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Fears grips APC over national convention

Ï Ə Ƒƍ Ƌ Ƒ ƅ Ɔ Əƅ Ƈ Ə ƆƓ Ɛƈ Ƌ ƅ ƈƏƌ Ï Ƒ Əƈô ƈ ƐƆƏƆ Ɛ Ɛ ƗƆƐƆƏƌƈ Ɔ RƗƈ ƈƆéRƕƆ Ƒ ô ƑƅƅƆ Ə Olufemi Samuel, ƄƑƉ

ÏÏÏ There are growing anxiet-

ies and fears in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the forthcoming elective national convention in June this year

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where a new national chairman and other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) is expected to emerge. The planned convention is coming on the heels of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Continued on page 6

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 617

N150

GLOBAL FINANCIAL/COMMODITY MARKETS

CURRENCIES/CBN: CBN: MƢƠǀêǀǀ ^&` #RGG `è Parallel Market: USD MƢÕǀ POUND Mƿƣǀ EURO Mƿƾƿ NSE: d9 Ƣƣè ƿƾǀêơǀ MARKET CAP ơƾêÖƠ 0L#_ RƃM ƾƾêǀƠ R ƾƾêƠƠ COMMODITIES: Wheat nd ƿǀǀêƠƠƃLj Rice nd ơƾêƿƠƃLj Cocoa nd ƾèƠƠƿêƠƠƃ Coffee nd ơƢÖêÕƠƃdƅ ƍ Cotton nd ƣƠêÖǀƃn ƈƐ Sugar nd ơƿêơǀƃRƑ ƅƆ METALS: Gold nd ơƾÕƢêơƠƃRƑ ƅƆ Silver nd ơÕêƾơƃRƑ ƅƆ Copper nd ƾêƤƣƃRƑ ƅƆ ENERGY: Brent nd ǀƾêƾơƃ^ è N/Gas nd ƾêƣƤƃ

Uproar as FG releases fresh list of 23 alleged treasury looters Mathew Dadiya, ƄƑƉ

Ï List at a glance: Col Sambo Dasuki é ƾêƄ è MơƾÕƄ è ơêǀƄ è ùǀêǀƌ Ï Diezani Alison-Maduekeé MƾƢƄ è ƢƄ ì ÏÏÏ The Federal GovernÏ Lt- Gen Kenneth Minimah é MơƢêÖƄ è MƿêƤƄ ƅ è ƍƏ ƍƆƏƐƕ ƏƆƅ ƒƆƏƆƗ Ƅƕ &0 ì ment has released a fresh list of alleged treasury Ï Alex Bardeé MƤƄ è MƿƄ ƅ è ƍƏ ƍƆƏƐƕ ƏƆƅ ƒƆƏƆƗ Ƅƕ &0 ì Ï Senator Peter Nwaoboshi é MơêǀƄ Continued on page 5

Mƈ ƆƏƈ éƄ Ə ƏƈƐƈ Ƅ ƔƆƏè Ɛ ƕ C Ƒ è ƇƋ ƊƆƗ Ƅƕ R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Ə 9ƄƈƊƑ ƋƆ ƌ Ƒ æƏƈ Ɛç Ɨ ƈ Ƈ Ɛ ƆƏè LƏê ` ƄƆƏƐ C Ƒ è ƇƐƆƏ ƗƆƇƆ Ɛƈ C Ɔƍ ^ ƏƊƆƏè Ɛ Ɠƈ Ɛ Ɔ z R ƐƈƐƋƆ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ^Əƈ ƅƈƍ ƋƈƐƕ dƐ ƗƈƑƌè ƏƗƈƇƇêêê d ƐƑƏƗ ƕ

& ƐƆƏë Adeboye, Kumuyi preach unity, peaceful co-existence 5

Father Kukah writes Buhari, accuses President of 8 promoting ethnicity

Investors boost FX market with $14.4bn in 3 months 7

Confusion as angry constituents stone Taraba Reps member 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

5 News

Uproar as FG releases fresh list of 23 alleged treasury looters Continued from page 1 looters, adding that the earlier list of alleged looters which it released was based on verifiable facts, including the amount involved, the date the amount in question was collected and from where it was taken. This development has continued to trigger reactions from different quarters regarding the context and the propriety of the federal government to make public the names of the al-

leged looters. But the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Sunday, said that those complaining that the list was too short apparently did not understand that it was strategically released as a teaser. The list looters and the amount allegedly embezzled is as follows: (1). Former NSA Sambo Dasuki: Based on EFCC investigations and findings alone (this is beside the ongoing $2.1billion military equipment scandal), a total

of N126 billion, over $1.5 billion and 5.5 million British Pounds was embezzled through his office. A good number of these monies were simply shared to persons and companies without any formal contract awards; (2) Former Petroleum Resources Minister, Dieziani Alison-Madukwe: In just one of the cases the EFCC is investigating involving her, about N23 billion is alleged to have been embezzled. She is also involved in the Strategic Alliance

Contracts of the NNPC, where the firms of Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko got oil blocks but never paid government taxes and royalty. About $3 billion was involved. The Federal Government is charging Omokore and Aluko and will use all legal instruments local and international to ensure justice; (3). Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah (rtd) - N13.9 billion. N4.8 billion recovered by EFCC in cash and property; (4) Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd) - N4.5billion. N29m

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, with them is the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya during the activities marking the latter’s 40 years on the throne in Bauchi State on Saturday.

recovered by the EFCC so far; (5) Alex Barde, former Chief of Defence Staff - N8 billion, and EFCC recovered almost N4billion in cash and property already; (6). Inde Dikko - former CG Customs -N40 billion, and N1.1 billion recovered in cash and choice properties; (7). Air Marshal Adesola Amosun - N21.4 billion. N2.8billion recovered in cash. 28 properties and 3 vehicles also recovered; (8). Senator Bala Mohammed, former FCT Minister - N5 billion. Interim forfeiture order on some property secured. Others are (9). Senator Stella Oduah - N9.8billion. Interim forfeiture order on some property secured; (10) Former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu - N1.6 billion - from NSA; (11) Senator Jonah Jang, former Plateau State Governor - N12.5 billion; (12) Bashir Yuguda, former Minister of State for Finance - N1.5 billion. $829,800 recovered; (13) Senator Peter Nwaboshi - N1.5 billion; (14) Aliyu Usman - Former NSA Dasuki’s aide - N512 million; (15) Ahmad Idris, Former NSA Dasuki’s PA - N1.5 billion; (16) Rasheed Ladoja, Former Oyo State Governor - N500 million; (17) Tom Ikimi - N300 million; (18) Femi Fani-Kayode -N866 million; (19) Hassan Tukur, former PPS to President Goodluck - $1.7 million; (20) Nenadi Usman - N1.5 billion; (21) Benedicta Iroha

- N1.7 billion; (22) Aliyu Usman Jawaz - Close ally of former NSA Dasuki - N882 million; and (23) Godknows Igali - Over N7 billion. Speaking on why the list was made public, Mohammed said: ‘’At the press conference where the list was released, I did say it was a tip of the iceberg. Apparently, this does not mean anything to people whose style is to comment on issues they barely understand, or just to shoot down anything coming from the government,. He added that the Federal Government has a large number of alleged looters on its list. Mohammed also slammed the PDP for daring to challenge the Federal Government over an issue that the party knows is its weakness- Looting of public treasury. He said, ‘’What was the PDP expecting when it challenged the Federal Government to name the looters of the public treasury under the party’s watch? Did the PDP actually believe that the massive looting under its watch was a joke? Did they think it is ‘April Fool’?’’. The Minister said the PDP’s reaction to the looters’ list has shown that its recent apology is an election-induced act, contrived to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians to vote for the party Continued on page 6

FG begins probe of PDP’s alleged hacking into Buhari’s medical records Mathew Dadiya and Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Federal Govern-

ment has commenced investigation into the recent revelation that a Nigerian billionaire and supporter of former President Goodluck Jonathan paid £2million to Cambridge Analytica to hack into the medical records of President Muhammadu Buhari, then candidate of the All Progressives Congress prior to the 2015 general elections. The government was also probing the report which suggested that the consulting firm that combines data mining, brokerage and analysis with strategic communication for electoral process manipulated Nigeria’s 2007 elections by organising

Ï Cambridge Analytica: Stop chasing shadows PDP tells APC Ï Wants extension of probe into Buhari’s 2015 campaign funds campaigns to weaken the chances of opposition parties. An official of the Presidency who spoke on the condition of anonymity disclosed this to State House correspondents in Abuja on Sunday. “The government of Nigeria is scrutinising the reports of the data mining firm Cambridge Analytica, which swiped the data of more than 50 million Facebook users to sway elections in many countries including Nigeria, where it waged a campaign to perpetuate discord and hack into personal records of the then leading opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari,” the source said.

According to source, the government had set up what he called an in-house committee to investigate whether the firm’s work for the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in 2007 and 2015 general election campaigns broke the laws of the country or infringed on the rights of other parties and their candidates. “Depending on the outcome, this may lead to the appointment of a special investigator and possibly, criminal prosecutions by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN),” the Presidency official added. When contacted on the matter, the Senior Special

Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said he had not been briefed on the issue. He however said that it was the right of Nigerians for the PDP, Facebook and Cambridge Analytica to explain their roles in the matter. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Federal Government from chasing shadows in their desperate plot to implicate the opposition in the alleged hacking into the personal record of its then Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. The party said while it

welcomes an open investigation into the Cambridge Analytica saga, it demands that such inquest be extended to cover the sources of the looted funds used to prosecute President Buhari’s campaign in 2015. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement, on Sunday, said the APC is merely seeking to divert public attention from its manifold failures and scandals, as it is already public knowledge that neither the PDP nor any of its officials or members were ever linked or indicted in any way, in the said saga. The statement reads in part, “ It is also public knowledge that the document being relied upon by the APC clinically stated that, “there is no suggestion that Jonathan knew of

the covert operation.” “We are therefore aware that this new agenda is to divert public attention from the various scandalous allegations hanging on the neck of the Buhari Presidency, including the use of looted funds to finance his 2015 Presidential election, the Martin Luther Kings award saga, the damaging Bill Gates verdict on the Buhari’s economic policies as well as the numerous financial scandals in the NNPC under his watch. “ This inquest should therefore be completely open and independent of government control, so that Nigerians will know the truth, not only on the Cambridge Analytica saga, but also on the source of funds for the President’s 2015 campaign and other sleazes under his watch.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Fears grips APC over national convention Continued from page 1 annulment of the decision by the NEC, at its last meeting in Abuja, to extend its tenure till June 2019. Buhari said that the decision was against the provisions of APC’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution (as amended). But the President’s position has thrown those who had committed to benefit from the illegality, especially the embattled national chairman, Chief

John Odigie-Oyegun, and those seeking elective public offices, into a quandary. According to the president, members of the NEC who are interested in contesting elective and public offices are expected to resign first before participating in the process in order to create a level play field. National Coordinator of APC Grassroots Youths for Change, Mr. Orlu Henry Manuchimso, has commended President Buhari

for his critical intervention. Manuchimso said: “While I am concerned at the timing of the forthcoming national convention whose outcome can polarise the party rather than unite it ahead of 2019 general election, I am, however, on the same page with the president on the illegality of the tenure extension by the NEC. “I want to appeal to APC leaders and members to apply themselves to the process as one big family

and not approach it with a ‘do-or-die’ attitude. The president is interested in a party that is built on the foundation of law and due process as that will strengthen internal democracy.” But some groups in the APC have launched a search for a new national chairman that will replace Odigie-Oyegun, whom they say, is a party to the leadership crisis in the party. Critical stakeholders in the party are said to

President Muhammadu Buhari (third left); Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (second left); his wife, Dolapo (left); Celebrant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (middle); his wife, Senator Oluremi (third right); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (second right) and his wife, Bolanle (right) during the 10th Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Colloquium at the Eko hotel & Suites, Victoria island, Lagos

Reps will override Buhari’s veto on Ajaokuta, says Nkem-Abonta

Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The National Assem-

bly and the presidency are heading for another showdown over the contentious concession of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex with the Chairman, House special committee on Ajaokuta, Hon Nkem-Abonta declaring that the House will override President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto if he declines assenting to the bill compelling the federal government to complete the steel complex. In passing the bill asking the government to spend $1billion from its share of the excess crude account,

the House also amended the National Council on Commercialization and Privatization (NCPC) by removing the steel complex from the list of public firms that can be privatized or commercialized. Speaking to journalists at the weekend in Abuja, Hon. Nkem-Abonta declared that the benefits of completing the steel complex which had been moribund for over 30 years were enormous. Apart from having the potential for making the country an industrialized nation, the lawmaker stated that the complex is capable of creating jobs for youth in the country and saving the huge foreign exchange spent on steel imports.

Nkem-Abonta added that under the new legislation passed by the House, states and local government can by their own volition contribute to the completion of the project. According to him, beyond shooting Nigeria to the enviable height of a steel producing nation, create employment benefits, for over 75,000 Nigerians outside the ancillary jobs that will be opened from service companies that will service the steel firm. He said, “This is a project that the current administration, especially President Buhari should take serious because it will be his legacy that it was during his tenure that the country

finally became an industrialized nation. ‘’Anybody who is opposing the Ajaokuta completion law is an enemy of Nigeria, who does not want the country to develop.” Moreover, he stated that it will be a credit to the Buhari administration if he signs the bill into law and supports the completion of the project, insisting that he was confident that the president against all odds will sing the Ajaokuta completion bill into law. “It will be a credit. He should sign the bill into law so that Ajaoukta will be the project he will go home with, but if he declines, l can assure you that we will veto him,” he added.

Oyegun be searching for someone whose candidature will serve as a rallying point for the vast majority of the party leaders and members. But while Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole is being pressured to throw his hat in the ring, his candidature, as feared, could be imperiled on two flanks. The first impediment is the fact that he is from the same state with the incumbent, Odigie-Oyegun and an attempt to seek the office may be interpreted as a manifestation of treachery that had underlined relationship between them even while Oshiomhole was in the saddle as governor. The second, according to a source, is the perceived stubbornness, independent-mindedness and temperamental nature of Oshiomhole that could pitch him against the establishment and

those that enthroned him. There are, however, further indications that a search for a consensus candidate in the SouthSouth zone to which the national chairmanship position had been zoned, is on. One of those being considered by some stakeholders is the former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Clement Ebri. Ebri was governor of Cross River state on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) from 1992 to 1993. In 1999, he contested the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) primaries for the state governorship ticket and came second in the exercise. He left the ANPP in 2006. He joined the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) and became the national chairman from 2008 to 2009 when he resigned after the former PPA governor in Imo state, Ikedi Ohakim, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ebri is a chieftain of the APC in Cross River State. It was learnt that some few individuals are also being considered, but that at the end of the day, what would determine who gets the nod will be a combination of his political antecedents and the final say of President Buhari who, as learnt, wants to install his own national chairman that will give him complete loyalty.

Uproar as FG releases fresh list of 23 alleged treasury looters Continued from page 5 in the 2019 general election, even when it has not come clean on its looting spree during its time in office. He said, ‘’The hysterical and panicky reaction from the PDP has shown that the party is not at all sincere about its choreographed apology. Were it not the case, the party would have followed in the footsteps of one of its leaders, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, who simply owned up to his role in the party’s rigging in the

past elections and said he had turned a new leaf. ‘’It is said that a true confession is done in humility with an attitude of repentance. It is clear that the PDP does not know this, hence its resort to hubris instead of humility and genuine penitence.” Mohammed said that the Federal Government will neither be intimidated nor blackmailed into silence, adding that it will also not rest until all those who looted the public treasury have been brought to justice.

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè ƍƏƈƋ ƾè ƾƠơƤ

7 News

Investors boost FX market with $14.4bn in 3 months Motolani Oseni, Lagos

ÏÏÏ

In the first three months of 2018, the Investors and Exporters (I&E) FX window boosted Nigeria’s Foreign exchange market (Forex) with total liquidity of $14.457 billion, even as Nigeria’s external reserves during the same period gained $7.44 billion, due to the steady increase in global oil prices and increased activity in the special FX window, findings by The Daily Times revealed. As at close of March trading activities, the I&E window declared transactions turnover of $4.357 billion, which was higher than $3.95 billion recorded in February but lower than $6.1 billion traded in January. This implies that the I&E forex window had in the first two months in 2018, transacted a whopping $10.1 billion turnover, helping in stabilising the foreign exchange market. However, at the close of last week trading on Friday, March 30, 2018, the autonomous forex window declared the highest transactions value during the month, with $1.58 billion, higher than $836.01 million sold in the third week, $1.4 billion recorded the preceding week and $540 million exchanged in the first week in March. The Daily Times checks further showed that the first trading day of the just conclude week recorded the lowest figures of $259.27 million, which represented the weakest figure traded during the week but significantly stronger than $98 million exchanged on corresponding day in the previous week. But the second trading day moved up to $277.01 million and further strengthened to $387.79 million, however, sustained the same traded value following day before closing the week with a depreciated figure $270.04 million. Further breakdown, however, indicated that the I&E FX window, at the close of the third week in March, stood at $836 million, while the second week during the same month traded transactions’ value at $1.4 billion, which rode on the increased confidence over Nigeria’s resurging external reserves. This showed that the activity level in I&E Window is an improvement of 162.3 per cent ($876.1 million) from $540 million recorded in the preceding week of the month. The development has

Ï ƆƔƐƆƏ Ƌ ƏƆ ƆƏƒƆ ƈƊƆ Ƅƕ ƣêƿƄ ƈ _ơ also seen the apex bank reduce its level of weekly interventions in the forex market without causing shortage of supply, as only one auction worth $210 million across all segments was recorded during that week. Figure obtained showed that I&E FX window between April and December 2017, recorded total turnover of$25.65billion, with September and November declared the highest transactions turnover, while April, the month that the CBN created the special FX window, recorded the lowest turnover figure. But data from FMDQ OTC securities Exchange revealed that $0.61 billion or N1865.66 billion total turnover was traded in April and increased by 114 per cent to $1.32 billion or N403.92 billion in May. Total turnover on I&E FX window in June and July were $1.63 billion or N498.78 billion and $1.86 billion or N569.16 billion respectively. Data from FMDQ OTC stated that total turnover gained momentum in August 2017, as newly created window reached $3 billion per month. According to the data, I & E FX window in August was estimated at $3.54 billion or N1.08 trillion, while in September, total trade on the I & E FX window closed at $4.61 billion or N1.41trillion. For October, it dropped to $4.30 billion or N1.32 trillion, but the turnover trade on the I & E FX window in November and December were $4.51 billion or N1.38 trillion and $3.27 billion or N1 trillion respectively. The I& E FX was created by the CBN to boost supply of foreign exchange into the nation’s economy, attract more investments and stabilise the foreign exchange market. CBN introduced the special window for investors, exporters and end-users of foreign exchange on April 21, 2017 as part of its efforts to deepen the FX market and accommodate all the foreign exchange obligations. Reacting to the development in an interview, Associate Professor and Head, Banking & Finance department, Nasarawa State University, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said: “There is no question that the Investors and Exporters window introduced by the CBN sometime in April 2017 was one of the best developments in the foreign exchange market last year.

“It came at a time the market was facing liquidity crisis and foreign investors’ confidence was waning. “The window helped in no small measure in boosting liquidity and access to forex by creating an autonomous channel where the exchange rate is market determined. “So, the huge turnover recorded since the introduction of the AFEX points to the strong confidence that investors now have in the Nigerian economy. This measure, supported by the CBN’s sustained intervention, has aided the near convergence of rates across all

market segments. “The first positive sign manifested almost immediately with the parallel market rate dropping from a peak of N520 to a dollar to less than N400 few days after. Capital importation has been on the rise on the back of this forex window and the manufacturing sector has equally benefited going by the Purchasing Managers Index which has been above the 50 points threshold since May last year. “In addition, the bullish nature of the stock market last year and its impressive performance owe largely to the introduction of the

I & E window by the CBN. By and large, the effect on the economy has been salutary.” Meanwhile, the external reserves opened this year at $38.77 billion to close March 28, 2018 at $46.21 billion, an increase of 19.2 per cent this year. In February, the foreign reserves added $1.8 billion or 4.44 per cent to $42.92 billion from $40.69 billion it opened while in January, it gained $1.9 billion or 4.95 per cent to $40.69 billion from $38.77 billion it opened in 2018. Our correspondent checks showed that the price of Organisation of Exporting Countries

(OPEC) daily basket price stood at $66.05 a barrel on March 28, 2018. Global Oil prices continued to rally above $60 per barrel extended to new heights in 2017 with Brent crude climbing to a level last seen in mid-2015, stoking hopes in the industry that the market has finally turned a corner following a three-year slump. An oil price recovery has been under way since June last year as crude demand finally starts to outpace supply, with Brent rallying by almost 40 per cent to $61 a barrel, as the global oil glut that had built up over the previous three years starts to draw down.

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PDP disowns Mantu over alleged rigging for party during polls

ÏÏÏ The Peoples Democrat-

ic Party (PDP) has faulted the claim of Ibrahim Mantu, a former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu that he helped the party rig elections, saying that the claim is false. Mantu had during an interview on Channels Television, claimed that he, on behalf of the PDP, bribed officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as security agents. But the PDP in a tweeter on Sunday, disowned Mantu, saying that his claims were personal to him and has nothing to do with the PDP”.

According to the PDP, Mantu acted in personal capacity for himself, adding that it has never asked him to rig elections on the party’s behalf. It asked what happened to Mantu’s “rigging machinery” that caused him to lose his 2007 senatorial election. The PDP tweeted thus, “Senator Mantu’s reported claims was personal to him and has nothing to do with the PDP, as the party has never directed any of its members to rig election on its behalf, at any point since its formation. “Senator Mantu spoke about his personal activi-

ties and tendencies in the elections where he participated. The @OfficialPDPNig has never directed or had any pact with him to rig election on its behalf. Never! “Individuals run their elections on the platform of political parties once they emerge as candidates. In the PDP, candidates are issued with the party’s Code of Conduct containing the basic rules of electioneering engagements. “It will therefore be misplaced for anybody, including the failed @APCNigeria, to surmise that Senator Mantu, in the said confession of rigging, acted on

behalf of the @OfficialPDPNig p. “After all, in 2007, Senator Mantu lost his own senatorial election. What, then, happened to his rigging machinery, if he could not deliver himself. @APCNigeria.”

L ƐƑ

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Bishop Kukah writes Buhari accuses President of promoting ethnicity Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of bringing back ethnicity which Nigerians felt they had overcome. Kukah, in a letter to the President and made available on Sunday, said Nigerians have never been “so alienated from one another as it is today.” The cleric noted that during Buhari’s campaign, he promised to fight corruption and make the nation secure, saying that it is regrettable that the President has fallen short of expectations, According to Kukah, there is the need for Buhari to change his style of governance, saying that “Buhari needs to connect with Nigerians and fulfil his promises.” The letter reads in part, “You know Sir, that you rode into town like a knight in shining armour, carrying the joys, pains, anxieties and fears of a people whose broken dreams had littered and turned the landscape into a kaleidoscopic scenery of desolation and despair. “In your campaigns, you promised to restore a sense of national pride in us by slaying the dragon of corruption, banishing the retrogressive scourge of Boko Haram, bringing back our daughters from Chibok and making our country and citizens truly safe. “We waited in hope right to the end of the first year, but somehow, amidst some hazy weather, all we heard was the sound of screeching tyres with the plane carrying our hopes seemingly unable to take off. It finally did but we had barely gained altitude when sickness struck and you spent the better part of a year seeking healing. “The nation prayed for you and miraculously, you recovered. Evidently, you had been saved for a purpose. Our prayer is that this realisation will help you understand that you have a date with history and divine judgment. For now, before your eyes and in your hands, our country, our communities, our people are all in a state of

stupor. We have never felt so alienated from one another. The bogeyman of religion, region and ethnicity, which we thought we had overcome by the sheer nature of your support base, has come back with a vengeance to haunt and threaten the very foundation of our existence. “Mr President, you are too distant from your people. There is a sad feeling that you do not share in the pain and suffering of your people. You must very quickly find a way of connecting with your people before the devil takes over the space. For taking on this challenge and connecting with Nigerians.” Kukah further asked politicians to desist from the practice of enriching themselves from the government’s purse. He said, “The average age of governors and legislators across the country is 50. These are the years of dreams, maturity, sacrifice, patriotism and self-giving. “But, sadly, you do not seem ready to depart from the culture of cronyism, prebendalism and primitive accumulation. The result has been ruination and decay. “I appeal to you to please abandon the spirit of selfish accumulation and embrace the principles of integrity and genuine service of our country. Do not let this country collapse in your hands. For accepting to make some sacrifice, respect and listen to our people.” The cleric further appealed to Nigerians not to succumb to pressure and allow the rich or the political class to divide them. He reminded Nigerians that God has plans for them. Speaking on the propriety of God’s plans for Nigerians and the need to remain steadfast, Kukah said, “But you yourself, no matter how rich or poor, how educated or otherwise you are, have a duty to understand that God has plans for you and for every individual and you have a duty to both yourself and your neighbour. “You have to defend your personal dignity and seek the enforcement of your rights to have property and to raise a family as opposed to waiting for the crumbs

from our greedy leaders. “Defend your dignity as human beings and children of God. Do not allow the rich and powerful, who are rich because you are poor, to divide you. “They have light and water in their high fenced houses, not because they

are Muslims or Christians or that they are from this or that or the other tribe but simply because they are rich. You are poor, homeless, have no road, no water, and your children are sick and illiterate, not because you are Christian or Muslim or from this tribe or the

other, but simply because you are poor. “You and your children vote, but their children do not vote because they are abroad. Your children beg and die on the streets while their children are abroad, fraternising with those they call infidels. They give

you a fake religion that enslaves you while they give their own children the religion of education that will liberate them and make them rule over you. Rise and defend your right to food and shelter because poverty is not a divine inheritance.”

