a deep sense of commitment to service delivery anchored on the principle of transparency, efficiency, people, purpose and profit. ``My mission is to redirect and re-energize the work force for greater value addition and I believe that the NNPC, given the right leadership has what it takes to achieve this objective,’’ he said. His intervention in the face-off between Niger- Delta activists and the government led to a restart of the amnesty payments pro tem and discuss investment initiatives that will boost the regional economy and its social services. His argument is that the government’s plans for capital investment there – more roads, more power stations, better water and sanitation with big investment in schools and clinics – will benefit the Delta more than ad hoc payments to militant gangs, past or present. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu steered the much-delayed Petroleum Industry Bill to restructure the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation through the Senate (AC Vol 56 No 20. It sets out clearer rules for investors and the NNPC would be quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and compelled to issue timely financial statements. With a great input from Kachikwu, the government put an end to fuel subsidy, a poli-

Kachikwu cy designed ostensibly to help the poorest people but which in reality became a statefinanced welfare scheme for fuel importers, most of them multi-millionaires. As Group Managing Director of NNPC and as Minister, he has fought many battles with oil marketers in his bid to stem acute fuel scarcity, increase revenue accrue to government’s purse and in stabilising the industry. He has said it repeatedly that current fuel scarcity which has become a national embarrassment was not caused by government, but rather blamed it on profitminded marketers who were alleged to have hoarded fuel in anticipation of an increase in pump price of petroleum products. Dr. Kachikwu was an active player in the private sector where best business practices and corporate good governance are sine qua non. He was the former Executive Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil (Africa Operations). He wrote legal books. His bestseller is “Legislation and Policy on Foreign Investment in Nigeria”. The man also authored about twenty different pub-

lications. Ibe Kachikwu was appointed as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive in August 2015. The first thing he did when he entered the new position was to reduce the number of directors. There were 8 of them. Kachikwu removed four of them. He was born on December 18, 1956 to late Justice Francis Kachikwu and Maria Kachikwu. He attended St. Peter’s Primary School Ogwashi-Uku before gaining admission into St. Pius Grammar School OnichaUgbo, which he left in 1968 with top level performance. His Edo College from 1973 to 1974 was equally with spectacular performance. He studied Law at the University of Nigeria 1978, where he made a first class result and the best graduating student At the 1979 set of Nigerian Law School, he emerged with another First Class and best graduate winning 7 of available 9 prizes. At his LLM programme at Harvard University in 1980, it was another First Class performance. His Doctorate degree programme did not come with lesser performance.

News 6

Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Woman of the Year: Mrs. Aisha Buhari

Ï An uncommon First Lady with passion ÏÏÏ For exhibiting unprec-

edented courage and coupled with the fact that she usually speaks to power in a government in which her husband is the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari is an unusual First Lady. “A woman is a full circle; within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” The above quote by Diana Marriechild aptly described our Woman of the Year, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the First Lady and wife of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. In the annals of Nigeria’s political history, she has within the last 30 months earned for herself a place in history among women in the ‘inner seclusion’ of the corridors of power. She has debunked the postulation that ‘women are to be seen and not to be heard’ as she has effectively lent her voice to national issues even criticising her husband’s administration on issues of national interest; she has conscientiously displayed her love for humanity especially concerned with transforming the fortune of women, girls and children. She could be said to be a perfect example of a ‘woman of virtue’. Aisha Buhari called for a probe of the State House Medical Clini over poor health facilities in the hospital despite the huge budgetary allocation to it. She condemned the “lack of facilities” at the clinic during a programme in Abuja and equally lamented the total or dearth of some necessary hospital facilities such as syringe, drugs and equipment needed for saving lives. Mrs. Buhari, who spoke at the opening of a two-day stakeholders meeting on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition organised by her pet project, Future Assured in Abuja, said the ongoing renovations at the clinic was baseless because the hospital lacked the equipment to save lives. “If somebody like Mr. President can spend several months outside Nigeria, then you wonder what will happen to a common man on the street in Nigeria. Few weeks ago, I was sick as well, they advised me to take the first flight out to London, I refused to go. I said I must be treated in Nigeria because there is a budget for an assigned clinic to take care of us. If the budget is N100 million, we need to know how the

budget is spent. Along the line, I insisted they call Aso Clinic to find out if the Xray machine is working, they said it is not working. They didn’t know I am the one that was supposed to be in that hospital at that very time. I had to go to a hospital that was established by foreigners in and out 100 percent. What does that mean? So, I think is high time for us to do the right thing. If something like this can happen to me, no need for me to ask the governors’ wives what is happening in their states. This is Abuja and this is the highest seat of government, and this is Presidential Villa. Her Humanitarian/ Empowerment Project The wife of the president calls on the government, civil society and private sector to address social norms that permit women and girls to be treated as lesser breed than men and boys – she called on government at all levels to give priority to education and empowerment of women and children. Aisha made this call in Abuja at the International Sheroes Forum with the theme: “Advancing women’s roles in business leadership and governance.” The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in 2012 released a report which said that “Nigeria has one of the highest rates of infant mortality in the world. One in seven children dies before her or his fifth birthday.” It noted further that in Nigeria, clean water was hard to come by in northern Nigeria and singled out the General Hospital, Katsina as one health facility among several others in northern Nigeria where ‘half a dozen infants were being treated for severe malnutrition problems.” Aware of these challenges and to let every citizen feel the impact of government, the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari is determined to give everyone a sense of belonging, beyond the channeling of attention to women and children only. This is evident in the christening of her pet project- Future Assured and its offshoot, Get Involved – names that are by no means suggestive of asymmetry but inclusive in form and nature. As the future is assured for women, so it is for men through the various action plans that Mrs. Buhari is rolling out for the upliftment of families and society. To her, needless to empower a woman only, when

the man also needs empowerment to cater and support the woman and child. The man, after all, is also a crucial component of the family unit. It is based on this understanding that the wife of the President recently launched Get Involved- a quick interventionist programme to halt yearly deaths of malnourished children in the country on the strength that every child is entitled to a meal every day. She believes that when children are fed regularly and in the required proportions, their parents save money for medications and are free from mental and financial stresses. And with the commitments Mrs. Buhari is showing in promoting girls education and other issues concerning the girl-child, Nigeria is likely to benefit from the grant and other grants that have been set aside by development partners in implementing policies aimed at guaranteeing quality food, health, education, sanitation and safe drinking water for every Nigerian. She has commenced these intervention measures at Bama and Maiduguri camps for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) where she donated four tonnes of ready to use products (Soy Kunu for adults/ pregnant and lactating mothers and Soyalac for children) to fight malnutrition prevalent among inmates in the camps. These inmates are not only women and children but also adolescent boys, fathers and grandfathers. A donation of about N60 million was presented to the Future Assured project by the Chinese government. The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Lin Jin, said Future Assured has made tremendous impact in promoting the health and well-being of women, children and the vulnerable, and succeeded in making a difference in the lives of these people. She is known for her nonflamboyant life-style. Mrs. Buhari had in her twitter handle denied receiving SUV vehicles from the Nigerian Police for personal use, saying “I am still using my personal cars.’’ Politically conscious Aisha Buhari, the wife of the President, had in the wake of a sickness that had kept her husband out of the country for over two months, given an insight into the power play at the Nigerian seat of power. In a Facebook post, she

Mrs. Aisha Buhari alluded to some elements around her ailing husband as “the hyenas” and “the jackals,” hoping that they would soon be sent out of the “Kingdom”. She responded to a post by Senator Shehu Sani who said “Prayer for the absent Lion King has waned; until he’s back then they will fall over each other to be on the front row of the palace temple. Now the hyenas and the jackals are scheming and talking to each other in whispered; still doubting whether the Lion King will be back or not… “It is the wish of the Hyenas and the Jackals that the Lion King never wakes up or come back so that they can be kings. It is the prayers of the weak animals that the Lion King comes back to save the kingdom from the Hyenas, the wolves and other predators” She wittingly responded to Mr. Sani’s comment by saying: “God has answered the prayers of the weaker Animals. The Hyenas and the jackals will soon be sent out of the kingdom. We strongly believe in the prayers and support of the weaker animals”. Mrs. Aisha’s comment attracted some comments from her followers on Facebook, wishing her husband quick recovery. A critic of her Husband’s Government The First Lady warned her husband that she may not back him at the next election unless he shakes up his government. In a BBC interview, Aisha Buhari suggested his government had been hijacked by only a “few people”, who

were behind presidential appointments. She said the president did not know most of the officials he had appointed. President Buhari, who is on a visit to Germany, had responded by saying his wife belonged in his kitchen. Standing alongside German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, at a news conference, the president laughed off his wife’s accusations. “I don’t know which party my wife belongs to, but she belongs to my kitchen and my living room and the other room,” he said. Mrs. Buhari on an interview with a BBC Hausa service programme, was quoted to have said: “The president does not know 45 out of 50 of the people he appointed and I don’t know them either, despite being his wife of 27 years.” She said people who did not share the vision of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were now appointed to top posts because of the influence a “few people” wield. “Some people are sitting down in their homes folding their arms only for them to be called to come and head an agency or a ministerial position,” she said. Mrs. Buhari was prompted to speak out in an effort to end those practices so that party loyalists who contributed to his election victory could benefit. Aisha Buhari campaigned vigorously for her husband in the 2015 general election, organising town hall meetings with women’s groups and youth organisations across the country. However, she kept a low profile at the start of the

administration and was barely seen or heard. She was restricted to her work on the empowerment of women and helping victims of the Boko Haram conflict in the north-east of the country where she is from. Her Profile Aisha (née Halilu) Buhari is the second and current wife of President Muhammadu Buhari. She was born in Adamawa State in the family of the first Minister of Defence, Mohammadu Ribadu. She was raised in the best traditions of Fulani culture. Aisha graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University where she earned a Bachelor degree in Public Administration. She also has a post-graduate diploma of the Academy Esthetique Beauty Institute of France in Cosmetology and Beauty. Moreover, she is an alumnus of the famous Carlton Institute of London. Mrs. Buhari is reportedly engaged in a private enterprise where she has become an employer of labour, a mentor to all aspiring cosmetologists and a consultant to the KRCP/ NNPC on skills acquisition. She is also a member of the United Kingdom Vocational Training and Charitable Trust (VTCT), The International Health and Beauty Council (HBC). She also helps women politicians to raise funds for campaigns. She speaks English and Arabic fluently. In December 1989, Muhammadu Buhari married Aisha Halilu. Together they have five children, a boy and four girls. They are Aisha, Halima, Yusuf, Zarah and Amina.

Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

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Politician of the Year- Gov Willie Obiano

Ï 9ƌƍ ƅƐƈ ƍ ƈƐƈƒƆ ƋƈƒƆ MƗƈé ƌƄƏ ÏÏÏ Anambra State Gov-

ernor Willie Obiano has introduced dynamic programmes that have touched the lives of the people in the state. He also brought drastic improvement in the security of lives and property of the citizens and residents of Anambra State . From 1970 to date, after the civil war, security in Onitsha and environs and indeed the entire Anambra State have been a very intractable issue as criminals from time to time had hijacked the state, compelling the people to live in permanent fear. At a time, the crime became too rampant that people had to resort to sleeping in churches. Even during the military, violent crime was almost the order of the day, hence the setting up of Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Tribunals which tried and executed those found guilty of robbery cases. But that could not solve the problem of crimes in the state. At a time in Anambra State, a gang of robbers were accosting luxurious buses plying from any part of East to Lagos. Immediately they stepped into Anambra State from any other part of the East, these organized robbers unleashed bullets on the bus from every side, which led to loss of several innocent souls of passengers during that period . Banks, fillings stations and individuals were back again to their cherished ones. In fact, at a time an attempt was made on the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, which failed. . But Governor Obiano has changed this infamous action immediately he assumed office, adopting innovative strategic measures. Nobody knew the secret employed by this accountant and banker turmed politician but Obiano employed civilized method, using the police and installing of street lights at strategic places in the state especially from Onit-

Obiano sha Bridgehead to Borromeo Hospital Round About through old road to Amawbia in Awka. And today, Anambra can be said to have the best security network. Prominent Anambrarians who have relocated to Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and other cities in the country and now conduct marriages of their children outside the state started reurning back. And business started booming again. Night life returned to the Onistha, Awka and other major cities of the State. The presence of security expectedly has multiplier effect on the socioeconomic development of any place as it engenders confidence among the people, business community and investors. The improved security situation has increased the

number of hours of doing business in the state as well as brought back night life which has died in the state. This development has not affected other areas of the state, hence the huge investment on agriculture and industry in the administration of Willie Obiano to the tune of $1.2billion and $3.2 billion respectively, hence the increased production of rice in Anambra State. There have been major investment in rice production like Coscharis farm in Ayamelum as well as poultry in Igbariam and others in various parts of the state. These investment in agriculture has resulted in the exportation of vegetables from Anambra State to European countries and yam to United States.

As a boost to agriculture, the state has provided to the farmers 291 hectares of land, seedlings, fertilizers and herbicides to encourage mechanized agriculture in the state. Governor Obiano has not fared any less in the area of trade and commerce. The traders in Anambra State are happy that his administration has impacted on them in one way or the other. Obiano took the bull by the horn by setting up N10 million projects in all the markets in the state. In the choose yourself N10million project, every market in the state is entitled to N10million worth of project. Some of the markets used the opportunity to build office complex, hall, access road, motor park complex, electricity, water borehole and over-

head tank among other projects. These no doubt has added value to the markets and the traders themsdelves. Fire fighting vehicles were also bought and distributed to strategic market in case of any fire outbreak. One of the fire fight vehicles is situated at Building Materials Market Ogidi to cover that area and the environs. The governor has also extended the kind gesture to all the communities in Anambra State by asking them to choose them to chose N20million projects. He went further to challenge the communities which finished their first projects time to choose another tranche of N20m project, which some communities have already benefitted. The good news is that virtually all the communities have completed all their projects, while some who finished on time have been given another N20million for second projects. These projects are dotted all over the communities as town hall, skill acquisition centre, road rehabilitation, borehole among others. Obiano has done more than excellent in the construction of roads and bridges since he became governor. Apart from constructing three world class bridges in Awka at the popular Aroma junction in Awka, Kwata and Amawbia junction, in the state capital, Obiano has also done a bridge across Mamu River at Amansea – Ndiukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma. He has also constructed about 180 km of roads through the state as well as rehabilitated the existing roads through the State Road maintenance Agency’s zero pothole programme. Obiano also constructed the Iyiora bridge believed to be the longest bridge in the State, which connects Anambra West, part of thefood basket basin of the state to the rest of the world. There are other ongoing roads construction in different parts of the state, one of them being the construction of bridge

across Nteje – Umanya bye – pass along the Onitsha- Enugu Expressway. On education, Governor Obiano has disbursed at least over N700milion to mission schools, constructed over 2,500 classrooms blocks for primary and secondary schools in the state, installed 30KVA generating sets and provided transformers to the schools too. Obiano’s administration also awarded scholarships to about 200 students of Anambra State of origin to the tune of about N120m as a source of encouragement to academic excellence among Anambra children. The State also recruited 70 contract teachers for the 11 technical colleges in the state to boost their staff strength. The welfare of teachers is critical to Obiano’s administration. Consequently, he has increased the salary of 1,634 teachers of core subjects in the state school system as well as the salary of 2, 732 teachers in rural areas of the state by 20 percent to motivate them and provide more access to quality education to the children in riverine and agrarian areas of the state. Acording to the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omungha, the number of candidates who passed external examinations at five credits with English and Mathematics such as West African School Certificate and National Examination Council (NECO), at five credits with English and Mathematics have increased to 70 percent. A teacher from Anambra State recently won the best teacher in the country and was given a brand new car. And all these attest to the quality of education under Obiano in the last three and half years. Little wonder, the outstanding achievements of Governor Obiano enabled him to record a landslide victory during his re-election in the state as he defeated other candidates in all the local government areas of the state.

News 8

Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

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Governor of the Year: Gov Nyesom Wike

Ï `ƆƗƆƇƈ ƈ `ƈƒƆƏ Ƌ Ɨ ƅ ƍƆ Ɛ Ə Ƒ ƌ ƈƒƆ ƏƆƅ ƐƏƑƅƐƈ ÏÏÏ

Born on December 13, 1967, Governor Nyesom Wike, an outstanding administrator, lawyer and politician is referred to as the Golden Governor. He just turned 50 and had the singular fortune of taking Rivers State to its glorious Golden Jubilee anniversary in May, this year. Barrister Nyesom Wike was born to the family of Reverend and Mrs. Nlemanya Wike of Rumuepirikom community, Obio/Akpor in Rivers State. He spent most of his academic life in Rivers State, hence, he once proudly declared himself a local champion. A holder of several traditional chieftaincy titles, Barrister Nyesom Wike is happily married to Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, a High Court Judge with the Rivers State Judiciary. The union is blessed with three children. He holds degrees in Political and Administrative Studies as well as in Law. However, after a brief stint with the private legal practice, Barrister Wike was elected twice as the Executive Chairman of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area and served out two tenures from 1999 to 2007. A one-time Deputy President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Governor Nyesom Wike was later elected as the substantive President of the Association. From the position of the Chairman of Obio/Akpor, he moved on to serve as the Chief of Staff, Government House, between October 26, 2007 and May 28, 2011 under the administration of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, governor of Rivers State then. From there, Barrister Nyesom Wike was appointed the Director-General of Governor Amaechi’s reelection Campaign Organisation. He was reputed for being the brain behind the success of Rt. Hon. Amaechi second race to the Brick House after which he became the most powerful Chief of Staff in the state. On July 14, 2011, Barrister Wike was subsequently appointed and sworn-in as the Minister of State for Education. This feat is widely attributed to the recommendation of the then governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Amaechi. Subsequently, following a cabinet shake-

Wike up, Barrister Wike emerged the Supervising Minister of Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. At the end of fierce political and legal battles between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the April 11, 2015, gubernatorial election in Rivers State, Wike emerged as the sixth governor of the State and has, since his swearing in on May 29, 2015, recorded numerous achievements, some of which prompted the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo to dub him ‘Mr. Projects.’ But his most remarkable achievements dated back to his tenure as the Minister of State for Education and subsequently the Supervising Minister of Education. He made enviable impacts in the basic education subsector, spear-heading a nationwide reform of the nation’s education system. It is worthy to note that as Minister of State for Ed-

ucation, he created access to quality education for 9 million Almajiri children in the Northern part of Nigeria through the construction of appropriate schools in affected states. He was also the driving force behind the construction of basic education vocational training schools for out-ofschool children in Southern Nigeria and Special Girl-Education Schools for less privileged girls in 16 states of the federation. He also superintended over the distribution of over 60 million text books and library resource materials to various schools in the country, among other achievements. Determined to leave his footsteps in the sands of time, Governor Wike swung into action as soon as he was sworn-in as the governor of the state. The newly sworn-in governor said: “Never again will we allow projects meant for the people to be abandoned just because we did not award

it. I will never do any project that will be abandoned. No part of the state will be neglected in the infrastructure renewal programme of my administration.” Less than 24 hours after taking his oath of office, Governor Wike announced the return to work of the judiciary and the re-opening of courts in the state which were shut down during the tenure of Rt. Hon. Amaechi, now the Minister of Transportation. He also ended the controversy surrounding the appointment of the Chief Judge of the state as he swiftly appointed Justice Daisy Okocha (now retired) in acting capacity to fill the gap. The opening of the courts brought financial relief to practicing lawyers in the state who had also suffered professional setbacks throughout the period the courts were shut down. Governor Nyesom Wike deeply delved into what he termed ‘Operation Zero Potholes’ on roads round

the state, particularly in Port Harcourt, capital city of the state. As at May 2017, the governor had reworked roads totaling over 33 kilometers under its Operation Zero Pothole scheme. In his 100 Days in office celebration, Governor Wike showcased numerous projects which included 50 medium-income flats at Iriebe, Iloabuchi-Eagle Island Link Road, Abonnema-Obonoma Link Road and the NBA Port Harcourt Law Office. Also to the credit of the governor were the reconstruction of roads from Borokiri Road in Old Port Harcourt Township to Rumuwoji (Mile 1) Market Phase 2 ground breaking, Mile 1 Flyover Park, Abonnema Wharf Road, Woji-Elelenwo Road, WojiTrans Amadi Road, Onne Seaport Access Road and Abuloma-Woji Road. Others were the Kpopie-Bodo Road in Gokana LGA, Second Nkpogu Bridge in Trans Amadi, SakpenwaBori Road, Igwuruta-Etche Road and Ogoni-AndoniOpobo Unity Road. Spreading infrastructural development across the state, Governor Wike also completed the N150 million ATC Jetty at Okrika and the Bonny/Bille Jetty on Creek Road as part of measures to boost marine transportation in the state. Just before the celebration of the Golden Jubilee anniversary in the state, a number of projects were initiated while others were commissioned. These included the flag-off of Bakana land reclamation in Degema LGA; flag-off of Oyigbo-Mbano CampIriebe Road reconstruction; commissioning of rehabilitated Brick House building in Government House; commissioning of Port Harcourt Pleasure Park which now yields revenue for the state, and the Ecumenical Centre on Abonnema Wharf Road. Governor Nyesom Wike Wike has within less than three years of his administration made inroads in the development of other sectors of the economy such as education. Some notable accomplishments in the education sector included the rehabilitation of select schools across the state, such as the Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, Nyemoni Grammar School, Abonnema, and Government Girls Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, just

to mention a few. Hospitals and health institutions were not left out in the development strides by Governor Nyesom Wike. Some of those rehabilitated and upgraded to provide better services to the people included the Elele-Alimini General Hospital and the School of Nursing in Port Harcourt, among other health institutions. Governor Wike has invested tremendously in the area of security. A few months into his administration in 2015, Governor Nyesom Wike received the then Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase and donated 64 patrol vans to the Rivers state police command and other security agencies to help combat crime in the state. During the presentation of the vans, the governor stated: “The most important role of any responsible Government is the security of lives and property.” The governor had said on different occasions that he had zero tolerance for crime and criminality. This, then, explains why he took huge steps to lure cultists, kidnappers, and robbers out of criminality by granting them amnesty. The gesture yielded some fruitful results as many youths surrendered their weapons and genuinely embraced the amnesty programme. Today, Governor Wike ranks among governors in Nigeria who are not in arrears of payment of salaries and pensions. Speaking while flagging off the construction of Isiokpo Town, an ancient city of Ikwerre land, Wike said: “The Paris Refund Club they paid us will be used to execute meaningful projects in the state. For us, we have passed the stage of payments of salaries and pensions. We have cleared all those and our focus now is to roll out projects for the benefit of our people.” The efforts of Governor Nyesom Wike have been recognised by stakeholders within and beyond the shores of this country. Some of such awards were conferred on the governor by The Daily Times Newspaper. Others included the SUN, the Leadership, and the Nigerian Pilot Newspapers as well as the United Nations-backed platform, Sustainable Cities and Human Settlement Awards, SCAHSA, in London, earlier last year.

Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

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Good Governance Award - Gov Ibikunle Amosun Ï Transforming Ogun for maximum impact

ÏÏÏ Having

realised that the Education sector is one area where Ogun State for ages, has comparative advantages over other states in Nigeria, Governor Ibikunle Amosun has invested heavily in rebuilding of infrastructure, training, retraining and motivation of personnel, encouraging students and pupils to excel and also sanitised the entire sector for effective delivery. These achievements can be summarised as follows: -Free Education in all public Pre-Primary and Secondary Schools with abolition of tuition fees and all forms of levies -Construction of 15 Model Schools with boarding facilities out of the proposed 28 each designed to accommodate 1,000 students and over 200 teaching and nonteaching staff -Introduction and underwriting of Unified Termly Examination for all Public Primary and Secondary Schools and Government Science and Technical Colleges Students across the State with a total sum of N754,076,670.00 expended in the Secondary sector alone -22-23% of annual budget devoted to Education almost in line with the UNESCO recommendation of 26% -A sum of N1.8billion was expended on the purchase of free textbooks distributed to all Primary and Secondary School pupils and students in all public schools -Payment of Bursary Awards to 16,277 indigenous Ogun State Students in all tertiary Institutions in the country between 2011 and 2015 Teaching Service Commission -Between the Financial years 2011 and 2015, a sum of N13, 820,000.00 was given to the Commission as revenue to be generated. Thus, the Commission recorded a sum of N14, 703,852.18 representing 106.40% of the targeted Revenue Generation. -Recruitment of 445 teaching and non-teaching staff, especially in core subjects (314 teaching and 131 non-teaching staff), increasing the staff complement in the Commission to a total of 15,006 as at March, comprising a total of 12,921 teaching and 2,005 nonteaching. -Payment of Peculiar Allowance at the rate of 15% and 10% of Basic Salary respectively to Teaching and Non-Teaching staff with effect from July 2013 -Appointment of 208 principals, 506 vice-principals and 23 zonal secretaries as

administrators in Public Secondary Schools from 2011 till date -Approval of Career Progression Adjustment for 1,345 NCE + Degree stagnated teachers Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board -Promotion of 14,115 teaching and non-teaching staff for 2011 and 2012 while a total of 6,988 teaching and non-teaching staff benefitted from the 2013 and 2014 promotion -Payment of government contributions towards teachers’ pensions to the Bureau of Pensions for onward submission to the various Pension Fund Accounts -Re-charting of teachers career progression (that led to the discovery that some teachers who had overstayed on the job) -Payment of N1.6billion for 2008/2009 UBE counterpart fund -Payment of N1, 495,309,272.34 for 2010/2011 UBE counterpart fund. Bureau of Tertiary Institutions of N13, 574,669.58 from HUCAP beneficiaries that failed to return to serve the mandatory 3-years bond with Ogun State Government. July, 2011 till date in resolving the Industrial Conflicts between the management and Unions of Institutes of Technology, Itori and Igbesa on 21st June, 2011 and 22nd July, 2011. Health mary Health Care a. In 2011, 47 Primary Health Care Centers were rehabilitated. Equipment, boreholes, backup power supply and Corps Medical Personnel were also provided to make the facilities functional. b. In 2014, the Ministry effectively responded to the Ebola scare in the country by investigating all rumoured cases and sensitizing communities within the state for effective surveillance and prevention. c. In the bid to improve the quality of service delivery in all the State’s primary and secondary health facilities, the ministry in partnership with Support for National Malaria Programme (SUNMAP) introduced the integrated Support Supervision/On the Job Capacity Building (ISS/ OJCB) programme. -Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Service (OGSAS) d.In 2012, four modern Advanced Life-Support ambulances were procured and six abandoned vehicles

Amosun were refurbished to Basic Life Support standard as the first step in the ongoing programme to revive the Ogun State Ambulance Services. (OGSAS). -Schools of Nursing and Midwifery e.In 2012, a total of 99 health personnel were recruited for the Ministry of Health. This number includes 30 B.NSc. Graduate nurses which were employed as tutors for the School of Nursing and Midwifery f.Hospital Services g.Starting form 2013, the Computerization of record of private medical facilities in the State was done to provide for easy monitoring, data analysis and improve internally generated revenue within the State Management Board h.Procurement of affordable drugs/consumables from reputable companies and suppliers through a competitive bidding and at valued prices – 2011 till date i.Renovation of the Central Medical Store – 2011 till date Health Care Development Board j.Commencement of Community Based Health Insurance Scheme (ARAYA) in Ogun State which has now been adopted naturally as a best practice. k.Sustenance of wild polio free state. No case of wind virus has been recorded since 2011 till date. Agriculture riculture land allocated to Investors fromMay2011 to date State Government own Feed Depot project produced 4,000 metric tonnes of various classes of feed between May, 2011 and

April 2015 to back up various Livestock Projects. Estate: 8000 point of cage pullets were raised and supplied to Owowo Farm Estate. ogy Dissemination Centre with green Houses, Fish Tanks, Poultry Houses and crop Production established in Abeokuta (Ogun Central), Ijebu –Ife (Ogun East and Ilaro (Ogun West) at a total cost of 15,000,000.00. effectively in National Farmer Registration, were 197,699 farmers were registered in the State as at 2013. Commerce Naira counterpart funding credit facility between Ogun State Government and Bank of Industry (50% equity each) to empower indigenous MSMEs. new factories were commissioned between 2011 and May, 2015 thus bringing the total number of factories in the State to 371. Six (6) more are to be commissioned before the end of June, 2015. More than 100 companies made requests for land, while over 30 are at various stages of construction. ated Revenue by the Ogun State Market Development Board rose from N14,470,720.00 in June, 2010 – May, 2011 to N23,831,750 in June, 2013-May, 2014 the restructuring and upgrading of facilities at Abeokuta. seke, Abeokuta. national Market. Market.

1.5km access road leading to the Industrial Service Centre and Technology Incubation Centre, Abeokuta. 700 meters were duly completed On 29 May, 2011, Senator Amosun was sworn-in as the fourth elected Governor of Ogun State, having won the election held in April 2011. He contested on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). This party merged with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) in February 2013. He was re-elected for a second term in office on 11 April 2015 and duly sworn- in on 29 May 2015. Upon assumption of office as Governor of Ogun State, he outlined the Mission to Rebuild Agenda of his administration which is anchored on a 5 point – Cardinal Programme: tive Education

ernor of The Year (FRCN, Ibadan Zonal Station) – March 2017 Works Road reconstructed or rehabilitated during the Amosun administration include

Delivery

road Ijebu-Ode.

tion and Industrialization

Urban Renewal

al Development / Employment Generation The programme is aimed at the Welfare, Prosperity and Security of the Citizenry and the State. His administration has since recorded significant achievements in various critical sectors such as Free Education, stimulation of the Investment Environment, Agriculture, Women Empowerment, Security, massive Infrastructural Development and Urban Renewal. Laurels and Awards: His leadership qualities and outstanding achievements have earned him recognition nationally and internationally, some of these include: State Governor in West Africa” by Security Watch Africa. In Accra, Ghana – October 2012 ment Icon Award for 2013 by African Leadership magazine in New York – September 2013 Award: Governor of the Fastest Growing State Economy by Businessday Newspaper in Lagos – November 2013 Award: Commander of the Order of the Niger (C.O.N) by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan – September 2014 Man of The Year – April 2016 The Year – February 2017

Road

wal Stadium Garage, Ijebu-Ode

balufon Junction, Ijebu-Ode kolobo junction-OGBC Road, Abeokuta Girls College, Idi Aba IdiAba Elite Road Ewang Estate Road Abeokuta box culvert Saje Abeokuta

works Abeokuta Road, Olisa, Igbeba road, Ijebu-Ode.

Street Ijebu-Ode Street Ijebu-Ode Ososa road Ijebu-Ode Owo/Ereko/Bonojo/Awokoya Street, Ijebu-Ode age on Abeokuta Road/Molipa junction, Ijebu-Ode Garage-Epe Garage, IjebuOde Garage-Balogun Street Ijebu-Ode jale Street Ijebu-Ode

Kuku -

Garage/Itele-Sagamu/Benin Express road, Ijebu-Ode Street Ijebu-Ode Bypass Ijebu-Ode

kuta road-Araromi/Osinubi Street, Ijebu-Ode road/Folagbade Lagos Garage, Ijebu-Ode at Isale Abese, Ijaye Abeokuta. ba-Lagos Garage Ijebu-Ode. Personal Data: Born in Abeokuta on Saturday, 25 January, 1958, he attended the following institutions of learning:.African Church Primary School, Abeokuta (1965 – 1970) .African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta (1971 – 1977) .Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), Abeokuta (H.N.D, 1979 – 1983) .University of Westminster, London (M.A. in International Finance, 2000)

News 10

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Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

Good Governance Award - Gov Aminu Tambuwal Ï #ƆƋƈƒƆƏƈ ƗƈƒƈƗƆ Ɨ Ƈ ƗƆƌ ƅƏ ƅƕ ƈ d Ɗ Ɛ Ƈ Ə ƍ ƈƐƈƒƆ ƅ Ɔ

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Since becoming the chief executive of Sokoto State, Governor Aminu Tambuwal has left no one in doubt that he was and is really prepared for leadership and is at home with the needs and demands of the people of the Seat of the Caliphate. His profound achievements in the last two years are what informed the honour and recognition accorded him. As governor, Tambuwal has raised the ante of purposeful leadership and good governance. He has transformed Sokoto State and has imprinted indelible marks in the sand of history in the state. His achievements traversed all sectors of human endeavour, which space and time would not allow us to enumerate here. Aware that education is the bedrock of human capital and enduring societal development, Tambuwal upon becoming governor declared a state of emergency on education and has accorded priority attention to girl-child education in the state. In 2016, the governor made history by laying the foundation for the construction of a new secondary school in Balle, Gudu local government area, the only local government area without a senior secondary school in the whole country. Determined to make the necessary impact, he allocated more funds to education in the state’s budgets in 2016 and 2017 than any other sector. Importantly, the allocations were more than the UNICEF recommended 26 percent. Last year, Sokoto became the first state in Nigeria to pass the Right to Education law which makes education compulsory and free for all children between the ages of five and 18. It also criminalises refusal to send children to school, and parents will be liable to criminal prosecution if they stop their children from attending schools. So far, over 22 Doctors and Engineers sponsored for medical and engineering studies in foreign universities under the Higher Education Scheme Programme. Over 8,000 Sokoto students have benefitted from Government’s free JAMB forms for the joint admissions and matriculations board unified tertiary institutions admission examinations. Over 500 new teachers recruited by government to boost manpower in secondary schools. More than N3bn has been expended in the payment of tuition/living expenses to students studying in various disciplines across the globe. Presently, Sokoto has over 342 foreign students under full sponsorship by the State Government with

over 17,000 students studying various courses in institutions of higher learning, within the country. in the area of pupil enrollment, significant improvement has been recorded with 1,193,760 enrolled in the Basic Education Schools for the 2015/2016 academic session alone. The results of the interventions became apparent when UNICEF announced few days ago that the number of out of school children in Sokoto has dropped from 67% in 2015, to 31% in 2017. This presents one of the highest drops in the history of Nigeria. The administration has made significant progress in improving the health condition of the people of the state through provision of standard health care facilities and making access to healthcare easier. Hence infant and maternal mortality rate as well as incidences of VVF has drastically reduced. There has been a massive upgrade of premier health facilities in various parts of the state. Some of these projects include repairs and total renovations of 19 General Hospitals in the state, repairs of the Maternity Unit of State Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, completion of the second phase of the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, comprising of 47 staff houses, two wards and landscaping. The Government has converted the Amanawa Leprosarium into Infectious Diseases Hospital and the conversion MMSH into a Renal and Cardiac Centre. The government also introduced the Community Contributory Healthcare Scheme with the Governor setting aside N100m as seed fund for the take off. About three million residents, more than half of the state’s population, will benefit from the scheme. The government has released N874.9m as counterpart funding for intervention in health along with Dangote Foundation and Bill/Melinda Gates Foundation. At least over 25 International Development Partners have been attracted to Sokoto to work in the health sector. 213 Doctors and Health Professionals engaged to develop Sokoto State Strategic Health Plan for 2016-2020 in collaboration with RTI/LEAD/USAID. 583 NOMA patients have so far received free plastic surgeries at the state Noma Children Hospital. Over 6,500 epilepsy and psychiatric patients have received free medication from government; and they were drawn from 65 wards in the 23 local government areas of the state. Most im-

j ƌƄƑƓ Ƌ portantly, N10 million is being expended monthly to provide free drugs to patients in hospitals and other health facilities in Sokoto. Of course, housing is one of the primary needs of man and Governor Tambuwal is not oblivious of this hence since 2015, 300 Civil Servants have benefitted from Home renovation loan guaranteed by the government, and expended through the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN). Already, Government has completed work at the 500 housing unit Kalambaina Estate. There is another 500 housing unit Kalambaina Estate completed; with another 500 Units of houses at Gidan Man Ada inherited from the previous administration and funds provided for their completion. In an era, where majority of the states are unable to pay workers’ salaries, it is gratifying to note that Tambuwal has created not less than 1000 new millionaires in Sokoto after the payment of retirement benefits to 1907 pensioners. His administration is up to date in the payment of salaries and pensions. Governor Tambuwal has created wealth and empowered youths and women in the state. When some states are downsizing their workforce, Sokoto state has employed 500 new junior and mid-cadre staff into the state civil service. They include drivers, messengers, mechanics and other clerical/administrative officers. In 2016 alone, 19,000 job opportunities were created by the government. They include jobs in the civil service, agricultural sector, mining sector and the introduction of the new Primary Healthcare UnderOne-Roof policy. All health workers in ministries and agencies working in the local gov-

ernment areas have been absorbed into the state Primary healthcare Development Agency. N40,000 is paid to each of the 575 extremely poor beneficiaries under the conditional cash transfer scheme in Illela LGA. N33 million is expended every month by the Zakat and Endowment Committee for the payment of N6,500 monthly stipends to under-privileged members of the society as part of government’s initiative to tackle extreme poverty. N2 billion is set aside by the Government and the Bank of Industry (BoI) as intervention funds for the development of micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the state. In line with this administration’s diversification policy, Sokoto state under Governor Tambuwal is a reference point as in his first year in office, 9,000 tons of fertilizer were bought and sold to farmers at subsidized rate for the 2015 farming season at the cost of N1.2 billion and this has continued up till today. Already, a new Organic Fertiliser Company has been established in Sokoto and production has continued since it was unveiled in earlier this year. For two years running, Sokoto allocated more funds to the agric sector than any state in the country. $250m has been voted for the establishment of a Tomato Processing Factory by Erisco Foods Limited in Sokoto. An MoU has already been signed while land for the project has been handed over to the company by the Government. N1,660 billion has been expended in the provision of water pumps, seedlings, drilling tube wells and other agricultural machineries for farmers. AnotherN1,690 billion for the procurement of 1000

units of Tiller Machines for farmers in the state. The Government has not rested in the war against corruption and as at today, N1.5 billion redundant funds has been recovered by Government from 100 previously unknown accounts in various commercial banks after the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) payment system. In short, Governor Tambuwal has demystified governance. Described by those who know him closely as a kind hearted and passionate individual, Tambuwal is a committed professional who excels in any given task. In the political stratosphere of today, he has remained his true self. Besides his apparent willingness not to be encumbered by the political exigencies of double-speak, his utterances and actions have been guided by the need to do what is right, and what is in the best interest of the country. The Man, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, lawyer, parliamentarian, administrator, was born on January 10, 1966 in Tambuwal, Sokoto State. He had his early education at the Tambuwal Primary School from 1972 -1979 and Government Teachers College Dogon-Daji where he obtained his Teachers Grade 11 Certificate in 1984. Determined to become a lawyer, young Aminu proceeded to read Law at the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, graduating in 1991 with an LL.B (Hons). In 1992, after successfully completing his one year mandatory studies at the Nigeria Law School Lagos, he was called to the Nigerian Bar. His charm and vibrant pursuit of an egalitarian society was soon noticed by his colleagues who persuaded him to run for office and he was elected the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Sokoto in 1997. Subsequently, he was to serve variously as the association’s Assistant National Financial Secretary, 1st National Secretary, and Secretary of the Human Rights Committee, between the years 1998 - 2002. Political Career After working as the Personal Assistant to the then Senate Leader, Senator Abdullahi Wali, Tambuwal ran for the House of Representatives seat for Kebbe/ Tambuwal federal constituency of Sokoto State in 2003 on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and won. In 2004, he became the Minority Leader of the House. His knowledge, charisma and erudition, made him a very efficient leader of the opposition.

Determined to continue rendering qualitative representation to his constituents, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal again contested the National Assembly elections in 2007. Following wide ranging consultations, orchestrated and spearheaded by his Leader Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Tambuwal recontested, this time on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He won the seat to represent his constituency from 2007-2011. No longer in the opposition, he was promptly elected the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, bringing his varied legislative experience, vast array of friends in different parties and sound judgment, to bear on the leadership of the House. In 2011, when Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal again stood for and won election to the House of Representatives, he had become one of the most experienced and most regarded members of that hallowed chamber. His integrity, knowledge of procedure and people, and his charming intelligence made him a very popular ranking member of the House. When the time came to elect a Speaker for the House therefore, it was inevitable that he would become the top contender. His nationalistic vision, his leadership by consensus, and his popularity with people across party, religion and ethnic lines, earned him the trust and ultimately the vote of his colleagues to become Speaker of the 7th Assembly of the House of Representatives. Against almost insurmountable odds, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal emerged Speaker in 2011 and ran a clean House, devoid of the controversies, corrupt charges and jostles for power that seemed to have characterised the tenure of his predecessors. Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is a man of many parts who has been able to distinguish himself in all of them. Some of his other achievements include: Leader of the Nigerian Delegation to African, Caribbean, Pacific and European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly; Leader of the Federal Government team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the controversial denial of visas to Nigerian female pilgrims; Member, International Bar Association, Member, Nigerian bar Association; Member, National Executive Committee Nigerian Bar Association; he has attended courses in Kennedy School of Government, Harvard, USA; Oxford University; Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Tulane University, both in the USA.

Life Impact Award Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Lifetime Achievement Award

Onyema Ugochukwu

Ï Touching lives through jobs creation Early Childhood

ÏÏÏ Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a

welcomed and approved. He later went to build facilities for his flour company there. So also in the 90’s, he approached the Central Bank of Nigeria with the idea that it would be cheaper for the bank to allow his transport company to manage their fleet of staff buses which was also approved. In Nigeria as of today, Dangote Group with its dominance in the sugar market and Sugar Refinery is the main supplier (70% of the market) to the country’s soft drinks companies, breweries and confectioners. It is indeed, the largest refinery in Africa and the third largest in the world producing 800,000 tonnes of sugar annually. Apart from these, Dangote Group owns salt factories and flour mills and also being a major importer of rice, fish, pasta, cement and fertilizer. Exports The company exports cotton, cashew nuts, cocoa, sesame seed and ginger to several countries. It also has major investments in

ÏÏÏ The success of

Life Impact Award

Nollywood cannot be recorded without the mention of an icon, Oludotun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs. His career includes works in radio, theatre and films. Born on July 11, 1942 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Jacobs attended Holy Trinity School, Kano. He was a member of the debating and drama society. Olu Jacobs developed the passion for acting after attending one of Hubert Ogunde’s annual concert party at Colonial Hotel in Kano. In order to achieve the feat, he traveled to England in 1964 to

Dangote real estate, banking, transport, textiles and oil and gas. The company employs over 11,000 people and is the largest industrial conglomerate in the whole of West Africa. Dangote is also exploring into telecommunications and has started building 14,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables to supply the whole of Nigeria and as a result, he was honoured in January 2009 as the leading provider of employment in the Nigerian construction industry. He said: “Let me tell you this and I want to really emphasise it...nothing is going to help Nigeria like Nigerians bringing back their money. If you give me $5 billion today, I will invest everything here in Nigeria. Let us put our heads together and work.” As far as politics is concerned in Nigeria, Dangote played a very prominent role in the funding of Obasanjo’s re-election bid in 2003, to which he gave over N200 million (US$2M). He also contributed N50

ÏÏÏ million (US$0.5M) to the National Mosque under the aegis of “Friends of Obasanjo and Atiku”. Furthermore, he also contributed N200 million to the Presidential Library. These highly controversial gifts to the members of the then ruling party, PDP, have generated a lot of concerns despite highly publicised anti-corruption drives during Obasanjo’s second term. On May 23, 2010, Britain’s Daily Mirror published it that Dangote was interested in buying a 16 percent stake in Premiership side Arsenal belonging to Lady Nina Brace well-Smith. Dangote later denied these rumours. On November 14, 2011, Dangote was awarded a National Honour, Nigeria’s second highest honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by former President Goodluck Jonathan. The Dangote Group is a diversified conglomerate, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with interests across a range of sectors in Africa. Current interests include, cement, sugar, flour, salt, pasta, beverages and real estate, with new projects in development in the oil and Natural gas, telecommunications, fertilizer and steel. The Group focuses on provision of local, value-added products and services that meet the needs of the African population. Dangote Cement, the largest cement production company in Africa, with a market capitalization of almost US$14 billion on the Nigeria Stock Exchange, has subsidiaries in Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. In December 2010, the group signed an agreement with the Government of Zambia to construct a US$400 million cement plant in Zambia.

Chief Olu Jacobs pursue his acting career. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He then starred in various British television shows and series in the 1970s - The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, Angels, 1990, The Tomorrow People, The Professionals. In 1978, he played the role of President Mageeba in Michael Codron’s presentation of Tom Stoppard’s play Night and Day. In the 1980s, Jacobs

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Lifetime Achievement Award

Aliko Dangote northerner, precisely from Kano State, Nigeria was born on April 10, 1957 into a wealthy Muslim family. His eyes for business started right from when he was young as he recalled: “I can remember when I was in primary school, I would go and buy cartons of sweets (sugar boxes) and I would start selling them just to make money. I was so interested in business, even at that time.” He studied business from the Al Azhar University, Cairo in Egypt and thereafter returned to Nigeria to work with his uncle, Sanusi Abdulkadir Dantata. His uncle would eventually provide him a loan of 500,000 when he was just 21 years old to start a business. Early Business life The Dangote Group which started as a small trading firm was established in the year 1977. Today, it is a multi-trillion naira conglomerate with many of its operations in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. At present, Dangote has enlarged his line of businesses to also cover food processing, cement manufacturing, and freight. The Dangote Group also dominates the sugar market in Nigeria and is a major sugar supplier to the country’s soft drink companies, breweries, and confectioners. The Dangote Group has also moved from being a trading company to being the largest industrial group in Nigeria and these include: Dangote Sugar Refinery, Dangote Cement, and Dangote Flour just to mention but a few. In the month of July 2012, he approached the Nigerian Ports Authority with the idea of leasing an abandoned piece of land at the Apapa Port, which was

starred in several international films some of which include John Irvin’s war film- The Dogs of War, Roman Polanski’s adventurecomedy Pirates (1986) and the family-adventure film - Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985). On television, he was a cast in TVS’s The Witches and the Grinnygog (1983 series). Jacobs has starred in over 120 Nollywood films and is considered one of the top Nigerian Nollywood actors.