Right to Left: Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Babatunde Fowler; former Minister of Industries, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande and other participants during the the Quarterly Presidential Business Forum which was chaired by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Ekiti 2018: Fayemi indicates interest in July 14 governorship race

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏ Former

Governor of Ekiti State and Minister of Steel and Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi (PhD) has issued the Peoples Democratic party(PDP) government in the state ‘quite notice,’ as he issued red card to it at the weekend. Fayemi who announced his intention to contest for the July 14 governorship poll in the state added that the pangs of poverty, frustrations and misery of Ekiti people “brought upon them by the present PDP government in Ekiti” since he left office in 2014 , has propelled him to the race. He spoke to newsmen in his country home , IsanEkiti on Sunday.Fayemi earlier had a meeting on Saturday evening with members and state executives of the All Progressive Congress (APC) where he enjoined all aspirants and party members to shun acts of discord and work towards a common goal to

wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July. Fayemi had while addressing the hundreds of his party men and women who thronged his Isan Ekiti country home on Saturday flaunted a red card which he said he was issuing the PDP government in Ekiti in place of the white paper that had earlier been issued against him by the Governor Ayo Fayose led government in the state. He cleared air on his intention to run, saying: “ Do you need a rocket scientist to tell you that I am running? . I was very clear that l am a process person. I am not going to jump the gun because there are rules and guidelines for electioneering. The body responsible for that has stated the obvious, when you can actually start the campaigns. The fact that people are flouting the guidelines is the fault of INEC that it is not taking them up on it. That is my own attitude to this. “ This is purely a party

matter; it is not a public matter yet. So, I don’t really understand the level of curiosity that is being generated on whether I am running or not. I have been very clear that what we have in this state today is not what the state deserves. I have also been very clear that whatever it takes, constitutionally, legally and legitimately to put our party in office in October 2018, we will do as a party. But l have also gone ahead to say that this meeting is our usual gathering not the one to declare my intention to run. But as to whether I am running or not, yes I am running , that is not debatable. You would all know when and will all be invited when I finally decided to formally declare within the ambit of the guidelines issued by INEC,” he said. Also reacting to a number of other issues, including the allegations that he would not get the votes of Ekiti workers, especially teachers because he had allegedly dealt unfavourably with them in his first term,

the debt profile of Ekiti and abandoned projects among others, he said:” Oh yes, I dealt with teachers very well and they never experienced the kind of positive support from any government as they did when I was in office. “ For the first time in the the state, teachers had their salaries raised three times within the period of three years. and for the very first time in the whole of south west, Ekiti teachers benefitted, and i hope they are still benefit, from a rural teachers’ allowance and which is twenty five percent of their salary, they also benefitted from core subject subjects allowance, .which is another 25% of their salaries so 50 percent of their basic salaries come to them as allowances if you are teaching a core subjects teacher like English, Mathematics and Integrated Science or if you are serving in Is a place like Isan- Ekiti which by our definition is rural area , you get an additional stipend because you are not in the city.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Herdsmen attacks will come to end, Benue Govt assures residents ÏÏÏ

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting residents of the state in the face of attacks by ‘killer herdsmen’, even as Christians mark the Easter celebration. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Terver Akase on March 29, the governor urged the people not to lose hope in is administration, saying that it will continue to place priority on the security of lives, property, as well as

their general welfare. He also advised that Easter is a period when Christians should draw closer to God so they can appreciate His abundant grace and mercy upon their lives in the face of adversities. The Governor, however, expressed worry about the increasing number of Internally Displaced Persons currently in eight camps across the state, and therefore, called on Nigerians as well corporate or-

ganisations to assist the state government in managing the humanitarian crisis. He urged people to emulate the qualities of Christ by embracing virtues of love and peace towards one another. According to him, it is only when the people support authorities in building a crimefree society that the government’s efforts of providing development and improved standard of living can fully be achieved.

He, however, expressed confidence that the current economic and security challenges will soon be over and the state will move onto the next level of development. While wishing residents happy Easter celebrations, Governor Ortom also admonished Benue residents to pray for the innocent persons who have lost their lives in Logo, Guma, Okpokwu and other parts of the state following herdsmen attacks.

L-R: Head of Leaf, British American Tobacco (BAT), West Africa Area, Kayode Oshodi; Area Head, Corporate Affairs, West Africa, BAT, Abimbola Okoya; Chairman, Oyo State Steering Committee on Child Labour, Mr Biodun Ajibade; Director of Operations, BAT, West Africa, Charles Kyalo; and Chairman, Nigeria Independent Tobacco Association (NITA), Mr Rasheed Bakare, during the 2018 BAT Nigeria Farmers’ Awards Ceremony at the BATN factory recreation ground, Ibadan, Oyo State

750 cattle rustlers, kidnappers renounce violence in Kaduna ÏÏÏA total of

750 criminals, including cattle rustlers, bandits and kidnappers have sworn to an oath to abandon their illegal activities in Anchau village, Kubau Local Government area of Kaduna State. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 400 of the repentant criminals swore by the Holy Qur’an three weeks ago while another batch of 350 took the oath on Saturday to abandon their criminal way of life. Austin Iwar, the Commissioner of Police, told newsmen on Sunday that the criminals were made to repent after intensive dialogue involving community leaders. According to him, the repentant criminals took advantage of the window of opportunity opened by the government and the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris. He said that as part of the

programme, those who renounced violence would also handover their weapons to government. The police commissioner, however, said that the recovery of arms would not be made public, so as to build trust and encourage other criminals operating in the state to also repent. Iwar said: “I assure you very soon we will begin to recover most of these arms, as some of them have volunteered to handover their arms back, but not in public.” He said that the repentant criminals were using the deep forests in the area as hideout, from where they terrorise communities. He said: “One of the strategies we decided to adopt is to see how we can get across to some communities leaders in the context of community policing programme we are doing. “If you want to solve a prob-

A Fulani herdsmen

lem you have to work with people that created the problem; we also held series of meetings with hunters as prelude to the series of activities we call Renouncing Violence Strategies.” Iwar described the event as very important to the efforts being made to restore peace and stability in the state. He said: “Having young

people that are roaming in the bush committing all forms of crimes to come out and renounce violence, swear by Holy Qur’an that they will not go back to violence again is very important. “You will understand that it is a very difficult decision for a criminal to come out in public and announce the atrocities he has been doing.”

9 News

Pay workers’ salary, Cleric tells governors ÏÏÏThe

Area Superintendent of Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Lokoja Area, Pastor Isaac Omohoro, has urged state governors to pay the salary of their workers, regularly to ease their social and economic problems. He gave the advice at a news conference and the 18th Edition of TAC’s Easter Youth Retreat, themed: “We Are Bent But Not Broken” at the Church Area Headquarters in Lokoja”. Omohoro said: “The government of the day should have compassion on the citizens and show mercy. “When salaries are paid, civil servants will be able to take care of their health, immediate needs, children and it will keep them healthy. “It is an appeal to state governments in general that, they should have compassion on the citizens and pay salaries of their civil servants. “The leaders are all Nigerians, no foreigner among them; they should put themselves in the shoe of the common man because people are suffering.” He also called on the leaders at all levels to extend hand of fellowship and be compassionate to the less privileged, fatherless, widows, orphans and care for them putting smile on their faces through various humanitarian service. The cleric, however, urged Nigerians to have faith and confidence in God to overcome all their present challenges, saying that “God Emmanuel’ is still with us as a

Abubakar Sani-Bello

people and as a nation”. He said: “As we celebrate the death, resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, I urge Christians to be steadfast and live a holy life. “We must not be carried away by our present challenges or any attraction in the world, let Jesus alone be the centre of our attraction. “If only Nigerians can appreciate this wonderful gift of Christ from God, which He has given to mankind, the insecurity situation in Nigeria, including Boko Haram, herdsmen killings, and kidnappings will be surmounted.”He expressed optimism that the 2019 general elections would be peaceful, saying, “nothing will shatter the peace and unity of our nation, our confidence is rooted in God’’. Pastor Paul Olukunle, the Area Witness Leader, told newsmen that “there is hope for this nation, we believe God that since Jesus died and rose again, there is hope for Nigeria. Impossibility will become possible; Nigeria will rise again to a greater height.

Kogi gets 717 slots for 2018 Hajj ÏÏÏThe

Kogi Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board says 717 slots had been allocated to the state for this year’s hajj by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. The Executive Chairman of the board, Sheikh Lukman Abdullah, who disclosed this on Monday in Lokoja, said that the figure was far less than the 838 slots allocated to the state in 2017. Abdullah spoke during a courtesy call on the Chairman of the state Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Adeiza Momoh Jimoh. He, however, said that the board was making efforts to get additional slots, adding that preparations for the 2018 hajj had commenced. Abdallah, who said that the greatest challenge facing the board and intending pilgrims was time, noted that all intending pilgrims had been

given March 31 deadline to complete the payment of N1.5 million hajj fare. The Chairman reiterated that the green color e-passport, national identity card and medical report are compulsory for all intending pilgrims. He said that accommodation had been secured near the sacred mosques in Mecca and Medinah, adding that efforts were in the pipeline to enhance the welfare of pilgrims before, during and after the hajj. In his remarks, Jimoh assured the board of support, especially in the area of sensitisation of pilgrims and members of the public. He urged the board to always carry along the media in all its activities, adding that more slots should be allocated to Muslim journalists.

10 News

Daily Tim es Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

CPC begins inquiry into safety of Blue Band margarine Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has commenced investigation into the controversy over the safety of Blue Band “spread for bread” and solubility in rising or high temperatures in Nigeria. The CPC said that it was aware of a short demonstration video showing how Blue Band “Spread for Bread” (a product of Unilever Nigeria PLC) reacts under certain heat conditions has been circulating,

particularly on social media, noting that the impression the video conveys has become the subject of anxiety and intense controversy. Director General of the CPC, Babatunde Irukera, on Sunday said that the CPC has opened an inquiry to determine product safety, and clarify some aspects of the manufacturer’s statements on the allegations. According to Irukera, the purpose of the inquiry is to ensure their products, differentiated or otherwise, are safe and subjected to proper processes,

and “in-trade” handling consistent with the different properties and characteristics of each product. He stated that the product, which the narrator considers a functional equivalent of “Blue Band Original,” is unsafe because, when subjected to high temperature in boiling water, it did not melt or dissolve. He said, “Available scientific information confirms that, though butter, margarine, and spread appear analogous, and share similar components, characteristics and uses, they

are different products available to consumers. Butter and margarine share a particular similar characteristic; low resistance to heat. “As such, both are likely to melt when subjected to certain levels of heat. Spreads however, have varying heat resistance, depending on intended use, and production process. As a result, it is not necessarily unsafe that a spread does not melt under similar heat conditions as butter, or margarine. “Spreads are produced in part by adding emulsifiers

which are additives used in stabilizing and binding processed foods. “They are not inherently unsafe or uncommon. The specific emulsifying agent and amount used, largely depends on many factors including shelf life, storage, handling and climatic conditions in order to prevent microbial activity,” the DG stated. CPC further added, “The

manufacturer of this product has made a statement seeking to address public concern by differentiating its products and explaining the purposes of the two different products.” The CPC assured that it would continue to collaborate with NAFDAC and SON regarding applicable safety standards, but advises that consumption of butter, margarine or spreads generally are not unsafe.

Education reforms: Okanlawon demands support for Aregbesola ÏÏÏStakeholders

in Osun State,, including religious organisations have been urged to support the Rauf Aregbesola administration in its bid to fully overhaul the education sector in the state. The Special Adviser, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, said at the weekend that in seven years of the Aregbesola administration, it has been proved that so much can still be done with so little. Okanlawon, who was the chairman at the triennial congress of the Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Osun State branch, held in Iwo between Friday and Sunday, said Aregbesola’s government’s vision in education tallied well with the mission of the Islamic society, which he noted began as a movement to give Muslims quality education without surrendering their faith. He said with education as the first basic reason for the formation of the society 95 years ago, it is incumbent on the society to support a government that gives its all to the promotion of education and advancement of knowledge. Okanlawon said: “As a religious body that had promoted education over the decades, we must not fail to remind ourselves of the critical need to join hands with the present administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, in its manifest mission to transform education in the state. “Though it is still an ongoing project, this government has constructed new schools and refurbished many others. It is gratifying to note that the second Elementary School to be commissioned in this state was the Ansar-deen Elementary Government School, Isale Osun, Osogbo. As we must all be aware, the state has gone

ahead to complete schools such as Ansarrudeen Elementary School, Sabo, Osogbo, Ansardeen Middle School, Odoori Iwo among others.” Okanlawon said at no time in the history of the state has any government been so determined to change the face of education. He said the reform is not limited to the provision of physical infrastructure alone but a comprehensive efforts at changing the orientation of the teaching staff and motivating them towards achieving better results. He said: “To date, this government has completed Wole Soyinka Government High School, Ejigbo, Adventist Government High School, Ede, Osogbo Government High School, Osogbo, Ataoja Government High School, Osogbo, Fakunle/Unity Government High School, Osogbo, Ilesa Government High School, Ilesa while similar projects are nearing completion in Iwo, Ikirun, Ila, Ile-Ife and Ikire. “These are in addition to over 40 Middle Schools and about 45 Elementary Schools already completed and put to use. There are many others at different stages of completion.” Okanlawon said the achievements in education and other sectors become much more appreciable given the indigent nature of Osun State. He said: “Had Aregbesola had so much money to play around with, perhaps, this would not have been too much a feat. But in a state as cashstrapped as we are, you would agree with me that this is a feat of immeasurable proportion. We are also grateful to God that the gains of these revolutionary transformations are manifest in the results of external examinations where our students take part.

L-R: Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, Mr. Habila Joshak; Inspector General of Police Idris Ibrahim and Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during the visit of Inspector General of Police to the INEC Headquarters in Abuja

FG investigates Cambridge analytica attacks on Nigeria ÏÏÏThe government of

Nigeria is scrutinizing the reports of the data mining firm, Cambridge Analytica, which swiped the data of more than 50 million Facebook users to sway elections in many countries, including Nigeria, where it waged a campaign to perpetuate discord and hack into personal records of the then leading opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. A Presidency source informed Sate House correspondents at the weekend that the Federal Government has set up an in-house committee to investigate whether Cambridge Analytica’s work for the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in the 2007 and 2015 general elections campaigns broke the laws of this country or in-

fringed on the rights of other parties and their candidates. Depending on the outcome, this may lead to the appointment of a special investigator and possibly criminal prosecutions by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami. A whistleblower, Christopher Wylie, who worked with a Cambridge University academic to obtain the data, told the Observer, a UK newspaper: “We exploited Facebook to harvest millions of people’s profiles. And built models to exploit what we knew about them and target their inner demons. That was the basis the entire company was built on.” Among those whose personal data was hacked into in 2015 was Buhari. Cambridge Analytica, ac-

cording to the reports, worked with Israeli hackers who were instructed to get dirt on Buhari during the presidential campaign. According to those reports, SCL Elections, a public relations firm that later became Cambridge Analytica, manipulated Nigeria’s 2007 polls by organising campaigns to weaken the chances of opposition parties. As part of its engagement, the company organised “anti-election rallies” to demoralise opposition supporters from voting in the elections, which saw the emergence of Umar Yar’Adua as Nigeria’s president. The Cambridge Analytica team came up with a video to portray Candidate Buhari as a leader who would enforce Sharia Law in Nigeria. It was intended to sway the

minds of millions of Nigerians and vote for the PDP candidate. Currently, the Cambridge Analytica and Facebook are the focus of an inquiry into data and politics by the British Information Commissioner’s Office, the United States Special Counsel Robert Mueller and, separately, the U K Electoral Commission is also investigating what role it played in the EU referendum. Contacted over the issue, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said although he had not been briefed on the issue, Nigerians deserved answers immediately from the PDP administration, Facebook and Cambridge Analytica on how and why they improperly obtained and used data to interfere in Nigerian elections.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 26, 2018

Politics

Only Atiku can salvage Nigeria from its current woes- Oladimeji Fabiyi Olademeji, a close ally of former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is the national coordinator of Atiku campaign groups and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with THERESA TEKENAH, Oladimeji speaks about the presidential ambition of the former vice president and why he deserves the PDP presidential ticket among other issues. OLADIMEJI When should we expect Atiku to formally declare for the office of the president? First and foremost; there are two things that happens, one is an event the other is a process; event in the sense that he move from APC to PDP; now he is in PDP, there are so many things to be done before declaration, consultation, meeting people this is a process. And you notice that when he returned life returned to PDP, he is on that process and as soon the process is over he would come out to say if he would contest, don’t forget that he is a founding member of the party, there are also many things to be done, these are processes, don’t forget he is the founding member of the party and he was forced out of the party, that is history now; he is meeting people, he is going there, that is a process, telling them that he has returned to the party, he met with Fayose as the chairman of the governors forum some weeks back, he has also been attending private events. The battle line is as soon as this process is complete he would declare, he is consulting and there must be consultation, INEC has not even set time for the primaries, he is going through that process of meeting people, let them know that he is back in the party, and in a couple of weeks, he would come out and tell Nigerians his next move. How are you managing the large number of groups indicating interest in working for Atiku? We are overwhelmed by the number of people coming out by the day declaring their interest for Atiku. Right now there are about 600 groups coming together to support Atiku and we are in the process of profiling these groups now. It is not about Atiku, it is about the future of Nigeria, it is about him coming out to rescue the future of Nigeria, it is about the future of our youths. How do you react to the insinuation that Atiku is corrupt? The question of Atiku being corrupt is stale news now. Atiku’s wealth is not government money, it means his wealth is gotten through hard work, he has let the world know how he got into merchandising, he got loan, buys house, got into custom and he invested into agriculture and education; we know people who stole Nigeria’s money

Atiku is the second highest employer of labour in the country; go to Adamawa State, the school he built has put the state in the world map. Here is a man who almost lost his life while fighting for democracy for the country, a thorough family man, and he has the policy to move the country forward. He has the friends and connections to move the country forward, he is the best candidate for the job. where are they now? They are very broke, the money is finished. Atiku have told people how he invested in business, how he got loans to start, how he joined customs and left, how he invested into properties and he has challenged Nigerians if you have corruption case against me bring it forward and lets see. Nobody up till today has come forward, we are tired of talking about this issue, he has been traveling around the world, and nobody has arrested him. We know people saying all these things, Atiku had many times said how his got his wealth, let them come out and say how they got their wealth too. Atiku belongs to the past, but he is still relevant to the present, and the future of youths of this country, it is about Nigeria, it is the future, Atiku belongs to the past, but he is still relevant to the present and the youths is key to the future of the country. What machinery are you putting in place to ensure that those groups who would work against the interest of Atiku are checked like they have done in the past? I want to say it is not the groups that worked against Atiku, it is the elite of the country, I call it elite conspiracy, they are against him because they think if he comes to power; he would not serve their interest,

they cannot control him. This is the reason they are working against him, it is up to us as Nigerians to work against these people. It is on record that Atiku has the ability to move the country forward; and they are afraid and they know if he comes to power he would surpass their achievements that is also why they are afraid. This few elite do not want this country to move forward we make a big mistake by electing someone like Buhari, lets move this country forward, get your PVC and you can vote these people out that is s the way forward. Is Atiku ready to apologies to Obasanjo as advised by Jonathan? Atiku holds nothing against Obasanjo and I believe Obasanjo holds nothing against him, there is no basis for begging; Jonathan talked like a leader, his advice is good. Atiku has taken it if he thinks there is need to do that he would do it. How do you react to the Obasanjo inspired third force Coalition? It is only God that makes leaders, nobody gave Obasanjo chance that he would come back to rule; judging where Jonathan was coming from whoever think is going to become the president? It is only God that determines; 1000 supporters cannot make any body president. Lets wait to see the outcome, whether third force or 5th force Nigerians are waiting to see the outcome. Is Atiku desperate to rule Nigeria? No, Atiku has been running for president for some time now; he contested in 1993 and he willingly stepped down for Abiola. In 2003 he stepped down for Obasanjo in spite of the fact that 19 of the governors where in his support, he said the Yorubas have only been in office for four years, in 2014 he had grounds to challenge Buhari in court, but he said lets deepen democracy. He is not desperate to rule, he just want to liberate this country. Can somebody be desperate to serve his country. He is not like Buhari who contested several times under different party. Atiku just want to give back to the country, as the president he can do more for Nigerians. Is he ready for dialogue with the other

presidential aspirants in PDP? When we get to that bridge we would cross it, we would speak with other candidates, but INEC has not declared the race open. What has Atiku to offer Nigerians? Here is a man who was an orphan at the age of 16, this is about a man who does not have any helper, he got educated through government scholarship; he got to where he is through hard work; his selling point is that he is a successful business man. Atiku is the second highest employer of labour in the country; go to Adamawa State, the school he built has put the state in the world map. Here is a man who almost lost his life while fighting for democracy for the country, a thorough family man, and he has the policy to move the country forward. He has the friends and connections to move the country forward; he is the best candidate for the job. How do you react to the election time table drama? The Senate could not have been wrong; it is part of the beauty of democracy; I don’t think they have broken any law, fundamentally the National Assembly has right to amend the constitution, they have not tampered with the time, they only tempered with sequence. The sequence does not matter, why is Mr. President bothered about the time and sequence as if he is confident he would win the election. The PDP is said to be in another crisis how true is this? Let them say what they like, there is no crisis in PDP; we may have disgruntled members here and there, we may have few issues after the convention; it is part of politics; what of APC; the problem in PDP is smaller than what we have in APC, we would sort things out, since PDP came back APC knows they are in problem, let them go and do convention first. They said Wike has hijacked the party? One person cannot hijack the party, we have executive, the dynamics that shapes the convention is bigger than Wike, he may have the resources but he cannot take over the party structure.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Alimoso APC leaders laud Ambode over completion of 21 Lagos-Ogun boundary roads Stories by Patrick Okohue Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Alimosho axis of Lagos State have lauded the state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode over the completion of a total of 21 roads and three bridges connecting the state to Ogun State. The leaders, in a joint statement, said the development was another eloquent testimony of the commitment of the state government to make every part of the state economically viable and livable. The leaders include the Senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, Solomon Adeola Olamilekan; member, House of Representatives representing Alimosho, Olufemi Adebanjo; his counterpart representing IfakoIjaiye, Nurudeen Akinwunmi; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Bisi Yusuf; Lagos State Commissioner for Employment and Wealth Creation, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf; Special Adviser to Governor Ambode on Housing, Kehinde Joseph; and Lagos State APC Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Enilolobo. According to them, apart from being a clear testament to the attributes of the governor in keeping his words, the completion of the projects would go a long way to solve traffic challenges hitherto associated with the area and significantly boost the economy of the entire Lagos West. “The commissioning of a network of 21 roads, totaling 27km

Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha has said that his son-in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu who he has preferred to succeed him would do better than him as governor because he has known all the secrets behind the success story of his governorship in the state. Okorocha spoke when the leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Mbaitoli Local Government Council where the deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere, comes from came to endorse Uche Nwosu for 2019 gubernatorial at the weekend, at the Nick Banquet Hall with the governor stating that the story of the amazing achievements of the Rescue Mission Government in the state would not be complete without the outstanding role of Uche Nwosu. His words, “there is no project of this administration that Uche Nwosu didn’t make

AMBODE with bridges from Command, Ipaja to the boundary of Ogun State, marks the final implementation of a vision started by our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu with the construction of LASU-Iba Road, to Egbe, Igando and Egbeda (when Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was Commissioner for Works). “Governor Raji Fashola continued the dualisation to Ipaja. You (Governor Ambode) continued the improvement from Ipaja to Command School, Ayobo and now to the boundary of Ogun State. “Apart from creating an alternative route away from the Abeokuta Expressway, we can

now travel to Otta boundary from Ogun State through AIT to Ipaja and Abesan to LASU-Iba Road- OjoBadagry without going through Agege-Abeokuta Expressway,” the leaders said. While alluding to the fact that the projects would increase the value of their properties, the APC leaders said: “The governor, by the projects, has solved another traffic congestion challenge for us. The value of our properties have started going up. With the street lights, walkways and bridges, the night economy is back and the neighbourhood is safer. You have put food on our tables. “Just like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, you have continued to invest in people. The dividends of democracy are not shared on social media; the impact on the lives of our people in the communities is the greatest measure of performance. We love you and we are with you till the end,” the leaders said. The Lagos-Ogun boundary roads which have been completed and ready for commissioning are Ikola Road with Odo Obasanjo Bridge – 6.4km (from Ipaja/Command to Ilo River); Ogunseye Road – 1.75km (from Ajasa/Command to Ikola Road);Oko Filling Road – 1.5km (from AIT to Ilo River); Osenatu Ilo road – 620m (from Ibari Road to Ilo River); Amikanle road – 3.1km (from AIT to Ogunseye Road); Aina Aladi road – 1.9km (from AIT to Ilo River) and Aiyetoro Road with a bridge– 1.4km (from New Market/ Ishefun Road intersection to Ilo River).

Obiano laments ‘bitter politics’ in Nigeria Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has said that Nigeria is simmering with bitter politics, calling on Christians to use the power of love to heal the nation. Obiano, in an Easter message signed on his behalf by James Eze, his Chief Press secretary, said, “It has been repeatedly proven that true national integration is never forced upon the people by the political leadership, but mostly by the little acts of love and kindness that are freely exchanged between the ordinary citizens of the country.” He called on Nigerian Christians to heal the country with Love this Easter in commemoration of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ to mankind as symbolised by the feast of Easter. Obiano said, “The country simmers with bitter politics, rancour and mutual suspicion which can only be healed by unconditional love. “I urge Christians to seize the opportunity offered by Easter to reach out and touch their fellow Nigerians with love.” Obiano said as true followers of Christ, Nigerian Christians “should provide leadership in our country’s quest for peace, turning their swords into ploughshares in the truest traditions of Christianity.”