Jacobs

Chief Onyema Ugochukwu was born in born November 9, 1944 in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. He graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a BSc in Economics. He is married with four children. A highly revered Nigerian economist, journalist, and politician, Ugochukwu served as the senior Special Adviser on Communication to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the first Executive Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). On February 25, 2008, an Abia State elections tribunal declared Ugochukwu the winner of the 2007 gubernatorial election and Governor-elect of Abia State. However, on February 11, 2009 an Appeal Court in Port Harcourt, the River State capital, overturned the ruling, declaring that Chief Theodore Orji of the PPA had in fact won the election. Upon graduation from college, Ugochukwu was hired as an Economic Research Assistant by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He remained with CBN for two years before he abandoned a promising career in economics to pursue his true passion, journalism. Ugochukwu joined the Business Times group as an Economic Analyst and a pioneer staff of what would later become the most influential financial newspaper in Nigeria. He rose in the ranks to become the Editor of the Business Times newspaper (1977 to 1982). In 1983, Ugochukwu became Editor-in-Chief of the London-based West Africa magazine, where he wrote extensively on development issues, to provide a better understanding of the African debt crisis. He eventually returned to Nigeria to become the Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times of Nigeria and he was subsequently appointed to its board as the Executive Director of Manpower and Development. He retired from newspaper journalism in 1994 as the Executive Director of Publications. Ugochukwu remained active as a media consultant for the Dow Jones Financial News Service. Throughout his distinguished career as a journalist, Ugochukwu met and interviewed numerous Heads of States – including then Minister Margaret Thatcher, former South

Ugochukwu African President Nelson Mandela, Jamaican Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, French President Jacques Chirac, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Cuban President, Fidel Castro, Nigerian presidents Ibrahim Babangida, Muhammadu Buhari, Sani Abacha, and Abdusalami Abubakar – and presented papers on African economic and political development at various forums including Oxford University, England, and Uppsala University. With Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1998, Ugochukwu became the Director of Publicity at the Obasanjo for President Campaign Organisation, and contributed immensely to the election of Olusegun Obasanjo as the President of Nigeria. He was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Orientation and Public Affairs. He spearheaded a National Rebirth campaign aimed at instilling patriotic virtues into a national psyche ravaged by years of political instability and corruption. It was on this platform that Ugochukwu launched “The Nigerian Declaration of Human Responsibilities”, which declares in part: “This Character on Human Responsibilities… Seeks to bring freedom and responsibility into a better balance, to highlight and increase awareness of the obligation which we owe each other and to our nation.” To soothe the political unrest in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, President Obasanjo signed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act of 2000 into law. He was appointed as the pioneer chairman of the newly created commission, charged with developing the nine oil producing states of the country, with excess oil revenues.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award

Prince Tony Momoh

ÏÏÏ Prince

Tony Momoh is a Nigerian journalist and politician who was Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture (1986–1990) during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida Momoh was born on 27 April 1939 in Auchi, Edo state, of Edo origin. He was the 165th child of King Momoh I of Auchi. He attended Government School Auchi (1949–1954) and Anglican School Okpe (1954).[2] Momoh was Pupil Teacher at the Anglican School, Auchi (January– December 1955) and Headmaster at the Anglican School, Ubuneke, Ivbiaro, Owan Local Government (January 1958 – December 1959).He went to the Provincial Teachers Training College, Abudu, Edo State and Government Teachers College, Abraka in Western Region(1960–1961). Later, while working at the Daily Times or on sabbatical, he attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (September 1964 – October 1966) where he earned a degree in Mass communication, and then the University of Lagos where he studied Law. He attended the Nigerian Law School,

Lagos (October 1974 – May 1975), and was called to the bar in June 1975. Momoh started his journalism career as a sub-editor at the Daily Times in October 1962, rising steadily through the ranks to become Editor and deputy general manager (June 1976 – May 1980). In June 1979, during the lead-up to the transition from military to civilian rule at the start of the Second Nigerian Republic, Momoh said of the five presidential candidates: “They are all the same ... It’s going to turn into a personality contest”. In 1981 the Senate led by Joseph Wayas summoned Momoh for contempt. This caused a major legal battle in which Momoh successfully argued that as a journalist he was empowered by the constitution to hold government accountable at all times. In Tony Momoh v. Speaker, House of Representatives (1982) it was held that a person had the right to refuse to disclose their source of information. However, in Senate v. Tony Momoh (1983) the Court of Appeals held that the press is not a fourth arm of government. A newspaper publisher has no special im-

munity and the press can be ordered to disclose its sources in some cases. Momoh was general manager of the Times from June 1984 to Sept 1986. Minister of Information and Culture Momoh was appointed Minister of Information and Culture by General Ibrahim Babangida, holding this position from September 1986 until 1990. He was Chairman of the African Conference of Information Ministers from 1988 to 1990.[5]In 1983 the editor of Newswatch, Dele Giwa, was detained for a week by police for publishing what they called “classified material”. On 17 October 1986 Giwa was accused by Colonel A.K. Togun of the State Security Services (SSS) of anti-government activities including attempting to import arms to foment insurrection. On 19 October 1986 Giwa was killed by a parcel bomb. At first, Momoh pledged that there would be a government probe of the incident. He soon backed down, saying “a special probe would serve no useful purpose”. Speaking at a seminar in Lagos in 1987, Momoh said that radio, television and newspapers should be seen as tools “for the promotion of national unity and inte-

gration”. In 1988 Momoh announced that the government was trying to find radio sets that could only receive approved broadcasts from the federal and state radio stations. This was “as a means of ensuring that information about the country was adequately disseminated” In a February 1990 interview published in Ebony magazine Momoh talked about the rich and diverse Nigerian culture. He stated that British-style parliamentary democracy and the American-style presidential system had both failed in Nigeria because they were not compatible with these local cultures. He said that Nigeria was now establishing a system of grassroots democracy in a twoparty system. In May 1990 party elections were held for local ward positions using an “open ballot”, where voters showed their preference by standing in front of a photograph of the candidate. Party elections were then scheduled for the state and national elections. Momoh said the government would not interfere in the inner workings of parties. Soon after, all the National Republican Convention candidates for national offices were disqualified on the grounds that there were

turing company in Nigeria and is patronised heavily by the Nigerian government especially during elections. Ekeh through his company, Zinox Technologies, has given back to the society in several ways. One of which is the Computerize Nigeria Project which was launched on August 5, 2000. The goal of the project was to sensitise and encourage development in the use of computers by Nigerians. Another such project is the CANi scheme which was set up to provide quality desktop and laptop computers to the Nigerian populace at below normal market prices with the option of bank financing and a 24 month repayment period. The testimonial of Ekeh’s business genius can be seen in the numerous awards won by both him and his company. They include but are not limited to: Zinox computers as ICT

Company of the Year at the Thisday Awards for Excellence in 2007, Computer Brand of the Year in 2006 at the Nigerian Information Technology and Telecom Awards, 4 doctorate degrees from reputable universities, etc. Ekeh was conferred with the honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) of Nigeria by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 and is also a board member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. Ekeh also serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Zinox Technologies Ltd. and Buyright Africa Dotcom Limited. He founded TaskDirect Limited in 1987. Chief Leo Stan Ekeh is a first rate Indian trained economist and risk Manager, was honoured as an ICON of Hope by President Olusegun Obasanjo October 1, 2002 for his sustained pioneering effort

Momoh irregularities in their application forms. Babangida followed a policy of donating money, vehicles, offices and so on to local governments, political parties and others on the basis that this would keep them free of influence by the rich and powerful. As Minister for Information Momoh justified the practice, saying of Democracy that it “is not as expensive as people are thinking in relation to the alternative. The alternative is allowing one man to dictate to the whole Nigeria because you don’t want it to be expensive. If money is not spent on democracy

and a one-man dictatorship emerges ... it is the same Nigerians who are talking of expensiveness now that will shout that one man is a dictator”. Babangida was tough on the press at times, but tried to avoid open conflict. When the press began calling for Momoh’s dismissal he was slow to respond, since Momoh was intelligent and reflective, and had experience from his own days as a newspaper editor. However, he finally dismissed Momoh and replaced him by Alex Akinyele, who had previously been in the customs services and had been a director at Newswatch.

Life Impact Award

Leo Stan Ekeh

Ï Computer guru with a deference ÏÏÏ

Whenever anyone talks of technology in Nigeria, the name Chief Leo Stan Ekeh must be mentioned. Born on February 22, 1956 in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli in Imo State, Ekeh is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the wellknown indigenous firm, Zinox Technologies Limited, makers of personal computers. The technology guru surprisingly does not have a technology background as he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Panjan University in India and a postgraduate degree in Risk Management from Nottingham University in England. Ekeh began his journey in the technology business when he set up Task Systems Limited which was a pioneer in desktop publishing and computer graphics in Nigeria. The company

was so successful that it is to his credit the computerisation of a high percentage of print media in Nigeria. The astute businessman also founded other companies including ITEC Solutions Limited and Technology Distribution Limited. He then set up Zinox Technologies Limited in October 2001 to produce locally made computers. Always pioneering, his computers were the first Nigerian made computers certified internationally. Zinox was the first computer manufacturer in West Africa to attain the WHQL certification and the ISO 9001: 2000 certification. In October 2013, Zinox Technologies unveiled their first tablet computer called Zipad produced locally at a media conference at the company’s headquarters in Lagos. The company is the leading computer manufac-

Ekeh in the area of Information technology and also as a pride to modern Nigeria. He attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri in Imo State for his secondary education. When young, he wanted to own the biggest transport company in Nigeria. He later went to India for his university education, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Punjab

University. Ekeh believes that studying in India was “a great turning point in my life because I found the economy of India a realistic economy”. After his university education in India, Ekeh opted to study at the Cork City University, Ireland, and later transferred to Nottingham University, United Kingdom, earning a degree in Risk Management.

Daily Times 2017 Award Winners

Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè C Ƒ Əƕ ƾè ƾƠơƤ

News

Lifetime Achievement Award

Chief Olusegun Osoba

ÏÏÏ Chief

Olusegun Osoba, the Akinrogun of Egbaland and Aremo Awujale of Ijebuland was born to Pa and Madam Jonathan Babatunde Osoba. Chief Olusegun Osoba attended a series of professional courses after high school graduation from Methodist Boys High School Lagos. He obtained a diploma in journalism at the University of Lagos and went for one-year course in the United Kingdom on the scholarship of the Commonwealth Press Union in 1967. In 1969, he was studying in Bloomington, USA at the Indiana University’s department of journalism.

In 1974 he won the Nieman Fellowship Award for journalism for year’s postgraduate study at Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He is the first Nigerian to have won this prestigious Nieman Fellowship for Journalism. Chief Olusegun Osoba started his career in journalism in 1964 working with the Daily Times as a trainee reporter covering crime stories and by 1966, he was the diplomatic correspondent of the Times. He became news editor in 1968, deputy editor of the Sunday Times in 1971 and deputy editor of the Times in 1972. In August 1975, he

became the Editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria, then left the firm in November 1975 to take up the task of General Manager of the Ilorin based Nigerian Herald. He returned to the Times in 1984 as the managing director.[3] Internationally, he worked as stringer or local correspondent for the following organizations: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC),The Times of London ,Newsweek Magazine, U.S.A, United Press International News Agency (UPI). He was the chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and Member of the Executive Board of the International Press Institute representing Black-Africa from 1984-1992. He was

a member of the Nigerian Constituent Assembly in 1988. He is also member of the Commonwealth Press Union, London and the Nigerian union of Journalist (NUJ). Chief Olusegun Osoba was elected on two different occasions as Governor of Ogun State first from January 1992 until November 1993 with the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was removed from office by Sani Abacha’s administration on 17 November 1993. In 1999, he was elected again as governor with the Alliance for Democracy party (AD), holding office between May 1999 and May 2003. He holds the National Honours of the Commander of the Order of the Niger

Osoba CON. He is a member of the National Conference 2014. Personal life He got married to Beere

Aderinsola and is the father of four children, two boys and two girls: Kemi, Olumide, Oluyinka and Tobi.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sam Amuka-Pemu ÏÏÏ Prince Sam Amuka Pemu (born

13 June 1935) is a Nigerian journalist, columnist and founder of the Vanguard, Nigeria’s leading newspaper. He cofounded The Punch, the most widely read newspaper in Nigeria.[1][2]Sam Amuka Pemu was born in Sapele, a city in Delta State, southern Nigeria into the family of the late Pa Amuka-Pemu and Madam Teshoma Amuka-Pemu, who died in May 2014.[3][4][5] He was formerly a Daily Times of Nigeria editor and the first editor of the Sunday Punch before he established The Punch with his friend, the late Olu Aboderin, in 1971. He later established Vanguard Newspaper in 1983 with three other Nigerian columnists. Amuka was described as a “Gentleman of the Press” by President Muhammadu Buhari on

Amuka-Pemu

Lifetime Achievement Award

Prince Henry Odukomaiya ÏÏÏ While celebrating his 80th birthday with a thanksgiving service at the Arch Bishop Vinning Memorial Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos recently, Prince Henry Odukomaiya is generally seen as one of the brains behind the birth of Concord Newspaper. He was also the former Managing Director of Champion Newspapers and a former Deputy Chief Editor of the Daily Times. Prominent Nigerians who attended the event included Minister of Infor-

mation, Labaran Maku, Ogun state Commissioner for Commerce, Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi. The celebrant also launched a book: Henry Odukomaiya @ 80: In the Eyes Of Associates, which was reviewed by the former Managing Director of Daily Times, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi.

Odukomaiya

his 80th birthday. He was described as an icon and a leading light in Nigerian journalism by Nduka Obaigbena, President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria. Amuka-Pemu is the oldest practising media professional in Nigeria today who had been cited by peers. A book entitled From 1939 to the Vanguard of Modern Journalism written by Kola Muslim Animasaun, who also trained under him acknowledged his immense contributions to Journalism in Nigeria. Uncle Sam, as he is fondly called, as the publisher of Vanguard, is a great team player. Always leaves a lasting impression on his audience, as he llistens to everybody’s opinion and the justification for such opinion.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

L-R: Registrar, Diocese of Lagos, Chief Rotimi Williams; Chancellor, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji; Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus of The Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Adebola Ademowo; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Millennium Goals, Mrs. Orelope Adefulire and Legal Secretary of Lagos Diocese, Mrs. Folashade Adetiba, during the New Year Service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, in Lagos...on Monday.

We are prioritising our people’s need - Gov Bindow

By Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏAdamawa

State Governor Muhammadu Jibrila Bindow on Monday reiterated the need to prioritise the needs of the people of the state despite limited resources. Bindow said this in his New Year broadcast to the residents of the state also said that the residents shall be the focus of his administration. “Let me emphasise the fact that we are not magicians but we are determined to prioritise the needs of our people within our limited resources. That’s why we have fully paid our workers their salaries. Most importantly we have now cleared all our inherited arrears of Local Government workers by the end of last year, 2017.” He called on all the people of the state to rededicate themselves to the ideals of unity, peace and the development of the State in this 2018 that is the only way that development can thrive.

Crisis looms in Minna Emirate as group seek Gov Bello’s intervention

Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏCrisis

of imaginable proportion is set to rock the Minna Emirate Council, as the Gbagyi Elders’ Forum has asked the state Governor Abubakar Bello to intervene by stopping the proposed turbaning of village heads. The Elders gave the warning Monday, when they addressed journalists in a media briefing at the state capital, Minna. One of the elders Alhaji Awaisu Giwa Awanna, said that they have made their position known to the Governor in a letter where they alleged that they have uncovered a deliberate plan to create crisis in the Gbagyi land and they would resist it. Awanna lamented the delay in the implementation and releasing the report of the government investigative committee

on the situation leading to the appointment of the present District Heads and Village Heads done indiscriminately by the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago. He therefore called on the state government to as a matter of urgency intervene by ensuring the truth that truth prevails as denying the people leaders of their choice would lead to crisis. The letter dated 18th December, 2017 and made available to journalists was titled: Investigation Committee on recent appointment of District Heads and Village Heads in Minna Emirate: A plea for release of the report of the committee and government position on the matter. The elders accused the Emir of deliberate efforts at disrupting the over 30 years of peaceful coexistence which the community enjoyed by breaking the gentleman agreement between

them and the Emirate Council by appointing his family members only. The letter read in part: “The unilateral application for approval of Mr Governor to create new District and Village areas and their Heads to the exclusion of local government councils in the Emirate, who alone have the power to seek such approval under section 11 of the Niger State Local Government Law as amended in 2001. “This singular act by the Emir runs contrary to the above section of the law which can substantially be challenged in the Court of Law”. It further noted that there was no compliance with the procedures for appointment of District and Village Heads in accordance with the custom and tradition of Minna Emirate. The letter signed by Amb. Zubairu Dada, Alhaji Abubakar

M. Bosso and Alhaji Awaisu Giwa Awanna stated that if the Emir failed to accede to the yearnings and aspirations of the people for inclusive administration then the Governor should dissolve the Emirate as constituted currently and allow the various Chiefdoms the autonomy long denied them. Awanna who sued for peace in an atmosphere of fairness and justice hinted that the Emirate has 27 cases in court related to various anomalies going on in the Emirate but said that the confidence in the court of justice is in doubt. He further condemned the Emir’s creation of 188 village heads and 30 districts heads from the former 18 without due process who have served without salaries for two years just as the local governments 5% deductions for the Emirate Council of Minna is illegal because it has been operating without cabinet members.

Approve $13.5bn Zabazaba Deepwater project, Group tells Buhari Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏIn view of the importance of

boosting local content in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, an Ijaw socio-political group, Patriots of Ijaw Nation (PIN), has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the Zabazaba Deepwater Project. PIN made the call Monday in Yenagoa in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kesiye Newman. The group said in the state-

ment: “We most sincerely and respectfully request our president Muhammadu Buhari to approve the Zabazaba Deepwater Project because of its enormous economic benefits to the country. The $13.5 billion Zabazaba Deepwater Project will be executed by Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) in partnership with Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO). It involves the development of the Zabazaba deepwater field, a greenfield offshore licence in the eastern portion of the Niger Delta with proven re-

serves of 560 million barrels of oil, which will increase the country’s daily crude oil production. “Most importantly, the Zabazaba Deepwater Project will be a significant boost to the country’s economy and the local content initiative being promoted and prioritised by the present government. Information from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board revealed that the technical and commercial bids for the project had comfortably met the government’s aspiration of growing and maximising local content

at the most competitive cost. “The major contractors for the project, NAE and SNEPCO, have concluded plans for in-country fabrication and integration of the topsides of their projects’ Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. “The local content component of the Zabazaba Deepwater Project is unequalled, and its impact on the Nigerian economy, when fully executed, would be unprecedented. When it becomes operational, the project is expected to generate at least $8 Billion for Nigeria.

“Besides, the multiplier effect of the project on the local economies of the catchment areas in the Niger Delta will be huge. And it will be a major boost to the Buhari administration’s commitment to ensure peace in the region through the profitable engagement of idle hands. “Approval of the Zabazaba Deepwater Project will also be a powerful statement of the APC Federal Government’s belief and commitment to the promotion of indigenous development of the oil and gas industry.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2017

News 15

ÏÏÏThe

General Overseer Worldwide of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeoboye, has prophesied that proverbial “significant Goliaths will fall” this year; just as he disclosed that before the end of the year, there will be rays of hope that all will still be well. But the revered cleric did not explain who the Goliaths are. Adeboye, noted for his careful choice of words, reeled out his 2018 prophecies for individuals, Nigeria, and the world at the church’s Cross-Over Service held at its Redemption Camp and watched in over 198 countries, where the church has branches. “I have to put it carefully so I am not misunderstood,” he said as he prophesied that, “Many people will wake up to realise that their future is not in the hand of any government and as a result a lot of lost ground will be reclaimed”. Continuing the prophecies for individuals, Adeboye said “Erstwhile stubborn mountains will move; while saboteurs who pretend to be friends will be disgraced and displaced. The international prophecies are as follows: This year there will be less fire outbreaks but there will be more floods. There will be misunderstandings amongst nation but no major wars. There is need for prayers against assassination attempts globally. There will be record breaking temperatures both high and low. There will be a handful of breakthroughs, both scientific and medical. Global warming, sexual perversion and others signal the countdown to the end. Enforcing victory The prophecies came towards the end of his ministration, which centred on ‘Enforcing your Victory’. Expressing his displeasure about passive attitude to prophecies and God’s promises, he challenged members of the church, and Christians in general, to possess their victories and live them with boldness and thanksgiving. “It is one thing to be victorious and another thing to possess it,” he stressed, citing the example of the hen that still remained at the spot where it had been tied for days even when the rope was cut until someone kicked it to make it move away. Referring to the last Holy Ghost Congress where God promised the congregation a victory song, he wondered why some people were not looking victorious and singing victory songs. He explained that it was God who chose the theme of the Holy Ghost Congress and everything he did during the programme had God’s authority. He revealed that prior to every monthly Holy Ghost Service, he shuts himself in for three days to communicate with God and that although he sleeps off sometimes, they communicate enough to know what to do during the service. He taught the congregation

L-R: Prelate Chaplain, Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN),Very Rev. Rufus Atolaye; Bishop of Evangelism, Rt. Rev. Edoka Amuta; Secretary of Conference, Rt. Rev. Micheal Adewale; Bishop of Tinubu, Rt. Rev. Omotayo Babalola and Proto-Presbyter, Very Rev. Jonathan Osin, during the New Year Service at MCN in Lagos… on Monday.

Many Goliaths will fall this year, Adeboye predicts

that to enforce their victory, they have to exercise unshaken faith that what God has said is as good as done. Victory, he said, is also enforced by confession; quoting relevant Bible passages to the devil when he tries to sow the seed of doubt in us. “The problem with some Christians is that the devil believes the written word more than they do. When the devil hears ‘it is written’ it shuts him up,” he said. Other ways of enforcing victory, he explained, are through giving, hard work, praying and fasting. He urged the congregation not to ask for small things from God during prayers, buttressing his point with his testimony on his request for a flat when he moved from the University of Ilorin into a oneroom apartment in Mushin to be the General Overseer of the church. Redemption Camp testimony The testimony: “Prior to becoming the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, I was the head of Department of Mathematics at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. I was living in a mansion with a two-bedroom guest quarters. I also had servants’ quarters with four bedrooms. “All these were not part of the main house. But when I became the General Overseer, I had to live in a one-room apartment at Mushin (a relatively poor suburb in Lagos). I left my wife and children in Ilorin to be in Lagos to work in the church. Due to my difficult living conditions at that time, I had to tidy up things

before my family could join me. “Before bringing them over, I went to God in prayers and explained the challenges I was facing to Him. I told God to build a house for me. Left to me I did not mind using the one-room apartment, but the thought of housing my entire family in one room posed a great challenge to me. God’s response to me was, “Son, don’t ask for house because I have decided to build you a city. “That response was beyond what I could comprehend. After this encounter, I began to dream of a city where everybody would be a Christian; a city where there would be no molestation; a city where there would be no power failure or water shortages. God began to stretch my mind to see a city where His praises would fill every mouth.” That is The Redemption Camp, which is now a large town or city. The beginning Noted for punctuality, the church kicked off the day’s programme at 7pm with worship and praise songs, even when the congregation was well below the sitting capacity of the expansive auditorium because the various parishes held similar events. Nothing much had changed though. Pastor Adeboye, who has attended every major programme of the church since he was appointed its General Overseer, and perhaps before then, since he was the interpreter of the founder of the Church, was present. So was his wife, Folu, who is also a

pastor, as were many elders of the church. While the singing was ongoing, arrangements were made for the administration of Holy Communion. There was no formal introduction of Pastor Adeboye, who was to administer the Holy Communion, but as his voice sliced through the air with a song, “You are the Mighty God, the great I am… ..”It was obvious that he was already kneeling at the pulpit to pray. To pray along with him, all knees in the twin auditoriums at the original Camp, and the new three-kilometre-bythree-kilometre auditorium went down. It ended shortly after with the popular “Let somebody shout Halleluyah!” Preaching from Exodus 12, he said a time comes in everyone’s life when God decides that enough is enough – enough of pain, enough of weakness, enough of life in bondage, enough of poverty, enough of oppression. Giving the examples of the Israelites who laboured in slavery for years, and the man at the pool of Bethesda, who lay there helpless for 38 years, he prophesied that God was going to step into people’s lives to put an end to their suffering before daybreak. Since sinners are barred from taking the Holy Communion, there was an altar call, which was responded to by over 600 people. The Holy Communion was taken with prayers of: “Enough of sickness; enough of pain; enough of weakness” after which Pastor Adeboye also prayed.