Governor Obiano further observed that in a country split by growing ethnic and religious intolerance, Christians have a great opportunity to live out the creeds of their faith, showing their actual value through their work in response to the scriptural reminder that ‘faith without work is dead.’ “As Christians, we must let the light of Christ shine in us always, showing restraint when provoked, demonstrating tolerance when rejected and showing sacrificial love in the midst of hatred. “Whenever we find ourselves at the crossroads of life, we must never fail to ask ourselves, ‘what would Christ have done if he were in our position?” the governor added. He assured the people of Anambra of a peaceful Easter celebration, disclosing that he had just donated 40 utility trucks to security agencies as part of the elaborate plans by his administration to tighten the screws on security across the state. He called on indigenes in Nigeria and in the diaspora to feel free to visit home to re-unite and celebrate Easter with their families and loved ones because Anambra remains Nigeria’s safest state.

My son-in-law, Nwosu will do better than me as governor - Okorocha

OKOROCHA

NWOSU

contribution in terms of ideas and dedication to see the Project completed. He knows the secret behind all the successes we have

recorded. He knows how we have done all we have achieved without complaining of paucity of fund like those before us had

done.” He continued, “If I allow any of these people aspiring to become governor in 2019 to take over, it won’t be long before Imo people would begin to regret my exit because I know the sacrifices we have made to achieve all these as a government. But for Uche Nwosu, he knows the whole secret and I have no doubt, he would do better than me. And when that happens Imo people may begin to forget me. But I want him to do better than me.” On the deputy-governor, Prince Madumere, the governor said he is his son, but noted that the issue of who succeeds him as governor in 2019 goes beyond certain sentiments, because the fate of the state and her people is paramount in taking decision

to that effect, adding that he knows who is who in the Rescue Mission Political family. He continued, “I want someone who would continue with the laudable achievements or programmes of the administration like free education, someone who would have regard for all classes of people including the market women, artisans and so on. Someone whose head would not be blown up by power, someone who would allow the Government House remain open for all categories of people. Someone who would not witch-hunt or go after those who criticise or abuse him. Uche Nwosu is the man.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Page Thirteen

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Local manufacture of electric meters

ecent opening of a local electric meter manufacturing factory in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State is a welcome development as it marked the era of privately owned local manufacturing of electric meters in Nigeria. When in November 2013 the Federal Government privatised the Power Holding Company (PHCN), the buyers did not envisage problems. Since then the 11 distribution companies (Discos) have been struggling to meet the metering deadline of five years contained in their Purchasing Agreements (PAs) with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). A modicum of progress was made in the metering of customers. But, the Discos have been citing weak capital as the major reason for their inability to meter all their customers. They blamed illiquidity for their inability to meter the customers and their banks’ failure to provide them credits to purchase meters. Nigeria is a country with great potential for development. Almost all sectors of the country’s economy need electricity to stimulate development. Unfortunately, no appreciable economic development can be made in an economy with inadequate supply of electric power. Even with the erratic and unstable power supply in the country, electricity supply to homes and industries have over the years been bedevilled by insufficient supply of metering machines. As Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo rightly observed at the inauguration of the metering company, Nigeria’s economic development is hinged on effective power supply. Without doubt, availability of a good electric metering device is part of an effective power supply. Herein lies the importance of the new electric meter manufacturing company. Since the privatisation of electric distribution companies a few years ago, the elec-

tric distribution companies (Discos) have been complaining of inadequate supply of meters. In the main, the Discos complained about their lack of funds to purchase meters for onward sale to their customers, thus limiting the quantity of orders they could purchase from local suppliers of the product who also had to import them from overseas. The introduction of prepaid metering system made it easier for the Discos to collect their money upfront from electric power consumers while it has enabled electric power consumers too to pay in advance for whatever quantity of electric power they would want to enjoy. In many parts of the country attempts by the Discos to make unmetered consumers of electric power to pay have been unsuccessful. Also, the Discos resort to the use of estimated bills has not helped matters as, in most cases, such consumers avoid payment for the electricity they used. The new electric power metering factory which is a partnership between the Akwa Ibom government and some private investors is expected to put the state on the path of industrialisation. It will manufacture an average of one million meters per year but can be increased later to produce up to 2.7 million units of meters per year. If anything, the Akwa Ibom example is an example of fruitful collaboration between the public and the private sectors in an uncharted area that used to be controlled by the Federal Government. The Akwa Ibom State example has shown that with approval from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) a state government, just like any private entrepreneur, can invest in any area of the power sector. It is expected that many local and foreign investors will follow the example of the investors in the metering company to set up factories in Akwa Ibom State and other parts of the country.

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki exchanging pleasantries with the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Muhammad Danyaya during the activities marking the latter’s 40 years on the throne in Bauchi State on Saturday

L-R: Kogi State Deputy Governor, Achuba Simon; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yussuf ; Speaker, House of Representatves, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Chief Imam of Abdurahzak Kutepa Mosque, Alhaji Abu Billat at the burial of late. Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Umar Buba Jibril in Lokoja, Kogi State....on Friday

L-R: Legal Secretary, Anglican Church Diocese of Lagos, Mrs. Sade Adetiba; Registrar, Chief Olurotimi Williams, Justice of the High Court of Lagos, Justice Sybil Nwaka, Archbishop of Lagos Anglican Diocese, Most Rev Adebola Ademowo, Wife of the Archbishop, Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo, Deputy Registrar of the Church, Barr. Olusegun Ajayi and the Assistant Registrar, Lady Ebeledike Joy, after the Easter Church services of Anglican Diocese of Lagos...on Easter Sunday. Photo: Olatunji Wale

L-R: Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Hon. Scott Osazee Ogbemudia; Chairman, Esan South East LGA, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon; Chairman, Owan West LGA, Hon. Frank Ilaboya; and Chairperson, Egor LGA, Hon. Eghe Ogbemudia, addressing journalists after the Edo State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JACC) meeting, in Benin City, Edo State.

14 News

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 4, 2018

L-R: Mr. Ade Ewuosho, Acting Divisional Head, Trading Business, The Nigeria Stock Exchange; Mr.Uaboi Agbebaku, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mrs. Tinuade Awe, Executive Director, Regulation, Nigerian Stock Exchange; Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, Managingn Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resources Director, Nigerian ƏƆƓƆƏƈƆ ^Ƌƅì LƏê 0Ə ƅ L Əƈ L ƈè L ƏƊƆƐƈ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè Mƈ ƆƏƈ ƏƆƓƆƏƈƆ ^Ƌƅ Ɨ LƏê j ƕ 9ƄƆƖƈ Ɗ Əè ƅƐƈ #ƈƒƈ ƈ Ƌ 6Ɔ Ɨè Gƈ Ɛƈ Ƒ ƈ Ɔ è j Ɔ Mƈ ƆƏƈ dƐ ƅƊ &Ɣƅ Ɔ Ɠ Ɔ LƏê ƏƏƑƐ ƆƋ ƄƆ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƅƋ ƈ the floor.

No going back on making Lagos water ways cleaner, safer - Ambode Ï Ɛ `Ɔ ƐƐ ƋƗ ƌƈƗ Ɛ ƋƈƐƖè Ƌ ƌ ƑƏ ÏÏÏLagos State Governor,

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday said his administration will not waver in making the right investment in the coastline asset of the State especially in making it cleaner and safer to boost water transportation and tourism. Governor Ambode, who said this at the 2018 edition of the annual Lagos Boat Regatta held at the Lagoon Waterfront in Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, said though there had been sig-

nificant investment in waterways, the State Government nonetheless would continue to make further investments and partnerships in the channelisation of the water routes, as well as provision of more standard jetties and ferries. The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, recalled the last time a boat regatta was organised simultaneously in four locations across the State as part of activities to mark the Lagos at 50 celebrations

last year, saying that the success of the event again brought the treasure of the waterways in the State to the fore, and the need to invest more in the sector. According to him, “We have expanded the scope of this wonderful fanfare last year when we held the boat Regatta parade simultaneously at four different venues to celebrate the golden jubilee anniversary of the creation of our state. The success of that experience reassured us of the treasure that our

waterways represent and why we must nurture this God-given asset as a major tourist attraction. “We have made a modest investment in a few luxury boats that are meant to target tourism promotion. The Lagos lagoon boasts of perhaps the busiest water route in West Africa. There is a vibrant boat club with members’ boat collection that is astonishing; there is a growing interest in surfing and our waterways are acknowledged as one of the best for scuba diving in the

world. “This is why our determination will not waver in making our waterways cleaner and safer with further investments and partnerships in the channelisation of the water routes, in the provision of more standard jetties and ferries.” he said. The event, which held amidst glitz and glamour, featured traditional Boat Regatta parade and display competition by 20 qualified boats from Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe and Lagos Island, out of which five boats were eventually selected, while Agbowa Ikosi emerged

overall winner. It also featured search and rescue demonstration, water safety tips, entertainment boat parade and cultural performances. Dignitaries who graced the event included Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule; members of the Lagos State Executive Council; former Deputy Governors - Femi Pedro and Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu; Oba of Lagos, HRH, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Adeniran Ogunsanya; Senators Muniru Muse, Musiliu Obanikoro, among others.

Sharing formular stalls employment, e-exam in Niger

Reps will override Buhari’s veto on Ajaokuta, says Nkem-Abonta

Saka Bolaji

Henry Omunu,

Minna

ÏÏÏSharing

formular by the five principal team of the Niger State Civil Service Commission (CSC) has prompted the State Assembly to order for the suspension of the scheduled employment e- examination to the sum of N43 million despite zero allocation for the Commission in 2018 budget. The Assembly Committee chairman on Labour and Productivity, Hon. Malik Madaki Bosso, gave the order after a two- day meeting with the Commission, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Head of Service HOS at the weekend

in Assembly Chamber. Hon. Bosso accused the Commission chairman, Alhaji Shehu Galadima of high headedness, not following due process in policy making, lack of trust for his team and not synergizing with the permanent Commissioners 1,2,3 and 4 before taken decisions of the Commission. Agreed by the SSG Hon. Ibrahim Isah Ladan at the final resolution for the suspension for later date, he added that it’s only the Commission that has the power for recruitment in the state and gave a matching order that the team must go back to do the needful within few weeks to ensured the sys-

tem work accordingly. The State Assembly however discovered a disunited Commission and therefore invited them to put to an end the crisis going on to ensure peace and stability in the system as well scheduled a new date for the examination. It was revealed that over 40,000 candidates applied online through a potter while 35,143 received response through text messages for the available vacancy of only 2,000 to be employed. The legislators insisted in knowing the number of candidate for each local government and measures to actualized it for fairness and equity.

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

National Assembly and the Presidency are heading for another show down over the contentious concession of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex with the Chairman, House special committee on Ajaokuta, Rep. Nkem-Abonta declaring that the House will override President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto if he declines assenting to the bill compelling the federal government to complete the steel complex. In passing the bill asking the government to spend $1 billion from its share of the excess crude account,

the House also amended the National Council on Commercialization and Privatization (NCPC) by removing the steel complex from the list of public firms that can be privatized or commercialized. Speaking to journalists at the weekend in Abuja, Rep. Nkem-Abonta declared that the benefits of completing the steel complex which had been moribund for over 30 years were enormous. Apart from having the potential for making the country an industrialized nation, the lawmaker stated that the complex is capable of creating jobs for youth in the country and saving the huge foreign exchange spent on steel imports.

Rep. Nkem-Abonta added that under the new legislation passed by the House, states and local government can by their own volition contribute to the completion of the project. According to him, beyond shooting Nigeria to the enviable height of a steel producing nation, create employment benefits, for over 75,000 Nigerians outside the ancillary jobs that will be opened from service companies that will service the steel firm. “This is a project that the current administration, especially President Buhari should take serious because it will be his legacy that it was during his tenure that the country finally became an industrialized nation.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

15 Column

Between Buhari, Ayu, Tinubu and South-West

Times Columnist FEMI ODERE

‘

Ayu should have provided his southern progressive colleagues with the reason(s) why the political atmosphere in the core north have not been conducive enough to nurture a vibrant progressive class in view of the regions’ glaring developmental challenges that can only be obliterated by progressive policies and liberal politics when the Southwest has since produced another formidable generation of relatively young, brilliant, and upwardly mobile New Left as exemplified by the Osinbajos, Fasholas, Fayemis, Aregbesolas whose models of social reengineering can be replicated anywhere in the world, and their technocratic subalterns in the federal bureaucracy that are changing the country’s fortunes for the better.

’

“

I talked to my friend, Tinubu, we are very close. I told him that we need to develop the progressive party in Nigeria. He didn’t believe me, he preferred to go and link up with the most right wing group in the North. And that right wing group was headed by Buhari in the name of CPC… I have known Gen. Buhari when he was the military Head of State. I was a university lecturer then. I know the tyranny that was visited on this country. I warned Tinubu that he will regret bringing Buhari and imposing him on the party. I believe he is regretting silently without telling Nigerians. But more is to be expected. I am sorry to say that if Buhari is reelected in 2019, it will not only consume Tinubu, it will consume so many other people. It may even lead to the disintegration of Nigeria.” ----- a statement made by Iyorchia Ayu, Third Republic Senate President, during an interview he granted The Sun newspaper. Like Festus Adedayo, my good and very brainy aburo and an ace columnist with The Tribune newspaper had warned his readers in a piece entitled “Tinubu and Iyorchia Ayu’s Prophecy” which, I must say, inspired this write-up that he “ordinarily do not take Third World, especially Nigerian, politicians seriously,” I also do not put stock in Nigeria’s politicians (except for a very few) largely because they are nitwits who are not only bereft of what politics must produce for society, but are criminals in every sense of the word. As indicated, the epigraph above was a statement by Mr. Iyorchia Ayu, a seasoned politician that made its rounds on several social media platforms before Adedayo intervened. I had ignored the statement because I thought it was one of those fake pronouncements concocted by someone with mischievous intent in stirring some needless controversy. My urge to ignore was even stronger when I realised that the statement had no source ascribed to it when I first ran into it. More importantly, I get easily irritated when a politician whose chequered and unenviable past is so glaring even to the blind suddenly start to make pronouncements that look so appealing and innocent on the surface like, for instance, former President Jonathan on a lecture circuit on how to fight corruption. What I had dismissed as inconsequential suddenly became important that needed further interrogation not only because Adedayo had devoted a considerable segment of his weekly column to it, but his own interpretation of the statement as it relates to President Muhammadu Buhari visà-vis its implication for the Southwest through Asiwaju Tinubu’s political engagement with the so-called most “right wing” elements of the north allegedly spearheaded by the president. This piece is not necessarily a rejoinder to the column under reference, but an attempt should be made here to bring into the fore what Adedayo may have missed or probably decided to ignore in his dissection of Ayu’s beatification while my own dissection will be restricted to the contents of the epigraph above. Where Adedayo did not see “raw chaffs of self as motive for the interview” after “weeks of dissection and pondering” I saw not only some underhand scare tactics being deployed

President Buhari (left) and Tinubu against the Southwest specifically targeted for 2019 should Buhari seek reelection, but an insidious setting up the stage----through Tinubu----on which the geo-political zone would be blamed for whatever shortcomings history may have in store for Buhari and his administration by the likes of Ayu. His vituperation against the president also falls on similar patterns of condemnations from those political gladiators who’re so accustomed to power that they never thought for a second that it could be lost in their lifetime, let alone to Buhari whom they’re morbidly afraid of because they never can predict to what extent he would go to expose the stench in their underbellies. If Ayu’s statement above must be subjected to critical thinking and content analysis as Adedayo apparently did, one cannot help but conclude that it harbours nothing but half-truth, conjecture, falsehood, speculation and everything in-between as we shall see presently. While Ayu’s expressed friendship with Tinubu and their closeness thereof was probably a carefully calibrated intro to authenticate and lend credence to his subsequent claims, the fact that he seemed to have been disappointed with Asiwaju because he did not believe him when he was told that they should “develop the progressive party in Nigeria” probably speaks to Ayu’s progressive credentials that may not be as genuine as he tried to make us believe. Asiwaju probably saw through him. Ayu may still not believe that actions, as they say, speaks louder than words as his records has shown that he could not be trusted not only because of his flippancy in the nation’s progressive fold, but also the ease with which he cavorted in the past with Nigeria’s reactionary elements that subsequently earned him such a rare privilege of possessing a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to Dasuki’s “ATM machine” from where he also ‘obtained’ substantially. It is therefore patently hypocritical of Ayu to have proclaimed his commitment and adherence to the progressive cause when he was (and probably is) an active participant in a political party that seeks to subvert, if not obliterate the very political tendency to which he claims commitment. If Ayu is a committed progressive, one wonders the ideological column that someone like Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo, his fellow Tiv would fall under. While there may be little to dispute in Ayu’s characterisation that the dominant political tendency in the Buhari administration is the “right wing” of the far north geo-political zones, what must also not be allowed to pass unsaid is that the president represents the progressive faction of this northern “right wing” as demonstrated by many of the progressive policies of his administration, some of which are quite novel, if even these policies must be measured by the time-tested yardstick left by the progenitor of the region’s progressive politics, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Ayu’s character-

ization of the north as being in the “right wing” of the political spectrum was nothing but a political statement meant to have some negative effects in the Southwest. The Southwest progressives were quite aware of the fact that the north has really not made any pretence about its conservative political path which Ayu himself has been a loyal accomplice, if not at least an honorary member before they engaged the regions in an historical alliance to rescue a nation on the verge of collapse. Therefore, they do not need Ayu’s lecture about the political predilection of the north. As a member of the northern political establishment and a progressive that he claims to be, perhaps Ayu should have provided his southern progressive colleagues with the reason(s) why the political atmosphere in the core north have not been conducive enough to nurture a vibrant progressive class in view of the regions’ glaring developmental challenges that can only be obliterated by progressive policies and liberal politics when the Southwest has since produced another formidable generation of relatively young, brilliant, and upwardly mobile New Left as exemplified by the Osinbajos, Fasholas, Fayemis, Aregbesolas whose models of social re-engineering can be replicated anywhere in the world, and their technocratic subalterns in the federal bureaucracy that are changing the country’s fortunes for the better. That the “right wing” in the arid north even in Nigeria’s post-bellum, still commands a significant leverage in the nation’s political scheme of things may not be the overarching concern. What’s probably perplexing is the inability of the new left in this political partnership to find like minds from among their generation in the north with whom they have shared values and governance ethics---safe Buhari, paradoxically----so that a new, serious and sustainable political paradigm can be effected within a short spate of time. Those that the Southwest thought has progressive inclinations, if not the mindset from the core north----and, therefore, could do the governance business with have turned out to be very disappointing in view of their stance on federalism, state police and restructuring, among other things. Since the Third Republic Senate President seems to be far too enmeshed in partisan politics to make this observation, one would have thought that Adedayo should have come to his rescue in finding plausible answers to these posers rather than to have seized the opportunity to, once again, drive another put-down into the president’s persona that “Buhari is a cold-calculating power-seeker who equally possesses the ruthlessness of Hannibal, the Carthaginian General.” With this unfortunate characterization Josef Stalin would be green with envy in Lenin’s Mausoleum. It is also important that Ayu’s assertion that he “warned Tinubu that he will regret bringing Buhari and im-

posing him on the party” be corrected. While a former university lecturer can hardly be accused of not having the presence of mind to know that words have meaning, why Ayu seems to believe that Buhari was imposed by Tinubu on the All Progressives Party (APC) is beyond comprehension. Buhari was not imposed by Tinubu or anyone for that matter. I submit. It would be recalled that Buhari contested with four other aspirants namely; Alhaji Atiku Abubakah, Rabi’u Musa Kwakwanso, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Sam Ndah- Isaiah in a presidential primary adjudged as the most transparent, free and fair in Nigeria’s democratic experience. Atiku Abubakah ordinarily could have won the presidential primary as he was credibly reported to have spent money as if it was going out of fashion. Yet, the former vice president finished a distant third. Where then was Tinubu’s “imposition” in that October 2014 presidential primary? Since clairvoyance or clairaudience are not known to be part of Ayu’s credentials or his natural abilities, his position that Tinubu is “regretting silently without telling Nigerians” do not merit a response here. But there’s no need for Ayu to stretch his conjecture into the realm of the ridiculous. His statement that “if Buhari is reelected in 2019, it will not only consume Tinubu” [but] “so many other people” [that] “it may even lead to the disintegration of Nigeria” was nothing short of a red herring to whip up the sentiments of Southwest public against the re-election of a president who has clearly outperformed all his colleagues since the advent of the Fourth Republic. Since Buhari has not expressed a desire for a second term, let alone his re-election, it remains to be seen if Tinubu will be consumed by Buhari. But Ayu can be rest assured that the Southwest will interrogate before crossing that ‘consuming’ bridge if it happens. His suggestion that Buhari’s re-election in 2019 by the votes of majority of the Nigerian electorates in a democratic system is capable of leading to the country’s disintegration is to stand logic on its head. What he did not say, however, is that President Buhari’s actions and policies has never been so devastating to the economic power base of the very few but extremely powerful criminal elites that has held the country in the jugular for so long and with reckless impunity that they’re ready to pull down the roof should the president secure a second term, up to and including a coup d’état. Ayu just happens to be the latest among the prominent criminal enterprise to have indirectly sounded a note of warning that Buhari must go home after his first term. Ayu should be reminded that if the ultimate goal of his highly political, if not prejudicial statement was to send the Southwest geo-political zone on a guilt trip for daring to partner with Buhari to rescue a country that was apparently headed towards a bottomless perdition in the Jonathan presidency, he has missed his target. The region’s dominant progressive tendency has never wanted anything more than a level playing ground in order to have a virile and sustainable polity, as opposed to the mercantilist predisposition to national politics of some of its counterparts. This has always been the region’s driving force. The Southwest should not, and must not regret having galvanised its people to cast their ballot for Buhari in 2015. It will not hesitate to support Buhari again for a second term should he seek re-election as there’s no alternative to a president who has demonstrated beyond a shadow of doubt his unflinching commitment to rescue the country from the vice grips of the few unconscionable looters for the betterment of the long-suffering Nigerian masses. History will say the Southwest well because it came into the country’s rescue when it mattered most. Femi Odere is a media practitioner. He can be reached at femiodere@gmail.com.

Photo News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

PICKNICKERS DURING EASTER CELEBRATIONS ... IN LAGOS ON SUNDAY

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

17 Photo News

PICKNICKERS DURING EASTER CELEBRATIONS ... IN LAGOS ON SUNDAY

Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right), listening to a little girl during the Easter celebration at the JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja, on Sunday, April 1, 2018. With him is member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Tunde Braimoh (right).

Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), with a baby and fun seekers who thronged the JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja for the Easter celebration on Sunday, April 1, 2018.

GOV AMBODE AT 2018 LAGOS BOAT REGATTA AT THE LAGOON WATERFRONT, IKOYI

Representative of Lagos State Governor and Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (2nd right); Head of Service, Mrs, Folasade Adesoye (right); Commissioner for Tourism Arts & Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde (left) and Chairman, Lagos State Sport Fund, Otunba Femi Pedro (2nd left) during the 2018 Lagos Boat Regatta at the Lagoon Waterfront, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, April 1, 2018.

News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April2 2018

Only internal democracy can stop APC from disintegration - Aspirant Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏAn

L-R: National President, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International Nigeria, Arc. Ifeanyi Odedo; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; Chief of Staff to Rivers Governor, Mr. Chukwuemeka Woke and Mr. Isaac Okpanachi, during the Odedo’s visit to Government House in Port Harcourt

2019: Money, rigging will be put to shame - Paseda Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏAhead

the 2019 general elections, the Governorship hopeful under the platform of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in Ogun State, Otunba Rotimi Paseda, has said that any Politician that is relying on power of money or election rigging to win the 2019 general elections will definitely be disappointed. Otunba Paseda said only credible and popular candidates with people oriented programmes will win at the polls. The founder of Otunba Rotimi Paseda Foundation made this known while

fielding questions from newsmen at the official declarations of some aspirants for the State House of Assembly under the platform of UPN, at the Party Secretariat, Onikolobo Abeokuta. Paseda revealed that the “Country is seriously facing hard times now, the suffering is much, people need a true change like somebody like me, hence money and rigging will definitely be put to shame as people will vote according to their conscience “. He said, “ in the next three months now, you will see the clouds coming down. We are not going to give them a free ride like

we did last time, we have already gained the consciousness of the people, they want a true change but not deception”. Speaking on how he intends to govern state, Paseda said “many of the Assembly members we have now are stooges they are rubber stamps. I am not going to choose anybody as house of assembly member we are going to advise them to go ahead and challenge me to do more they should be able to ask me questions on why are we spending this money why should we waste resources and so on like that. He said the youths “have the capacity, they have the

gut to stand up and challenge you for a purposeful governance. Ogun State have suffered long enough and that is the only way we can have a headway. Put fresh people that are youths in the assembly” Otunba Paseda opined that only three major issues have been drawing the society backwards and they are religion, ethnicity and concentration of projects in one Senatorial district at the detriment of the others”. “We have three ills that is plaguing our society today, they are religion. Segregation by religion, we need to remove that from our politics”.

Lawmaker donates science education to schools in Anambra Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki

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federal lawmaker, representing Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state in the House of Representatives, Chukwuka Onyema has donated science equipment worth millions of naira to ten secondary schools in the area. The benefiting schools include St Charles Lawanga Group of Schools, Okpoko, St Paul’s Secondary School, Ogwuikpele, St Gregory Secondary School, Iyiowa, Magnus Comprehensive Secondary School, Okpoko and ElShalom Convent, Okpoko. Others are Community Secondary School, Odekpe, Government Technical College, Ossamala, Ogbaru High School, Ogbaru, Unity

Secondary School, Okpoko and Community Secondary School, Atani. The legislator stated during the presentation of the items to representatives of the schools that the gesture was borne out of a research he conducted that showed that students from the area lagged behind in practical sciences. He stated that though the state government had tried to equip schools in the state, he discovered that majority of the students end up acquiring theoretical aspect of sciences, adding that his dream was to students from the area lead in sciences in the state. “We did a little survey; we found out that we are lagging in sciences because we are not focusing on practical but theory. So the students don’t normally do well when they go for practical exams. It

is this gap that we are trying to close by ensuring that our students do well in sciences. We are trying to reach all the secondary schools in Ogbaru local government with provision of science equipment”, he stated. The law maker, who is the Deputy Minority leader, observed that the attention being paid to addressing insurgency in the north and unrests in the Niger Delta region was taken a heavy toll on education, adding that, “what government should have used to fund education and other sectors effectively are being deployed to addressing these issues”. “One of our major priorities is in education but instead we are going in different directions. We have insurgency in the north but as far as am concerned we are voting too much money in that

sector and neglecting the health and education sectors. We are focusing too much on amnesty in Niger Delta and we are spending much money on those areas and that is why we don’t have much money to spend in education”, he said. He stated that to cushion the effect, there was need for well to do Nigerians to invest in education, saying it holds the future of the country. Onyema disclosed that, he planned to ensure that seven other secondary schools in the area not covered during the presentation received science equipment in the shortest possible time, stressing that he would have fulfilled his mission any day a student from Ogbaru was ushered into the National Assembly for appreciation for doing well in sciences.