There was a break for the choir to prepare for the next session. The colourful over 1,200-strong mass choir of the church was not assembled because of the holiday season and the need for some of the members to attend their local parishes. But those who were present did well, churning out inspirational songs. They were later commended by the pastor, who is himself a musician, and the composer of many of the songs sang during the programme The second part of programme began with songs and prayers after which Pastor Folu Adeboye and a group of women, all dressed in white, rendered three thanksgiving songs on behalf of all parishes/branches of the church around the world. A play reenacting the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt by the church’s Drama Group, entitled ‘Songs of Victory’, was beautifully performed to a loud ovation. And as the cast left the stage, Pastor Adeboye clapped in admiration, while Pastor Folu followed them. Songs and more songs by the choir followed, with the congregation singing along. Many more people, targeting the midnight prayers, poured in as the programme went on. The New Year was welcomed with loud cheer, jubilation and prayers. Pastor Adeboye revealed that in 2018, the church is going to take the battle to the enemy, starting with the first Holy Ghost Service on Friday.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Photo 18

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Scenes from New Year celebration in Lagos... on Monday

Photos by: Olawale Rotimi

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

19 Photo

Scenes from New Year celebration in Lagos... on Monday

Photos by: Olawale Rotimi

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

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21 Public Notice

NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (NASOW) NO. 6776/CAC/6INCT THIS IS TO INFORM ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (NASOW) NO. 6776/CAC/6INCT HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF CERTIFIED TRUE COPY (CTC) OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION. THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE GOT MISSING AND CANNOT BE FOUND AFTER A THOROUGH SEARCH. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR OLALEKAN OLADAPO ESQ

THE PROPHESIED HOUSE OF YAHWEH INT’L CHURCH THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE WISDOM ASUQUO UDO - CHAIRMAN 2. DEACON PATRICK NTAWARA - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. DEACON UDUAK ASUQUO UDO - ACCOUNTANT . 4. EVANGELIST PROGRESS EMMANUEL - SECRETARY 5. BRO. OPARA IFEANYICHUKWU - MEMBER. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. THE PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR -GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

PALACE OF VENGEANCE MINISTRY

GOD’S TABERNACLE APOSTOLIC CENTER

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

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 TRUSTEES: 1. APOSTLE NICHOLAS UZORDIKE OBODOZIE 2. PASTOR SHARON JUDITH OBODOZIE 3. CHARLES OBODOZIE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) TO PROPAGATE THE GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS CONTAINED IN THE HOLY BIBLE THROUGH 2) CHURCH PLANTING AND GROWTH CAMPAIGNS 3) CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND BIBLE TRAINING 4) BOOKS AND PRINT PUBLICATIONS 5) TELEVISION, RADIO, THE INTERNET AND OTHER AVAILABLE ELECTRONIC MEDIA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999.

ANY OBJECTION TO 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. ALERECHI NGOZI PATRICIA - GENERAL OVERSEER. 2. PRECIOUS OLUCHI ALERECHI - SECRETARY. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST . 2. TO EVANGELISE GOD’S WORD. 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: ALERECHI NGOZI PATRICIA (GENERAL OVERSEER)

NDIGENOUS MOTHERS OF GOOD HEART ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES: 1) GLORIA FURO WUZOR -PRESIDENT 2) JUSTINA OGOLO- SECRETARY 3) AUGUSTINA ALAWARI JUMBO 4) SARAH OGOLO. 5) PATIENCE IBIWANGI VICTOR. 6) GILBERT EMILIA NTE. 7) IKIBA-OPUENE-KUNA KAMABA. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: GRASS ROOT COORDINATION OF WOMEN AND YOUTH,IN TERMS OF HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION AND AGRICULTURE

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

BELIEVERS OF GOD EMBASSY FOR ALL NATIONS

PARTAKERS OF GRACE AND GLORY ASSEMBLY WORLDWIDE

CHRIST BELIEVERS ABIDING PLACE MINISTRY

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. GODKNOWS FRIDAY. 2. OMIE THEOPHILOUS. 3. TIMIDI, BEBEDONGHENENAGOA. 4. BEULAH FRIDAY. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. EVANGELISM 2. PREACHING THE WORD OF FAITH 3. CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. TIMIPA ARIMELAGHA 2. TONYE MORRIS 3. ETEBU LYNDA ASUADA 4. DINO AYIBAEMI OLOTU 5. TONYE TALENT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. EVANGELISM FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. PREACHING THE FULL GOSPEL OF CHRIST. 3. PROMOTING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST THROUGHOUT REACH

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

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

GOD’S COVENANT PEOPLE’S OUTREACH INTL 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 EVANG NNAMANI SOLOMON CHUKWUMA (CHAIRMAN) 2. PST GBANDE VICTORIA NGUFAN (SECRETARY) 3. AGENE EMMANUEL AMEH 4. OTACHE PETER OKWANYA 5. EVANG AUDU PETER ENEJO. 6) PST CHUKWU NKEMJIKA CHRISTIAN AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE DOMINION BASE INT’L CHURCH

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

NEW COVENANT GLORIOUS ALADURA CHURCH INTERNATIONAL THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ”C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT,1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. JONES SUNDAY ADEBAYO 2. ABIODUN ADEYANJU 3. OLAWUNMI RUKAYAT 4. JONES AJIBOLA ABIODUN 5. ABIODUN NOFISAT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL MANKIND 2. TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF ONENESS AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

DYNAMIC WISDOM OUTREACH

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 ARE 1 OREYE FESTUS ORUKPE 2 OKODUWA AKHERE KEHINDE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST 2. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE ONES IN THE SOCIETY

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ETERNAL HERITAGE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

RAPTURE PARTAKERS BIBLE CHURCH

TRUSTEES ARE 1. REV. HUGO RICHARD 2. PASTOR MRS DEBORAH RICHARD 3. ELDER AUGUSTUS YAI 4. ELDER CHIGOZIE ISAAC 5. DEACONESS TINA AUGUSTUS

TRUSTEES ARE 1. PASTOR CHRISTOPHER UGOALA 2. PASTOR MRS CATHERINE OBE 3. BROTHER VINCENT OLUJI

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO BUILD UNITY AMONG D MINISTERS OF GOD

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KELECHUKWU VICTOR CLEOPAS - CHAIRMAN. 2. DUM BARIDOOSIA - SECRETARY. 3. IBE MALAFAKUMO MESSIAH - TREASURER. 4. KELECHUKWU IFEYINWA - MEMBER. 5. MSHELIA BITRUS ALI - MEMBER. 6. HENRY NNADI - MEMBER. 7. OBINNA CHARLES - MEMBER. 8. CHRISTIAN ACHUONYE MUNACHISOM - MEMBER. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE SALVATION OF HUMANITY. 2. TO HARVEST SOULS FOR CHRIST THROUGH EVANGELISM AND BIBLE TEACHINGS. 3. TO ESTABLISH THE EXPANSION OF THE GOSPEL THROUGH REVIVAL CENTRES.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO REDEEM ALL SOULS FROM ETERNAL DESTRUCTION

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990. TRUSTEES ARE 1. OGHENUARE EUNICE BOSE 2. IDIBIA.O.GODWIN 3. OKONGKO OFONIME SANDI 4. EGBE OBIALOR 5. OGHENELUARE GABRIEL AIM AND OBJECTIVE: BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS FOR ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH HIS DEATH AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Public Notice 22 BOJUWOLA IMOLEAYO ANN

CORRECTION OF NAME

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

I, formerly known and addressed as BOJUWOLA DUPE, Now wish to be known and addressed as BOJUWOLA IMOLEAYO ANN. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note.

My name was wrongly written in my BVN as EKEJIUBA STANLEY JUDE instead of UGENYI-EKEJIUBA JUDE STANLEY CHINOYEREM. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

That I am bearing JIMOH FATAI as written on my certificates but I want to add AREMU to my names now is JIMOH FATAI AREMU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SAMSON OLUWATOSIN ALEX

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF NAME

OMOBOLANLE ADERONKE MARYAM AJIBOYE

I formerly known as ADERIKE ELVIS wish to be known and addressed as SAMSON OLUWATOSIN ALEX. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

Former known as HAPPY NNEKA MOKWUYE Now wishes to be called as JOAN CHUKWUMA. All Documents Relating to Her Former Name Remain Valid. General public please take note IRENE DAISY EZEWELE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that Ekemini Emmanuel Peters and Colleem Edem Eyoh refers to one and same person. Now i wish to be known as Ekemini Emmanuel Peters All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known as IRENE DAISY IMOEKOR now wish to be known, called and addressed as IRENE DAISY EZEWELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EUCHERIA CHIKA ONUOHA Formerly known and addressed as EUCHERIA CHIKA IGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as EUCHERIA CHIKA ONUOHA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IDOWU OPETUNDE ORIOYE I, formerly known and addressed as IDOWU OPETUNDE AFE now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU OPETUNDE ORIOYE. All former documents remain valid. First Registrars & Investors Services Ltd, African Prudential Registrars Plc, GTL Registrars, UBA Plc. & the general public take note.

ELIOZU NEW LAYOUT LANDLORDS AND TENANTS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies & Allied Matters Act, 1990. Trustee are 1.Nwala Francis Chukwunenye 2.Aleke Austin Ugwoke Aims and Objectives To foster peace among member. Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. Signed Trustees

ADESOPE MARIAM FUNMILOLA

ADDITION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as ADEBISI MARY FUNMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADESOPE MARIAM FUNMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly MARIAM ADERONKE IBILOLA AJIBOYE now.. OMOBOLANLE ADERONKE MARYAM AJIBOYE. Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

MRS AGU BIBIAN UZOMA

OYEBAMIJI DARAMOLA MICHAEL

Formerly known and addressed as OYEBAMIJI OLUWASEUN MICHAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as OYEBAMIJI DARAMOLA MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DISU CORNELIA COMFORT

That I hereby confirm that I am the same person bearing ADETOLA ABIODUN, ADETOLA GBENGA ABIODUN & ADETOLA GBENGA ABIDEMI now wish to be known as ADETOLA ABIODUN henceforth. Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

Formerly known as OKPOR CORNELIA A. C. NOW TO BE ADDRESSED AS DISU CORNELIA COMFORT. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINS VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MRS BENEDICTA OGHENEKEVBE EMEKA

MRS BLESSING IME GBARADA

. I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Ime Joe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Blessing Ime Gbarada. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

THE NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBERS ARE: 1. Chief Charles Ejindu Ndukwe - Chairman 2. Mr. Mark Chukwuemeka Ndukwe – Vice Chairman 3. Mrs. Eugenia Kelechi Kanu Secretary 4. Mr. Ude Odum Ogbuagu – A Trustee Member 5. Mr. Samuel Uche Ndukwe – A Trustee Member THE TRUSTEES MEMBERS REMOVED ARE: 1. Mrs. Uzoma Ndukwe 2. Vasco Arunsi Onuoha 3. Pastor Agu John Kalu 4. Mr. Okocha Kalu Emeri 5. Miss Chidinma Ndukwe AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. Any objection to this change should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Abuja within 28 daysfrom the date of this publication.

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EVANG EPHRAIM OGU OKEREKE 2.BENNETH MADUABUCHUKWU OBIECHEFU 3. PASTOR SUNDAY FIDELIS ODOH 4. PASTOR ADAH DOMINIC ONOJA 5. SIS BOMA REGINAL HORORISE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR -GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: JOHN SAMUEL OPEYEMI ESQ 07017040083

VICTORY COLLEGE IKARE AKOKO OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION 1991 SET THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALHAJI ABDUKABIR ALIU - CHAIRMAN 2. ENGR. BADRU ABDUL RAFIU - SECRETARY 3. OGUNGBE TAIRU - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO IDENTIFY AND ORGANIZE ALUMNI OF VICTORY COLLEGE IKARE AKOKO OLD STUDENTS 1991SET (VICOSA‘91) AND PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS 2. HELP TO STRENGTHEN TEACHING AND LEARNING AT OUR ALMA MATER. 3. SUPPORT AND COLLABORATE IN ANY VIABLE PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS AS MAY BE INITIATED BY THE SCHOOL’S ADMINISTRATION, BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS, PTA, SCHOOL BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND OTHER CHAPTERS OF VICOSA TO SALVAGE, SUSTAIN, UPHOLD, PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE IMAGE OF OUR ALMA MATER 4. PROMOTE ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT MAY BE DEEMED NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE IN THE INTEREST OF THE ASSOCIATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR -GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

BRIGHT MINDS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR EMPOWERMENT Address: 4, Ewu Pako road, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos. The General public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE :1. ORIADE ABIODUN OLUSHOLA 2. ORIADE MARYAM THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To create platform for Artisans and craftsmen to be well skilled in their respective field of choices. 2. To create a pool of trained and skill Labourers for purpose of empowering them to be self dependent. 3. To empower less privileges & young people in skill acquisition. 4. To create an internship scheme for young ones.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that MRS MARGARET ADUKE OSOBA is the same person as MRS ADUKE OSOBA. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as MRS MARGARET ADUKE OSOBA. All documents bearing these names remain valid and should be treated as one person. General public take note.

NWANKWO GENETICS SUNDAY IFESINACHI . Formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO TITUS SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANKWO GENETICS SUNDAY IFESINACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

GLORIOUS FOUNDATION ALADURA CHURCH OF CHRIST The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for Registration Under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts,1990. The Trustees are: 1. Balogun Ramoni Ayinde 2. Shoremekun Emily Adunni 3. Balogun Oluwaseun 4. Fadairo Ayodele Olutope 5. Balogun Funmilayo Anike 6. Balogun Tobi Busayo 7. Babatunde Olutoki AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach gospel of Jesus Christ to all mankind 2. To promote the spirit of oneness among members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RIGHTS INITIATIVE (EHASRI) This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for change of some of their Board of trustees members during the last Annual General meeting held on November 20, 2017 to Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA.

SIGNED: Chief Charles Ejindu Ndukwe – Chairman

SOULWINNER’S INT’L GOSPEL FIRE OUTREACH

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ARUOVO OGHENEROBO PATIENCE UZEZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ODIMA-KESIENA OGHENEROBO PATIENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as miss Chibuoke Bibian Uzoma now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Agu Bibian Uzoma. All former documents remain valid ministry of Education both federal and state and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agboro Benedicta Oghenekevbe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Benedicta Oghenekevbe Emeka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS. ODIMA-KESIENA OGHENEROBO PATIENCE

FAMILY CHANGE OF NAME THE FAMILY OF MR AND MRS JAMES OLUSEGUN OKEOWO OF NO. 1 URO STREET, OKE IJEBU, IKOLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EKITI STATE WISH TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT WE UNKNOWINGLY SHORTENED OUR SURNAME FROM OKEOWO TO OKE. THAT WE HAVE DECIDED TO REVERT TO OKEOWO AS OUR SURNAME INSTEAD OF OKE. WE NOW WISH TO BE ADDRESSED AND CALLED:PA JAMES OLUSEGUN OKEOWO –FATHER MRS. FELICIA OKEOWO A. – MOTHER OKEOWO GRACE OMOWUNMI –DAUGHTER OKEOWO SAMUEL AYODELE – SON OKEOWO SOLA MATTHEW – SON OKEOWO KAYODE JOHN – SON OKEOWO KOLAWOLE TOYIN – SON OKEOWO OLUWAFEMI LUCKY –SON OKEOWO NIYI ZACCHEAUS -SON ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

DIVINE ENCOUNTER DELIVERANCE CHURCH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO.1 OF 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Fredrick. E. Okpoku (CHAIRMAN) 2. Mrs. Helen Okpoku (Vice Chairman) 3. Robinson Lucky (Secretary) 4. Asonfa frank (Member) 5. Aye Godfrey. (member) Aims and objectives: To embark on evangelical missions, prophetic meetings and programmes. Teaching and preaching the gospel with the aim of winning souls for the lord Jesus Christ.

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

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

SIGNED: Secretary

CHRIST FOUNDATION FAITH POWER MINISTRY

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

THE MASTER’S CHAPEL NIGERIA

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

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. ADEBOGUN OLADEGA ADELOWO- PRESIDENT 2. ADEBOGUN JOSHUA ADEOLU 3. ADEBOGUN ADURAGBEMI JOSEPH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO PROMOTE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, VALUE AND MORALS THROUGH TEACHING, CRUSADE, CHRISTIAN MOVIES, GOSPEL MUSIC AND ENCOURAGE AND DEVELOP LOCAL DRAMATIZATION OF BIBLICAL STORIES.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR -GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR MICHAEL AUGUSTINE PAULINUS - CHAIRMAN 2. NYANO LINUS JACKSON -VICE CHAIRMAN 3. IFIOK PAUL UKPONG - SECERTARY. 4. GRACE OKON - ACCOUNTANT 5. MARY SUNDAY - MEMBER

News 23

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday January 2, 2018

Pen Cinema Bridge: Lagos begins partial restriction of movement Thursday Benjamin Omoike

ÎÎÎ

The Lagos state government on Monday announced plans to enforce partial restriction of movement for motorists in Agege axis to accelerate the ongoing construction of Pen Cinema Flyover starting from January 4, 2018. In a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr Olujimi Hotonu, the state government said there would be a complete closure of the roads in the axis at some point during the construction but that it would start

with partial restriction of movement. While assuring that adequate arrangements have been firmed up to mitigate the impact of the closure of the roads on motorists and residents, Hotonu said traffic diversion routes have been created to ensure ease of movement along the corridor. He said the construction of the flyover across the Pen Cinema intersection at Agege embarked upon by the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, was part of the continuous drive to ease traffic within the metropolis and improve on the state

economy. According to him, “To ease the construction of the Pen Cinema flyover, the state government will be diverting traffic at the Pen Cinema intersection starting from Thursday, January 4, 2018. Hotonu further said the restriction of movement is expected to last for an estimated period of three and six months to enable the contractor take full advantage of the weather and space to deliver seamlessly the critical aspect of the flyover construction that falls within the Pen Cinema roundabout and railway crossing at Old Abeo-

kuta Road junction. “The routes for the diversion for the flyover are as follows; Vehicles coming from Ogba/Oba Ogunji except Articulated vehicles are expected to come in through Ijaiye Low Cost Housing Estate to link Iju Road, while Articulated vehicles and other vehicles plying this axis have the option of either turning right towards Iju Road at the Pen Cinema intersection or left towards Moshalashi Alhaja. “Similarly, vehicles coming from Iju Road should go towards Moshalashi Alhaja or turn towards Oba Ogunji/Ogba as the turn-

ing towards the right to the Railway crossing will remain closed. Continuing, Hotonu said there would be a complete closure of the road for vehicles coming from Moshalashi Alhaja towards the Railway crossing, while vehicles coming from Moshalashi Alhaja axis would be expected to either move towards Iju Road or turn right towards Oba Ogunji/Ogba Road. “All vehicles coming from Old Abeokuta Motor Road are enjoined to go straight towards Agege Motor Road or turn right towards Afa Nla/Oke Koto Roads, while vehicles com-

ing from Agege Motor Road are enjoined to go straight towards Old Abeokuta Motor Road or turn into Afa Nla/Oke Koto roads. No vehicle from these axes will be allowed to pass through the Pen Cinema intersection,” Hotonu said. While regretting the inconveniences the partial restriction would cause motorists and residents, the state government appealed for caution and cooperation with traffic and security personnel deployed to ease their movement, noting that the ultimate goal of the plan is to make life easy and improve traffic along the corridor.

Saraki wants Nigerians to join the fight against drug abuse Bassey Willie, Uyo

ÎÎÎ President of the Sen-

L-R: Special Assistant to Wife of the Governor on Media, Mrs. Yemisi Owonikoko; representative of the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Atinuke Osunkoya and others, during the presentation of gifts to the new babies of the year 2018 in Oyo State at Adeoyo Hospital , Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo State…on Monday.

ate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Monday called on Nigerians across the nation to join the fight against drug abuse. Reacting to reports that the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), is set to inaugurate a ‘Codeine Control and Other Related Matters Working Group (CCRWG)’, Saraki stated on his personal Facebook and Twitter pages that it was encouraging to see the PCN

We’ve recorded numerous development projects in Rivers- Wike Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÎÎÎ

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, has declared that although the year 2017was a very difficult year, the state government was able to deliver numerous human and infrastructural development projects for its people. In a New Year message to the people of the state, on Monday, the Governor said that as a people, the state was able to peacefully and collectively mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state, adding that in doing so the people were able to cherish the memory of their founding fathers, celebrat-

ed their fabulous heritage, took stock of their progress, and set the compass for the future. The Governor stated that as a government his team moved the state several notches forward. He said that his administration constructed and added more kilometers of roads to the existing road network and rehabilitated, equipped and transformed hundreds of basic education schools, secondary schools as well as built new faculty buildings for the tertiary institutions in the state. He said: “We also strengthened the healthcare delivery system for

optimal performance. We promoted the rule of law and enhanced access to justice with the building of new court houses for the state as well as the Port Harcourt division of federal courts, and improved the welfare of judicial officers for greater productivity. “We successfully restored our broken economy and put it on a sustainable growth path and regeneration. We have also enhanced our tourism and recreational potential with the building of the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. “More than anything else, we have worked assiduously to secure and

sustain the peace, safety, and security of lives and property across the state. We have also strengthened the bounds of unity with the promotion of inclusive governance, social justice, and accommodation,” he continued. Governor Wike said that it was important to reiterate with gratitude that those achievements were as a result of the support and cooperation the people gave to his government, stating that together the people and the state worked hard towards realizing their vision for a truly peaceful, secured and prosperous Rivers state. “For us, 2018 will also

be another year without break in the execution of development projects. We will intensify our efforts and continue on the path to fulfilling all our campaign promises in all respects. “To this end, massive investments in infrastructure, access to education and training, qualitative healthcare and the creation of economic opportunities will remain some of our key priorities. “And in doing so, no part of the state will be left behind just as we shall also ensure that every person is carried along on our way to building a sustainable prosperity for us and our children,” he said.

taking an active stance against the use and distribution of illegal substances. He said: “It’s great to see the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) taking an active stance against the abuse of codeine and other drugs after the #SenateTacklesDrugAbuse Roundtable. This is a welcome development. “As the PCN constitutes this group to control the distribution of codeine and other drugs in Nigeria, my colleagues and I in the 8th Senate will continue working to provide the necessary legislative interventions to fight #DrugAbuse across the nation. “As we begin a new year, I call on other groups to join this fight to curb the widespread abuse of drugs in communities across the country. The more people that we have saying no to drugs, the more multifaceted Nigeria’s approach to fighting #DrugAbuse will be.”

GBADAMOSI ROKEEB AGBOLAGADE

Formerly known and addressed as BADMUS AGBOLADE ROCKY, now wish to be known and addressed as GBADAMOSI ROKEEB AGBOLAGADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday January 2, 2018

Paternity suit: Court declares 2 children of late business mogul illegitimate Bassey Willie, Uyo The Akwa Ibom state High Court, Okobo Judicial Division, has ordered two brothers, Victor Ambe Bassey and Mfon Ambe Bassey to drop their surnames as they are not the legitimate children of late business mogul, Chief Ambe Bassey. The eldest son and Principal Administrator of late Chief Bassey’s estate, Evangelist Alfred Ambe Bassey, had approached the court to stop the duo, Mr Victor Ambe Bassey of State Security Service(SSS) Akwa Ibom Command and Mfon Ambe Bassey of Nigerian Prison service, Ikot Ekpene, from further parading themselves as the children of his late father,

Chief Ambe Bassey. Evangelist Bassey who is contesting the paternity of the duo told the court that his father died on February 27, 1995 leaving behind only six children who did not include Victor and Mfon. Bassey in his statement of claim in suit No HOK/12/2015 is seeking order of court to stop the defendants whom he told the court are also known as Victor Sedeke and Mfon Sedeke, to stop claiming to be Victor Ambe Bassey and Mfon Ambe Bassey. After hearing, Chief Emmanuel Ekpenyong, counsel to Alfred Bassey, urged the court to invoke the provision of order 25 rule 6(b) of the High Court (Civil Procedure)

Rules of Akwa Ibom state 2009. Justice G. F. Ette, delivering judgement stated, “Upon the court believing that the defendants have chosen to go into deep slumber hereby grants the application as prayed.” “That the Defendants are not the children of the Claimant’s father, Chief Ambe Bassey(deceased) because they were born in 1980 and 1982 respectively after Chief Ambe Bassey had divorced their mother, madam Enobong Henshaw in 1976 pursuant to Urueoffiong/Oruko Customary Court Judgement in suit No.340/76”. Justice G. F. Ette, upheld that the defendants are not the children of the claimants father,

chief Ambe Bassey. Their mother,Madam Enobong Henshaw, having been divorced by the claimant’s father have no right to give false impression that they are members of Chief Ambe’s family. He ordered a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from using names “Ambe Bassey” in their respective names because they are not children of the Late Ambe Bassey. The defendant were also ordered to publish an apology addressed to the claimant and have same published, in two National Newspapers and one local Newspaper for the embarrassment caused the family of Late Chief Ambe Bassey and to pay a cost of N10,000 for the

action. Late Chief Ambe Bassey, from Urue Offong Village, Urue Offiong/ Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state, is a successful businessman and one time Governorship aspirant in the defunct Cross River state. Today the family is in tatters as the surviving children are moving from one court room to another to unravel the mystery surrounding the paternity of two of the children, Victor and Mfon. After his death on 27 February 1995, Chief Bassey’s soul has never rested in peace as his children keep invoking his spirit to reveal the true paternity of two of the children, who were relatively unknown be-

fore and after the death of their father 22 years ago. Late Chief Ambe Bassey’s first wife, Princess Bernadette Ambe Bassey, had four children with Alfred Ambe Bassey as his first son, followed by Ime ,Ikwo and Utang Ambe Bassy. His second wife, Madam Enobong Hensaw Sedeke , who later became known as Mrs Eno Ambe Bassey, upon marriage had two children for the Bassey’s (Mayen and Ukuokeno Ambe Bassey). Trouble started when two other male children by Madam Eno appeared after their mother had been divorced, claiming to being the biological children of Late Chief Ambe Bassey.

Ikpeazu flags off ward’s projects in Olokoro By Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (right), briefing State House Correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has formally flagged off the “one ward one project initiative of his administration aimed at taking development to the grassroots.’ The programme is to run through a bottom to top approach with town unions, stakeholders and traditional rulers in each community being responsible for selecting projects of need. Speaking at the flag of the programme which also saw the commissioning of the Umudere Olokoro civic hall built by the government under the initiative, the Governor, Dr Ikpeazu said the initiative is one of his electioneering campaigns to ensure an inclusive government.

2018: Gov Dickson declares war against Chris Eze, Yenagoa

Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state, has said that the New Year will be tough for criminal elements in the state that refuse to have a change of heart. In the weeks preceding Christmas, criminals unleashed mayhem on the state and made life difficult for many residents. But speaking at the interdenominational cross-

over church service in his hometown, Toru Orua, the governor warned the criminals to either change their attitude or leave the state, stressing that the government would not hesitate in taking decisive actions against them to guarantee the continued stability and security of the state for development to thrive. The Governor who described 2018 as a year of hope and revival in

virtually all spheres of national life, especially in the areas of security and economic prosperity expressed optimism that, the New Year carries better prospects than the out gone 2017. He, however, called on Nigerians to continually uphold their leaders in prayers to enable them make sound decisions to expand the frontiers of development in the New Year.

According to him, said the call for more support and encouragement from the people remains imperative, as according to him, only those occupying positions of authority could bring about the desired change in the country. The Governor, who underscored that leadership entails critical decisionmaking, particularly urged Nigerians to pray for divine wisdom, direc-

tion and health for leaders to execute projects, policies and programs in the best interest of the citizenry. His words, “By the grace of God, year 2018 is going to bring more hope, greater development, security and above all, it is going to usher in greater prosperity for all of us. “All I ask is your continued support and prayers for all our leaders in this nation. Pray for us

According to him, the initiative will be driven from the communities to the state level as the essence is to ensure that the projects to be done are those actually desired by the communities. The Governor disclosed that the civic hall project for Umudere came about following a report by an indigene of the area over the dilapidated state of the hall and urged the beneficiaries of the project to protect it. He also promised to provide the sum of one million naira to sink a borehole there. The executive chairman of Umuahia South, Prince Obioma Eze Ogbulafor appreciated the Governor for selecting Olokoro as the first community to benefit from the one ward one project initiative and assured him of the support of Olokoro people at all times.

to be guided and that we should have divine wisdom, direction, strength and health to do the work that it has pleased God Almighty to entrust on us.” While thanking Bayelsans and religious bodies for their continued support, Governor Dickson reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment towards the completion of all ongoing projects in the State.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

News

Human Trafficking: Edo partners FG to check scourge – Obaseki ÎÎÎ The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration is working with the Federal Government on a programme that will assist skilled people to migrate legally. Obaseki who said this on Monday in his New Year broadcast, explained that the initiative is part of efforts to dissuade people from embarking on illegal and dangerous journeys to Europe by land and sea. “As part of our efforts to stop human trafficking and illegal migration, my government is currently working on a project with the Federal Government to assist people to migrate legally and properly. Our skills centres will offer training, certification and visas under

well defined structures which will allow those who want to travel to do so safely and with dignity,” he said. Recalling the challenges that marked the past year, such as the economic recession which he described as the “worst in decades,” he noted that “perhaps, our saddest moment in 2017, was the very shocking and sad experiences of our sons and daughters in Libya: who fell victims to one of the worst forms of evil, which is human trafficking, including our children, that left our shores with high hopes for greener pastures only to be subjected to all manner of inhuman treatments such as slavery, organ harvesting while many died in the Sahara Desert and in the

Mediterranean Sea.” The governor stressed that “We were all pained to read harrowing accounts of the experiences of the returnees and even more pained to see videos of their unfortunate experiences on the internet. “We are cooperating with the Federal Government, development partners and other stakeholders to execute a comprehensive strategy to identify, track, arrest and prosecute all those involved in this heinous crime. “We have also put in place a comprehensive welcome, documentation, counselling, training, rehabilitation and empowerment programme for the returnees. I am glad to inform you all that we are recording great suc-

cesses on all fronts. He further said that his administration resorted to tough economic decisions and relied on the creativity and support of all Edo people to weather the storm in 2017. “We have kept our word to serve our people with all our strength and might because for us, leadership is about solving problems and providing direction across all sectors for our people to realise their God-given potentials. “2018 promises to be another year of opportunities for us as a state because we hope to grow the economy of Edo and significantly improve the social and economic conditions of our people, based on the foundation which we have laid in

2017.” He assured that “with the timely approval of the 2018 budget, we will commence its implementation immediately by focusing on our key programs aimed at addressing the most critical challenges facing us as a state. “In order to achieve our main goal of creating a minimum of 200,000 sustainable jobs, we will continue to construct roads and other infrastructure to ease movement of people and goods, support investment in agriculture, improve our education and health systems and ensure that we create a peaceful and secure state. “We have committed to construct and rehabilitate at least 3,000 kilometers of road network in Edo during my tenure in

Akeredolu pardons 12 prisoners ÎÎÎ Governor Oluwarotimi

Akeredolu of Ondo State, has approved the pardon of 12 prisoners. The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Yemi Olowolabi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Akure on Monday. Olowolabi said the gesture was in exercise of the power conferred on the Governor by Paragraph (d) of sub section (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. According to him, the pardon was approved by the Picnickers at a Fun Park in Ikorodu, Lagos State… on Sunday. governor following the recommendation by the Ondo State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. “In his letter, dated 27th December, 2017, and addressed to the Comptroller By Kingsley Chukwuka Jos restoring peace in some parts of of Prisons, Governor AkBauchi State and Southern Kadueredolu advised that the afThe Special Task Force in na said the suspects were arrested fected prisoners be released. Plateau otherwise known as Op- by members of the taskforce in “All the prisoners have eration Safe Haven (OPSH), MON- their efforts to mop up arms in the served portions of their DAY said it has arrested over 80 hands of civilians. various sentences. Speaking with newsmen in Jos, suspects in connection with differ“The governor advised ent offences within the State and at the task-force headquarters the affected prisoners to has displayed over 70 (seventy), the Commander, Major General make use of the opportuni- different types of locally fabri- Anthony Atolagbe informed that ty of their release to turn a cated weapons as well as over 2,000 most of the hoodlums have been new leaf and engage in legal rounds of ammunitions recovered profiled and handed over to the Poand positive activities that from hoodlums in various parts lice for further interrogation and will contribute to the devel- of Plateau communities in the out prosecution. opment of the country,” the gone year between October and General Atolagbe said, “to get commissioner added. this number of weapons in three December 2017. months just tells you that we still The OPSH also in charge of

office. The contract for many of the roads we advertised are being awarded so that the contractors can take advantage of the dry season. We are also emphasising maintenance of existing roads by strengthening the agency which will now work more closely with the local government authorities.” On the state’s new transport master plan, Obaseki said that “in addition to continuing the rehabilitation and construction of major and arterial roads, we are working on new user-friendly road signs, appropriate house numberings, restocking the Comrade Bus fleet with 75 new buses, and have completed the designs of new all-purpose modern bus terminals. We are confident that the construction of the Central Benin City Bus Terminal will commence in the first quarter of this year.” He added that “Other projects that will be pursued in the new year include the development of the Gelegele Seaport. We are committed to the realisation of this project because of the several socio-economic benefits that are tied to it, namely jobs and a gateway for exporting processed products from our industries and the allied businesses it will attract to the state. The technical report on the development of the seaport has already been completed.” On agriculture, the governor noted his administration in 2017, resuscitated the Auchi Fertiliser and Chemical plant which is now the only such facility available for the Presidential Programme on Fertiliser, employing over 500 workers.

STF arrests 80, recovers 70 weapons, 2,000 ammunitions ÎÎÎ

have a lot of work to do: we are however working with government to have some sort of control especially as it relates to some of these locally fabricated weapons: we are also trying to encourage those who have these weapons to come and submit them, by way of disarming them and perhaps a kind of carrot and stick approach: in the very last arrest we made, four weapons were found just under the bed of one individual; this calls for serious concern. “Where there are arms and ammunitions illegally kept please let

us know so we can handle it and reduce the proliferation of small arms in the society; this menace is happening in every part of Plateau and we urge those who are in possession of these arms to submit them to the STF”. The STF boss said the taskforce had discovered that some areas within the state had the capacity to fabricate weapons, hence security agents had been monitoring the activities of the local blacksmiths to ensure that they did not manufacture local weapons and any blacksmiths caught will definitely face the full wrath of the

Times Law

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

A plaintiff with a good cause of action cannot enforce same by judicial process because he has sat over his right for all times as the time stipulated by law for initiating such an action has become extinct. Fabiyi, JSC. in Nasir v. Civil Service Commission, Kano State & 2 Ors. (2010) 1-2 S.C. 65

Decentralisation of S’Court will pose problems - Okpoko

‘

There is a clamor for the amendment to Section 292 (2) of the Constitution which bars judges from coming back to practice after leaving the Bench but allows magistrates to do so. Are you in support of such clamor?

What I am saying is that the various Supreme Courts in existence might be citing different authorities at the same time on the same issue. This may pose a serious problem. Except the Supreme Court is decentralized in such a way that conferences are still being done together, wherein all the courts will have to converge on every of their decisions to reach a common ground.

I don’t see any unfairness in the law to warrant any amendment. First, we must understand the distinction between judges and magistrates. A magistrate is not seen as a judicial officer by the Constitution. It’s only judges that are seen as judicial officers. The reason why a judge should not come back to practice after leaving the Bench is that a judge is a brother to another judge. They are brothers in the eyes of the law. Now, if a judge leave the Bench and return to practice, he will appear before his brother judge to do a case. This is not expected to happen because of the tendency of bias. For me, having become a judge, I would never subscribe that such an individual go back to practice after leaving the Bench. The former judge can engage in solicitors’ work like consultancy services or writing of legal opinions, but it is wrong to now come back for advocacy on a case before a brother judge. If a judge appears as a lawyer before his brother judge, is he not likely to be granted audience? Even when he is not getting it right, his brother judge will manage him. This will definitely confer some advantages on him over the counsel who appears for the other party. Magistrates, on the other hand, were never brothers to the judges of the High Court and as such they were not recognized even when they appear before the judges. Of what benefit do you think an upward review of judges retirement age will be to the judiciary? An upward review of judges’

The Team

Ibe Uwaleke — Editor ibeuwaleke2012@yahoo.com Peter Fowoyo Titilope Joseph

there.

OKPOKO

A senior lawyer, Mr. Emeka Okpoko (SAN), in this interview with PETER FOWOYO, speaks on financial autonomy for the judiciary, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), decentralization of the Supreme Court and other national issues. retirement age will be beneficial because the older you are on the Bench, the better. A judge who is allowed to retire at an older age would have gathered a lot of experience. He would have seen it all and maturity would come to bear in his actions. His business at that point in time is to ensure that justice is done to all. He will no longer see the law the way it will be seen by a younger person. In the eyes of a younger judge, one plus one will always be two. But in the eyes of an older judge, one plus one may not always be two. The older judge will begin to look at other areas of life. They would have seen it all and it will not be difficult for them to sit down and

write erudite and perfect judgments. Look at the way the late Justice Kayode Eso navigate with the law. It’s a function of deeper experience. This is because as one grows older, his contents become deeper and better. How far do you think the decentralization of the Supreme Court could help in the quest for speedy dispensation of justice? Before we begin to address those points, it’s important that we even appreciate the entire workings of the Supreme Court. It must be understood that the court being the apex is the final place where law issues are concluded. Decisions of court end

‘

Therefore, when you are talking about decentralization, you need to first consider how that will be possible without creating confusion. Confusion in the sense that if you have Supreme Court across the states, there is a likelihood of having conflicting decisions being churned out of the courts. The key thing is the need to avoid duplicity or multiplicity of decisions on the same or similar issues. The point I am making is that if Supreme Court is decentralized, there is every possibility that decisions may be running riot with each other. This also means that the court being the final place may not be able to develop precedents that can be relied upon by the lower courts to conclusively decide issues. What I am saying is that the various Supreme Courts in existence might be citing different authorities at the same time on the same issue. This may pose a serious problem. Except the Supreme Court is decentralized in such a way that conferences are still being done together, wherein all the courts will have to converge on every of their decisions to reach a common ground. This of course, may not be feasible. Even as the Supreme Court is at the moment, some decisions are CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

Law 27

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

‘Decentralisation of apex court will pose problems’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

still in conflict. The problem that may be created with decentralizing the Supreme Court will affect every other courts down the line. This is because the lower courts may not be able to give an informed opinion owing to the conflicting decisions of the Supreme Court. So, we are likely to run into a crisis with the decentralization of the Supreme Court. Therefore, I think it’s better we maintain the status quo. But part of how we can speed up dispensation of justice in courts is by increasing the number of judges, even at the Supreme Court level. We can have three, four panels of Supreme Court Justices sitting in a day. Besides, we should also work on improving facilities at the courts using the Information Communication Technology (ICT) system. More special assistants should also be employed for judges and most importantly, government should look into the proper funding of the judiciary. This is a major issue because the judiciary is heavily underfunded at the moment. How much do you think will be enough to fund the judiciary as this is a major challenge? Determining how much will be enough to fund the judiciary is beyond me. I think it is a matter of budget. When you compare what judiciary get with what is being spent on the other arms of government, you will see that it is heavily underfunded. This is the only arm of government that functions on a daily basis. The courts must sit everyday even during vacation, there are vacation judges. So, judiciary requires heavy funding. But you can see that it did not even have a role in determining its budget. It’s whatever that is budgeted for that would be taken. The executive has always been in charge. How can the judiciary have a say in what comes to it as money to be spent in a calendar year? It’s only when the Constitution is amended that the judiciary can have a say in what comes to it. Of course, you will see in the Constitution where it is said that all money in the consolidation account in every states in the name of the Head of Courts in each state should be paid into the account of the Heads of Courts. But in reality, this is not the case. State governors don’t usually follow the law and that is the problem. What we usually have are situations where the Heads of Court go clap in hands begging for money from the governors. So, Nigerians must begin to clamour that the judiciary must be properly funded. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, midwived to revolutionize

OKPOKO

criminal trials is two years old now. Which of its provisions would you say has helped the cause of justice? And which aspects need fine tuning?

lawyer who is handling a case is sick, will it be possible for the judge to insist on the day to day handling of the case? That would be unfair.

Sincerely, one thing is for us to have the law, its proper implementation is another thing. There is a philosopher that says that for all forms of government, let people contend that what is best administered remains the best. What I am saying is that it’s not about having the law, implementation remains another problem. In the area of implementing the law, a lot of vagaries and issues begin to set in. Judges are trying. Some of them are struggling to implement the law. I have been to a court where the judge insists on the day to day hearing of a case based on the provisions of the ACJA. But most of the reality on ground may supersede the desires. The judge who is presiding over a case is also a human being. So, when certain realities occur and it’s very obvious, there is nothing they can do. Judges are overburdened with a lot of cases. I think it is too early in the day for us to even begin to run into the conclusion that the ACJA is not effective. Yes, we may improve on it, but it may be too early to draw any conclusions. The Criminal Code regulating criminal trials has been there for a long time before the promulgation of the ACJA. So, I think two years is not enough time to assess the law. With the space we are going, I don’t think it is bad. The most important thing for us is to keep working hard and to keep improving gradually. Mind you, justice rushed can also be justice denied. At times, when we say we are implementing the ACJA, the defendants may not be given enough opportunity to defend themselves and this may also affect the justice of the case. An instance where a

For the sake of the integrity of the legal profession, there have been suggestions that silk wigs facing corruption trial should be stripped of their status until the final determination of their cases. How do you see the suggestion? I don’t agree with the suggestion. I think it would be wrong to say that, except there is a law to that effect. Suggestions like these need to be backed by law. In the absence of such law, I don’t think it will be proper to strip a silk of his status because he or she is facing a criminal charge. It is only when the trial is concluded and the lawyer in question is found guilty that such a thing can be done. We have the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and other organs in the judiciary that will take the issue up from there. There are calls for separation of the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice due to interference. What is your take on this? Yes, I share the view that having the two offices together is a big problem. I share the views that the Attorney General and Minister or Commissioner for Justice, plays more of politics in the performance of their functions. They are usually pre-occupied with party issues. Even the person who appoints them will not let them be. So, I think it will be better to separate the two offices. This will allow whoever is the Attorney General to be strictly occupied with issues of law while the Minister or Commissioner for Justice can engage in party activities.

ÏƔƔƔ Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2 , 2018

28 News

Police arrest 10 over attack on worshippers in Ilorin ÎÎÎ

The relative peace being enjoyed in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital was punctured in the early hours of the New Year, when some hoodlums attacked worshippers on Ibrahim Taiwo Street. Eye witness said at about 2: 00 am, some youths who were prevented from staging their New Year carnival by the elders of the community took it out on the worshippers who were observing the Cross over service. The elders’ action was informed by previous years’ experience which resulted

into breach of security. In protest, the youths resorted into throwing bangers indiscriminately at all gatherings in the vicinity including religious organisations celebrating the New Year cross -over services. Three persons sustained injury in the resulting stampede. The Catholic, Methodist churches and other denominations in the area, including a Muslim group called Quareeb team, holding their programme in an adjoining school were attacked. A number of vehicles belonging to both

worshippers were damaged. It is important to note, that the attack has no religious undertone. It is simple an unlawful act by the disgruntled youths of the area, as both the Christian and Muslim gatherings in the area were attacked. The Police arrested 10 suspects while the injured were taken to the hospital and were said to be responding to treatment. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed

the arrest and said that investigation into the matter has commenced. He urged the residents to continue with their lawful endeavours and disregard the insinuation that the crisis was between the Muslim and Christian, as Kwara state is known for her harmonious relationship among all religious group. In the meantime, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has condemned the early hours attack and described it as satanic. In a statement signed by

his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Governor Ahmed described the dastardly attack as criminal, satanic and alien to the state. Ahmed, who commended those who made efforts to protect some of the victims regardless of their religious inclination, called on security agencies to immediately launch investigation into the incident and unravel the perpetrators of the unholy act with a view to bringing the culprits to book. According to the Gover-

nor, “peace is sine qua non for the development of any society and the government will not tolerate any act capable of breaching peace, unity and tranquillity of the state”. The Governor called on the people of the state to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and harmonious relationship for sustenance of growth and economic development in the state. Governor Ahmed also called on parents and guidance to monitor their wards with a view to curtailing their likely excesses.