Aspirant to the House of Representatives under the platform of All Progressives Congress, Prince Ayodeji Omonuade Adesina, has said that the total compliance to the principles of internal democracy by APC leaders is the only way that can make the Party excel at the forth coming general elections. Adesina said these while fielding questions from Journalists during a get together meeting with APC faithful from all the fifteen wards in Abeokuta Federal constituency. He said the adoption of internal democracy will see to the emergence of credible and popular candidates which will transcend to making the Party strong and thereby result into electoral victories at the polls. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for believing in internal democracy through his recent statement that opposed tenure elongation saying “it was a right step in the right direction, the idea of tenure elongation is not just only unconstitutional, it is wrong. “We need to practice internal democracy whereby we don’t just bring people from the back and put them in the front”. “We need to campaign, let our ideas and plans be known to our voters, as I believe politics is about numbers, the most popular candidates should emerge, that’s what internal democracy is all about”. “History proves that any party that deviates from that practice do not

stand the test of time” Adesina warned those who see politics as a do or die affairs to change their philosophy saying, “politics is all about interests, if you are voted for and you win, congratulation but if you lose, go back and make corrections of your programs and try again next time” The House of Representatives hopeful from Abeokuta Federal Constituency who was optimistic that he remained the best for the job averred: “I see no reason why I would not be the flag bearer for the party unless they want to go by some other kind of criteria that will not be beneficial to anyone in the party including myself and the whole party in entirety” Speaking on the advantage of allowing youths to run for any elective positions, Adesina said “The not too young to rule bill is one of the best bills in recent times, it’s not a bill contrary to what people think maybe to drive certain people out of business, it’s just a bill to create a level playing field so that youths have a sense of responsibility so they will not think that their age is a natural deterrent to vie for public office” “We are not only leaders of tomorrow but also leaders of today. We have youths today that can do better than what our elders are doing today because we have the advantage of seeing them do it before, those that works and those that did not work”. “Obviously your natural instincts tell you that you continue on the part that work and modify the side that does not work”.

Kongol Silver Tongue inducts journalists, others in Adamawa Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏThe

only Media and Language Training Institute in Northern Nigeria, Konngol Silvertongue, on Saturday begun its session with the induction of the newly admitted students- THE CLASS OF 2018-B- for an “eight-12 s professional development training in Public Speaking & Event Management. As expected THE CLASS OF 2018-B comprised of journalists, public servants, business moguls, prospective leaders of thought and other professionals such as lecturers, teachers, lawyers, politicians, bankers, accoun-

tants, marketers, administrators and health workers among others. Speaking earlier, Prof. Abubakar Abba Tahir a veteran Journalist and founder of the institute also a facilitator reiterated that, “ during the eight-12week training; the class work theoretical aspect, would cover one-third of the programme while the practical would cover twothird of the exercise.” Eulogising the concept of the program, the participants said they enrolled into the programme, “since one cannot communicate, and to be able to communicate somehow and not anyhow; one needs to defeat stage fright...”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

19 News

List of looters-APC breached Constitution/court process – Metu Idu Jude,

Abuja

ÎÎÎ Sequal to the recent re-

lease of list of alleged looters by the All Progressives Congress APC led Federal Government, one of the accused Chief Olisa Metu, former PDP National publicity Secretary, has alleged that the APC led Federal Government, has breached constitutional process, as his case remains prejudice until court decides otherwise to that respect. Chief Olisa Metu, in a press statement Saturday, said that the court in one of the bail conditions, has requested that parties should desist from speaking to the public in respect to the case until the court of competent

jurisdiction pronounces otherwise. Chief Olisa stated “my attention has been drawn to the recent release of names of ‘looters’ by the APC led Federal Government through the Minister of information, Lai Mohammed. By this publication, the Federal Government has breached our constitution by seeking to burden me with two criminal trials on the same charge, one before Justice Okon Abang and the other before the media”. The former National Publicity Secretary to the PDP, observed that in response to the scandalous publication by APC, through the Minister of Information and culture, Alhaji Laid Mohammed, “my arrest on the

5th day of January 2016 and subsequent arraignment, I have refrained from publicly discussing my persecution and travails by the government because as a lawyer, trained in the finest traditions of the Bar, I know that it is wrong to discuss a matter that is subjudice. However the present action of the government leaves me no option than to defend my name and integrity. I have therefore decided to avail the public of the true state of the contrived case against me”. Secondly, Chief noted that “charge against me is that I received the sum of N400 million from the Office of the National Security Adviser to carry out duties assigned to me as the then National Publicity Secretary of

the PDP by then President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The major crux of the prosecution argument is that I ought to have known that the money was a part of an alleged and yet to be proven unlawful activity of Col Sambo Dasuki(rtd), former NSA to President Jonathan”. The statement further read in part. That charge was brought regardless of the fact that neither President Jonthan who gave me the assignment and directed the release of the funds nor Col Dasuki(rtd), who effected the release of the funds have ever been interrogated nor even interviewed in this regard. As a matter of fact, officers of the office of the

National Security Adviser have testified in court that the payment made to me followed all due process usually observed in the establishment. That it is of interest to note that the prosecution has not alleged any mens rea or collusion on my part other than the suggestion that I ‘ought to have known’ of an alleged unlawful activity. Also the alleged illegality of the funds has neither been established in law nor in fact. Olisa said also revealed “I have NEVER held a government office and/or position and could not therefore have had any access to government funds. In view of the weakness of the case against me, the APC led Federal Govern-

ment resorted to all kinds of dirty tactics to dehumanise and intimidate me. They have done everything humanly possible to ensure complete persecution starting from bringing me to court in handcuffs (and parading the capture of Nigeria’s most wanted) to media trials and constant interference with my case. I have been reliably informed that the Federal Government has ordered a conviction at all cost to ensure that the PDP is tainted before the elections. The government’s determination to achieve this objective is clearly highlighted by the refusal to allow me attend to my deteriorating health notwithstanding several expert medical opinion on the matter.

Abia Assembly in alliance with state executive - Speaker By Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

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Contrary to oppositions’ expectation, the Abia State House of Assembly is working in harmony with the state Executive arm of government in the state headed by Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu. This was the position the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bar. Chikwendu Kalu Saturday in Nkata Primary School, Nkata Ibeku as the people of Nkata village and the entire Umuahia East State Constituency, rolled out the drums to endorse their representative at the state red chamber for a second tenure. “Irrespective of the fact that he is the governor of the state, he is an embodiment of intellectual capacity. The House, all agreed with him in terms of the development of the state”, he said assuring “Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu will be a better governor (in terms of) whatever we have seen now”. Rt. Hon. Kalu thanked the Old Bende people for helping make an Ukwa/ Ngwa man a governor, stating “that an Ngwa man is today a governor, they made it”, assuring the people that when the time comes, “we will reciprocate”. While urging Abians to vote Ikpeazu for the second time, described ALL Progressive Alliance, APC as not a party in the state, while welcoming and as-

suring some APC faithful who decamped during the occasion to PDP that “the umbrella is big enough to accommodate all”. While describing the occasion as symbolic, the Speaker said this is one of the rear occasions people are appreciating one of their own remarking, “It is better to fail an election outside my community than to fail in my community”. The Speaker who pulled many of the members of the House of Assembly to the occasion said “Hon Chukwudi Apugo has every reason to thank God for being appreciated by his people”. He advised Nkata people that when fielding someone for any election, “take people that is humane, disciplined and one with passion for humanity”, describing Hon Apugo as one of the people that make the House to be peaceful and quiet. According to him, “What Nkata Ibeku people have done is to field their first eleven” and advised them to replicate what they did in 2015 for Apugo, come 2019. In his speech, the celebrant and member representing Umuahia East in the State House of Assembly, Hon Chukwudi Apugo said he was loved by his people, stating “because of this, I will not disappoint you”. He urged them to also vote for Hon. Chinedu orhi of Umuahia Central, Sen. T. A. Orji and Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, come 2019.

His Excellency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo exchanging warm greetings with the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operations of Nigeria, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, during the Quarterly Presidential Business Forum chaired by the Vice President at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Your 2015 Campaign sponsored with stolen money, PDP tells Buhari By Idu Jude , Abuja

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The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has no moral rectitude to fight corruption, being a direct beneficiary of the corruption freebies deployed by his party leaders to fund his 2015 presidential campaign. The party said the President, who declared that he had no resources to run a presidential campaign in 2015, ought to have known, particularly as a leader, that the billions of naira deployed for his campaigns were proceeds of corrupt activities of known All Progressives Congress (APC)

governors and leaders. The party further challenged Buhari to make open the sources of fund available to his campaign in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 race as well as the names of the donors. The PDP said it is particularly interested in the fund allegedly provided by a South-south governor for the 2011 presidential election as well as how the cost of litigation was paid by then Buhari Campaign. The PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Saturday, said the APC and the Federal Government cannot list names of looters and attempt to shy away from the fact that President Buhari

and his party are direct beneficiaries of fund looted by APC governors. The party said President Buhari and his party leaders have huge confessions to make on how they raked in state stolen resources to prosecute elections of 2015. If the Federal Government and the APC are serious about fighting corruption and not just out to persecute PDP members, they should have began with the probe into the source of the billions of naira used for President Buhari’s 2015 presidential campaigns, particularly in the face of allegations that the fund was looted from treasuries of various APC states. The PDP ask: Can President Buhari in all honesty

claim ignorance of reports in the open media that a South-south governor looted several billions from his state accounts and diverted the sums into Buhari’s 2015 campaigns? Can the Presidency and the APC inform Nigerians what steps the Federal Government has taken to investigate this allegation, which has been in public domain and to clarify their roles as beneficiaries of the alleged looted funds? If they are not complicit, why are they not demanding the truth in the matter and the possible refund of the fund for the good of the people? We challenge President Buhari to tell Nigerians what he has done regarding

Photo News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

GOV AMBODE AT 2018 LAGOS BOAT REGATTA AT THE LAGOON WATERFRONT, IKOYI

Participants displaying during the 2018 Lagos Boat Regatta at the Lagoon Waterfront, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Representative of Lagos State Governor and Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule; Commissioner for Tourism Arts & Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I and former Minister of State for Defense, Sen. Musilu Obanikoro during the 2018 Lagos Boat Regatta at the Lagoon Waterfront, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Representative of Lagos State Governor and Deputy Governor, Dr (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule (middle); Chairman, Lagos State Sport Fund, Otunba Femi Pedro (left) and Head of Service, Mrs, Folasade Adesoye (right) during the 2018 Lagos Boat Regatta at the Lagoon Waterfront, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Participants displaying during the 2018 Lagos Boat Regatta at the Lagoon Waterfront, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Sunday, April 1, 2018.

News/Public Notice 21

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2 , 2018

2 killed, 9 kidnapped in Kaduna village

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Unidentified gun men have killed two people in Tsohuwar Gwari village in Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna state. A source from the village said the gunmen invaded the village around 12 midnight on Saturday and kidnapped nine people, including a newlywedded bride. He added that three of those abducted managed to escape. “They killed two people on the spot and kidnapped nine, even though three people were able to escape,” he said. He called on the government to, as a matter of ur-

gency, come to the aide of the people. Aliyu Mukhtar, spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, confirmed the incident but did not go into details. The tragic incident occurred less than one week after 11 soldiers killed in the area were buried. On Saturday, Zubairu Gwari, emir of Birnin Gwari, asked his subjects to defend themselves against those invading their communities. In an interview the Emir giving the reasons why he asked the people to defend themselves said that it would amount to fool hardiness to

sit down, fold their arms and get killed without doing anything. According to him, when the people take up the issue of security themselves, they were likely to kill more bandits who harass them in their villages and towns than security operatives could do. “A month ago, in one area called Aguwan Gajere the bandits attacked the village and the villagers fought back, in the process they killed more bandits than the people of the town. “All of a sudden, we were told that the people who came were Fulani men, and Miyetti

Allah was in the vanguard of protecting them. “what we e have been preaching to our people is that they should not sit down like fools and watch themselves and their families get killed. If you can do anything to protect themselves. And that is what we are doing now, because the policemen that in Birnin Gwari cannot protect. The soldiers that are being brought come and sometimes make matters worse.” One of the 23 local government areas in Kaduna, Birinin Gwari has recorded a high level of insecurity in recent times.

Suspected homosexuals caught in the art ÎÎÎ

Despite legal actions taking against those involved in homosexualism (same sex) in Nigeria, One Adeniyi Mufutau Raji was caught in the act with another fellow male named John sometimes on November 2017. This attracted the attention of the neighbors who in their angry mood descended, manhandled and beat them to stupor, but Adeniyi Mufutau Raji and his co-culprit managed to escape at the instance of facing the wrath of the Land. Nevertheless, the Lagos State Police command said they are still investigating the incident, and that anyone with useful information should contact the nearest police station for this illicit and barbaric act.

SALAMI MISTURA OLAJUMOKE

ALARAPE TEMITOPE SHAKIRA

MRS. IHEMEDU OLUCHI VALENTINO

MRS. OLADELE KEHINDE FIKAYO.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI MISTURA OLAJUMOKE ,now wish to be known and addressed as SALAMI MISTURA OLAJUMOKE . All former document remain valid. General public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as Oluyide Temitope Shakira ,now wish to be known and addressed as ALARAPE TEMITOPE SHAKIRA. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known, and addressed as, MISS. NWOSU OLUCHI VALENTINO, now wish to be known, and addressed as, MRS. IHEMEDU OLUCHI VALENTINO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. OJEREMI KEHINDE FIKAYO, now wish to be known and addressed MRS. OLADELE KEHINDE FIKAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as DANIELS MINI, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OJELADE NAHEEM AKANMU Now wish to be known and addressed as NAHIMUDEEN DHIKRULLAH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMUNNA ANNE UZOAMAKA

AKOBI KUDIRATU JADESHOLA

OLAFISOYE ITUNU ESTHER

I formerly known and addressed as AKOBI..ALLIU KUDIRATU JADESHOLA , now wish to be known and addressed as AKOBI KUDIRATU JADESHOLA. All former document remains valid, General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SHORUNMU ITUNU ESTHER , now wish to be known and addressed as OLAFISOYE ITUNU ESTHER. All former document remains valid, General public take note.

GRACE ADETOMI AWOSIKA

MRS. RUTH NWADIUTO KALU

I, formerly known and addressed as GRACE ADETOMI ADEWOLE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as GRACE ADETOMI AWOSIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as RUTH NWADIUTO NWACHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. RUTH NWADIUTO KALU by virtue of marriage. All former document remains valid, General public take note.

MAKINDE OLAWALE AZEEZ

MRS SHARON AKUMA

I, formerly OREYOMI OLAWALE AZEEZ, now wishes to be known and addressed as MAKINDE OLAWALE AZEEZ. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SHARON VICTOR, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS SHARON AKUMA. All former document remains valid, Banks and general public take note.

FIRE REVIVAL CENTREW

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 Acts of 1990. Trustees are : 1. Adewoye Joseph Olawale-Taiwo. 2. Adewoye Folashade Mary. Aims: 1.To establish Healing Messiah Crusade arena aim at reaching out to great multitude of nonchurchgoer salvation-healing hungry souls and to build Fire Revival Centre to follow-up and nurture the new believers to cutting edge disciples of Christ Acts 2:42; Acts 5:42. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: TRUSTEES

THE EXCEPTIONAL DIVA-DIVATUDE MOTIVATIONAL & EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE INTERNATIONAL

TUNDE ORISABIYI I formerly known and addressed as OLUWASEUN OLUWABIYI, now wish to be known and addressed as TUNDE ORISABIYI. All former document remains valid, General public take note.

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I formerly known and addressed as EJIMOFOR ANNE UZOAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as UMUNNA ANNE UZOAMAKA. All former document remains valid, General public take note. MRS CHIAMAKA ROSELINE PETER-NWACHI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWIBE CHIAMAKA ROSELINE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIAMAKA ROSELINE PETER-NWACHI. All former document remains valid, General public take note.

EFIK-GERMAN DEVELOPMENT FURUM

RC: 99540

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR CHANGE OF NAME UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2004. OLD NAME: EFIK-GERMAN DEVELOPMENT FORUM NEW NAME: CALABAR GERMAN DEVELOPMENT FORUM TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME. THE CONSTITUTION SHALL BE AMENDED TO REFLECT THE NEW NAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. AMINATU IBE ABUJA- 08033137990.

SHALLOM GLORY MINISTRY

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

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. STEPHEN AMADI NANCY ...............PRESIDENT. 2. AMADI STEPHEN 2. MOSES SUSAN......,..................SECRETARY.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR PROMISE AKAGBUO AMADI........GO/PRESIDENT. 2. AMADI CHINEDU CONFIDENCE ........SECRETARY 3. MRS. KATE PROMISE AMADI .......TREASURER. 4. MR. OYE OBIRI. 5. ELDER. OKEREKE KENNETH. 6. MRS. PEACE UMOREN. 7. CHINDA PROGRESS.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1GIVING HOPE TO THE HOPELESS THROUGH MOTIVATIONAL PROGRAMME’S ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

EMMANUEL DANIEL

NAHIMUDEEN DHIKRULLAH

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that the original Bill of Lading GOSULOS18013726 Container No.ZIMU 1091869. If found please return the nearest Police station or Call SUNNY .I.A. Okekenwa 08033017322

THIS ADVERT SPACE IS FOR SALE

OFU OBU AGE GRADE, UMUOKPU AWKA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘’C’’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1999 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1). ANIZOBANWOTA ONYEBUCHI. 2) NGENEGBO CHIBUZOR IKECHUKWU 3)ONWASOIGWE OBIORA FELIX 4) ONWASOIGWE EMEKA VINCENT. 5)MUO GODWIN IFEANYI AIMS 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG THE MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED:- SECRETARY

IDAPDOO WOMEN FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. TRUSTEES ARE: 1. GRACE EWONUBARI DAMGBOR..CHAIR PERSON. 2. GLADYS NEEDUM. 3. NKANA DORIS. 4. WARIZERIBE HOPE DIAMI. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG WOMEN. 2. TO PROMOTE LOVE AND PEACE TO FAMILIES.

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2017

Easter celebrations

Learn to forgive, Abe admonishes Christians Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

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From left Prelate’s Chaplain, Methodist Church Nigeria, The Very Revd. Rufus Atoleye; Bishop of Trinity Church Council, The Revd. Omotoyo Babatola; Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Kanu Uche; Secretary of the Conference Methodist Church Nigeria, The Rt. Rev. Michael Akinwole; Proto-Presbyter Methodist Church of the Trinity Tinubu The Very Rev. Jonathan .Bamidele Osin and Others in Lagos, during the Easter Sunday to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Lagos... on Easter Sunday. Photo: Taofeek Babajide.

Know who you are, Kumuyi tasks Christians, as Adeboye urges they enforce their victory Johnson Ayantunji and Esther Taiwo

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As the curtains were drawn on the four- day Deeper Life National Easter retreat which took place at Deeper Life Conference Centre, Lagos/Ibadan expressway, the General Superintendent of the Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi has tasked Christians to know who they are. While his The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, told the faithful, to enforce the victory which Jesus won for them on the occasion of his resurrection. In his message titled “Heirs of His Kingdom”, the theme of the Conference, Kumuyi said if Christians know who they are, the Devil will not

trick them with anything in the world such that people will not embezzle money or involve in any form of corruption. The General Superintendent told worshippers that when the Devil came to tempt Jesus in the Bible with the things of the world, Jesus was able to overcome him because He knew who He was as the heir of God’s kingdom and as such possess everything created by God. Addressing journalists at the end of the retreat, the Camp Commandant, Pastor Andrew Umoru said for Nigeria to be rid of corruption, economic and political vices, Christians must live true life of Christ. According to him, the solution to Nigeria crises is God adding that Christians are taught to make a difference in the society, live as shining light and eschew corruption at all levels. “ Christians should live with good conscience, they should not embezzle money when they are in leadership position, if Christians are Christians indeed, the is-

sue of corruption will be a thing of the past in this country “, he said. In his own remark, the Lagos Moderator of Deeper Life National Retreat, Pastor Bayo Oyeyemi said there is need for people to go back to God, ask for forgiveness and live a transformed life. He said if this is achieved, Nigeria will be another heaven on earth. On the issue of controversies surrounding tithing, the cleric said, the Bible is not controversial adding that the scripture is clear about it and the Church stand on the Scripture. “Anybody can interpret the Bible in any way but what Deeper Life stands for is the word of God and that is what we teach and preach, we preach the word as written in the Bible devoid of any human interpretation”, he said. Pastor Adeboye in his Easter message at the National Headquarters Parish, Ebute Metta, Lagos said God has given Christians victory through the resurrection of Jesus. Quoting copious-

ly from the Bible, the mathematician turned preacher said Jesus through his death and resurrection conquered death and hell through his death and resurrection. “Jesus went into hell, told the death, let me have the key of hell and death. God has given us victory through the Lord Jesus Christ. We have somebody who has conquered death, He won victory for you, not for himself, use his name against sickness. Use his name to enforce your victory.” “There are those who hate the name, there are those who do not want to hear the name. Nobody can ignore the name Enforce your victory, use the name. He quoted Jesus as saying that I am the resurrection and the life. Enforce your victory through the promise he made that he is going to prepare a place for you. That is why you must go and preach the gospel, when you do this, sign and miracles shall follow you in the name of Jesus. Enforce your victory, that I have authority over the forces of darkness.”

The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has appealed to Christians to learn how to forgive one another just as Jesus Christ forgave mankind, advising them to surrender grudges in their hearts that would prevent God from answering their prayers. Abe made the appeal while speaking at a special prayer session to mark Easter Good Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital and maintained that the period should also be used for sober reflection over our lives as mankind. “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all of us as Christians, that we should try as much as possible to learn forgiveness. Christ, who was betrayed and crucified, forgave those who betrayed and crucified him, if he can forgive; what is it that people have done to you that you cannot forget and forgive as a Christian,” Abe said. The senator said, “I want to appeal to all of us to use this time to remember our neighbours; sometime the situation they are facing may even be worse than our own. As we were praying today, I was praying to God to answer everyone because different people have different challenges and the one you think is the biggest challenge could actually be a very minor one comparing to the situation that others are facing. “I pray that God will remember all of us this Easter season. Finally, I want to use this opportunity to encourage each and every one of you. There is nothing in life that is of value that is easy, there is nothing in life that is useful, that you can just pick like that without struggling for it”.

Ambode preaches tolerance, sacrifice for one another ÏÏÏ

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and sacrifice for one another, stating that development and growth can only occur in the nation when all tribes and tongue unite and speak with one voice. Governor Ambode, in his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said such fun-

damental values would go a long way in promoting and strengthening the foundation of love, peace and harmony in the country, adding that the season should serve as a reminder to the selflessness, love, sacrifice and tolerance of Jesus Christ throughout His earthly sojourn, his death and his resur rection.Stressing the essence of the season, the Governor said Jesus exemplified the virtues of selflessness, love and

tolerance during his period on earth, and thereby urged Christians to use the season as a period to reflect on their individual and collective roles towards promoting and sustaining that foundation of love, peace and harmony in the nation.“We must therefore see this period as a time that presents us the viable opportunity to think about how we can help to steer our nation back on the road to peace, stability and prosperity,

by working in the spirit of togetherness,” the Governor said. He said there was no better time for the country to unite together and eschew bitterness along ethnic and religious lines, adding that no challenge is insurmountable where unity of purpose thrives. “No doubt, Nigeria will surely make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country

that we all desire if, as a nation, we eschew all divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with one another, as Jesus Christ enjoined us to,” he said. Governor Ambode commended Lagosians for their continued demonstration and promotion of mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence in spite of existing ethnic, cultural and reli-

gious diversities, saying that the cooperation of residents for government programmes and policies was responsible for the massive development across the State in the last 34 months.While wishing all Lagosians a happy Easter celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined them to continue to support his administration to deliver more developmental projects that would make life more comfortable for them.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday April 2, 2017

Christians mark easter Sunday, end Lenten period

PDP calls for prayers for Nigeria

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

ÏÏÏThe People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

has charged Nigerians not to despair under the ongoing economic situation but to use the occasion of this year’s Easter to pray for the nation and rededicate themselves to the ideals of national unity, cohesion and peaceful coexistence. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Saturday9said the nation has witnessed a lot of anguish including the economic recession and gruesome bloodletting of the last three years, but noted that with the right leadership coupled with unity and dedication of the citizens, the nation will surely come out of the current woods. Ologbondiyan said that Indeed, Easter which commemorates the resurrection Jesus Christ from the dead, offers us a unique lesson in the ultimate triumph of life over death, good over evil, love over hatred, truth over falsehood, hope over despair and unity over strife. The PDP therefore urges Nigerians to, in the spirit of the season, eschew all divisiveness, forgive and show love to one another as exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus

Secondus

Christ. In the same vein, “we urge all elected and appointed leaders, at all levels across the country to also reflect on the season and rededicate themselves to service for the good of all”. The PDP urges Nigerians not to despair as we have repositioned our platform for the allimportant quest by the citizens to rescue our dear nation from the current painful misrule. On this note, we wish all Nigerians happy Easter celebrations.