South-East APC leaders endorse Buhari for second term Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÎÎÎ The South-East zonal

L-R: Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraju Adekunbi; Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; his wife, Olufunso; Fuji musician, Alhaji Sefiu Alao Adekunle and others, during the fireworks display organised by the Ogun State Government, to usher in 2018 at the Oba Adeleye Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State…on Monday.

caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday at Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State adopted President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term. The adoption was the high point of the outcome of the zonal caucus meeting held at the home town of the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, in Uburu. The meeting was attended by top party chieftains from across the SouthEast geopolitical zone. The decision to adopt Buhari for a second term was contained in a fivepoint communiqué issued

at the end of the caucus meeting. The communiqué was jointly signed by National Vice Chairman of the party South East and zonal publicity Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Enukwu and Mr Hyacinth Ngwu respectively. The document commended the President for infrastructural development of South-East, job creation and empowerment programmes. The communiqué also lauded Buhari for appointing people from the zone as chairmen and board members of federal boards and parastatals. “We appreciate the Igbo growing support and interest in the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Ambode’s wife presents gifts to first Babies of the Year ...Says routine immunization, post-natal care critical for newborn

ÎÎÎWife

of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle on Monday underscored the importance of routine immunization and post-natal care for the survival and growth of newborns, saying it was important for nursing mothers to pay greater attention to the health of their children. She also advised expectant mothers in the State to justify government’s huge investment in maternal and infant health care by stay-

ing away from quacks and patronizing government’s health care facilities. Speaking while presenting gifts to first babies of the year at three General Hospitals in the State, Mrs Ambode said just like the New Year, the birth of a new baby brings hope, and such was why adequate care must be accorded newborns. According to her, “The arrival of a new born generally symbolizes passing the baton to the next generation. In our culture as in

many others, a new baby is a messenger of hope, indicating good fortune for the family and society. “From the depths of my heart, I congratulate and rejoice with the happy parents. As I do so however, I wish to emphasize that post-natal care of the baby is just as important as the ante-natal. “Therefore, mothers must take all necessary steps to ensure the well-being and good health of their babies. These include strict obedience of instructions

of the medical personnel, as well as good care and attention to themselves,” she said. The wife of the Governor specifically urged nursing mothers to take advantage of the primary healthcare centres provided by the State Government to ensure full complement of routine immunization for their children, and as well make good use of family planning. Mrs Ambode said she was aware of the fact that the present administration

in the State placed high premium on health issues especially maternal and infant health, saying that as part of contribution to health sector, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), a group which she chaired, provided high dependency units, neonatal care units, and other medical equipment and resources to enhance the quality of maternal and child care services, assuring that more would be done in 2018. She also commended

the health family in the State for the progressive improvement in health service delivery to the people, just as she appreciated corporate donors, philanthropists and Non-Governmental Organizations for their support. “We also commend the untiring commitment of this administration to continuous infrastructure upgrade, provision of modern equipment and human resource development in the health sector,” Mrs Ambode said.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

EXTRATIME

Commonwealth Games: NBBF invites 20 for preparation camp

he Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has invited 20 players for the first phase of camping ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games. This was announced in a memo by Chimezie Asiegbu, Secretary General of NBBF, on Sunday. According to Asiegbu, the memo has been sent to the eight clubs featuring

the invited players. ” The camping, which will be supervised by the duo of D’Tigers assistant coaches, Abdulrahman Mohammed of Gombe Bulls and Aderemi Adewunmi of Kwara Falcons, will open in Lagos,” he said. The invited players include Abdul Yahaya,Star Player of the FIBA Africa

Zone 3 club championship elimination, alongside Dike Azouma both of Kano Pillars.

Also Istifanus Sylvanus, Gombe Bulls; Gideon George, Niger Potters; Saliu Osigbodi, Aspac of Benin; Anthony Koko of River Hoopers as well as Okpe Ocheibi, Mark Mentors and Joel EJigba, Civil Defenders,both from

Abuja. Others include Akita Akpata from Bauchi Nets; Dennis Ibikoro(Unattached); Godwin David, Kwara Falcons, and others who would be contesting for D’Tigers jersey at the XXI commonwealth Games, 2018 Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia between 4 and 15 April, 2018.

ITTF World ranking: Quadri, Assar start 2018 at Top 20

Eagles line up

NFF confirms Poland friendly for Eagles

he Nigeria Football Federation has granted Gernot Rohr’s request to lead the Super Eagles against Poland in a friendly affair. Both teams are searching for warm-up encounters ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup. Poland, who are housed in Group H alongside Japan, Colombia and Senegal, confirmed on December 11 the White and Reds manager Adam Nawałka had agreed to lead the Eastern European nation against the Eagles on March 23. Poland open their Russia 2018 campaign against the Lions of Teranga in Moscow on June 19, and Nawalka believes playing a strong side like Nigeria would help him prepare his team to match the physical style of play of the Senegalese. Nigeria are drawn in Group D alongside Croatia, South American powerhouse Argentina and tournament’s dark horses Iceland. The Eagles, who will be making their sixth World Cup appearance in Russia this year, are looking to win their first game against Croatia at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad on June 16, and Nigeria coach Rohr sees a friendly against Poland as good contest to prepare for the Croats, who have a similar playing style to the Polish. And the NFF, who had refused to confirm or deny that Poland had approached Nigeria for a friendly after the information leaked to press men in December by Rohr, revealed on Sunday the game would be played in Warsaw on March 23. The federation tacitly confirmed reported friendly fixtures against Egypt in May and England at Wembley in June.

“The World Cup is the big one next year and I believe we are going to be very ready when the tournament kicks off,” the NFF president Amaju Pinnick was quoted as saying on the thenff.com. “We have lined up four friendly matches starting with the game with Poland in Warsaw on March 23. There will be other matches on March 27, May 28 (in Nigeria) and June 2.” Pinnick expressed the federation’s satisfaction with on-field and off-field results for Nigerian football last year, believing the country would win more honours this year. He said, “Largely, it was an excellent year, on and off the field. The bookmakers, analysts and football fans all over the world thought we were going to find it difficult in our World Cup qualifying group, but we made it to Russia with a match to spare. Now, we have already kickstarted the preparations to the finals with a landmark agreement with the team on funds and renewal of the coach’s contract to keep him fully focused on the job. “Like the World Cup, qualification for the CHAN was also down to hard work and focus. We are ready to work even harder and focus much more ardently on our objectives in the year 2018, because we want to win the CHAN and achieve our best-ever outing at the World Cup.”

Amaju

igeria players are among the biggest beneficiaries of the new ITTF ranking as Aruna Quadri gained a step to start 2018 at 20, while Olajide Omotayo gained a lot by moving from 514 to 213 in the January 2018 ranking released by the world table tennis ruling body. Having ended 2017 at 21, Quadri began the year at 21 while Egypt’s Omar Assar also gained from the new ranking system as the Egyptian is ranked 16 in the world. At world level, a new order took place as the reign of China’s Ma Long came to an end in the new ranking as the Olympic and World Champion has been displaced by Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov. According to ITTF, the new system took into consideration the number of competitions that each player competes in while such player is also expected to earn points from every stage he attains in the tournament. China’s Long, who dropped to seven in the latest rating has dominated the ranking for more than two years missed out from the latest ranking as the best player in the world as the top spot is now being occupied by Germany’s Dimitrij Ovtcharov. For Dimitrij Ovtcharov, the top spot is a result of a series of outstanding performances in the past year by the now 29 year old who enjoyed the best 12 months of his career. He won the ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup, as well as at the Liebherr Men’s World Cup in addition to reserving the top step of the podium on the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour in Bulgaria, China, Germany and India. Additionally he reached the fourth round of the Men’s Singles event at the Liebherr 2017 World Championships and was the runner up at the Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals. Simply, those results are the reason why for the first time in his career, Dimitrij Ovtcharov occupies the no.1 spot in the world order; the system now in place being based on the best eight results gained in the immediate preceding 12 month period, as opposed to the previous system when wins and losses against adversaries were the basis calculator. No other incumbent can match that record; colleague Timo Boll appears at no.3 behind China’s Fan Zhendong but other notable names, who like Timo Boll have ascended to the top spot during their illustrious careers, the new listings do not make the most pleasant reading. China’s Xu Xin is at no.5; colleague Ma Long, the reigning Olympic Games and World champion is at no.7, whilst Vladimir Samsonov of Belarus stands at no.25. Most significantly, Zhang Jike, also from China and like Ma Long, the winner of the most prestigious titles on planet earth, occupies the no.54 spot. Notably, Jun Mizutani, in recent times, the highest rated Japanese player on the Men’s World Rankings is now at no.13; the leading names from the Land of the Rising Sun being Koki Niwa at no.6, Kenta Matsudaira at no.10 and Tomokazu Harimoto, one place lower. Similarly, Sharath Kamal Achanta is no longer the top listed player from India; he appears at no.51, three places behind Sathiyan Gnanasekaran at no.48. Progress for South Asia but if any part of the world has reason to rejoice it is Africa; two players from that continent in the top 20 for the first time ever. Egypt’s Omar Assar is at no.16, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna at no.20. Meanwhile, on the Under 21 Men’s World Rankings, organised in a similar manner to that of the Men’s listings but with best six performances as opposed to the best eight in the last 12 months being taken into consideration and only in the age group, Japan is very much in evidence.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

EXTRATIME

Jurgen Klopp welcomes Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool as he links up with his teammates for first training session at Melwood

Klopp seals deal with Virgil

Ozil celebrates with Alexis Sanchez after his Arsenal team-mate scored against Crystal Palace

iverpool have completed the signing of Southampton center back, Virgil van Dijk for a world record fee believed to be around £75 million. Van Dijk linked up with his new teammates at Melwood for his first training session after completing his transfer on 1 January. The fee paid for the Dutch international is the most ever paid for a defender, eclipsing Manchester City’s £52m for Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy in July 2017. Van Dijk made his international debut for the Netherlands in 2015. A statement on the Liverpool website says the Holland international will wear the number 4 jersey for the Kops. “Liverpool Football Club can confirm they have reached an agreement with Southampton for the transfer of Virgil van Dijk. “The Reds have agreed a deal with the south coast club, and the player himself, that will see the 26-year-old defender move to Anfield when the transfer window re-opens on January 1, 2018. “The Netherlands international will be assigned squad number four, upon his arrival at Liverpool. Virgil van Dijk began his career with Groningen before moving to Celtic in 2013. At Celtic, he won the Scottish Premiership and was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year in both of his seasons, also winning the Scottish League Cup in the latter. In September 2015, he joined Southampton.

Wenger admits Ozil has ‘little chance’ of being fit to play against Chelsea

rsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has ‘little chance’ of being fit to play against Chelsea on Wednesday night. Ozil was ruled out of Arsenal’s trip to West Brom in the Premier League on New Year’s Eve with a knee injury. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who drafted in Alex Iwobi to replace Ozil for the game at the Hawthorns, said it’s unlikely that the German will face Chelsea. Asked whether the 29-year-old would be fit for the clash with the Blues, Wenger said: ‘Little chance, yes. From what I’ve heard.’ Ozil has found form recently, scoring twice in his last three appearances. Speculation over his future is set to intensify again when the transfer window reopens on New Year’s Day. Ozil is out of contract at the Emirates at the end of the season. Both Manchester United and Barcelona have shown interest in wanting to sign him. He is expected to be fully fit for the trip to Nottingham Forest at the weekend in the third round of the FA Cup.

Guardiola expects Alexis Sanchez to stay at Arsenal in the January

Adrien Silva completes £22m move to Leicester M

idfielder Adrien Silva has finally joined Leicester City, after the Premier League club missed the deadline to sign him in August by 14 seconds. FIFA rejected the 28-year-old’s move from Sporting Lisbon in the summer as the paperwork arrived too late. The Portugal international has been training with Leicester throughout the winter to maintain his fitness. His £22m deal was completed on Monday and he was named on the bench for the Foxes’ home match against Huddersfield. Speaking about the four-month wait for the move to be approved, Silva said: “When you have a period like this, it’s very up and down. “You have to keep a positive mentality

and that’s what I’ve tried to do. I’ve kept my mind focused on my job and what I love to do.” Silva, who was born in France, has won 20 international caps and was part of the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016. “It’s been very frustrating, but now the difficult times are past me and I’m very happy to be close to my goal,” he told LCFC TV. “I’ve been working hard every day to arrive at this moment and I’m in good shape. “It’s been very important to keep training because it’s a long time not playing. There is nothing better than the game.” Meanwhile, Leicester have recalled midfielder Harvey Barnes from his loan spell at Barnsley. The 20-year-old had joined the Championship club on a season-long deal in August.

Guardiola and Sanchez have previously worked alongside each other at Barcelona ep Guardiola is not expecting to sign Alexis Sanary. ‘He is a player for Arsenal and I think he is going chez for Manchester City in the January transfer to stay there. window and reckons the forward will stay at ‘We will have internal meetings and see what is Arsenal until the end of the season. for the best, but he is an Arsenal player and I think Guardiola, who worked with Sanchez at Barcelona, he will be.’ was close to a reunion last year as City made a move Sanchez has struggled to recapture his finest to sign him before the end of the summer transfer form this season, scoring nine goals in 20 appearwindow. ances so far. A move failed to be completed but City were widely Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League expected to return for Sanchez in January. Sanchez’s table, three points behind fourth-place Liverpool. Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season. They were held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom on ‘I don’t know,’ he told reporters when quizzed on Sunday and are next in action on Wednesday at whether City will land the Chile international in Januhome to Chelsea.

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Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Forex transactions turnover of 3 Banks hit N45.49trn in 11 months – FMDQ Page B4

Residents urge government to fix electricity, end fuel scarcity Page B3

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Why 9mobile will get buyer in 2 weeks - NCC Page B2

iPhone slow down: Samsung, others react against Apple Ladesope Ladelokun

Chairman, Osun State Chapter, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi (middle); Chairman, Joint Negotiation Council, Comrade Bayo Adejumo (left) and Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Adebowale Ademola, during a press conference on the suspension of workers’ strike in Osun State in Osogbo.

Visa introduces payment through Sensory Branding Ladesope Ladelokun

Visa , a global leader in the payment industry, has said that it has concluded arrangement to bring movement and energy to the payment industry in Nigeria with a mix of sound, animation and vibrations, which will ensure customers experience a feeling of speed, trust, security and convenience when a transaction is completed through sensory branding.

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi Money Market Correspondent Motolani Oseni

Country Manager Visa Nigeria, Oluwakemi Okunlayo notes that as new payment experiences continue to shape the world, Nigeria is fast becoming a country where digital transactions is constantly explored by customers everyday Okusanya said, “ Payments have become seamless and Visa customers need to be reassured that each completed transaction is secure even in an environment where a visa logo is not visible.Our range of sound, animation, and vibrations will give customers the assurances they want every time they complete a transaction using Visa product s. The sensory branding elements will be used in a combination of entirely new channels as well as existing payment platforms.’’ On the value of sensory branding, Visa, in state-

ment, said extensive consumer research was conducted by Visa in eight countries, to understand the impact and perception of consumers towards payments. Visa found out that sensory branding portrays a feeling of happiness, excitement and fulfillment when exposed to customers.

Shittu

Merchants, POS hardware vendors, technology companies and issuers in Nigeria will be able to incorporate these branding elements to their digitally connected devices and payment platforms,noting that this innovative new technology will be officially launched at Visa’s global campaign ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Following its debut at the next Winter Olympics, the sound of Visa is expected to roll out in the real-world, starting in a variety of pilot modes in 2018 with national merchants and point-of-sale (POS) hardware vendors. The sensory branding will also be available as a software development kit (SDK) on the Visa Developer Platform, and through the Visa Ready program for deeper integration requirements in 2018.

Samsung, LG and other phone manufacturers have said product quality and customers’ satisfaction are what they take seriously, and would never slow down the performance of old phones for anything. This is coming on the heels of Apple’s apology to its customers for what it calls a ‘misunderstanding’ around the revelation that the company has been slowing down older iPhones to accommodate for their aging batteries, which confirms one of the most widely held Apple conspiracy theories. Reacting to the development, Samsung says multi-layer safety measures are adopted by the company to secure extended battery life for its mobile devices. Samsung said, “ Product quality has been and will always be Samsung mobile’s top priority. We ensure extended battery life of Samsung mobile devices through multi-layer safety measures, which include software algorithms that govern the battery charging current and charging duration. We do not reduce CPU performance through software updates over lifecycles of the phone.’’ In the same vein, HTC and Motorola also say they don’t slow down the processor in the phones when the battery of the device grows old. On its part, LG says the satisfaction of its customers comes first, and it will not trade it for anything. LG said, “ Never have,never will ! We care what our customers think.’’ But Apple has maintained that there is a good reason behind its action, explaining that an iphone will shut down if it tries to draw more power that it can. Apple further stated that by slowing down performance, it stops the device from simply failing. Apple told Reuters that, “Our goal is to deliver the best experience for customers, which includes overall performance and prolonging the life of their devices. “ Lithium- ion batteries become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold conditions, have a low battery charge or as they age over time, which can result in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components. “Last year we released a feature for iPhone6, iPhone 6S and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. We’ve now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with Ios 11.2 and plan to add support for other products in the future.’’

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Titus Akhigbe, Benin

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the days are gone in Nigeria when idle funds existed which actors within the polity distributed to persons and groups, without commensurate return of value. Obaseki made this submission during a New Year Service at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Eguare-Ekpoma, Edo State, which he attended in company of his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and some members of the Executive Council. The Edo State governor explained that Nigeria is more financially constrained today than it was about forty years ago. According to him, “Between 1979 and 1983 when President Shehu Shagari held the helm of governance in the country, the total earnings of Nigeria amounted to about $100 billion within the four years. Obaseki said this amounted to about $25 billion annual earning, when the country’s population was less than 100 million people and lamented that today, when the country’s population is about 200 million persons, the country’s annual earnings for 2017 fell under $22 billion, indicating that the country was not as financially buoyant as it used to be four decades earlier. According to him, “We have to do things differently. If we don’t change our approach to governance urgently, we perish. When people come to political office holders and say give me something without the intention of creating equivalent value, that attitude is a recipe for socio-economic catastrophe. There is no free money anymore in Nigeria

L-R: Archbishop of Bendel Province and Bishop of Esan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Dr. Friday John Imaekhai; his wife, Mrs. Imaekhai; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Mrs. Betsy; Edo State Commissioner for Infrastructure, Engr. Osahon Aimiolemen and Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, at the New Year’s Day service at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Royal Market Road, Eguare-Ekpoma on Monday, December 1, 2017.

Obaseki: No free funds in Nigeria anymore today.” “God will not bless me if I distribute the funds that belong to everybody to just a few people. And I will not do it. The money we earn as government is meant for the service of our people. When I build the market road where this church is located, everybody will use it and benefit from it. “But if I have to share the fund meant to construct this

Why 9mobile will get buyer in 2 weeks - NCC Ladesope Ladelokun

Following a request by the Board of Directors of Emerging Markets Telecoms Services Ltd- owners of 9mobile- to extend the deadline for the submission of binding offers by prospective bidders from December 31, 2017 to January 16, 2018, the National Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the extension of 9mobile sale process. The Executive vice chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, had in a letter to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria explained why it sanctioned the extension. Danbatta’s letter reads in part: “The Commisssion is in receipt of a letter dated November 29, 2017 by which the Board of Directors of Emerging Markets Telecoms Services Ltd. (9Mobile) requested for an ex-

tension of the deadline for the submission of binding offers by prospective bidders from December 31, 2017 to January 16, 2018. Having carefully considered the reasons given for the proposed extension in the letter under reference, the Commission confirms that it has no objection to the request and that the extension can be communicated to the company. We thank you for your kind consideration.’’ The Daily Times recalls that Danbatta had confirmed that five bidders were shortlisted after the initial 16 bidders that expressed interest in taking over 9mobile, Nigeria’s fourth largest telecommunications provider. The telecoms firms shortlisted include: Globacom Limited,Bharti Airtel, Smile Telecoms Holdings, Helios investment partners LLP and Teleology Holding Limited.

road for everybody, how much will get to the people. It is therefore the right thing to do before God to deploy the people’s resources towards the development of infrastructure and provision of services for everyone, and not a select few,” he added. The governor, however, noted that it is not all gloom, stressing that there is hope for Edo state and Nigeria due to

the availability of abundant resources, chief among which is human. He stressed that all that is needed is a government that is committed to channeling the energies of the people and efficiently managing material resources to take the people from where they are to where they ought to be. Also speaking at the Church Service, Archbishop of Bendel

Province, The Most Reverend Dr. Friday John Imaekhai commended the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for its integrity, noting that the governor is not only sincere, but committed to bettering the condition of the people. “This is the first time a sitting governor is coming to this church on a New Year Day. We appreciate the governor for his commitment to the people, and how he has kept his promises to the people,” he said.

Apple loses ‘Steve jobs’ branding legal battle Ladesope Ladelokun with agency report

After being slammed with almost $1trillion suit for deliberately slowing down iPhones, Apple has lost a multi-year Steve Jobs branding legal battle, giving Italian clothing company ‘Steve Jobs’ the leeway to continue to use Apple’s founder’s name and its logo. According to The Verge, when Italian brothers Vincanzo and Giacomo Barbato realized Apple hadn’t trademarked the name Steve Jobs, they did instead. It became their company name with the logo based on the Apple logo by adding a bite mark to the ‘J’ in Steve Jobs. Clothing and accessories were then offered under the brand. Expressing displeasure about the development, Apple had hit the Italian brothers with a lawsuit it lost, making the brothers keep their trademark and continue to use the name. However, reports have it that Vincanzo and Giacomo are planning to expand their business by going beyond clothing and accessories to producing smartphone and tablet.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

B3 Business News

SMEs are Nigeria’s growth engine - MLF Ladesope Ladelokun The Chief Executive Officer of MyLibertyFamily(MLF) scheme, Mr Benson Adesokan, says Small and Medium Scale businesses (SMEs) are the country’s growth engine, noting that they are essential providers of jobs and economic growth. Adesokan said this in a statement to celebrate the company’s first anniversary in Lagos recently. According to Adesokan, many members of the scheme are now millionaires. He added that the MLF scheme was set up to lend a helping hand to Libertarians in order to enable them get financial freedom with the support from other family members. He says MLF is miles ahead of other multi-level marketing scheme that only empower a few early registered members and make others slaves. The MLF CEO noted that any government that takes economic growth seriously must see SMEs as an essential part of the private sector and an area of priority in any country’s economic reform, stating that MLF was determined to the way Nigerians are perceived. His words: “ It is a platform designed to change the way Nigerians are perceived. Many are known for many bad things but some of us have proven that our country is a nation of talents and creativity.It is the first coming out of Nigeria and we believe that with the right education and opportunity, everyone can live as they wish and go where they want to go.’’ Also, at the event, MLF launched SeamWith, a social media platform which the CEO says was birthed by the desire to give answers to the needs of registered members. He added that SeamWith provides the platform for crossfertilization of business and financial ideas. The SeamCentre, he adds, offers a one-stop digital library for authors, developers and publishers. “ It also serves as a platform for advertisers where they can get maximum exposure and earn,’’ he concluded.

Residents urge government to fix electricity, end fuel scarcity Simon Ugwu Residents of Nsukka in Enugu State have urged the Federal Government to prioritise electricity and fuel supply in 2018, to boost the economy. They spoke yesterday at Nsukka in interviews with News Agency of Nigeria. A lawyer and rights’ campaigner, Mr. Jude Ugwuja, said the government should ensure local refining of petroleum products. He said incessant fuel scarcity had adverse effects on the economy. “The government should commit more resources to repair and upgrade our refineries to operate at full capacity next year. “This will help to stabilise the prices of petroleum products and end fuel scarcity.

“If Nigeria continues to produce crude and send it abroad for refining, the country will experience petrol scarcity. “It is sad that Nigeria, a leading oil producer, cannot refine its petroleum products to meet local needs,’’ the lawyer said. Mr. Samuel Ezema, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), said steady power supply would stimulate every sector of the economy and create jobs. “With steady power supply, local and foreign investors will be willing to invest. “Investors will like to set up businesses, generating millions of employment. “If the power sector is fixed, small-scale businesses will spring up in every nook

and cranny,’’ the don said. The traditional ruler of Okpuje community, Igwe Oliver Ayogu, told NAN that the government should invest more in agriculture. He said improved agriculture would facilitate achievement of food security and earn more foreign exchange. Ayogu, however, hailed the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for efforts to boost agriculture. “Early this year, there was an increase in prices of foodstuffs, but today the prices have reduced because of government’s special attention to issues concerning agriculture. “Earning power of rural farmers has received a boost; they even boast of bumper harvest. “Agricultural programmes have provided jobs for thou-

sands of graduates, thereby reducing unemployment and youth restiveness,’’ he said. Mrs. Ngozi Ugwuoke, who retired from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, told NAN that the government should focus on agriculture, “because it is a heavy foreign exchange earner.’’ “In the 1960s and 1970s, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy, as older universities, such as UNN and University of Ibadan (UI) were built from its proceeds. “The economy at the time was good. “People from other parts of the world longed to come to Nigeria, as the economy was robust; food was enough and many people were employed in farm settlements,’’ she said.

New Year message: Gov Ikpeazu restates commitment to payment of salaries, pensions

By Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has said that no governor in the country is more committed to the payment of salaries and pensions than him. Ikpeazu, who stated this in Umuahia while addressing Abians in his New Year message on Monday, stated that his administration will pay more attention to the empowerment of our women as they play a major role in the stabilization of households. According to him, the deci-

sion to hands off bailout funds led to commendations from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC), pointing out that no other governor in the country did what he has done. He said, “I make bold to state that no Governor is more committed to the payment of salaries and pensions than I am. When we received our bailout funds from the Federal Government, I set up a Committee made up of our fund managers and the Labour Unions to manage the disbursement. I did not tell them what to do. They worked out a modality for the dis-

bursement of the funds and oversaw its implementation. Our novel concept earned us commendation from the ICPC in a period when other states were being accused of diverting the funds. “Again, in the 1st tranche of Paris Club Refund, N5.7billion was released to Abia State and I handed over the entire amount to Abia State workers. No other Governor did that. Irrespective of other areas crying for funds to ensure rapid development, I gave 100% of the money meant for every sector of Abia State to workers alone.

“That was a signpost of my commitment to the welfare of workers in Abia State. Another batch of the Paris Club Refund has been released to Abia State and again, I have directed the release of a substantial portion to offset salary and pension arrears. “Presently, all Ministries have received their December 2017 Salaries. I am aware that some Parastatals are in arrears of 2 Months. I am optimistic that with the release of additional N3.2billion most of the issues will become history. I urge the public to continually verify the true status of

workers salaries in Abia State before passing comments. He said his administration has spent over 70% of all its revenue till date on workers alone and asked people to criticize his government on this issue and to be kind to acknowledge the efforts of his government. The governor said, “When you receive your payments, do not join those who are not aware of our efforts to criticize government and say that we are not paying you. Remember that we are Igbos and one of our ancient norms is that we do not soil the stream

from where we fetch drinking water. “I restate my commitment to the welfare of workers in Abia State and call on them to be fair in their criticism of government. I must commend our Students and Teachers for maintaining the 1st position in WAEC for the 3rd Consecutive Year now. “To encourage them, we have set up the Primary Teachers Continued Education Centre in Umuahia and I re-affirm my commitment towards clearing outstanding salaries owed teachers in the months ahead”.

Money Market B4 Stories by Motolani Oseni Year 2017 has come and gone but not with different ups and down, such as Non-Performing Loans (NPLs), weak capital base and Treasury Single Account (TSA), among many others that had shapen Nigerian banking industry in the year under review. As at the end of third quarter (Q3) 2017, the total figure of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) in the Nigeria’s commercial banks put at N2.42 trillion or 15.18 per cent as at September 30, 2017, the highest in over 10 months during the year. According to NDIC, the banking industry in 2016 reported a Non-Performing Loan of about N1.6 trillion or 10.13 per cent to highlight impact of recession on banks’ lending to key sector of the nation’s economy. Finance analysts had also attributed the rise in NonPerforming Loans to the fall in global oil prices and production levels arising from the militancy in the Niger-Delta region of the country. NDIC in a report obtained by Daily Times stated that banking industry Non-Performing Loan crossed the N2 trillion threshold in April this year to N2.09 trillion and moved to N2.1 trillion in May. The report by NDIC stated that NPLs dropped to N1.88 trillion in June and increased significantly to N2.3 trillion and N2.4 trillion in July and August respectively. However, in spite of turbulence occasioned by the liquidity tightening of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the finance sector and the economic recession witnessed during the year, the year remains one that witnessed many activities in monetary and fiscal policies of government. The problem of the banks is hydra-headed. The economy at present is faced with weakening oil sector which has seen the reduction in earnings. This, coupled with the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has reduced drastically the take home of many banks; the foreign exchange crisis, inflation, abolition of commissions on turnover (COT) and other economic headwinds, have dragged the banks into un-

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

How NPLs, weak capital, others shape bank industry in 2017 planned financial crisis. It was in September 2017 that some members of the central bank monetary policy committee said four Nigerian banks are operating with too many nonperforming loans on their books and with liquidity ratios below the minimum requirement. Although they did not name the lenders, the four banks together according to them were equivalent to at least one systemically important bank. Financial sector stress tests showed capital adequacy ratios for the industry in Nigeria worsened to 11.51 percent in June, from 12.81 percent in April, as against a regulatory minimum of 15 percent for lenders with international licenses. “The financial performance indicators showed that when the four outlier banks were removed, capital adequacy, (NPLs) non-performing loan ratio as well as liquidity ratio are all above the prudential requirement,” another member, Balami Dahiru Hassan, said The treasury single account is a financial policy used in several countries all over the world.

Like other third world countries, it was introduced by the federal government of Nigeria in 2012 to consolidate all inflows from all agencies of government into a single account at the Central Bank of Nigeria. This system establishes a unified structure as advised by the International Monetary fund where all government funds are collected in one account as this would reduce borrowing costs, extend credit and improve government’s fiscal policy, among other benefits. The implementation of the Single Treasury Account (TSA) by the Federal Government presented additional challenge to banks. With the introduction of the TSA, about N2.9 trillion of government funds were withdrawn from the banks and moved into the Central Banks of Nigeria (CBN) vaults. The implementation of the treasury single account in Nigeria poses a problem for Nigerian banks as states and other government parastatals that would normally fix deposit huge sums of money at once, no longer can as this money has to be rendered to

Adeosun

the federal government for payment into the nation’s general treasury single account. The banks would previously use this fixed deposited money to grant loans and engage in other financial transactions while generating interest for itself. As the banks no longer have this source of capital at hand, their capital base drops and this poses a major challenge to the banks. Banks will no longer have access to floats provided by the accounts they maintained for the ministries, departments and agencies. Deposit money banks are at a great loss from the implementation of treasury single account. This is due to the fact that public sector funds make up a large portion of commercial banks deposit. This sudden withdraw caught the banks napping as over the years, they have been beneficiaries of cheap federal government deposits. During the year under review, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) encounter several threats from operating envi-

Emefiele

ronment of which Nigeria sliding into recession is an inclusive factor. Low oil prices and also, the dwindling availability of foreign currency. Banks face severely narrow foreign currency liquidity notwithstanding the authorities’ relentless efforts to regulate and perhaps normalize the foreign exchange interbank market and enhance the inflow of dollars. Slower economic growth and lower risk appetite from banks will continue to translate into subdued credit growth and weak core earnings generation in the not too distant future. Nigeria had a dwindling economic growth since the end of 2015. The rate dropped to an estimated 3.0%. This in turn adversely affected the Nigerian banking industry. Speaking MD/CEO, Enterprise Stockbrokers, Rotimi Fakayejo said, To a great extent, the CBN with its oversight activity in the morning market has done considerably well in the area of stabilizing the foreign exchange rate. “Although Because of inflation, they have not been able to do much to step down interest rate and that definitely can’t be blamed on them “I think because of the interest and inflation rate which has not allowed a lot of banks to do their core function which is lending to those fund users, I think at the same time, the liquidity issue caused within the system is more or less caused by the CBN in the areas of having to do OMO now and then in order for them to be able to create stability within the system. “I think to an extent, the few banks that are having the issues, some of them have internal issues with respect to mismanagement of funds and all other things like Skye Bank but I believe also they will able to get out of this with the opportunities they have had from the CBN to shore u whatever liquidity gap they are having. “In all, I think the financial sector has been able to keep above water during this period and there is every tendency that it might continue next year.

Forex transactions turnover of 3 Banks hit N45.49trn in 11 months – FMDQ Three commercial banks operating in Nigeria accounted for N45.4 trillion transactions turnover in the foreign exchange market in 11 months of 2017, latest data obtained from FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange has revealed. The FMDQ OTC report showed that between January and November 2017, 10 Banks accounted for 71.72per cent or N93.36 trillion of the overall turnover in the market. According to FMDQ, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and Ecobank Nigeria Limited came first second

and 3rd respectively, in the value traded for the overall overthe-counter (OTC) market, maintaining their position in the League Table as the top three banks for eight consecutive months. Other Banks, United Bank For Africa Plc, Standard Chartered Bank and First Bank Of Nigeria Limited were on fourth, fifth and sixth position respectively. Exceptional, Citibank Nigeria Limited and Diamond Bank Plc, swapped positions to occupy seventh and eighth places respectively. The last two Banks accord-

ing to FMDQ report were Union Bank Of Nigeria Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. The report said turnover on all products traded in November 2017 recorded N14.85 trillion, an increase of 21.92per cent when compared to N12.18 trillion recorded in October 2017, bringing the total year-todate (YTD) turnover to N130.17 trillion. Breakdown of the N130.17 trillion revealed that Market Turnover in foreign exchange market stood at N18.7 trillion, while Foreign Exchange Derivatives between January and November closed at N15.5

trillion. Market turnover in Treasury Bills between January and November closed at N56 trillion; FGN Bonds, N9 trillion; Other Bonds, N27 billion; Eurobonds, N82 billion and Repurchase Agreements/BuyBacks, N2.16 trillion. Others are Unsecured Placements/Takings, N1.4 trillion and Money Market Derivatives, N22.8 billion. “The month-on-month (MoM) growth was primarily driven by increased trading activities experienced in the T-bills and Repos/Buy-Back product categories, which re-

spectively made up 23.92per cent and 50.04per cent of overall turnover for November 2017,” FMDQ OTC stated. According to FMDQ, 2017 recorded a steady flow of transactions and activities in the Naira-settled OTC foreign exchange Futures market. “To date, $10.38 billion worth of OTC FX Futures contracts have traded so far with the CBN remaining steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the success of the market. “As it has been the norm for 17 maturities on FMDQ, the OTC FX Futures Exchange, the 18th OTC FX Futures contract

matured and settled successfully on December 27, 2017. Having ceased trading on December 20, 2017, in line with the OTC FX Futures Market Operational Standards, the 18th OTC FX Futures contract, NGUS DEC 27 2017, with notional amount $499.20 million, matured and settled on FMDQ. This brings the total value of contracts so far matured on FMDQ to $7.35 billion. “A new contract, NGUS DEC 26 2018, for $1.00 billion at $/N362.84 has been introduced by the CBN to replace the matured contract,” the report explained.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

B5 Personal Finance

Bonny Amadi Barely 48 hours from today, Nigerians will ushers in a new year 2018, which offers hopes, prospect and unwittingly, despair. To be on the side of the sunny side of the year, one need to take into account review of 2017, opportunities gained and lost and how also to position for the opportunities in the fourth coming year. As 2017 is gradually wining up and the 2018 rolling in, you need to review your investments and businesses in the outgoing year and make amend where necessary as well as plan for your family’s future as you review your savings and investment strategies. Apart from doing a reality check on your investments when they are doing well, when the markets are down and you’re nervous, it also makes sense taking the time to do an annual review of your investments and other financial matters, as the 2017 financial year draws to a close. “Careful planning is essential in all economic climates,” says Ann Dowd, CFP Vice president at Fidelity, Ann Dowd, CFP said “Think of it as if you were driving on a dangerous road. That’s not when you check your brakes and tires. You do that before, so you know they are in good shape.” An annual financial checkup can take place at any time during the year and can help you better understand the “big picture” of your overall financial planning efforts. You can stop and think about your family’s financial goals, such as saving for retirement, a house, or a child’s education. You can consider reducing taxes on your investments, protecting your income, or building a financial cushion. Once you are clear on your goals, you can then work on ensuring that you are investing appropriately for those goals. And while you are looking at your accounts and holdings, take care of “housekeeping” items, too, like checking beneficiaries and completing a health care proxy, which are not complicated but can have serious consequences if neglected. Here are key questions to ask when you do a financial review. Take a long-term view for your family While all this might sound like a lot of ground to cover, an annual review is well worth the effort when you consider the hard work you have invested in building and protecting your wealth. It is important to have a long-term view of your financial strategies. The annual review can be scheduled at any point throughout the year. It represents an opportunity to reassess your investment and financial situation, while also thinking about future milestones and moments that matter for the people you care about the most. Is my investment strategy on track? You probably have several savings goals and accounts. Your annual financial review should revisit each of your priorities and your strategy for reaching them. If your conditions have changed, make adjustments as necessary. At least once a year, check your target asset mix to ensure that it continues to meet your time frame, risk tolerance, needs, and preferences, and to perform any rebalancing that might be necessary in light of the past year’s market performance. On your own or with your adviser, take some time to look at specific investments and evaluate whether they continue to have a role in your portfolio. It’s important to match your investments to certain time frames or specific goals. Some may be long-term such as saving for a child’s education or your retirement. Others may be more short-term such as saving for a new car, a vacation home, or travel. For example, you may take on more risk saving for a retirement that is decades away, but you may want more conservative investment options to fund 25% of a grandchild’s college education in five years. Or, you may earmark $35,000 from a particular fund this year to pay for a new car for your spouse. Am I protecting my income? You’ve worked hard and want to protect your income. So it’s wise to evaluate your family’s total insurance needs annually to make sure you have the right amount and type of insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that can derail a financial plan. Life insurance may be a good place to start. If your family is growing, you might want to increase the amount of your life insurance to protect your loved ones. On the other hand, many people find as their

Reviewing 2017 and planning your 2018 personal finance net worth climbs and their children reach adulthood, they need less life insurance. If you choose to reduce your life insurance, you may want to apply the savings toward your health insurance, which becomes more critical as you age and continues to increase in cost. You might also benefit from looking into long term care insurance, which may offer a variety of features and options. One more thing: Your annual review should also include a simple check of your insurance beneficiary designations to see whether they are up to date. Am I saving tax efficiently? What strategies are you exploring to help defer, reduce, or more efficiently manage taxes on your investments? The overall impact of taxes on performance can be significant: Morningstar cites that, on average, over the 88-year period ending in 2014, investors gave up from one to two percentage points of their annual returns to taxes. A hypothetical stock return of 10% that fell to 8% after taxes would, in effect, have left the investor with 2% less investment income in his or her pocket, according to Morningstar.1 Although you cannot control market returns or tax law, you can control how you use accounts that offer certain tax advantages. This type of approach is often referred to as active asset location. Employing this strategy allows you to choose which assets to keep in your tax-advantaged accounts and which to leave in your taxable accounts. In general, the more tax inefficient an investment is, the more tax you pay on it. Our basic rule of thumb, consider “tax inefficient” investments which generate taxable income—for example taxable bonds and Real Estate Investment Trusts—in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. For those investments which are more “taxefficient”—like stocks and ETFs held for more than a year—place them in taxable accounts. Are you already taking full advantage of a 401(k) plan, Keogh, IRA, or other qualified account that may be available to you? Generally, these accounts are the best place to start a program of active asset location, because of their tax advantages, but each comes with contribution and withdrawal restrictions. If you are entering retirement and transitioning from saving to spending, a tax-savvy withdrawal strategy can help your savings last through retirement. While the traditional withdrawal hierarchy of taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt assets is a

good starting point, individual situations and changing circumstances may require making adjustments. Aim to withdraw no more than 4%–5% from your savings each year to help ensure that your saving will last for a 20–30 year retirement. Am I preserving my assets? Use your annual review to make sure you have an estate plan, and that it continues to reflect your family status and financial situation. Ensure that it helps make the best use of the latest estate and tax laws, and that key individuals know where to find relevant documents and information. If you do have a plan, do the people you care about know about it? Where is it, and what role should your loved ones play if something happens to you? Marriage, divorce, birth, and death are the four big events that affect estate plans, but you may also want to consider other factors, such as longevity and health, that could affect your planning. Thinking about a will, health care proxy, and power of attorney can be uncomfortable, but consider the alternative. Do you want someone else making these decisions for you? If you don’t have any of these key documents, take the time to set them up. If you have them, review not only your paperwork but any life events that have occurred. Changing careers, moving, having children or grandchildren, or losing a loved one can have a big impact on your plan overall. How does my plan affect my family? It’s not just your retirement or financial future that you are planning for, especially as you age. You are likely researching and cultivating strategies to provide financial assistant to a number of people that you care deeply for including to parents, children, or even grandchildren. Beyond college, a lot of parents are helping to launch their millennial children into the world of fully independent living. Meanwhile, many have aging parents who can no longer live on their own or manage their own financial and personal affairs. Will caring for others affect your financials goals, priorities, and outcomes? An annual review can help prioritize financial decisions that you need to make to support your family’s goals across the generations—and help tee up long-neglected family money conversations. It can help you bring your family together to sort through vital matters related to such things as college savings, caregiving responsibilities, health care decisions, estate planning, and the tax implications of an inheritance.

Features B6

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Adesola Afolabi The discussion surrounding deepening Nigeria’s insurance industry has been ongoing since the reforms in 1997. However, a look into the financial sub-sector, listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), show that investors still wait to get meaningful returns on their investment in insurance stocks. Diverse challenges persists and shows no signs of abating unless drastic actions are taken to deepen the insurance culture among Nigerians. Issues of low patronage, nominal value trading on the NSE coupled with little or no insurance culture of Nigerians continues to take toll on the insurance sector, as an analysis on the performance of listed insurance companies’ in the year 2017 confirmed that the sector continues the struggle to break even. On this note, ADESOLA AFOLABI delves into an industry analysis to discover its real state and the industry’s readiness on contributing immensely to Nigeria’s economic growth. Introduction: “If you take automobile insurance away, the Nigerian insurance industry will inevitably die”. This statement was made by Mr. Abiodun Atobatele, Information Technology (IT) Expert and solutions provider, and former Head of IT at Leadway Assurance Plc, during a pub-

Deepening Nigeria’s insurance penetration for economic development

lic forum in Lagos, tagged: ‘Breaking the Code’. The consensus at the forum held in September 2017, with a cross-section of experts as discussants, was that the penetration of the insurance sub-sector, is dreadfully low. The experts also agreed that the low penetration does not bode well for the Nigerian economy. Insurance in Nigeria in comparison with regions across Africa: Agusto & Co, Nigeria’s first Credit Rating Agency and a Pan African leader in credit ratings and credit report recently affirmed in its May 2017 report “Into Africa” that Nigeria’s estimated insurance penetration rate is at 0.4 per cent and only 1 per cent of the population holds any form of insurance policy. This statistics means that only 1.7 million Nigerians out of 170 million of the populace are covered under any form of insurance policy. This suggests that the transformation agenda by the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM for written premiums to hit the N1 trillion mark from its current N300 billion (approx.) will require no small task. The initiatives in order to achieve the transformation agenda includes job creation in the insurance Industry, enforcement of compulsory insurance, building of consumer trust and public awareness for insurance services. Although, a financial analyst at Agusto & Co, Ada Ufomadu opined that cultural and religious beliefs has negatively affected the desire for insurance in Nigeria. She was however optimistic about the industry, stating that the industry remains resilient, recording a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2 per cent in gross premium income (GPI) since 2012. In her report on the challenges and opportunities in the Nigerian Insurance industry, she discovered that GPI grew by an estimated 10 per cent to N356 billion, adding that the growth was upheld by the enforcement of compulsory insurance policies, particularly in the group life and motor insurance business lines. This suggest that the recent drive embarked on by the insurance sector which inaugurated a technical committee to drive the enforcement of compulsory insurance for public build-

ing nationwide could yield rewarding results. Is compulsion the way to go? Researchers and industry stakeholders have for long pushed for a more robust and inclusive target that encompasses the oil and gas sector, the manufacturing sector, education sector, building and construction sector among many others, for mapping and strategic implementation. Ideally, all schools, hospitals and public services such as mass public transport should have a compulsory insurance policy that individuals who use such service must pay for. These were the submissions of AIICO Insurance’s Head of Retail Sales, Taofik Ayeni, during an August training organised for members of the Capital Market Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria, CAMCAN, in Lagos. According to Ayeni, ordinarily, an economy with a population such as Nigeria (180 million as at 2016 estimate, Word Development Indicators) coupled with its many challenges arising from business unease and cultural differences, the Nigerian economy is arguably a thriving pot for insurance development potentials. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the Nigerian scenario. The inability to milk these challenges by the insurance sector can be traced to the inadequacies in insurance education and sensitization among the citizenry. Nevertheless, an inference from Ada Ufomadu’s report recommends that to tap into the enormous opportunities prevalent in the country and compete favourably with countries like Kenya and South Africa that boast of insurance penetrations of 2.9 per cent and 14 per cent respectively, a starting point will be the untapped female retail insurance market waiting to be served. A survey conducted by the credit rating firm Ada works with, revealed that women are increasingly becoming empowered in Nigeria, enabling them to make spending decisions. “About 22 per cent of female respondents from the survey earned above 10 million ($33,000 @ 305/$). In addition, female entrepreneurs are becoming a growing part of the real sector as 24% of the female respondents were self-employed and man-

agers of various small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). This highlights the need for insurance products specified to underwrite risks involved in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as life policies for female entrepreneurs. From our survey, we discovered that 57per cent of female respondents’ preferred direct sales agents as an avenue in purchasing insurance policies. This somewhat reflects a knowledge gap as women would prefer to relate one on one with sales agents in order to build trust and be given opportunities to ask questions in order to deepen their understanding of insurance. This point is buttressed by a significant 72 per cent of female respondents who indicated mistrust of insurance companies and policies offered as the reason for not subscribing to insurance policies. Insurance operators need to equip their marketing agents with adequate understanding of the insurance products offered and the needs of clients. Our survey revealed that 42 per cent of respondents had not had any insurance products marketed to them in the last 12 months”, Ada reported. Benefits accrued from insurance sector: It is no doubt that a growing insurance industry aids in the development and growth of the Nigerian economy. It encourages savings and investment, job creation and growth in capital markets and financial assets. Over the past decade the Nigerian insurance industry has grown steadily and this can be shown in the total premiums which have gone from about N75 billion in 2005 to over N300 billion currently. NAICOM’s transformation agenda supports the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial system strategy 2020. The sector is aspiring to employ 100,000 people in the insurance industry, a growth from the 30,000 personnel currently engaged in the sector. Growth in the number of people holding an insurance policy is also included in the agenda. Presently, Nigeria has an average of 2 million policyholders out of a population of 180 million people. This means that there is a lot more Contd. on page B7