As Christians all over the world observed Sunday as Easter Sunday, to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the end of the Lenten period, Nigerians. no matter their religion background have been told to imbibe the teachings of the period in whatever they do beyond this period. A cross-section of traditional rulers in Kwara state made this known in their submissions to celebrate the period. In his contribution, the Vice Chairman of the State traditional council, Alihaji lbrahim Chatta Umar,said the period should not be seen as merry making alone rather they should continue to support government with prayers for breakthrough in their yearnings and aspirations to better the lots of the masses. Alhaji Chatta Umar who is the Estu Patigi also implored the people to tolerate their differences to allow peace to continue to reign as Jesus Christ was known for peace. Also, the chairman Ekiti Traditional Council and the Oolosi of Osi, Oba Saliu Abdulkareem Adasofegbe Arowobeku the first, cautioned the people to desist from act that could hamper development rather they should cultivate the habit of initiating more policies that

Stand up for the vulnerable, downtrodden - Tambuwal

would complement government efforts. In his view, the Emir of Gwanara in Baruten Local Government Area of the State, Alhaji ldris Sabi urged the people to have a rethink and have attitudinal change and look inward on how best they could collaborate with the government at taking the state to a greater height in its continuity agenda. According to the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Usman Sabi urged Nigerians to bury their differences to sustain the current peaceful environment and emulate exemplary life of Jesus Christ by imbibing the spirit of love. The Oloyipo of Eggi Oyoipo in Irepodun Locl Government Area of the State, Oba Abdulwahab Adeoye Jinad, advised the people to maintain the current existing atmosphere by remaining united adding that the recent economic challenges facing the country would be over lf the people could demonstrate high sense of patriotism and respect for constituted authority. Also speaking, the Olowu of Owu Obaloyan in lfeldun Local Government Area of the State. Oba Kamorudeen Ajiboye Sanni Agunlejinju, (II), enjoined government at all levels to continue to implement necessary measures that would alleviate the sufferings of the common man through the provision of more government presence across the State.

Negotiate Leah Sharibu’s release, female presidential aspirant tells FG

ÏÏÏ

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state has urged Nigerians to use the Easter period to stand up for all those who have found themselves in vulnerable situations in the country and other parts of the world. In a message to commemorate this year’s Easter period issued in Sokoto Sunday by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, the Governor said all members of the society should make sacrifices that will advance the cause vulnerable and the downtrodden. “Easter is a period of divine. We should spread that love around by praying, and standing up to victims of circumstance that have found themselves in vulnerable situations within us and elsewhere. “We can do this by working closely with charity organizations to give them hope, courage and the will to be strong. Doing this will make Nigeria and the world a better place to live in,” Tambuwal added. While congratulating Nigerians, especially those of Christian faith for the Easter celebration, the Governor restated the commitment of his administration to implementing policies and programs that will positively impact on the lives of the citizens.

23 News

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Very Rev Adebola Ojofeitimi, Provost Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos. Chief Olurotimi Williams, Registrar Of the Diocese of Lagos, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Dr E. Adebola Ademowo, OON Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Hon. Justice Sybil Nwaka, Archbishop’s Nominee, Barrister Folashade Adetiba, Legal Secretary after the 2018 Easter Service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

Gov Ahmed congratulates Christians

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has felicitated with Christians for the successful completion of lent with a call on them to imbibe the spirit of perseverance and endurance as epitomized by Christ. The Governor, in a press statement by his Chief Press Secre-

tary, Abdulwahab Oba, urged all Christians to be agents of tolerance and peaceful coexistence for progress and sustainable development of the country. While commending Christian community in the state for supporting efforts of the state government towards ensuring religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, Gov Ahmed urged them to be more dedicated and

committed to the service of God and humanity. “Everyone must strive harder in showing love, affection, care and sympathy to all and sundry irrespective of religious and cultural differences”, the governor charged. Gov Ahmed said his administration will not shirk from its responsibility of ensuring equity and justice for all.

A Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential aspirant, Prof. Mercy AdesanyaDavies, has appealed to the Federal Government to negotiate the release of the Dapchi Christian schoolgirl, Leah Sharibu. Adesanys- Davies made the appeal in her Easter message to Nigerians. Boko Haram insurgents had returned 104 out of the 110 girls abducted on 19th February, 2018 and five of them had reportedly died while Leah Sharibu, was not released. The presidential hopeful quoted Khadija Grema, one of the freed girls, that “Leah was not released because she is a Christian and she refused to put on hijab or convert.” She condemned Boko Haram’s attempt to compel and force Leah to convert to Islam, noting that the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an states that there is no compulsion in Islam (2:256). She added that Qur’an further states that” Allah himself could have made the whole mankind Muslims if He had wished (11:118). The Quran forbids forceful conversion or punishment of non-Muslims by Muslims and declares that each shall have the right to follow his or her religion). They would have to learn to obey the tenets of Islam.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, MarchApril

Confusion as angry constituents stone Reps member from Taraba ÏÏÏAngry

constituents Saturday stoned Hon. Garba Hamman Julde, a member of the House of Reps representing Bali-Gassol Federal constituency of Taraba state. Citing failed representation and abandonment of his constituents for more than two years, the constituents vent their anger after the lawmaker presented 11 motorcycles and one car to ward executives and local gov-

ernment chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bali LGA of the state. An eye witness told reporters that the lawmaker escaped with minor bruises before he was whisked away by Policemen on duty at the venue of the event, which held in Central Primary School, Bali. The eye witness, Musa Sandirde, said: “Trouble started after he ended his speech at the rostrum

and was making way to present key of the motorcycles to the beneficiaries. There and then, some youths started chanting ‘ba mu so’ in Hausa while at the same time throwing sand, stones and sachets of pure water at him. Police then quickly intervened and moved him to safety,” he stated. He added that the constituents expressed their displeasure at the manner of Julde’s representation and vowed to en-

sure he did not return to the parliament again in 2019. A party executive at Bali LGA, Ibrahim Daka, added: “He has completely abandoned the people that sent him to Abuja. For more than two years, he went missing, only for him to show up this weekend to say he was presenting eleven motorcycles and one car to ward and LGA party chairmen. “He did that because

Most Rev Ikechi Nwachukwu Nwosu, Bishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Aba, Diocese of Umuahia Anglican Communion (l) with Engr Nath Ndubuka exchanging pleasantries after church service to mark Easter Sunday in Umuahia yesterday.

Take urgent steps to prevent plundering of nation’s wealth, Utomi urges youths Titus Akhigbe,Benin

ÏÏÏA professor of political

economy, Prof. Pat Utomi, at the weekend called on young Nigerians to work together to end corruption, identify the nation’s problems and proffer lasting solutions in order to protect their future. Utomi, who made the call at an event tagged, “Discover Me,” and organised by the Simply Worship International Ministry, Benin, Edo State, said that corruption had become a major problem hindering the progress of the country and urged the youths to take urgent steps to prevent the persistent plundering of the nation’s wealth. Utomi said, “First of all, I think it is important to understand that corruption is very frightening; it is destroying our country and people find all kinds of things that distract us from the main understanding of how terrible corruption is against the progress of our country.

“We must collectively work to reduce, if not eliminate, corruption from our body polity. The second thing is that I am one of those repulsed a little bit by the excessive partisanship of the Nigerian situation. “We must, as a people, collectively recognise some problems we have as a country and work together to solve them and not reducing them (because) that is what makes it easy for the bad people to get away with it. “As a person that many entities turn to for opinions on what to do in Nigeria, I know how many times major corporations around the world have turned away from investing in Nigeria after seeing the opportunity because of the fact that in Nigeria, there is so much corruption. “In Nigeria, one of the biggest risks is regulatory risk; government institutions are a major risk for business because of the ineptitude, sometimes, because of the

partisanship and personal nature of their decisions. So, it is important that we work across party lines to stop these things.” Utomi stated that the younger generation must resist the temptation to allow their political decisions to be determined by unscrupulous politicians. He said, “Young Nigerians should be looking at ideas that will make that future one in which they can be competitive with anybody on planet earth. They should be looking at people whose track records show a commitment to service, a commitment to thinking very clearly about things and not allowing themselves to be sucked into a one-bag-ofrice kind of basis for making decisions. “Young people, first of all, have to realise that leading is not about saying, ‘It is my turn; you have to give it (leadership) to me.’ You have to be prepared to lead.” He stated that Nigeria

needed a system based on honesty and merit, which it currently lacked, in order to surmount the numerous problems. Utomi added, “If we can bring more honesty into our system, if we can allow merit to determine things more in our system, then there will be a culture of justice. One of the reasons Nigeria is in trouble is the level of injustice in the system. “The poor man’s son does not have the opportunity that used to be taken for granted, if he just focused on his books and studied 30 years ago. And so, we have these disruptions in the system. So, we need a more merit-driven system. We need a more just system. Once we have that, Nigeria will rise up again.” The Senior Pastor of SWIM, Rev. David Atenaga, explained that the event was held to inspire the youths to realise their essence in life and enable them to live purpose-driven lives.

election is here and they are the people who will serve as delegates to elect party fag bearers again. But the people he abandoned turned against him and showed their anger. How cn you abandon the people and come here to give bicycles to a few people? “We are not happy with him and we made our position clear to him,” he

added. Already, a plan to hold similar exercise in Mutum Biyu, Gassol LGA, has been shelved for fear of breakdown of law and order. Efforts to speak with Julde and his legislative aides proved abortive as none of them responded to calls or text messages sent to their phones.

Ogun may not experience severe flooding – Commissioner He said the Flood and ÏÏÏ The Ogun State gov- Erosion Control Departernment says the State may not experience severe flooding this year as revealed in the 2018 seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Bolaji Oyeleye in a Statement in Abeokuta, said, though most areas in the State may not witness serious flooding, as NiMet had forecasted a normal rainfall season for the State, however, barring flash floods could occur in flood prone communities, Oyeleye recalled that irrespective of Nimet’s prediction of severe flooding, the State was generally flood-free all through the rainy season last year, saying this was as a result of the standard drainages that accompanied the road infrastructures constructed by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun –led administration.

ment of his Ministry had at the beginning of this year, embarked on the dredging of river/stream courses, as well as desilting of drainages in major towns, in preparation for the rainy season, to prevent flood disasters. “The river and stream courses that have been dredged in the State capital so far include; Sokori stream course from IsaleIgbein to Ijeja, the drainage path of swampy areas within Lafenwa Market, Akingbade stream in Obantoko and Fatola estate steam course at Camp. ‘’A dilapidated and submerged culvert linking Oke-odo to Abule Oloni in Abeokuta was also reconstructed. In addition, a river course in Owode Ketu area and another along Ilaro-Owode Road of Ogun West Senatorial District had also been dredged,’’ he said.

Erosion threat: UNIBEN promises to assist Edo NUJ Titus Akhigbe,Benin

ÏÏÏThe

Management of University of Benin (UNIBEN) has promised to assist Nigeria union of Journalists (NUJ Edo state Council in reclaiming part of its land under erosion threat. The Vice-chancellor of the University, Prof. Faraday Orumwense disclosed this during a parley with the Media parley at the Weekend in Benin City. He also disclosed plans to give a face lift to the library complex and landscape a cross session of the floor at NUJ Secretariat. Orumwense, directed a team of Surveyors and Engineers from the ivory tower led by the Director of Works led by Engr. Wilfred Irogue to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the union’s Secretariat and report back to the Management for consideration. The gesture was in re-

sponse to a formal request by Edo state Chairman of NUJ, Sir Roland Osakue to adopt the project as part of the University’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). “We will send our Surveyors and Engineers to come in there and advice Management on what to do. “We commend you support and prompt response this administration has received from Media especially during the recent rainstorm disaster that affected some buildings in this Institution”, he said. The VC lauded the cordial relationship between the Media the University since he became the helmsman of the Institution which he said parade The Deputy Vice-chancellor, Administration, Prof. Jacob Ehiorobo also addressed other issues bothering of students’ welfare and other issues of concern at the interactive session where Journalists were entertained.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

25 News

Promasidor empowers 54 to eradicate malnutrition in Nigeria ÏÏÏPromasidor

Nigeria Limited, maker of Cowbell, Loya Milk, Top Tea and Onga, has donated cases of various products to Empower 54 Project in support of its programme aimed at eradicating malnutrition among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. The donation done on Friday, would in no small measure help to boost the worthy initiative of the organisation, which is at the forefront of eradicating malnutrition in the country. Promasidor’s support to Empower 54 is in line with its corporate social responsibility policy, which has seen it contributed to worthy causes across the country. Expressing delight at the gesture, Princess Modupe Ozolua, Founder and President of Empower 54, said the products were greatly appreciated and the donation worth emulating as malnutrition is a major concern among IDPs, refugees and underprivileged people not only in Nigeria but also across the African continent. According to the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, 33 percent of Nigerian children under five years suffer from chronic malnutrition, which translates into very disturbing statistics and many inno-

cent lives lost due to lack of sensitisation. Princess Ozolua commended Promasidor Nigeria Limited for supporting Empower 54 in such an immeasurable manner, assuring that the products, which contain vital nutrients would be judiciously utilised. Empower 54 is a United States non-profit organisation providing humanitarian assistance since 2003 through health, education, empowerment, and IDP/refugee programmes to underprivileged Africans. The organisation evacuated the severely malnourished IDP children from Bama to Maiduguri for treatment two years ago, but realised more has to be done to save children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Princess Ozolua said it was that experience that prompted Empower 54 to lead the move towards creating strategic measures to eradicate the deadly epidemic. His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, is Empower 54’s global goodwill ambassador for its campaign to eradicate malnutrition in Africa, and its also supported by the Australian Government, IMF and other international partners.

Oluwo drops Oba, adopts Emir as title ÏÏÏOluwo

of Iwoland in Osun state, Oba Adbulrasheed Akanbi has declared his resolve to adopt the Emir title popularly known with Northern traditional rulers. Speaking at the installation and turbaning ceremony of an Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yahquub Abdul-Baaqi Mohammed as first Waziri of Yoruba land on Saturday, Oba Akanbi said he decided to now bear “Emir of Iwoland” because he wants to emulate the attitudes of northern Emirs. According to Oluwo, Northern traditional rulers are better behaved than his counterparts from the Southwest saying Yoruba Obas are full of bickering, acrimony and enmities. He said Yoruba traditional rulers lacks cooper-

ation and expected royal characters saying the Yoruba Obas have been polarized owing to enmities. Oba Akanbi said until Yoruba Obas come together, shun enmities and backbiting, Hausas would continue to rule Nigeria. “I have decided to officially adopt Emir title today because I want to emulate the attitudes of Northern Emirs. They don’t begrudge themselves like Yoruba Obas. ” It will surprise you to discover that for the past two years, there has not been meeting of Yoruba traditional rulers just because of enmities. There is nothing strange in adopting Emir title. I am the Emir of Yorubaland,” Oluwo said. After this declaration by the monarch, indigenes and guests at the ceremony hailed Oba Akanbi.

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Ejike Oji Community Development Foundation, Dr. Ejike Oji; National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Dr. Laraba Shoda and Chief Executive Officer of Peace Advocacy and Community Development Initiative, Mr. Mohammed Yusuf, during National Workshop on the Role of the NCWS in Economic Development in Abuja

Man cry out over police failure to pay N6.1m damages Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏA father of five, Da-

vid Ehiosun, who was shot on his left leg by a trigger happy mobile policeman in 2003, has cried out for help over the failure and continued delay of Police Authority to pay him the sum of N6.1 million as damages awarded by court. Ehiosun said he was shot by one Inspector Sunday Omoseigho at Kingsway bus stop close to Mobolaji Bank Anthony way because he had refused to cooperate with the later to sexually harass a 15-year-old girl. A medical report issued by a consultant with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital(LASUTH), Dr. Mustafa I. A. made available to newsmen revealed that the victim who had since lost the use of his left leg, sustained open fracture of the left tibia and fibula from which he bled profusely. In a bid to get justice, the 45-year-old driver, an indigene of Edo State, through the office of the Public Defender had in 2009 sued Inspector Omoseigho, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Lagos State and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Suit No: ID/574/2009. After years of prolonged adjournments, Justice Bola Ighile of the High Court of Lagos State had on October 15th, 2014, awarded the claimant the sum of N6.1 million as damages. Surprisingly, almost

four years after the court judgement, Ehiosun is yet to be paid the damages. According to him, life has not been the same since the incident, as he has spent all he had on both orthodox and traditional medicine treatment. Ehiosun said the injury led to the loss of his job as a driver to a Banker, making him a liability to his family. In his words, “ Due to the injury I sustained from the gun shot, I can’t stand for long and can’t even walk well. I have been going in and out of hospital admission due to complications from the injury. “ I have five children and I cannot even fend for them. feeding Daily and taking care of my bills is now a luxury I cannot afford. Some of my children have been forced to drop out of school. I just want the police to do the needful so that I can get my life together and give my children a better life. “ On the attempts made to ensure compliance on the part of the Police, the victim said he had also written to the Lagos State Government to intervene in the matter. He said, “ In 2017, I wrote to the office of the Lagos State Governor to come to my aid. The Governor ordered the Attorney General/ Honourable Commissioner ministry of Justice to act on my case. But till date, nothing has been done.” Lamenting his ordeal,

he said the police Inspector who was orderly room tried and demoted to a Sergeant has robbed him of his happiness and good health. “ Does it now mean that a uniform man can do whatever he pleases with the life of a common man and only get a slap on the wrist as punishment? Or is the police now above the law that even a court judgement mean nothing to them?” He said. Narrating how it all happened, Ehiosun amidst tears said May 4th, 2003 was one day he wish he could erase from his memory. “ A day before the incident, the Inspector asked me to call him a teenage girl who he wanted to date and bed and I refused, telling him the parents of the girl in question know me as a pastor and I cannot betray such trust and respect. “ He threatened to deal with me and even shoot me, so I walked away. The next day, when I was walking pass, he was sitting and drinking with his police friend at Kingsway bustop. When he saw me, he stopped me and accused me of disobeying him. When I tried to explain myself he got angry and poured his drink on me. “ I asked him why he went that far and he said he would have shot me and while I was still trying to explain myself, he shot me on my left leg. Immediately he ran away, I was left in the pool of my own blood. People around quickly looked

for a vehicle and rushed me to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja.” Ehiosun reported the incident at Area F Police Command and the police Inspector was arrested. The matter was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti Yaba. “ During interrogation, Omoseigho denied pulling the trigger at me. The police further arrested the other police men who were also at the scene of the incident. They all confessed to the fact that the suspect shot me. “ He went through the orderly room trial as stipulated by the police law and he was found guilty. He was demoted to a Sergeant. No form of compensation was given to me. Instead the then Commissioner of Police Lagos, CP Azeez advised me to take my case to the Police Headquarters in Abuja, “ he said. At this point, the victim said the office of the Public Defender intervened in the matter and wrote to the then Inspector General of Police, IGP Mike Okiro, there was also no response. “ I travelled to Abuja to see the IGP and also to register my plight in person. After spending three weeks in Abuja, I was asked to take my case to the Commissioner of Police Legal. The CP Legal after hearing my case, referred me back to the CP Lagos. “ It was at this point that a good Samaritan

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

FG releases fresh list of 23 alleged treasury looters

Dasuki

The Federal Government has said the list of alleged looters which it released earlier was based on verifiable facts, including the amount involved, the date the amount in question was collected and from where it was taken. Releasing a fresh list of alleged looters, in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also said those complaining that the list was too short apparently did not understand that it was strategically released as a teaser. ‘’At the press conference where the list was released, I did say it was a tip of the iceberg. Apparently, this does not mean anything to people whose style is to comment on issues they barely understand, or just to shoot down anything coming from the government,’’ he said, adding that the Federal Government has a large number of alleged looters on its list. Alhaji Mohammed slammed the PDP for daring to challenge the Federal Government over an issue that the party knows is its weakness: Looting of public treasury. ‘’What was the PDP expecting when it challenged the FG to name the looters of the public treasury under the party’s watch? Did the PDP actually believe that the massive looting under its watch was a joke? Did they think it is April Fool?’’ he queried. The Minister said the PDP’s reaction to the looters’ list has shown that its recent apology is an election-induced act, contrived to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians to vote for the party in the 2019 general election, even when it has not come clean on its looting spree during its time in office. ‘’The hysterical and panicky reaction from the PDP has shown that the party is not at all sincere about its choreographed apology. Were it not the case, the party would have followed in the footsteps of one ofits leaders, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, who simply owned up to his role in the party’s rigging in the past elections and said he had turned a new leaf. ‘’It is said that a true confession is done in humility with an attitude of repentance. It is clear that the PDP does not know this, hence its resort to hubris instead of humility and genuine penitence,’’ he said. Alhaji Mohammed said the Federal Government will neither be intimidated nor blackmailed into silence,

Dikko

Nwaoboshi

adding that it will also notrest until all those who looted the public treasury have been broughtto justice. SECOND BATCH OF ALLEGED LOOTERS AND THE AMOUNT ALLEGEDLY EMBEZZLED 1. Former NSA Sambo Dasuki: Based on EFCC investigations and findings alone (this is beside the ongoing $2.1billion military equipment scandal), a total of N126 billion, over $1.5 billion and 5.5 million British Pounds was embezzled through his office. A good number of these monies were simply shared to persons and companies without any formal contract awards. 2. Former Petroleum Resources Minister Dieziani Alison-Madukwe: In just one of the cases the EFCC is investigating involving her, about N23 billion is alleged to have been embezzled. She is also involved in the Stra-

Allison-Maduekwe

tegic Alliance Contracts of the NNPC, where the firms of Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko got oil blocks but never paid government taxes and royalty. About $3 billion was involved. The Federal Government is charging Omokore and Aluko and will use all legal instruments local and international to ensure justice. 3. Rtd. Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah: N13.9 billion. N4.8 billion recovered by EFCC in cash and property 4. Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika: N4.5 billion. N29m recovered by the EFCC so far. 5. Alex Barde, former Chief of Defence Staff: N8 billion, and EFCC recovered almost N4 billion in cash and property already. 6. Inde Dikko: former CG Customs: N40 billion, and N1.1 billion in cash recovered in cash and choice properties. 7. Air Marshal Adesola Amosun: N21.4 billion. N2.8 billion recovered in cash. 28 properties and 3 vehicles also recovered. 8. Senator Bala Mohammed, former FCT Minister: N5 billion. Interim forfeiture order on some property secured. 9. Senator Stella Oduah: N9.8 billion. Interim forfeiture order on some property secured. 10. Former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu: N1.6 billion - from NSA. 11. Senator Jonah Jang, former Plateau State Governor: N12.5 billion. 12. Bashir Yuguda, former Minister of State for Finance: N1.5 billion. $829,800 recovered. 13. Senator Peter Nwaoboshi: N1.5 billion 14. Aliyu Usman: Former NSA Dasuki’s aide: N512 million 15. Ahmad Idris: Former NSA Dasuki’s PA: N1.5 billion 16. Rasheed Ladoja: Former Oyo Governor: N500 million 17. Tom Ikimi: N300 million 18. Femi Fani-Kayode: N866 million 19. Hassan Tukur, former PPS to President Goodluck: $1.7 million 20. Nenadi Usman: N1.5 billion 21. Benedicta Iroha: N1.7 billion 22. Aliyu Usman Jawaz: Close ally of former NSA Dasuki: N882 million

Life&

TIMES Monday, April 2, 2018

Saka: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still striving to become a superstar 28

Interview 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Death of cinema gradually becoming thing of the past –Saka After his fame went viral following his humorous advert campaigns with largest popularly called Saka, has become a household name in the country. From his distinct roles in movies, drama series and sitcoms, to his humorous advert campaigns for telecommunications companies, Saka is fast proving himself as

Can you introduce yourself?

Tell us about the production of the movie titled MAZE?

Talking about that stage name “Saka,” how did you come about it?

country?

How do you handle that situation when you are trying to make a point and people think you are joking?

As a popular actor in the Nollywood, how are you using the entertainment industry?

Did you ever believe you will be this famous in life?

Contrary to your perception of yourself, people see you as a super star? How has Lagos State government been supporting the College in its thrive towards making its impact in the entertainment industry?

Life&

What should we be expecting from Saka in the nearest future?

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, April 2, 2018

Teen 29

Mutiat Alli

Yelling at your teen may be more harmful than you think

For many parent yelling at their adolescent child is a normal event. Although most parent who yell at their teen would not dream of physically harming their teen-shouting or cursing or using insult may be detrimental to the long term wellbeing of the adolescence. Researchers found out that adolescents who had experienced harsh verbal discipline suffered from increased levels of depressive symptoms, and were more likely to demonstrate behavioral problems such as vandalism or antisocial and aggressive behavior. “Parental warmth”—i.e., the degree of love, emotional support, and affection between parents and adolescents— did not lessen the effects of the verbal discipline. The sense that parents are yelling at the child “out of love,” or “for their does the strength of the parent-child bond .Even lapsing only occasionally into the use of harsh verbal discipline, can still be harmful. When parents aggressively yell at their teenagers, the teens feel rejected and that their parents dislike them. When parents act hostilely towards their children, the teens tend to become angrier, more irritable and more belligerent. Rather than feeling nurtured, the teen frequently becomes suspicious of his or her angry parents and feels the need to defend him- or herself. This often leads to bad behavior. means better communication.

When parents practice healthy self-regulation, it helps kids learn how to selfregulate themselves. Kids feel safer: The best style of parenting features “a and teens may act like they want control, what really makes

Upping the ante, losing the message: Yelling often fails to get the point across because emotions can overcome the message. They will also likely escalate the situation and

Heard it all before: If parents yell all the time, “kids may feel that if they are wrong all you do is yell at them, it makes them even worse. Hard on self-esteem: We know that yelling and harsh parenting are associated with lower self-esteem for kids, and can affect their performance in school. Kids who are the object of verbal aggression are at risk for aggressive or disruptive behavior, when parents yell too much the child and can only criticize. When yelling is the chronic mode of communication, both children and parents are missing out on the chance to form positive, affectionate bonds. And for kids predisposed to anxiety and depression, internalizing these negative interactions may be the tipping point. Meanwhile, blowouts can leave parents feeling guilty, frustrated and demoralized. Adults who express anger in negative ways increase their chronic stress, which contributes to health problems. Addressing inappropriate behavior calmly enables about his behavior, and following through with effective consequences.

calmer, you can help your children learn to regulate better. Below are tips parents can use: Pinpoint the recurring problems that frequently set you and your kids off. If getting out the door for school in the morning is a chronic issue, solutions might include laying out their clothes and showering the night before, or everyone waking up a bit earlier. Try to break it down into steps you can tackle calmly.