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

B7 Features

Deepening Nigeria’s insurance penetration for economic development

Contd. from page B6

potential to increase the number of policyholders to 10 million in the next 3 years. Demand for insurance: Let us consider these simple scenarios. Mr. Charles Uzodinma; a petty trader, got involved in two consecutive road accidents. Fortunately, his life was spared on both occasions, but his vehicle was a write off. He got a replacement for the first vehicle in less than one week but got involved in the second accident that also destroyed a second car. Although, Mr. Charles was a petty trader at the popular Sango market in Ogun State Nigeria, I wondered how he managed to replace two cars in less than a month. I summoned the courage to ask him about the incident and how he managed to progress in his business despite the monumental losses, he simply told me an ancient Ethiopian Proverb that says “The elephant does not limp when walking on thorns”. Perplexed at the statement, I pondered on what it could mean till I got home. My conclusion was that Mr. Charles Uzodinma was into some fetish practices to be able to replace his wrecked cars so fast. Thankfully, I met his wife in a local taxi on my way to work some days after, who disclosed that her husband engages in some general business insurance policies. Now, that’s is financial intelligence from a less literate man which prepared him for the rainy day. Shortly after this incident, I attended a meeting which comprised of financial journalists and discussions surrounding insurance came up. The meeting was geared towards encouraging journalist to engage on some form of insurance policy, the meeting ended in chaos, not because of indecisions on the policy to take (we decided on Life Insurance) but because it was rather difficult to achieve a collective agreement on how to pay for the policy decided on. Naturally, this two (2) incidents came to mind when I decided to write this article and further perusal into the subject matter exposed lack of basic knowledge on insurance, its uses and benefits as a major bane to the development of the sector. These two (2) scenarios pointed to the fact that it is not about the level of literacy but the knowledge available to either parties on available insurance products. A trend analysis carried out in 2016 by Olayungbo and Akinlo in a research work titled: Insurance penetration and economic growth in Africa, reveals that insurance demand varies in African countries and is still relatively low compared to their counterparts in Asia and Europe except for South Africa. In Nigeria, although the performance of the sector has been blamed on the nation’s low income per capita ($1092 per annum). Reports reveal that 70 per cent of Nigerians are poor (National Bureau of Statistics), but the population’s top 20 per cent are responsible for 59 per cent of national

“We need to take a cue from countries like Kenya and South Africa who have adopted various strategies including the support of other sectors such as telecommunications to drive penetration of insurance. Industry operators must be more aggressive in their marketing approaches, offering products and services that are bespoke to the Nigerian environment and populace.” consumption expenditure. Agusto & Co believes that it is imperative for both operators and regulators to work together to increase awareness and educate the populace on the benefits of insurance. “We need to take a cue from countries like Kenya and South Africa who have adopted various strategies including the support of other sectors such as telecommunications to drive penetration of insurance. Industry operators must be more aggressive in their marketing approaches, offering products and services that are bespoke to the Nigerian environment and populace. For example, selling of insurance policies can be done through mobile phones due to the high penetration of mobile phone with over 70% of Nigeria’s population connected via different Telcos. This allows for the insurance industry to tap into the informal sector in order to increase the number of policyholders. The Nigerian economy is expanding and new risks are evolving, hence a growing need for companies and individuals to insure businesses and protect themselves in the event of unexpected losses. By this, the economy is able to rebuild and recover from losses quickly.” Insurance and its contributions to economic growth. The insurance sector may well be on its way to outperform other financial institutions operating in the Nigerian Economy as revealed by the recently released third quarter report on Nigeria’s GDP at the National Bureau of Statistics (2017). The insurance subsector under the financial and insurance sector of the economy recorded a positive growth in 2017. A year to date (Q3’17) performance review showed that the insurance sector has grown by 1.26 per cent from Q1, 2017 to Q3, 2017, however, a sharp decline of 1.86 per cent was recorded in the third quarter of 2017 from 3.79 per cent recorded at the second quarter when the sub sector recorded its largest growth in 2017. Even though researchers and analysts from the Lagos Business School (LBS) agree that the insurance industry is a major driver of financial activities and

actively plays an increasing role in stable and efficient risk diversification. By this, it contributes vastly to economic development of many countries. The insurance sub-sector in the case of Nigeria, appears to be playing a passive role in economic development, trailing behind in major policy reforms required for harnessing the huge economic potential that remains largely untapped in the industry. In addition, the sector has attracted relatively large volumes of foreign private investments in recent years owing to the nation’s population, its emerging middle class and lingering low insurance penetration. In spite of the challenging landscape of insurance in the country, the industry recorded N319.1 billion in 2014. From the available records, the total assets of the insurance sector rose from N488bn in 2008 to N793.6bn at the end of the first quarter of 2015. The insightful session held by experts from various sectors of the Nigerian economy at the 2017 Insurance September forum addressed the need for a change in the dynamics, innovativeness and depth of the Insurance Industry as reported Proshare Nigeria. The report which noted several brilliant suggestions for repositioning the industry, quoted the convener of the forum Mr Ekerete Ola-Gam Ikon to have said, the Insurance September will create more room for strategic collaborations between the Insurance industry and other related sectors of the economy to explore how the Industry can be attractive to Nigerians and become more customer-centred. According to the report, Mr Stanley Zebulon said there was need for a proper reorientation in the sector, as there were immense opportunities for it to grow in the country. He however noted that the issue of pricing needs to be resolved in the industry to make it viable. In terms of scale, depth and capacity, Mr Dienye Peterside a chartered marketer believed it was time for the integration of the informal into the insurance space. Peterside shared that Nigeria should learn from Rwanda who currently has a robust and comprehensive national insurance scheme that is all encompassing. Mr Peterside decried the fact that while Insurance companies in the United States and Europe owned banks, the reverse was the case in Nigeria with banks acquiring insurance companies. It is high time the insurance sector in Nigeria controlled the game in the financial sector of the economy. Giving his perspective from the unfolding digital revolution, Mr Abiodun Atobatele asserted that the Nigerian Insurance Industry required critical transformation to deliver valuable service to the citizens. The ICT consultant/ expert identified four ways insurance companies can embrace the digital transformation namely; empowering employees, improving communications channels, optimizing operations and transforming products to adapt to changes and innovations. A brand consultant Mr Charles O’Tudor in his brief remarks made a strong case for the industry to think about customers in its branding process, and fully adopt the innovative platforms to delivering effective service. In her intervention Edobong Akpabio an Agripreneur called for an improved customer service relations strategy that will engage the customers, sensitize them and also add value to the industry. Also sharing her perspective Ini Abimbola a consultant, called on the Insurance industry, to give consideration to micro-insurance initiatives that will target the MSMEs in the country. Finally, it can be recalled that several years ago it was a challenge for husbands to write their “will”. The erroneous belief that if they wrote their will it was a sign of an impending death. This action put many women and children into perils after the demise of the husbands while extended families and strangers took over the properties. Suddenly, there was a change, informed husbands now write their “will”. But how did this change? A major factor can be revealed in the actions taken by religious bodies that encouraged their members to take the bold step of securing the future of the immediate family. To deepen the activities of the insurance sector to positively influence the Nigerian economy, the religious and cultural barriers must be steadily and judiciously fragmented. Insurance operators must devise ways to take the gospel of insurance products to the pulpit of religious organizations. Another aspect that controls the Nigerian mind is politics. When things are done in compulsion rather than voluntary, it sells well to the Nigerian public. From politicians to students, there must be an insurance package for these kinds of people that is serviced by one form of policy instrument. Insurance products must be innovative, well packaged and well suited for the Nigerian populace in order to greatly impact the Nigerian economy.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Behold!! Red carpet queens of 2017 L4

Fashion L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Mutiat Alli

amazing commandments of lipstick -

1. Exfoliate: -

2. Moisturize: -

3. Consider your skin tone: -

4. Mix and blend:

7. Be a lip lining pro:

8. Avoid lipstick on the teeth:

9. Blot:

10. Never throw out a broken tube:

5. Consider your formula:

6. Start with a base:

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Wellness L3

Chioma Ahuekwe

Sailing smoothly through

menopause

What is menopause? Menopause refers to that time in

What happens and how does it feel?

this

Coping with menopause you have osteoporosis

treatm

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Behold!! Red carpet queens of 2017 serve us more killer red carpet looks ahead. Giving us a classic African princess look at the premiere of Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN), we absolutely love this queen. Adesua Etomi-Wellington The Nollywood actress is an epitome of elegance. a fever dream at the AMVCA 2017 and we were d-y-

Tiwa Savage event, to her stunning custom piece by Gertjohan Coetzee at the 2017

Mo-Abudu

Beverly Naya

From award shows to movie premieres, whenever the red carpet is rolled, we always look forward to inspiring hairstyles, makeup and breathtaking looks from our celebs. In no particular order, THERESA TEKENAH takes us through the top 10 red carpet queens of 2017. Toke Makinwa Radio personality, blogger and writer is one queen to look at for in any red carpet event. TM as she is popularly called has become a fashion stable and a delight on the red carpet. This earned her the Glitz style in a strapless yellow ball gown by Gertjohan Coetzee, Toke Makinwa was awarded the best-dressed female trophy at the Elite Model Look 2017.

every red carpet event she attended this year and her blonde platinum hairstyle! Rita Dominic The Veteran Nollywood actress fashion choices are always daring, but always unforgettable. She graced the red carpet in a striking gold mono-strap The screen goddess looked elegant in a sloughy Bolanle Olukanni The red carpet is synonymous with Bolanle Olukanni fondly called Bolinto. The Award winning TV personality knows how to pull any look effortlessly. We love how she slayed in a gorgeous OmaZiim dress Recently, the fashion staple looked like a perfectly

Beverly Naya The Nollywood actress has quickly become one of our favourite queens on the red carpet. Who could forget her head-turning look at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2017? The actress dazzled in an embellished halter neck black gown

dress at the Elite Model Look 2017.

gorgeous when she stepped out in a red fringe gown at the Golden Movie Awards Africa (GMAA) in Ghana this year.

talking. The TV host looked super stylish and chic

Mo Abudu All hail the Queen Mother! The media mogul has an impeccable red carpet style. She slays effortlessly in both local and international designs. Mo Abudu

Nigerian brands radiates on the red carpet.

Lizzy

Bolanle

Eunice Omole Eunice Omole graced the red carpet at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wedding

Osas Ighodaro Ajibade Step aside for this queen. The Nollywood actress is a show stopper. We are still drooling over her look

The dress is priced at about $3,130. Stephanie Coker When the TV personality stepped out in an Elvira Jude mustard peplum number at the â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Lagos

fringe gown. Serving us more glam, Osas wore a gorgeously detailed body-con beaded dress by Iconic Invanity at Elite Model Look 2017.

Life&

T E A M

Adesua Etomi

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Society circle

Isaac Oguntoye

The savvy entrepreneurial skill Igebor Rebecca gets N350,000 as best designer of BUA boss, Samad Rabiu Penultimate Monday, the glamorous Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos was

winners emerged during the Annual Fashion event put together by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) City of David Parish where Igebor

Abdulsamad Rabiu

ness maverick, Abdulsamad Isyaku Rabiu is enthusiastic, optimistic and future-oriented is like stating the obvious. But self-belief, hard work, discipline and dedication have been the watchword of the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a Nigerian conglomerate with interests in manufacturing. lanthropy and savvy entrepreneurial skills. The 55-year-old businessman billionaire who has appeared in Forbes magazine of the world richest men

many people in Nigeria and throughout Africa. take away from the chairman of Nigerian Bank of Industry is the fact that he broke an eight-year monopoly in the Nigerian sugar industry by commissioning the second largest sugar However, the very humble businessman who owns a penthouse at the one and only hotel in Cape Town uses BUA Foundation for his philanthropic activities that have contributed towards the development and upliftment of individuals and government parastatal.

Finally! Iyaloja Shade Tinubu-Ojo gives birth Amiable Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja and President General of Association of Commodity Market Women

Iyaloja

bed. Her joy, according to information, knew no bond as she welcomed a baby boy after several years of childlessness. Shade, who is married to Hon Oye Ojo, a former member, House of Representatives, has been ridiculed within the social circle for failing to conceive after several years in marriage. Now, the question on the lips of many is: who is responsible or who is the biological father since the couple (both Shade and Ojo) have never lived together as husband and wife ever since she was installed as the Iyaloja General? Before now, rumour had it that Shade was having an affair with one Babaloja of Oshodi, Alhaji Abdullahi Sanni a.k.a. Provida. Meanwhile, we shall update you as events unfold.

Fashion Palace eventually emerged as the overall winner with N350,000, while the ner up went home with 200,000 and 100,000, Akerele Finyinfoluwa Sharon (FinyinbyFinyin), Oni Opeyemi Sharon (Le Couture Peony) respectively. The 4th edition was exceptional as young creative designers competed favourably well among themselves as they brought back decency in dressing especially among the youths and society at large. The 2017 GFS featured exquisite designs from Fashion Designs Masterclass with Ejiro

Quincy, Becky and the Host and Models

Peter Adebayo among others. The event, however, created an avenue for budding young entre-

for fashion, modeling, photography, media, videography, graphic designs among other related vocations to showcase their talents.

Abuja-based Pastor, Bishop Emmanuel Esezobor condemned Contrary to a biblical scripture that frown against individual judging man of God, Nigerians have thrown caution to the wind when the general overseer of Firehouse Assembly in Abuja, Nigeria, Pastor ture surface on social media where Staff, followers and junior pastors kneel down for him as he walk by. a form of respect, which has become a norm within the church. Many have condemned this act saying the pastor is operating a tion as no scripture in the bible says every disciple or follower must kneel before their pastors whenever he walk through them. Interestingly, this reportedly happened at last Sunday service and neither the pastor nor the members have come out to defend the gen-

Biodun Fatoyinbo and wife Pastor, Bishop Emmanuel Esezobor

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday January 2, 2018

Ajibade Alabi

US-based socialite buries father in style

state my father was known for his astuteness and leadership abilities,

Top broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede, loses husband death. Oloyede was the former President of ITPAN, producer and foremost director of the popular Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) series, the village Headmaster, among several other productions. Until his death, he ran his own pronational Production.

Oluwo high moral virtues, uprightness, truthfulness, humility, benevolence, reliability, timekeeping, patience, and love for everyone.

Friends to host Prince Ayoade Adewopo

Ayoade Though he has celebrated his 45th birthday weeks back but for friends and colleagues of Prince (Dr,)Ayoade Adewopo ESQ a leadecutive governor of Osun state, the celebration is not yet over as they have prepared a surprised birthday bash for the youthful Adewopo aka Ayombo Speaking ahead of the birthday bash which is schedule for today (29th, December, 2017) at Davinci lounge, Chase Mall, Victoria Island, Lagos, Kayode Salako a social crusader and activist, stated that the birthday is just to welcome Prince

Society Gist

casters, Bimbo Oloyede, is bereaved. She lost her hubby, Chief Tunde Oloyede, on Monday after a brief illness. He died at his Festac, Lagos, home at the age of 70. Sources said bimbo, who is a descendant of Herbert Macaulay family and a leading newscaster at channels Television, was

It was a party and ceremony to behold last Saturday at NUD Primary School, Agbado,, Ogun State when socialites and some important celebrities from Donald Trump country (USA) stormed the gateway state for the burial of Oluwo Adeboye Oyesanya, a native of Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Who during his life time was a practicing herbalist of repute with vast experience in Ifa and traditional medical practice for “He was loved by everybody, in fact I never knew how he was loved not until when I got US and see the way people eulogized him and when he died you knew to see the list of many important personalities that paid their tribute. So I was not surprised when most of my friends in America and UK promised to storm Nigeria for the event which they

Ayoade to Lagos “ It is just a way to welcome his Lagos and to also celebrate with him it is been organized by his friends here in Lagos some of us are from Osun state” stated Salako who is the husband of Nigeria Nollywood popular Foluke Daramola One of the host a popular socialites Adetunji Ibidire also spoke about the get together “ He is a very good friend and we think the best way to welcome him to Lagos is to celebrate his birthday for him even though he has clocked 45 years weeks back”

Bimbo

Itunu Alanu mi in double celebration It was all fun and paparazzi last week Tuesday (Boxing day) at the glamorous and state of heart Regia Luxuria Hotel, Alimosho Iyana Ipaja, Lagos when one of Segun Oseni products , Lady Evangelist Itunu Segun Oseni aka “Alanu mi” hosts her friends and fans in what was later to be a double celebration cum award ceremony as she also the launched her new album titled “ Afefe Loro) The event which was anchored by Afefe Oro, and have many important personalities on parade also saw many dignities been given recognition award The red carpet added glitz and glamour to the event as paparazzi went full tootle for the duration of the red carpet as guests went in ecstasy when the event eventually commence with good performance from Evangelist Itunu “It is a way to say thank you to my fans and to also mix with them as most of them only hear or see me on radio and television, and I think there is no way to appreciate them than this. I mean having a get together party, and yes to also use the opportunity to launch my new album titled “Afefe Loro”

Alanu Mi)

Daily Times Nigeria

Tuesday January 2, 2018

Ajibade Alabi

What next for Remi Adiukwu-Bakare?

Society Gist

Caroline Danjuma going grateful It is a known fact that all is not well with the marriage of pretty Nollywood actress,

That is the millionaire question begging for answer among the party faithful after she lost out at the last national convention of

has since parted ways with her billionaire hubby, Musa not allowed that affecting their

The Mbaise, Imo State born politician had viewed

Caroline may have gotten over the pains she was going through, but that has not stopped her from recalling the good times and wonderful kids

National Women Leader, In the Lagos Socio-Political space, Adiukwu is a name

out time to appreciate her man for being the solid rock of the family for good 11 years and still counting, for making the kids not to cry or worry “Today, I will take out time to

haps the last time the public heard about the beautiful wife of Chief Stephen fame was her attempt to become the governor of

Remi ship aspirant seems to have surfaced again

I choose to see the beautiful in everything, the positive in “To the best father in the world, my closest friend and

But the dogged governor-

Unveiled! The Hadaza Harmony of Nigeria gospel music

Thank you for giving the kids the best of life, for always May God keep you safe from “No one is perfect, but I

Toyin Alo releases another 7 tracks video album - Praise Him Basking in the euphoria of the stardom she enjoys having released couple of singles and titled albums, Praise Him is another master piece from the banker In a chance meeting with this banker turned musician she said, “Having released the single of Praise Him, its acceptability and commendation by fans from far and near made us work more

Hadaza people to know that there is plenty things Hadaza Harmony Gospel Music can be labeled as Adaza of this generation as she is set to storm the gospel music terrain “My music started when I was primary 4, they choose me as chapel prefect which was contrary to the rule because prefects are been choosing from primary 5 because they saw that I can sing before also happened while I was in secondary school, I was also chosen as chapel prefect while I was in SSS 1 I started professionally last year - and my husband helped and encouraged me, I am an event planner, decorator, and a Prophetess I attend cherubim and seraphim “

and my husband pushed me to also go deep I have something special from others on her latest album she revealed “ite orun “ was my latest album I took the title from revelation 4 in Holy Bible we want

She also revealed her experience in the hands of men who claimed to be man of God “Someone called me 3 weeks ago that they have Christian club that can I come

have the following tracks on the new Praise Him album featuring Kenny Kole;

Shot in America and some notable video album from the stable of Evangelist

money the man said he will pay me 2 million and I know what he want is more than that, another one call me from Abuja and said that he will pay me big money but I should come 2 days before the event that I will be lodged in hotel with him I told him I can t do that, I went for one event after the event I was given an envelope and when I opened it I saw 3500 naira, I am not bordered because I was happy because people received blessing the Bola Are of this world never demanded money when they started but now they know their worth they are enjoying their fame because they did not use money to be their watch world when they began

out and marketed by Babs Record in She said, the album is to mark a blissin the gospel music world dated to some years back has described her call as ordained and typical to song of Praises

Toyin every living soul that He exists and to Him alone must we forward all Praises, supplications and

life, you need to praise God, acknowledge His

much in my life I have decided to always My gospel song is meant to praise and Hence, I shall always sing His praise and to

Relationship L8

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday January 2, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Common phrases you don’t realize are actually abusive Books and movies from “Twilight” to “50 Shades of Grey” teach society to buy into the idea that dependent and harmful relationships are the epitome of love. Because of these complicated versions of romance, it can be challenging for people to recognize emotional abuse. However, anything that causes the victim to feel degraded, guilty, invalidated or humiliated may be a result of emotional abuse. While this list does not include every form of emotional abuse, nor indicate a partner is abusive, the following list may help you evaluate whether your relationship is suffering from emotional abuse.

“Get over it” Rather than validating feelings, this phrase implies that the person who needs to “get over it” is overreacting. This is a form of gaslighting_a type of abuse where the abuser

makes the victim feel like they are crazy.

them. Your partner should not disregard them.

You are entitled to your feelings and to express

“You don’t know”

need

Communication in an exclusive relationship is definitely on a need to know basis—meaning, if you feel you have a need to know you should know. Your partner shouldn’t define that for you because, really, healthy relationships are not built on secrets. “I love you, but …” If your partner expresses love to you but tacks on a caveat, they don’t really love you. Rather than building you up as expression of love should, it decreases your self-esteem, leading you to believe that your abuser is the only person who could “put up’ with you. “I don’t know what you’re talking about” Another form of gaslighting, this form of abuse makes it seem like you don’t what you are talking about. Someone who loves you will try to your point of view instead of disregarding it. “It’s for your own good”

Abusers may try to make you feel as though they’re trying to help you. However, what they’re doing is really for their own good. It also places the abuser in the place of authority, which can make the victim feel dependent on the abuser. “Your problem is …” This phrase masquerades as constructive criticism, alerting you to your issues so that you can improve. However, abusers use this phrase repeatedly to destroy the victim’s selfesteem by making hyperaware of their flaws.

“It’s your fault” While at times you need to accept responsibility for your actions, you shouldn’t feel persistently guilty. No matter what, your partner is responsible for his or her own actions. You are not the cause of their actions. They should not make you feel guilty for things that they did.