All the parents interviewed for this article had one key piece of advice: Take a break and breathe. control so you can step away from the situation. Actively ignoring problem behaviors is another strategy that helps stop parents from yelling. If you disengage from the situation until you regain your be done when a child is being aggressive or destructive.) Instead, by responding positively to only desire behavior, want. Plus, by allowing kids to practice “slowing their engines down” on their own, without parental prompts,

Along with ignoring comes learning to loosen up. “If the snack ends

With younger kids, it helps to create a set routine with simple, one-step directions that could include visual aids, not to mention plenty of labeled praise and rewards.

Do what you have to do to make it easier on yourself.

Being aware of the context of the behavior allows for calmer responses. If we recognize when a child is cranky because he missed his snack or is overtired, it can be easier to temper our own frayed feelings.

down and need to call in reinforcements. Blogs, support groups, other parents and clinicians can all help by

since this can help them become more patient. You can become calmer, she says, when you “accept kids as they are, love them as they are, and recognize that half the problem is how you react.” Trying to do too much causes stress. Parents trying to multi-task increases the risk of kids

Long adds that it also helps to have a safety net of friends and relatives for those extremely

Depending on the age and developmental level of the child, parents may, after things have calmed down, model for their kids how to

And then we have a brief conversation about the situation.”

lex Iwobi has been criticised by the Nigeria national team manger for trying to be too individual and do too much on his own but was also praised after coming in for attacks from Nigeria fans. The Arsenal youngster came under fire for ‘showmanship’ which reportedly ‘slowed down Nigeria’s at-

Alex Iwobi criticised for lonely game tack after dropping into a midfield role in the second half.’ Fans apparently criticised the player for ‘being too individualistic almost like his uncle and former Nigerian Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha in his early days in the senior national team.’

Page 30

Shehu, Balogun, Iheanacho pass fitness tests

igeria internationals Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun and Kelechi Iheanacho passed fitness tests ahead of their respective teams matches this weekend. The trio did not taste action on Tuesday in the Super Eagles 2-0 loss to Serbia in a pre-World Cup friendly at the Hive Stadium owing to fitness concerns. Shehu limped off with a suspected hamstring injury against Poland last Friday which led to his substitution in the 78th minute, while Iheanacho subbed out four minutes later after breaking his hand. Mainz have officially confirmed that Leon Balogun, who failed a fitness test just before the friendly against Serbia, is in contention to start against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday. Shehu started in midfield for Bursaspor along with international teammate Mikel Agu in their Super Lig game at Antalyaspor on Saturday afternoon. Iheanacho starts on the bench for Leicester City against Brighton & Hove at the AMEX Stadium. The striker will be hoping he can contribute just like he did in 15 previous matches in the Premier League this term. Teammate Wilfred Ndidi has been named in the starting lineup for the 31st consecutive game in the topflight.(ALL NIGERIA SOCCER)

Speaking to the media after 2-0 defeat by Serbia during the international break, Gernot Rohr, said, “With us all the time he’s very good, already in Poland (where Nigeria won 1-0) and he was fantastic “Perhaps sometimes (he did) a little too much indi-

vidually, he wanted to make a show. We prefer collective football. “But when he can eliminate his opponent it’s very good (for us). He’s with us all the time in confidence. He’s free when he has the ball. “I don’t know what the tactical options of Arsene

Wenger are when he’s with Arsenal but with us he’s free offensively and he can show all his qualities.” Iwobi has been under par for Arsenal for some time now and that sort of form can result in a player trying to force his game, making things worse.

Monday, April 2, 2018

Sports philanthropist, Shahin, honoured in Ondo

sports philanthropist, Malik Shahin, has been conferred with an honorary chieftaincy title in Imeri Kingdom in Ondo State. Shahin, the managing director of Afrab Chem Pharmaceutical Company, was installed as Basegun of Imeri Kingdom. The Onimeri of Imeri Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Adeniran, at the installation, said the honour was a way of reciprocating and showing appreciation for Shahin”s gesture to the community. ‘’ I want to say that we are doing this in reciprocation and appreciation of his good gesture of free donation of drugs to Ondo State Government and our community health centre. ‘’ He also embarked on entrepreneurial venture which created employment opportunities for indigenes of this state and hereby reduced the unemployment problems our youth are facing. ‘’ The recipient is also assisting our youths in area of education and sports,’’ Adeniran said. The traditional ruler called on individuals and corporate bodies to emulate ShaVictor Moses with other Super Eagles jubilating after bundling out the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun out of Russia 2018 World Cup hin in reaching out to rural areas as part of their corporate social responsibility. The former Nigeria National Basketball team captain, Olumide Oyedeji, described Shahin as a man worthy of emulation. ‘’ I am here to honour Shahin with my presence, because, he had been supporting me in my various basketball youths programs, tailored towards identifying and nurturing young basketball players at the grassroots level. uper Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is leadership skills of Tianjin Teda’s Obi Mikel around against Poland but we know that ‘’Many young Nigerians youths have backing Chelsea dazzler Victor Moses but feels Victor Moses is the Super Eagles with his passes and influence, he can be benefited from him. I call on other rich to be Nigeria’s star man at the 2018 most dangerous player. very interesting and important for the Nigerians to emulate him by leaving their World Cup, saying he can make a difference ”We are a collective unit, we have a style team, he is also our leader, we won a game comfort homes and reach out to rural during the tournament in Russia. of playing which is based on teamwork but without him for the first time and we are areas as part of social responsibility, ‘’ Moses was in scintillating form for Ni- in every team, you have individuals who happy about this. Oyedeji said. geria in the World Cup qualifiers, finishing can make the difference and in this case ”We don’t have players like we had in the Shahin in his response said that, the as their top scorer with three goals, and we have Victor Moses, we are very happy nineties with Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu, Victor honour bestowed on him was a call to do was arguably the best player on parade to have him, we have other players as well, Ikpeba. So we have a collective unit of Ihe- more. during the recent friendlies against Poland who can make the difference,” Rohr told anacho, Iwobi who are playing for the team, ‘’ The genesis of this event was purely and Serbia. Omasports. working for the team, Ighalo also and even borne out of business adventure with Rohr has talked about the influence and ”John Obi Mikel, our captain was not Victor Moses, he works for the team. the state government from my company, which, as time passes, metamorphosed into interest in community investment and youth empowerment. ‘’ In line with my company cardinal objectives of identifying the need of our host could increase for both Premier the list of Nigeria’s most valuable 3) Ahmed Musa (Leicester City) – community, I have never shied away from League stars if they perform well players with a market value of €15.0m fulfilling our corporate responsibility as a at the tournament in Russia.Kel- €15m, same as Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City) caring organisation, which I intend to repechi Iheanacho became the most Akwa United striker Gabriel Oke- – €15.0m licate here. expensive Nigerian player in history chukwu (€0.1m) and goalkeeper 5) Alex Iwobi ( Arsenal) – €10.0m ‘’I have personally identified several when he joined Leicester City last Ikechukwu Ezenwa (€0.05m) were Henry Onyekuru (Everton) – opportunities in this community and I will summer for a fee of 27.7 million the least valuable players named €10.0m muster possible resources to harness and euros, but not taking into account to the Super Eagles roster for the 7) Odion Ighalo (Changchun Ya- develop infrastructure that will change the performance related add-ons. March friendlies. tai) – €9.0m face of employment for the youths. The Foxes number eight surTop Ten Nigeria’s Most Valuable 8) Chidozie Awaziem (Porto) – ‘’ I will support the youths in this compassed the record previously held Players €6.0m munity in area of education and sports. by former Watford star Odion Igh1) Victor Moses (Chelsea) – Emmanuel Dennis (Club Brugge) ‘’I am now a bonafide son of this comalo, who joined Changchun Yatai for €18.0m – €6.0m munity and will stand by you to make this €23.3m in January 2017. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – 10) Sone Aluko (Reading) – community great,’’ Shahin said. Iheanacho is now joint third on €18.0m €5.0m

Rohr tips Moses as a star in World Cup S

Ndidi joins Victor Moses as Nigeria’s most valuable player

eicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has joined Chelsea star Victor Moses as Nigeria’s most valuable player ahead of the 2018 World Cup. According to our colleagues at transfermarkt.com, the Foxes number 25 is valued at €18 million, meaning it will cost interested clubs that amount before he is acquired from the Premier League club. It has also been recommended that Moses should be bought for €18 million and the transfer fee

Three assists and two goals in 19 Premier League games is a poor return for an offensive player but it is easy to forget how young Iwobi is and how much talent he clearly has. Iwobi only turns 22 in May. He already has 89 first team appearances for Arsenal, more than twice the number he managed for the u23s.

Monday, April 2 2018

EXTRATIME

Anthony Joshua celebrates with his WBO, IBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight title belts in the ring after winning his 21st fight

nthony Joshua was taken the distance for the first time in his professional life as he added yet another world heavyweight title to his unifying roll call of honours. Four down and one to go. After his unanimous points victory over the gallant WBO champion Joseph Parker, only Deontay Wilder’s WBC belt remains to be strapped around that muscular torso. The all-knock-out record came to a halt in his 21st fight but much of the credit for that goes to Parker, with only a modicum of blame for AJ. Joshua used Parker’s capacity for absorbing heavy punishment to his exercise his improving skills as well as his considerable power. There was experience gained under the roof in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium which will be valuable when our WBA, IBF, IBO and now WBA ttlle holder goes after Wilder in his bid to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world since Lennox Lewis. And that’s the fight he is screaming out for next. ‘Let’s go Deontay Wilder,’ he bellowed into the microphone. And the 80,000 rose as one man to roar their belief when he told the American who choose to watch in a New York TV studio rather than travel here: ‘Come to London and I’ll knock you

Joshua is forced to backtrack to the ropes as Parker comes out swinging in the sixth round as he grows in confidence

Anthony Joshua beats Joseph Parker by unanimous decision spark out.’ Never mind that Parker avoided such a fate. Joshua is an honest man and he was not over-excited by his performance. But he rightly pointed out that he used his left jab to better effect than ever before. That jolting weapon is now established as the platform for further development. He is still a relative novice, after all. Parker, for all his courage, was never going to pull off either of his two plans of action – an early knock out or a late win over a fading Joshua. The aspersions cast on Joshua’s chin and stamina were roundly refuted as he dominated the ring and pounded home the jab, along with a few hefty hooks and uppercuts for meaty measure. ‘It’s only about knock-outs,’ he told the

congregation in the Principality. ‘This was a boxing match.’ So it was. And he won it by two official votes of 118-112, one of 119-111. My card was only marginally less generous. Job done. Now for history, destiny, ultimate glory. There was a bubbling sense of expectancy about two unbeaten giants contesting a world heavyweight title unification fight on British soil for the first time. That and a glitzy undercard had the vaulting tiers of the Principality filling early and the atmosphere buzzing. The A-D lists of stars came out, led by boxing royalty in the person of American legend Sugar Ray Leonard and British

Tottenham beats Chelsea 3-1

n the scene of one of Tottenham’s greatest humiliations under Mauricio Pochettino – the denouement to the 2015-16 season – Tottenham put Chelsea away. By the end of this match, eight points separated these two teams, and a metaphoric ocean in terms of where they would be heading next season. Tottenham, back to the Champions League for the third consecutive season, and their first at the new White Hart Lane. This is the win that establishes them as London’s leading club right now. For Chelsea, it is a watershed, too. Will they be able to keep Eden Hazard while out of the Champions League for a second season in three. They probably won’t be working with Antonio Conte beyond the summer, that can be presumed. As for the squad, how will it be shaped from here? What will a new man make of Victor Moses lapses at full-back, will

he persevere with Andreas Christensen or demand another finished article to slot in his place? Moses was at fault for the first Tottenham goal here, Christensen should have cleared when Dele Alli added the third, killing the game and Chelsea’s league season unless a battle for Europa League football is floating any boats. The moment Tottenham equalised in first-half injury time, the momentum in this game changed. Tottenham came out a different team in the second-half and were well worth their win by the end. And, like a man with a point to prove – which, let’s face it, he is – it was Alli whose coolness in front of goal encapsulated what put thenm apart. Chelsea had chances, but Tottenham took theirs. Specifically, Alli. In the space of four minutes, he all but settled one of the talking points of the season. The battle for fourth place looks as good as over now.

heavyweight hero Frank Bruno. With Floyd Mayweather retired and Canelo Alvarez under drugs investigation Joshua is rapidly becoming the main attraction in world boxing. No-one else right now is filling football grounds and banking £20 million purses. Only one of the rival world heavyweight champions and one of the alpha-belts were absent, Namely America’s Deontay Wilder - who has some explaining to do about his crass declaration that he wants to kill an opponent in the ring – and his WBC title. Given the controversy his remarks have caused and his irritation with Eddie Hearn for trying to coerce him into fighting Dillian Whyte before Joshua, perhaps Wilder was

better off back home in the USA. When the crowd were asked to produce noise for the sound-track of a forthcoming boxing movie, the boos for Wilder were as deafening as the cheers for Leonard. A taste of things to come whenever the fight for the undisputed heavyweight crown happens. There were jeers for real – no doubt enhanced by the spy-poisoning scandal – when Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin came to the ring to face David Price. Povetkin was trying to secure a place as mandatory challenger for one of Joshua’s belts, Price looking for a miracle to bring him back for some desperate knock-outs and steal that position.

Arsenal ‘want to sign’ Ndidi this summer

Wilfried Ndidi in action

igeria-born Leicester midfielder, Wilfried Ndidi is a summer transfer target for Arsenal, according to a source close to the player. Ndidi has proven a hit in English football since joining the Foxes in a £15million deal from Belgian side Genk in January 2017. The 21-year-old’s displays at the King Power Stadium have alerted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool - but Arsenal are thought to be leading the race. ‘There has been so much interest in him. He is going to be a top player and Arsenal have been in contact,’ the source told The Sun. ‘They want to sign him this summer. ‘Arsene Wenger is a manager he admires a lot and his friend Alex Iwobi has told him lots of great things about the club. ‘But there is no shortage of offers. Liverpool have shown strong interest and (Manchester) United.’ Ndidi has featured 36 times for Leicester this season in all competitions including Saturday’s 2-0 win at Brighton - a game which saw him sent off late on.

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The Anambra Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

How to tackle flooding in Onistsha, by Igwe Achebe

Obiano targets more interventions in state media establishments AT2

AT 3

UNICEF presents 3 utility vans, 2 motorbikes to Anambra govt ÏÏÏThe

Governor Willie Obiano and wife during a victory match at Eke Awka market, the Anambra State capital last Wednesday after he received the Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as winner of the November 18, 2017 governorship election in the state

ANSG to complete 40km of roads before rainy season Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra State government

has targeted the completion of 40 Kilometres roads across the state before the next rainy season. The roads cutting across the 21 local government areas in the state are being constructed with high standard materials. Governor Willie Obiano disclosed this while inspecting the ongoing construction of Atani-Ozubulu Road, Ogbaru and Ekwusigo Local overnment Area. Speaking while inspecting

the roads, Governor Obiano said the 23Km had been asphalted while the remaining 17 would be completed before the end of April. Obiano explained that the road when completed would bridge time of transport and decongest traffic in the major roads in the state. “We are concerned about agrarian communities. If we complete asphalting all the roads in agrarian communities, it will boom the economy of the state and reduce pieces of commodities.

“My administration will accelerate construction of more roads when the state’s revenue increases. The roads will have every standard facilities to stand the test of time. “Obiano said. The Commissioner for Road Construction, Road Furniture and Maintenance, Mr. Lawrence Chinwuba emphasised the importance of the road, saying it would link some communities in Anambra North and South. Chinwuba noted that the 5.6 km road would be completed as scheduled, as the contractor

had commenced the final asphalting. The contractor, Engr Tony Madi reassurred that the state government had fully mobilized them and they would deliver in line with global standard. The Managing Director Anambra State Advertising and Signage Agency, Chief Jude Emecheta and the Special Adviser Agriculture, Tourism, Ven Amaechi Okwuosa expressed gratitude to the governor for his prompt intervention, saying no government had responded to their needs in the past.

UNIZIK inducts 40 medical professionals, urges them to uphold professional ethics ÏÏÏThe

2018 set of medical graduates of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, numbering 40, have been inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. The induction was the 43rd ceremony of the university, held at the Metu Uzodike Auditorium, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, in an address of welcome, congratulated the graduates for their hard work to have survived the rigorous pro-

fessional examinations. The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by DVC Academic, Prof. Charles Esimone, urged the graduates to go into the medical profession in the spirit of the oath they had taken, strengthened by sound training they received in character and in learning from the university. He added that with the 43rd induction ceremony, the university had so far produced a total of 2,104 medical doctors since 1995. The Provost, Prof. A.M.E Nwafor, noted that since the graduates acquired good knowl-

edge through strict instructions in both learning and character, they should step into the profession, bearing in mind that their work require lots of sacrifices and love for humanity. The Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Gerald Udigwe, extolled the efforts and sacrifices of the staff and management of the university toward training quality medical doctors. Prof. Udigwe said that they had received the best possible training they would need to conquer the world, urging them to give all they learnt toward the health benefit of mankind.

Earlier in his opening remark, the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Anthony Igwuegbe, congratulated the graduating students, their parents and guardians for completing the journey which he noted, had not been easy. He urged the fresh doctors to go out and be worthy representatives of their Alma-mater. The ceremony, attracted friends, well-wishers, parents and relations of the graduates as well as many of other dignitaries from within and outside the university.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has presented three Toyota Hilux Vans and two motorbikes to Anambra State government. The utility vans and bikes would be used by the UNICEF body in Anambra State for effective service delivery. Presenting the keys to Governor Willie Obiano at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, the leader of the team and Chief of (WASH) section of UNICEF, Mr. Zaid Jurji, confirmed that UNICEF, especially the water section had been working in Anambra State since 2012. Jurji said “it is a uniform programme found by European Union geared towards ensuring safe water and sanitation for every individual”. He assured the state government that they would increase the tempo of their projects to ensure provision of access safe water and sanitation for all citizens of the state. Jurji commended Governor Obiano, for being responsive and faithful towards fulfilling all counterpart obligations, which includes funding and ensuring proper supervision and monitoring all on going projects being executed by UNICEF in the state, to ensure standard and quality assurance. Receiving the keys, Governor Obiano said his government would not relent in supervising the various WASH initiative. The Gov recalled that in 2016, his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano was decorated as the Ambassador of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), to become the first WASH Ambassador in South East, Nigeria. He promised to sustain the partnership with UNICEF, vis-a-vis prompt payment of counterpart funds and other terms that would enhance quality service delivery. Governor Obiano however, promised to make judicious use of the utilities vehicles to improve on human lives. It would be recalled that Anambra is the first of the six states in the EU/UNICEF support Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Reform Programme (WSSRP), to pay counterpart fund worth more than 700 million Naira. Presently, UNICEF is executing projects in four local government in state, namely Aguata, Anambra East, Idemili South and Nnewi LGAs respectively.

The Anambra Times A2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Monarch urges Ndi Anambra to pray for Obiano’s administration

ÏÏÏ The traditional ruler of

Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Diocese (6 left), during the blessing of 48 rooms edifice built by Catholic Diocese of Awka, Lagos Support Group. The building will be used by the priests for their spiritual retreat

Obiano targets more interventions in state media establishments Stories by John Ndu,Awka

ÏÏÏThe

Anambra Newspapers, Printing and Publishing Corporation, publishers of National Light newspapers, owned by the state government is to be elevated as one of the best newspapers in the country. Governor Willie Obiano made the pronouncement during the recently concluded executive council retreat held in Awka.

The Governor said having completed the ABS hundred percent, making it the best digital radio and television station in West Africa, he will now put money in the quality of the printing and publishing corporation. Governor Obiano also said that an L shaped three story building complex that would house offices would be constructed in ABS. He urged the Commissioner designate for Information and Public Enlightenment,

Mr C-Don Adinuba to ensure that the ABS and the Anambra Newspapers, Printing and Publishing Corporation, publishers of National light newspapers are properly run in terms of aesthetic, attitude to work, dressing code among others. Also speaking, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Sir Willie Nwokoye, described the retreat as very rewarding, noting that the lectures delivered by resource persons whom he said are outstand-

ing, strengthened and exposed them on how to tune touches and direction for the next four days. Sir Willie commended Governor Obiano for appointing a commissioner from Nzam, in Anambra West Council Area which is a forgotten place, adding that the move has lifted the people’s sense of belonging. He observed that it shows that the Governor runs an inclusive government.

Umuoba Anam, in Anambra East Local Government Area, Igwe George Ekwealor, has appealed to Ndi Anambra to continue praying for the success of the Obiano administration. Speaking to newsmen in his palace, Igwe Ekwealor, who said that the Obiano administration has transformed all critical sectors of the state economy in the last four years, urged Ndi Anambra to support the present administration with prayers to enable it surpass its previous achievements. He commended Governor Obiano for his numerous developmental projects in his community which includes road construction, street lights, forty million naira Community Choose Your project Initiative among others. For the State Chairman, Akpokuedike Action group, Mr. Michael Nwofia, Governor Obiano has conscientiously turned around the economic fortunes of the State, through the provision of adequate security of lives and property, mechanized agriculture, industrialization, trade and commerce, infrastructural development, among numerous other achievements and prayed God to give him the wisdom and grace to succeed in his second term.

ABS Film Academy students urged to take studies serious ÏÏÏThe

pioneer students of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Film Academy have been urged not to take the three months intensive training for granted but be committed and serious with their studies to enable them realise their innate potential in their chosen field of study. The programme aimed at helping the students gain more practical experience and training in film making and visual art, script writing, cinematography, acting, make-up, animation, graphic design and broadcast journalism has 30 students registered as pi¬oneer students. The Rector of the academy and Managing Director of

ABS, Nze Uche Nworah while declaring the academy open at ABS complex, Awka recenmtly, noted that the management of the state media started nurturing the dream of establishing the academy in the state since the past four years and thanked God that the longawaited dream has been realised. He charged the students to prepare their minds for learning, disclosing that the best graduating student will be sponsored for fur¬ther studies at the New York Film Academy courtesy of an undisclosed American-based development partner and sponsor. He noted that the academy is in line with the governor’s

interest in promoting creative economy which he recently added to his blueprint as part of his second term development agenda, adding that Governor Willie Obiano subsidised the entrance fee to make it affordable for interested individuals. In his remarks, a Nollywood actor, Mr. Bob Manuel Udokwu, urged the students to be¬lieve in themselves, be creative in whatever they do and pursue their dreams and aspira¬tions diligently for excellent result. He reminded them that the creative in¬dustry has made many in Nigeria and be¬yond, pointing out that many who are suc¬cessful

in the industry are not only those in front of the camera but people behind the camera too. “In America and Europe for instance, women handle camera while men indulge in make-up, but the reverse is the case here because everybody wants to be seen in front of the camera,” he said. Also speaking, the Managing Director Rockland Developers, Mr. Obi Eneh and Principal Partner, Winning Concepts/Brand Aristotle, Mr. Mike Meze, urged them not to take any profession for granted even if they get there by chance. They called on the students to learn how to manage

success when they become suc¬cessful, adding that the idea that will shake the film industry in Nigeria has not been conceived by anybody so far. Others who gave their goodwill message to the students included the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Willie Obiano, Mr. James Eze, Group MD of Olis Warren Group, Marcel Manafa, Nollywood actress, Oby Okafor, Media Aide to Governor Obiano, Mr. Emeka Ozumba, Anambra State Publicity Secretary of APGA, Chinedu Nkwonta and members of ABS Management Board including Mr. Gab Okpalaeze, Lady Tina Ekenta among others.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

How to tackle flooding in Onistsha, by Igwe Achebe ÏÏÏObi

of Onitsha, Igwe Nn’emeka Achebe, has observed that issue of flooding, silted drains, building on flood channels and waste management has been major bane to development of Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra State. According to him, ``a study on storm water management in the commercial city will help in developing clear master plan to tackle the perennial flooding in Onitsha’’. Igwe Achebe said this during the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) one-day Stakeholders consultation held in Onitsha recently. He commended efforts of the state government through NEWMAP in under taking to provide solutions. Igwe Achebe was represented by President-General of the Onitsha Improvement Union, Chinyelugo Osita Anionwu. The Project Coordinator for Anambra NEWMAP, Michael Ivenso, who was represented by the Natural Resources Management Officer, Mr. Emenike Ajulufo said the study would aim at mitigating perennial flooding in the metropolis and environs. Ivenso explained that the project was based on effort of Governor Willie Obiano, who sourced for the funding from the Special climate Change Fund (SCCF). ``The fund was under NEWMAP’’. The Coordinator said an International Consultant, Enviplan International Ltd., was selected to under-

take the study of flood and drainage discharge patterns. ``The study is intent on developing lasting solution to flooding and the menace of rain water in Onitsha and environs.” The Transition Committee Chairman, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Asoanya noted that the project was timely and called for the redesigning of drains in the city. One of the consultants, Mr. J.W.E Metibaiye explained that the consultancy would be achieved by identifying and assessing the storm water drainage needs of Onitsha City. He said a Master plan was prepared to allow for detailed design and implementation of infrastructures and projects to reduce flooding, and manage the menace. The Managing Director, Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), Mr. Phil Chinwuba explained that the issue of waste management required attitudinal change and the corporation of the public. He called on the citizens to imbibe the right environmental practices. ``The situation where the citizens build on water ways and steal bins provided for refuse disposal is totally unacceptable,” Chinwuba said. A retired Director with the National Geoharzard Monitoring Centre, Akunne Ernest Anyaegbunam, commended the efforts of Governor Obiano for addressing the issue of erosion.

The Anambra Times A3

Anambra has every facility for dry season farming - Obiano Stories by John Ndu,Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra

State government has commenced additional measures to boost food production and increase rice cultivation. This was disclosed when Governor Willie Obiano visited Coscharis Farm at Anaku, Ayamelum local government Area, Anambra State recently. At the visit, the Governor inspected the on going land preparation to beef up the nutrient values in the soil. Among the land preparation include digging of deep canals round the farm to serve irrigation purposes and to keep the plants safe in the case of cow invasion. Speaking after the inspection, Governor Willie Obiano expressed gratitude that the completion of the land preparation would witness a huge success in agriculture, which had been the dream of his administration. The Governor observed that the Cosharis Farm had already exhausted the 2.8 hectares of land provided for agriculture, said the state government would support by

expanding the land. The Governor noted that the irrigation initiative which the farm had introduced would complement his administration’s efforts at supporting dry season farming in the State and ultimately achieving 600 metric tons of rice annually. The Investor, Chief Cosmos Maduka, commended the Governor for his initiative and heavy investment in agriculture to achieve maximum food sufficiency. Maduka said the farm which is N 2.8 billion project would cultivate different plants season, geared towards achieving drastic reduction in food. The General Manager of the farm, Mr. Bharat Dhir, said they are committed to producing the best quality rice for the state and setting a model for rice production for other states of the country. On the same vein, Governor Obiano also visited the Federal Government National Grains Reserve at Igbariam. It was gathered that the Reserve had been giving on lease to Coscharis Rice farm, Anaku for the next ten years.

The silos at the reserve have the capacity to store 25,000 metric tons of grains, which would be used to store paddy produced by the farm. By so doing, it would be producing a capacity Mill of 150 metric tons daily. In his observation after inspecting the facility, the Gov said that “with the arrangement, the farm now has a wholesome plan that will guarantee great improvement in the value chain, starting from planting up to processing and storage. “With what my administration has done towards supporting other rice farmers, especially through the FADAMA initiative, the vision of the state to do 600 metric tons of rice annually, is now becoming more realistic,” Obiano said. The Investor, Chief Cosmos Maduka, said the idea behind the lease agreement is to produce fresh grains, fit for human consumption and capable of competing favourably with those produced in developed countries. He added that when the mill and silos fully come on stream, there will be prospects for electricity generation through the milling turbines as well as wealth creation.

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (right); his wife, Ebelechukwu (centre) and the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Nkem Okeke during the Exco retreat in Awka...recently

Construct new roads in Ekwulimili, indigenes urge Obiano Ogboji: ANSG to complete has been constructed in office them, so as to end ``years ÏÏÏEkwulumili Community in road surface irrigation this month Ekwulumili by previous admin- of neglect and marginalisaNnewi South Local Government Area has appealed to Governor Willie Obiano to construct new roads in the community. ``I appeal to Anambra State Government to include Ekwulumili among communities to benefit from the next phase of road construction,’’ Ebenezer Okoli, a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He made the call while appraising the performance of Governor Obiano over the last four years of his first term. According to him, no single

istrations. Okoli said the community deserved good roads because they massively voted for Gov. Obiano during the last Governorship Election in the state. He lamented that the community had not benefited from successive governments, except the N20 million communities choose your project initiative, extended to every community in the state. Okoli said the people of the community expected that Governor Obiano would remember them during his second term in

tion’’. He, however, commended him for his prudent management of the state meagre resources., The chieftain praised his prompt payment of salaries and pensions, investments in agriculture, trade and commerce, and revamping of the health and education sectors. Okoli, then, appealed to the governor to upgrade the Ekwulumili Community Hospital to a General Hospital in order to stem occurrence of preventable deaths of people and pregnant women.

ÏÏÏAnambra State government

has targeted to complete the surface irrigation project at Ogboji before the end of this month. The project situated at Ogboji Orumba North Local Government Area is under FADAMA 3 and sponsored by the World Bank. Governor Obiano, who disclosed this while inspecting the level of work, said the project would increase food production capacity in the effort of his administration to encourage all

year round farming. He urged the people of the state to key into dry season farming as his administration would provide every necessary facilities. The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mechanization, Processing and Export, Mr. Afam Mbanefo said “the facility has the capacity to serve about 5000 farmers and is a major milestone towards achieving the state’s target of producing 600, 000 metric tons of rice annually”.

The Anambra Times A4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2 2018

Anambra Assembly moves to stop killings at boundary area between Anambra, Kogi Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏThe

Anambra State House of Assembly has urged President Muhamadu Buhari, the Inspector- General of Police and all security agencies to provide security to the people of Eziagulu Otu, Aguleri and Enugwu Otu to end the senseless killing of the people by the people of Kogi State over boundary issues. The House also urged Governors Willie Obiano and his Kogi State counterpart, Yahaya Bello,

to intervene in the issue with a view to ensuring lasting peace in the area. The House passed the resolution following a matter of urgent public importance, sponsored by the member representing Anambra East constituency, Pharmacist Obinna Emenaka during plenary in Awka. Moving the motion, Hon Emenaka observed that those unleashing this attacks were people sent from Kogi to study how security work in Anambra state. The lawmaker noted that the state is witness-

ing repetition of attacks for five years even when all measures put in place to solve the boundary dispute proved abortive, such that it has gone beyond what Anambra Govt and Commissioner of Police could handle. He, however, stressed the need for National Boundary Commission to come and identify the boundary between Kogi and Anambra State. Supporting the motion, the Majority Leader, Mr. Victor Jideofor Okoye; Barrister Chugbo Enwezo, representing Onitsha North One con-

stituency and Dr. Pete Ibida of Njikoka Two constituency, called on President Buhari to rise up and protect the lives of citizens in the affected border communities between Anambra and Kogi states by giving necessary directives to security agencies to address this mayhem. The Speaker, Barrister Rita Maduagwu, who read the resolution, described the issue as terrible and a sad one. Also at plenary, members of the State Legislature took turn to congratulate Governor

Willie Obiano on his successful searing-in for a second term in office and urged him to sustain his remarkable achievements in his first tenure. In a motion sponsored by the member representing Orumba South constituency Princess Nikki Ugochukwu and 28 others, Ndi Anambra through the House resolved to give the governor more support in his second term, praying God to give him wisdom to sustain and surpass his previous achievements.

Nteje community condemns destruction of Gov’t property ÏÏÏ.Nteje

community in Oyi Local government Area of Anambra State has expressed dismay over the level of destruction of government property by some hoodlums in the community. Speaking for the community, the traditional ruler of Nteje, HRH Igwe Rowland Odegbo, regretted that some goons attacked the engineers and workers handling Nteje - Nando roads and inflicted various degrees of injuries on them. Igwe Odegbo, who addressed some journalists at his palace in Nando, said the road had been neglected for the past 30 years by the previous government, but attracted government attention in Governor Obiano administration. Hear him: “I got a call that some people from Achala Agu in Nteje invaded the workers at the site, destroying some of their equipment and injured some of them. It is an aberration. There are the people who do not want the progress of the community. “When we heard the news, we contacted the vigilant groups and the boy who masterminded the attack was arrested and handed over to the police in Nteje. “It was unfortunate that the DPO in Nteje released the boy within 30 minutes without interrogation. This has been his mode of operation. Once a criminal settles him, he (DPO) will release the person imme-

diately. “We call on the Commissioner of police to quickly remove him from Nteje. He is so corrupt,” Igwe Odegbo exclaimed. Commending Governor Obiano for his intervention on the road, Odegbo disclosed that the road had economic value to the state, being a major road, connecting various communities. He said it would facilitate evacuation of goods by farmers to different communities and equally decongest traffic. He, however, promised to further provide adequate security for the workers and charged the vigilante not to relent in supervising the project and ensure safety of the workers. The President General of Nteje, Chief Ben Chinweze, assured maximum cooperation with the workers and promised serious monitoring to ensure effective delivery. On his part, the Contractor handling the road, Sir Chuks Okolo (Pachuks Construction Company), expressed dissatisfaction with the level of attack on his workers. Sir Okolo noted that the safety of his workers majored high in his life and would not commence construction unless there would be adequate security provided. He promised to sustain the partnership with the State government and to deliver excellent jobs that would stand the test of time.

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (6th right); Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev (Dr.) Paulinus Ezeokafor (5th right);Senator Victor Umeh (2nd right) and other Service Chiefs during the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, at St Patricks Cathedral, Awka...revently

Obiano charges contractors to speed up construction ÏÏÏAnambra

State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has charged all contractors handling different road projects in the state to accelerate in order to meet up with the end of April target, to avoid next rainy season. The Governor gave the charge while inspecting the on going construction of Ajali - Nawfija roads. The 21.21 Km road network cut across Akpu, Nawfija, Ajali, Ufuma Ogbunka in Orumba North and South respectively. Speaking during the inspection, Governor Obiano expressed satisfaction on the level of works, assuring that 3 km distance of the road would be asphalted before the next rains. The Governor disclosed that the road was awarded last year

and his administration had mobilised every contractor handling road projects across the state. “All our roads will be completed with the full compliments of a standard road. When completed, it will give a brighter prospects for agricultural revolution in the state. Our dream is to make Anambra the food basket of the nation.” the Governor said. He commended people of the community for their cooperation with the contractor and urged them to sustain the support to enable the contractor deliver the Project on schedule. The Commissioner for Road Infrastructure, Furniture and Maintenance, Chief Law Chinwuba noted that due to the nature of the road, the State gov-

ernment had hired a competent firm to execute it. In his remarks, a former Chairman of Orumba South Council Area, Bar John Onyeakpa noted that the road creates a major by-pass to the very busy Umunze junction especially during festivities and said by constructing the road, Gov Obiano has done something that will remain indelible in the minds of Ndi Orumba. For a stakeholder from Nawfija, Dr. Maduka Nwankwo, the construction of the road will make it easier for farmers in the Orumba North and South communities to evacuate their farm produce and there is no better way for the people to repay the governor than to continue to support him.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday April 2, 2018

Zenith Bank, Champion Breweries, Skye bank lift turnover Page B4

Heritage Bank, Seki partner to showcase Nigeria cultural heritage Page B5

Reps implore Buhari to sign roads bill into law Page B3

Edo Govt calls for off-takers of farm, livestock products

L-R: Former Governor of the defunct Western State, Gen. Oluwole Rotimi (retd); Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe; and a member of Silver Knights/CEO, Ibadan Business School, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, during the annual Black Tie Gala of the club, held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan... on Friday. Photo: Ibadan Media City

SERAP to FG: Withdraw ‘clumsy, arbitrary looters’ list’ Peter Fowoyo

Four days after the Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, released a list containing the names of alleged treasury looters, a non governmental organization, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged the President , Muhammadu Buhari, to “immediately withdraw the clumsy, arbitrary and selective looters’ list, as the list would seem to serve a political objective or carry out political agenda.” The organization said: “This kind of action can only diminish the government’s ability to fight corruption, frustrate its oft-expressed goal of a transparent governance, allow suspected perpetrators—whether from the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)--to escape justice, and ultimately, deny victims of corruption justice and effective remedies.” The Information and Culture Minister, had on Friday released a list of some of those who have allegedly looted the nation’s treasury. The names in the list revealed were mostly PDP chieftains who are currently being tried for corruption and financial crimes. Reacting, SERAP in a statement

yesterday by its executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni said: “The authorities should withdraw the looters’ list and come up with a comprehensive list as ordered by Justice Hadiza Shagari last year. Allowing the published looters’ list to stand will undermine the credibility of the government’s claim to fight corruption, and signal to Nigerians that it is not serious to satisfactorily address the allegations of grand corruption under the former government of President Goodluck Jonathan and involving those close to this government.” According to the organization, “If Buhari is truly interested in vindicating the rule of law and the proper administration of justice, his government will do well to genuinely obey Justice Shagari’s judgment ordering the authorities to ‘tell Nigerians the full names of all suspected looters of the public treasury past and present.’ Few things would go farther in fostering and nurturing our system of constitutionalism, democracy, and the rule of law.” The statement read in part: “This politicized list comes at a time when the government is promoting itself as a beacon of transparency and accountability, and a model for other African countries to follow. The authorities ought to have resisted the temptation to put out this shambolic

list and instead obeyed the spirit and the letter of Justice Shagari judgment. What is at stake is not just the rule of law, but also the larger question of whether the government is really serious to fight grand corruption and combat the impunity of perpetrators, regardless of who is involved.” “The government cannot pick and choose which judgments it wants to obey even though the judgments at times may be highly unsettling. The judgment ought to have been fully obeyed and implemented even if the government would step on toes and make some politicians—whether in APC or PDP--uncomfortable.” “For the government to impose this list on Nigerians, which would seem to serve as an expedient means to an end that disregard the orders by Justice Shagari is more than a violation of law; it is a breach of trust with the Nigerian people. If disobedience of court orders becomes the norm, the ship of government would become anchorless and adrift in a sea of treacherous uncertainty that could lead to a beachhead on the land of tyranny.” “If Buhari is to renew his commitment to fight corruption regardless of whether it involves politicians from his own party and the opposi-

tion, something more than a propaganda list and hypocritical conduct is needed to restore citizens’ confidence in the ability of his government to deliver on good governance. That something more is a restoration of the rule of law.” “Our courts, interpreting our Constitution and legislation, stand as the living symbol of the rule of law. But persistent disobedience of court orders by this government has magnified its lack of respect for the rule of law. Persistent disobedience of court orders is profoundly, dangerously wrong, and a distortion of democratic principles, and ultimately, an assault on the very concept of the rule of law and judicial integrity.” It would be recalled that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abukabar Malami SAN had last year disclosed President Buhari’s directive to all relevant agencies to compile documents on names of all looters with a view to fully enforcing the judgment of a Federal High Court ordering the government to release to Nigerians information about the names of high ranking public officials from whom public funds were recovered.” The judgment delivered in July Contd. on B3

As part of ongoing reforms in the state’s agriculture sector, the Edo State Government has called for off-takers of farm produce and livestock products to bid in its Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development Programme (AGEDEP). In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Programme, Prince Joe Okojie, the government said, “The programme, which has spurred massive production and created youth agripreneurs in the crop and livestock value chains, is seeking for off-takers.” Okojie said the state’s AGEDEP is part of government’s drive to stimulate market access and secure agricultural investments in the state, adding, “We expect applications from qualified firms/organisations in agribusiness to take advantage of the scheme to procure farm produce and products. The farm products include: maize, cassava, rice, soya bean and plantain. While the livestock products include: beef (cattle), pork (pig) and broilers/eggs.” He said, “Interested bidders are expected to provide a bank instrument showing their financial capacity to off-take and provide consent instrument to off-take the products at prevailing market price. He noted that pick-up for off-takers of cassava roots will be at the farm gate, adding that applications and enquiries are “processed at the Office of the Special Adviser, Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Programme, Edo State Government House, Benin City.” The agripreneur programme is an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obasekiled administration to spur agribusiness in the state and drive an aggressive food security plan. The programme engages youths to take to farming as a means of sustainable livelihood while providing them with input, advisory, technical and financial support. Some of the initiatives under the scheme such as the Sobe Farm project are carried out in partnership with SARO Agroscience, with which the state is running an outgrower arrangement.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

L-R: First female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Folake Solanke; CEO, BudgIT/Keynote Speaker, Mr. Seun Onigbinde; Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Ibadan Media City Project/Club Chief, Mr. Yomi Layinka; His wife, Damsel Bisi; and Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe, at the annual Black Tie Gala of the Silver Knights, held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan... on Friday. Photo: Ibadan Media City

Dangote Sugar records 176.25% PAT growth Bonny Amadi Shareholders of Dangote Sugar Plc may have started boosting their holdings in the company to reap bountifully from the company’s 2018 dividend payment on the back of robust year on year performance. The company’s 2017 audited financial statement recently released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) revealed growth in all key performance indices year on year and quarter on quarter. According to the result, the company’s revenue grew by 20.44 per cent to N204.42 billion in 2017 financial year from N169.73 billion posted in 2016. Following the growth tra-

jectory, the company’s gross profit margin expanded in 2017 by 24.90 per cent, against 13.50 per cent, reflecting growth by 1140 bps. Profit before Tax grew by 173.33 per cent to N53.60 billion year on year, from N19.61 billion posted in the 2016 financial year. Profit after Tax grew by 176.25 per cent to N39.78 billion from N14.40 billion posted in 2016 financial year.EPS (N/Per Share) also rose by 175.83 per cent to N3.31 from N1.20 recorded in 2016 Total Assets grew in 2017 financial year by 13.31 per cent year on year (y/y) to N195.08 billion from N172.17 posted in the preceding year, while total liabilities declined by 3.56 per cent to N102.34billion,

which in 2016 was N106.12 billion. However, the result on sequential basis (Q/Q) showed

that revenue mellowed by -24.01 in the fourth quarter to N54.47 billion from N41.39 billion in Q3 2017.

Dangote Sugar refinery

Profit/ (Loss) Before Tax grew by 233.72% in Q4 to N14.35 billion million, against N4.30 billion recorded in Q3, following same trend Profit After Tax also grew remarkably in Q4 to N13.26billion from N4.28 billion in Q3. Dangote sugar proposed a final dividend Corporate Action of N1.25 per share from N0.60 declared in 2016, reflecting dividend yield of 5.73 per cent from 9.20 per cent in the corresponding year. The dividend is subject to shareholders approval and payable to shareholders whose names appear in the company’s register by the date of its closure on 13th April 2018 as dividend is scheduled to be payable on 22nd June 2018.

Edo Azura project: Speedy delivery demonstrates immense potential, friendly investment climate - Obaseki Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the successful partnership between the state government and developers of Edo Azura Power Project has further demonstrated how much other investors can achieve if they invest in the state. The governor made the submission during an interview with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital, noting, “The impact of the Edo Azura project is quite significant because it tells the world that things can be done properly and in line with global best standards in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State.” Obaseki said, “The Edo Azura Power Project signals the opportunities available in Edo State and what can be achieved. On the back of

Azura, we have the confidence to continue to develop other ground-breaking transactions with the experience with lenders from the World Bank and other partners who supported us. “If we go out today to talk about investments in Edo, the positive experience of Azura will be referenced. It makes us very confident when it comes to embarking on groundbreaking initiatives or projects,” he added. Obaseki noted that the project signals to the outside world that Edo State is ready and open for investors to do business, as it has key elements required for industrialisation. According to the governor, “The state government that supported Edo Azura project is still open and in place. Despite that the project began in the Adams Oshiomhole’s adminis-

tration, my administration is a continuation of that government. Edo Azura Power plant is also in place to support other ground-breaking transactions with other investors.” Obaseki said, “We are currently

Obaseki

talking with developers of Edo Azura Independent Power Project to work with us in other ground-breaking development projects.” Noting that the state government will continue to partner with investors, he said, “As a government that is very interested in development, that understands the transformational capacity of industries, we will support any developer who is ready to invest in the state. He added that after the state contributed land to the developers of Edo Azura Power project, she ensured compensation was paid and that the host community was sensitised on the need to cooperate with the developers. Obaseki said, “The project has made quite a lot of impact because

of the developers of the project acted responsibly and were committed to ensuring that the project impacts on the community, which was top priority. In the selection of contractors and other conversations and discussions, it was made clear that the project creates jobs.” Noting that there was a deliberate plan to create jobs in the local community with the project, he said, “The contractors on site are Siemens, Julius Berger as well as other consultants, who had detailed work plans on how to hire locally and build local capacity. Throughout the period of construction of the project, I can’t recall any incident between the community and developers. This was because the developers were committed to hiring and building capacity locally.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

B3 Business News

SERAP to FG: Withdraw ‘clumsy, arbitrary looters’ list’

Contd. from page B1

last year by Hon Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari following a Freedom of Information suit number: FHC/CS/964/2016 brought by SERAP ordered the government to tell Nigerians the circumstances under which funds were recovered, as well as the exact amount of funds recovered from each public official. Mr Malami made the disclosure during a meeting at his office with a delegation from SERAP in October last year.It would be recalled that the SERAP suit followed disclosure last year by the Federal Government of funds recovered from some high-ranking public officials and private individuals. In her judgment delivered on 7th July 2017 Justice Shagari agreed with SERAP that “the Federal Government has legally binding obligations to tell Nigerians the names of all suspected looters of the public treasury past and present.” Joined as Defendants in the suit are the Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Muhammed and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. The same day that the judgment was delivered Mr Malami told reporters in Abuja that government was in agreement with the ruling and would carry out the order as long as it does not amount to sub judice. Justice Shagari also granted the following reliefs: A DECLARATION that by virtue of the provisions of Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, the Defendants are under a binding legal obligation to provide the Plaintiff with up to date information relating to the following: 1. To widely disseminate including on a dedicated website information about the names

of high ranking public officials from whom public funds were recovered since May 2015. 2. The circumstances under which stolen public funds were returned. It would be recalled that the Ministry of Information last year published details of the recoveries, which showed that the Nigerian government successfully retrieved total cash amount N78,325,354,631.82, $185,119,584.61, £3,508,355.46 and £11, 250 between May 29, 2015 and May 25, 2016. Also released were recoveries under interim forfeiture, which were a combination of cash and assets, during the same period: N126,563,481,095.43, $9,090,243,920.15, £2,484,447.55 and £303,399.17. Anticipated repatriation from foreign countries totalled: $321,316,726.1, £6,900,000 and £11,826.11. The ministry also announced that 239 non-cash recoveries were made during the one-year period. The non-cash recoveries are – farmlands, plots of land, uncompleted buildings, completed buildings, vehicles and maritime vessels. Subsequently, SERAP issued an FOI request and gave the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed 14 days to disclose the names of all suspected looters. The request reads in part: “While we believe that suspects generally are entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, SERAP opposes blanket nondisclosure of names of highranking public officials from whom some of the funds were recovered. SERAP insists that the public interest to know is greater than any other legitimate interest that the government might wish to protect.

L-R: Mike Ogbalu, Divisional Chief Executive Officer, VERVE Intl, Tolu Agiri, Group Human Resources Officer, Interswitch Ltd, Agboola Sunday President China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) ALUMNI (Nigeria Chapter),Dr. Thelma Opara, Head, Business Development, Sales and Marketing, CEIB (Africa) and Mitchell Elegbe, Group Managing Director, Interswitch Ltd. , during the courtesy visit of the Nigeria Chapter of the CEIBS to Interswitch Ltd. In Lagos.

FirstBank’s ATMs account for 37% of bills payment services on ATMs in Nigeria

Adefolalu Afolabi

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has again validated its leadership position with the efficiency and creativity of the Bank’s Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), as it presently accounts for 37 percent of bills payment services on ATMs in Nigeria’s banking industry. In 2017, about 402,102 bill payments were made through the Bank’s ATMs while the value of airtime purchase was about N1.7 billion. To cater for the financial services needs of its customers and in line with its strategy to drive convenience and ease

in banking, FirstBank is presently leading in the industry as the Bank with the highest number of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), with 2,897 ATMs deployed across the Nigeria, making it the nation’s financial institution with the widest retail footprint. A statement by the bank, said that “The Bank’s ATMs have unique functional features which include bills payment, cash transfer, air-time top-up, cash deposit among others. “The bills payment option is the non-cash transaction feature on the ATM that makes it easier for customers to pay for bills , such as Cable TV subscription, post-paid

phone bills, and pre- booked airline tickets. “These transactions can be executed through the Quickteller option on any of the Bank’s ATMs. The Transfer feature enables customers to transfer money from their accounts to both intra (within FirstBank) and interbank (other banks) accounts, thereby reducing the queues in the banking hall, saving time as well as providing a more convenient option for customers’ money transfer needs.” According to the statement. “FirstBank is currently responsible for over 15 percent of interbank transactions and 21 percent of airtime

vending. As active mobile network users in Nigeria are over 142 million and the need to recharge is on the increase, the Bank’s ATMs also provide the platform for convenient and easy top-up. “To further enhance convenience, FirstBank’s ATMs operate the Cash Deposit function which allows customers to deposit funds without customarily having to enter a banking hall for this transaction”. The Bank’s ATMs are also equipped with cardless functionality that makes it easier for non-bank customers to deposit or withdraw money from the ATMs without a Debit card.

standing about reforming or giving momentum to any sector is that once you want to do that, you must get the necessary instruments based on which you can operate. “It is not subject to the whims and caprices of men; it is not a matter of you depending on the dynamism of the person who is there, you make it a matter of law that once you come you abide by the regulations set by the government and parliament. “We need to create entities that become vehicles for improvement in the sector. “So if we are able to raise some funds that people can invest, that the authority can invest in the development and maintenance of roads, now when government intervenes, you will

find out that it is an addendum to what is existing. “And based on that, you can even give an oral contract and people would be running around wanting to participate in the road sector.” The highlights of the bill, he asserted include the proper management of federal roads, to enhance safety and efficiency with a view to meeting the socio- economic demands of the nation and promote the sustainable development and operation of the road sector. Also, it will facilitate private sector participation in the development, financing, maintaining, management and improvement of roads in Nigeria and set guidelines for road concession contracts and other forms of Public Private Partnership.

Reps implore Buhari to sign roads bill into law Henry Omunu, Abuja

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Rep. Toby Okechukwu has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Federal Roads Authority (FRA) bill into law as the legislation will rapidly transform the country’s road sector. Rep. Okechukwu, who gave the advice in an interview with journalists at the weekend, said that Buhari stands the chance of rewriting the history of the the Nigerian road sector if he endorses the bill immediately. The PDP lawmaker from Enugu state, added that “this piece of legislation has been on a legislative

sojourn since 1971 and has failed to see the light of day until we decided to hold the bull by the horns and passed it just last week. “As a committee, we are grateful to Speaker Yakubu Dogara because he had to take the bill himself in the absence of the deputy speaker. “We actually had to amend our rules for him to be able to sit as chairman of the Committee of the Whole to consider the report. “The Federal Roads Authority Bill is one of the reform bills that have passed through the House; actually we are concurring with what the Senate has passed. “We had earlier on passed the Roads Fund Bill. These are fundamental reform bills that will make it possible for us to perform

in accordance to what happens in other jurisdictions. “It means the road sector will now be functional; they would be able to raise funds through other sources. They will be able to commercialize the roads, they would have road user charges that would eventually seed capital for funding the road sector. “Essentially what we do annually is to intervene through appropriation and most of the times you will find out the contractors know the budget more than you who is preparing it. “Once the road is not in the budget they will disappear. They will down their tools but with the seed capital which you can get from the roads fund, it will now be possible for you to have funds even if you are rais-

ing about a N100 billion. “The combined effect of that with the annual appropriation bill will be significant in such a way that you would be able to maintain your roads and be able to develop new ones. According to him, what nation has presently is a situation where because of the short life span of existing roads, “a road that is supposed to be constructed within two years, is constructed in a five to 10-year period.” He added that “by the time you are finishing, you are due for maintenance, meanwhile the road is an ongoing project. So you begin to have pot holes developing from kilometer zero to the portion where you have finished. “Actually, my own under-

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Zenith Bank, Champion Breweries, Skye Bank lift turnover Bonny Amadi

The Nigerian equities market closed marginally up on Thursday 29th March 2018 after losing for two consecutive weeks. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)-ASI gained 0.08 per cent week-on-week (w/w) in the outgone week, despite closing down in three out of the four trading sessions of the week. Analysts however expressed that the significant gain of 1.72 per cent recorded Friday drove the ASI up for the week. As a result, market capitalization advanced marginally to N14.99trillion, from N14.98trillion in the previous week. The market opened for four trading sessions last week, as the Federal Government of Nigeria declared Friday 30th March 2018(Good Friday) and Monday 2nd April 2018(Easter Monday) as public holidays. Meanwhile, a total turnover

Ï Md& d9 ƈ ƠêƠƤü ƓƆƆƊ ƓƆƆƊ of 1.541 billion shares worth N16.647 billion in 18,805 deals were traded during the week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 2.328 billion shares valued at N28.927 billion that exchanged hands in the preceding week in 25,530 deals. The Financial Services Industry measured by volume led the activity chart for the week with 1.024 billion shares valued at N10.946 billion traded in 11,019 deals, thus contributing 66.44 per cent and 65.75 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 213.704 million shares worth N3.053 billion in 2,693 deals. The third place was occupied by Oil and Gas Industry with a turnover of 158.643 million shares worth N908.260 million in 1,897deals. Trading in the Top Three

Equities namely, Zenith International Bank, Champion Breweries and Skye Bank measured by volume accounted for 485.832 million shares worth N5.851 billion in 2,221 deals, contributing 31.53% and 35.15% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively Also traded during the week were a total of 15,293 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N254,840.00 executed in 16 deals, compared with a total of 4,165 units valued at N78,276.06 that was transacted last week in 15 deals. A total of 21,583 units of Federal Government Bonds and 1 (one) State bond valued at N22.868 million were traded this week in 16 deals, compared with a total of 5,152 units valued at N4.562 million transacted last week in 24 deals. The NSE All-Share Index

and Market Capitalization appreciated by 0.08% to close the week at 41,504.51 and N14.993 trillion respectively. Similarly, all other indices finished lower during the week with the exception of the NSE Premium, NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Lotus II and NSE Pension Indices that appreciated by 1.15%, 1.73% 1.58% and 0.34% respectively Forty (40) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than thirtythree (33) of the previous week. Forty (40) equities depreciated in price, lower than forty-nine (49) equities of the previous week, while ninety-one (91) equities remained unchanged higher than eighty-nine (89) equities recorded in the preceding week. An additional volume of 836,983,125 ordinary shares of Morison Industries Plc were listed on The Daily Official List of The Exchange on Monday, 26 March 2018. The additional shares listed arose from Morison Rights Issue of 836,983,125 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at

L-R: Babajide Soyode, Technical Consultant to the President/Chief Executive; Mansur Ahmed, GED, Stakeholder Management and Corporate Communications; Sunny Iyuke, Principal/Chief Executive, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Warri and Abubakar

n ƈƐƕ Ɗ ƏƆƄƑƐ ÕƠü ƏƆ ƋƗƈ Ɛ LƈƋ Ɛ 1Ƌ Ƅ Ƌ Bonny Amadi

Unity Bank Nigeria Plc said that the bank has started discussion with Milost Global Incorporated and others, but yet to consummate any relationship as published in various Newspapers recently. The bank’s chief Executive officer Mrs Oluwatomi Somefun who led a team of the bank’s board to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recently to explain the issue, said that the bank has not conceded 60 per cent of its shares to Milost Global or any other investor, and that with shareholders mandate, working towards boosting its capital base as prescribed by the regulatory authorities, and has entered into discussion with investors including Milost Global Incorporated. The bank added that all through the engagements, it has been properly guided by the extant regulations concerning capital raising and equally made the process open to all prospective investors. Unity Bank avowed that the financial institution did not lie on the facts presented to the regulators and stakeholders and consequently enjoin the general public especially “our esteemed shareholders and other stakeholders to be cautious of the news circulating in the local news media”. It added “There was no agreement whatsoever with Milost Global alluding to 60 per cent Unity Bank Plc shareholding. Reassuring stakeholders of the bank, Unity bank explained that, Milost Global Inc. is one of the prospective investors introduced to the Bank by a local entity called Mayo BV, adding that it is not unusual that this introduction and expression of interests would involve some level of preliminary discussions and exchange of nonbinding documentary communications between the intending parties towards establishing mutual foundation on which the transaction con-

templated will be initiated. Unity bank further elaborated that the “Term Sheet” dated September 4, 2017 said to have been executed was a “proposal” submitted by Milost Global Inc. “for discussion purposes only and not a commitment” by the parties. No definitive documentation governing the proposed financing was executed. According to the bank, It is in relation to the preliminary discussions that courtesy visits were exchanged between representatives of Milost and the Bank in 2017 and early 2018. The Bank’s Managing Director/CEO Mrs Somefun was in New York in October 2017 for other engagements and decided to visit Milost and verify the firm’s address as well as put a face to the officers of Milost that have been engaging the Bank via telephone and emails. It added that during the visit, a brief meeting was held and discussions were around the dynamics of Milost proposal to Unity Bank Plc, and socialization of the policies and regulations around equity investment in Nigeria. The Bank did not at any time suggest or agree to move its listing from the NSE to the USA as falsely reported in the media. As stated in our previous correspondence, the Bank through the mandate of its Board and shareholders has been involved in series of preliminary engagements with several prospective investors including Milost, but the Bank did not execute a binding definitive agreement with Milost GlobalInc. It is therefore a misnomer for anyone to claim that the Bank issued a false statement relative to the nature of the communication between Milost and the Bank. The nomenclature. “Commitment Letter” was apparently adopted by Milost in its communication to buttress its seriousness to proceed with the transactions subject to relevant compliance requirements.

_ƾ ƍƆ ƓƈƐ MƤƢƢêǀǀƄ ƈ ƇƋ Ɠ Ɛ ƇƑƏƐ ƆƏ ƅ ƐƏ ƅƐ R è RƃM Ə ƐƆ Bonny Amadi Trading activities in the second quarter of the year in the money market commenced for the first week of April with expected inflows totalling N833.55 billion during the week, likely to beef up liquidity and further contract overnight lending rates. Expected inflows this week totalling N833.55 billion, are tied to maturing OMO bills valued N338.50 billion, maturing treasury bills valued N190.40 billion as well as FAAC allocation

of N304.65 billion. The liquidity aggregation is expected to overweigh expected outflows thereby boosting liquidity in circulation and further compressing the overnight lending rate. The N833.55 billion expected inflow will outweigh the total projected out flow during the week totalling N190.40 billion. At the NTB auction scheduled this week, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN ) will offer NGN95.20 billion, N9.52billion of the 91-day, N47.60 billion of the 182-day, and NGN38.08 billion of the 364-day worth of bills to the

market. Meanwhile in the weekly activities ended Thursday March 29, Friday March 30th was declared public holiday by the federal government to mark Good Friday celebration of the Christian faith, the overnight lending rate reduced to 8.08 per cent, representing a 484bps w/w contraction, against last week’s close of 12.9 per cent. In the absence of any major outflows, N201.12 billion inflows from matured OMO bills supported system liquidity during the week Also during the week,

events in the Nigerian Treasury Bill (NTB) market were bullish, with sentiments driven by increased liquidity levels. Average yield fell by 14 bps to 14.74 per cent. High demand for the 21DTM which eased by 157 bps, 98DTM shedding 92 bps, and 189DTM’s 43 bps easing caused yield contraction by -7 bps at the short, -18 bps at the mid and -9 bps at the long ends of the curve, respectively. Yields are expected to drop in the meantime, supported by expected buoyant system liquidity.

However, in the bond market, average yield rose by 16bps, to 13.69 per cent, on the back of quarter-end profittaking. Yields expanded at the short end by 18 bps, mid end by 13 bps and long end by 16 bps, following selloffs of the JUL-2021 which gained 26 bps, MAR-2027 bonds that added 14 bps, and MAR-2036 which appreciated by 25 bps. The forex market remained stability, as the USD/NGN traded flat at N362 all week in the parallel market, while it strengthened by 0.14% to N360.20 in the I&E FX window. The apex bank continued

to support the naira, injecting USD210 million into the FX market during the week, comprising USD100 million, USD55 million, and USD55 million disbursements to the wholesale, SMEs, and invisibles windows, respectively. The foreign reserves continued to record steady deposit, as it increased by 1.21 per cent to cross the USD46 billion-mark at USD46.21 billion. Meanwhile, total turnover in the I&E FX window in the holiday-shortened week was 13.47 per cent lower than the previous week at USD950.62 million.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

B5 Money Market

Heritage Bank, Seki partner to showcase Nigeria cultural heritage

Heritage Bank Plc, has partnered with Yibo Koko in association with Bolanle Austen – Peters Productions to showcase some of Nigerian cultures to the world through presentation of a dance drama known as Seki in Lagos. The event which held at the popular Terra Kulture Arena was graced by members of the diplomatic corps, bank officials and lovers of arts and it featured notable celebrities like Hilda Dokubo, Monalisa Chinda Coker, Ibinabo Fiberisima, Julius Agwu, Ovunda Ihunwo, Peace Christian, Deborah Job, Opereke Jamabo Foh and Mercy Albert among others as casts. Speaking on Heritage Bank’s involvement in the project, the bank’s MD/CEO, Ifie Sekibo said, “Heritage Bank is doing this to preserve the culture of our people, the wealth of the people is in our culture. Heritage is what makes us who we are. So it is that heritage we are preserving so that we can transfer it from generation to generation. “We know this is entertainment industry and is a very big industry out there and there are so many ways we can capture the essence of who we are, our tradition, our values and this what they are conveying through this dance drama.” Seki, which is created and directed by Yibo Koko, a notable film maker; is a pantomimic dance drama which traces the America tap dance to the indigenous people of the lower Niger Delta area of Nigeria and it is fused with cultural heritage. On what inspired the dance drama, Koko who used to be the head of production of African Magic with Multichoice said the idea “is to start our own thing without necessarily relying on the white race for the interpretation of our culture.” He said Seki, “is to show how rich we are as a people, how we can embrace our culture that it is not fetish but it is colourful, beautiful and wonderful and something we can sell to the world.” On why it was performed in Lagos, the director said, “It is to showcase what we have at first to a large audience so that they will not always associate the Niger Delta region with militancy, adding that there are a lot of positive things for them to come and witness in the region. Seki, the dance drama which was originally created in 1998 as, OwuAmaputi, was an official entry to the 10th anniversary of the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. “It is a collaborative rhythmic agreement of dance patterns of different ceremonial dance groups predominantly from the Okrika, Kalabari, Bonny and Ikwerre ethnic groups in the lower Niger Delta Area of Rivers State, Nigeria,” Koko said. The dance groups include Owembe Dancers, Pioru/Ogwein Dancers, Ojongowu Dancers and Ikule Pamba Owu Dancers. According Koko, Seki is of mythical origins whose narrative stems from the vault of oral tradition and essentially from pantheons of the Ijaws.

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Forex, T-bills, others account for N24.27trn turnover in 2 months

Ï Ƣ #L ƏƆƅ ƏƗ Õơü ƐƏ ƅƐƈ ƒ ƋƑƆ 0L#_ Rj Stories by Motolani Oseni Foreign Exchange market, Treasury Bills (T-bills); FGN Bonds; Other Bonds; Eurobonds; Repurchase Agreements/ Buy-Backs and Unsecured Placements/Takings accounted for N24 .27 trillion total turnover trade on FMDQ over-the-counter (OTC) securities and Exchange between January and February 2018. Also, three banks, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc recorded 61.01 per cent total transactions value declared on FMDQ OTC in the first two months this year. The breakdown of the figure obtained from the FMDQ OTC, revealed that Foreign Exchange market value during the consid-

ered period stood at N5.7 trillion, while market turnover in Foreign Exchange Derivatives was N2.76 trillion between the same period. A total of N10.2 trillion was traded on the Treasury Bills market; N1.4 trillion, FGN Bonds; N6.9 billion, Other Bonds; N7.2 billion, Eurobonds; N3.89 trillion, Repurchase Agreements/Buy-Backs and N214 billion, Unsecured Placements/ Takings. “Trading activities in Treasury bills contributed the largest to overall turnover, accounting for 41.93per cent of the market. Foreign exchange market transactions (Spot FX and FX Derivatives) accounted for 35.24per cent whilst Repurchase Agreements (Repos)/ Buy-Backs product categories (Repos/Buy-backs) accounted for 16.02per cent, and Bonds and Un-

secured Placements & Takings representing 5.94per cent and 0.88per cent respectively, of overall market turnover,” the report by FMDQ OTC stated. The report stated that, “With a total of $11.66 billion worth of the Naira-settled OTC FX Futures contracts traded on FMDQ, the 21st OTC FX Futures contract, NGUS MAR 28 2018, with notional amount of $437.52 million, matured and settled on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. This maturity, however, brings the total value of matured OTC FX Futures contracts on FMDQ, since the inception of the market in June 2016 to date, to circa $8.46 billion. “As with the other maturities, and in line with standards stipulated in the FMDQ OTC FX Futures Market Operational Standards, the contract stopped trading eight (8)

days before its maturity and was valued against the NAFEX – the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Fixing – the FMDQ reference Spot FX rate published on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. The associated clearing/settlement activities were effected accordingly. Consistent with its treatment across the past twenty (20) maturities, the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced a new contract, NGUS MAR 27 2019 for $1.00 billion at $/ N361.96 to replace the matured contract and refreshed its quotes on the existing contracts.” In March, the FMDQ admitted the FSDH Merchant Bank Limited N4.51 billion Series 5 & N14.05 Series 6 commercial paper (CP) notes under its N30.00 billion CP Debt Issuance Programme, for quotation on its platform. According to FMDQ OTC monthly report, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Access Bank and UBA were the leaders in the value traded for the overall OTC market, ranking 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively.

CBN says Manufacturing Index closes at 56.7 Index point As level of business activities in the country continued to increase, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed that its Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) closes March at 56.7 index points. The 56.3 index points indicated expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 12th consecutive months, the report by CBN said. The CBN had reported 56.3 index points in February from 57.3 index points in January in what analysts attributed to stability in the foreign exchange market, among other factors. The CBN uses nonmanufacturing and manufacturing that comprises of Production Level, New Orders, Supplier Delivery Time, Employment Level and Raw material Inventories to measure the index. According to CBN’s PMI report,

“the Manufacturing PMI in the month of March stood at 56.7 index points, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the twelfth consecutive month. “The index however grew at a faster rate, when compared to the index in the previous month. Of the 14subsectors surveyed, 11 reported growth in the review month in the following order: electrical equipment; cement; petroleum & coal products; food, beverage & tobacco products; chemical & pharmaceutical products; fabricated metal products; paper products; transportation equipment; plastics & rubber products; textile, apparel, leather and footwear and primary metal. The remaining 3 subsectors contracted in the following order: nonmetallic mineral products; furniture & related products and printing & related support activities.”

“At 59.1 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the thirteenth consecutive month in March 2018. The index indicated a faster growth in the current month, when compared to its level in the preceding month. Seven of the 14 manufacturing subsectors recorded increase in production level, three remained unchanged, while the remaining four recorded declines in production level during the review month. “At 56.1 points, the new orders index grew for the twelfth consecutive month, indicating increase in new orders in March 2018. Six subsectors reported growth, 5 remained unchanged while 3 contracted in the review month. “The manufacturing supplier delivery time index stood at 56.6 points in March 2018, indicating faster supplier delivery time for

the tenth consecutive month. 10 subsectors recorded improved suppliers’ delivery time, one remained unchanged while three subsectors recorded delayed delivery time. “The employment level index in March 2018 stood at 53.3 points, indicating growth in employment level for the tenth consecutive month. Of the 14 subsectors, 7 subsectors increased their employment level, 2 remained unchanged while 5 reduced their employment level in the review month. “The Manufacturing sector inventories index grew for the twelfth consecutive month in March 2018. At 59.4 points, the index grew at a faster rate when compared to its level in the previous month. Nine of the 14 subsectors recorded growth, two remained unchanged while three recorded decline in raw material inventories.”

B6 Personal Finance

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

Bad money habits that keep you broke Bonny Amadi A habit is a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. The regular tendencies we have that are hard to break. They are the things we do over and over . The American Journal of Psychology (1903) defines a “habit, from the standpoint of psychology, as a more or less fixed way of thinking, willing, or feeling acquired through previous repetition of a mental experience. When it comes to breaking bad money habits, it can sometimes be easier to replace those bad habits with new, good ones. Just take it down to the basics – live within your means, avoid consumer debt and save for the future. If you can accomplish those three things you’ll be in a good place. No matter what area of your life you’re trying to improve there needs to be a sharp focus on

breaking bad habits and forming good ones. Such habits that diminish attainment of you financial goals are as enumerated below. Spending more than you earn Spending more than you earn is THE cardinal sin of personal finance. This one habit will have a trickle-down effect, causing big problems in all areas of your personal finances. For instance, if you spend more than you earn you’ll have to rely on credit to cover the rest. The credit comes with interest and traps you into debt. You continue spending more than you earn creating a bigger, more vicious cycle. If you currently spend more than you earn this needs to be the very first thing you address. Don’t even worry about anything else until you’re living within your means. Relying on credit to pay bills Credit is expensive and if not used properly is a

trap! If you’re using credit to cover basic things like food or rent or are using it for mindless purchases (like a vacation or new clothes) you need to remedy the situation. While it’s true that at some point you might need to rely on debt – say, for a mortgage, education expenses or an investment property – it should be done with extreme care and planning. Do not use credit cards or any other form of debt to cover your bills. Taking out payday loans – ever Talking of debt, payday loans are one of the worst forms of it. Here’s a story to illustrate: I had a friend who once decided to take out a payday loan to pay for vacation. When she got back from vacation the following week she was supposed to repay the loan. Not having enough money she went to another payday loan lender and took out a loan to pay back the

first lender. She repeated this cycle for MONTHS until her Dad or mum finally bailed her out. If you currently take out payday loans you need to break this habit now. The interest is not worth it. There are S Not being prepared for an emergency If there’s one thing you can count on it’s that at some point or another something will go wrong. An accident will happen, a job will be lost or an appliance will break. Being prepared for an emergency is very important when it comes to your finances. You don’t want to be caught off guard, financially anyway. Save up some cash for emergencies. Paying your bills late Paying your bills late – it’s a bad habit to have but happens to even the best of us. When you pay your bills late your credit score takes a hit and you could cost yourself more money in late fees and interest

charges. Make it a habit of always paying your bills on time. If you’re the type of person who simply procrastinates with tasks like this consider enrolling in auto-pay. It also means you probably need to get financially organized. Check out this guide on how to organize your finances so that you don’t miss another bill again! Failing to save for future When it comes to money there needs to be balance. Living big and Shouting at the top of your lungs won’t magically make you have a great life in retirement or help you build wealth. Enjoy life now but also be sure to save for the future and diligently work towards your goals. Blaming others for your circumstances “Life isn’t fair.” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard before and one we’ve likely said to ourselves. And it’s completely, 100% true.

We’ve all been born into different circumstances, some of us having many more opportunities than others. While “life isn’t fair” is true, blaming other people isn’t going to help you – at all! Accept where you’re at and play the cards you’ve been given. Only compare yourself to yourself. Hoarding money and never having fun On the opposite end of going into debt and spending too much is being afraid to spend anything! If you’ve been hoarding money to the point of misery it’s time to break that habit. Lighten up on yourself a bit and enjoy the money you’ve worked hard for. Making excuses “If you don’t like how things are, change it! You are not a tree.” – Jim Rohn Don’t let excuses hold you back. You have the choice to work hard and build the life (and finances) you want or to make excuses. Choose wisely.

ment industry in the hope of spurring the nation’s economic development. Speaking today at an interaction with selected investors in Davos, at the ongoing World Economic Forum, the Vice President noted that “having

the right mind-set and understanding where we want to go”, will affect the implementation process whilst ensuring things get done in the nation’s business environment. He stressed that the collaboration between

private sector and the government ensures consistency in the implementation of economic policies. The Vice President added that one of the reasons he is optimistic about the forthcoming SEZ for

garment manufacturing is because it is “specific and is something we can measure very quickly; working with investors and allowing them to tell us what they want to achieve. This will help us attain set objectives.”

FG to partner private sector to create special economic zones

In its effort to further enhance the nation’s economy and boost he real sector, the federal government of Nigeria has said that arrangement are being made to partner with private sector to create special economic zones

across the country. The vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo, revealed Thursday that, government and Private Sector will collaborate in creating Special Economic Zones, starting first with the Textile and Gar-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, Aprl 2, 2018

B7 CSR

How corporate governance affect corporate social responsibility

Stories by Godwin Anyebe

Corporate social responsibility which is critical to business owners and the communities at large has suffered lots of setback in Nigeria. This, many attribute to failure of corporate governance in a society which practices are essential to achieving and maintaining public trust and confidence. Analysts believe that what is happening in Nigeria more often than not is nothing but corporate investment where brand handlers use subtle marketing skill to make the larger society believe that it is corporate social responsibility. For these analysts, while a strong corporate governance culture in an organization encourages success and business sustainability, poor corporate governance may contribute to bank failures which could in turn lead to a run on the bank, unemployment and negative impact on the economy as well as corporate social responsibility. Checks by Daily Times reveal that, effective governance requires a proactive culture of commitment and engagement that drives both the board and the organization it governs toward high performance. Engaged cultures are characterized by honesty and a willingness to challenge, and they reflect the social and work dynamics of a high-performance team. Speaking on this issue, chief executive officer core experiential marketing limited, Solabomi Okonkwo said; “the failure of some companies in the area of corporate social responsibility in Nigeria is as a result of weak or complete absence of corporate governance structures.” According to her,” in 2005, there were eighty nine deposit banks operating in a highly concentrated market with the top ten banks accounting for over eighty per cent of the total assets/liabilities. The statutory capitalization requirement was N2 billion and the small size of these banks had an adverse effect on their cost structure thus making the cost of intermediation high.” Further, she pointed out that, “the total capitalization of all Nigerian banks then stood at N293 billion, which was just the size of the fourth largest bank in South Africa. As a result Nigerian banks were unable to finance major transactions in the growing oil and gas, and telecom sectors, which constitute the fastest growing sectors in the Nigerian economy.” While commenting on the way out she stated that, “in my opinion for a code of ethics to be global, it must entail some generalist as well as generic attributes. For instance, an international code of business ethics must traverse

countries, cultures, race, and environment. Also speaking on this issue, A management consultant, pemi Samuel disclosed that; “I have come to appreciate the fact that societies are complex and dynamic in nature. Necessitating the need to conduct proper stakeholder analysis achievable only through effective communication methods and managing expectations.” While speaking on forward of how corporate governance affect corporate social responsility, he pointed out that, “exploring the various approaches to adopt in ensuring that Leaders within Nigerian organisations begin to drive the required change and implement standards that will forestall non-compliance to incountry business and regulatory policies.” “Managers as well as lead-

ers can effectively improve their sense of right and wrong in themselves, in a work place and in the society by conducting what I reference to as a personal reflexive test. Helps in emphasizing eureka moments in a workplace, referred to as the three-defining moments.” He said He also disclosed that, in reviewing the similarities of the narrative above, all three models require reflexive unbiased thinking with an ability to accept critique, ability to collect and analyze gaps in morals and seek out solutions to fixing unethical gaps identified For him, “Ethical Room For Maneuvering is a time bound process that takes into consideration social-economic variables and interest such that it breaks into the fabric of society and all its inhibitions to ethics. It’s all encompassing as it considers the threats as

well as opportunities that can be derived by the citizen or customer within the society and off course with the probability to extendable such variables across other countries and regions, thereby providing the ground rules for establishing a truly international code of ethics. “ For instance, he continued, the needs of one society can be mapped onto the needs of others such that ethical codes can be replicated and re-usable across boundaries and bounders as emphasized by the “EU general Food Law, based on its ability to enable full compliance with strict rules”. He also disclosed that “two major pros which are its ability to minimize threat of coercion and eliminating restrictions to general societal needs while communicating to stakeholders via a proper collaborative framework

that engenders ownership and acceptance. Nevertheless, “Ethical Room For Maneuver” (ERM) still possess cons such as its dependency on information stream and time-investment required in stakeholder validation and verification of data collection, input, analysis, processing, output and review.” “The “Ethical Room For Maneuver” (ERM) concepts and its framework appeals greatly to work-base problem and begins to empower us with the required tools such as an ethical traceability scheme thereby ensuring leadership remains committed to building efficacy and efficiency in the organization’s code of conduct with prejudice for norms and also help to collaborate internally in ensuring absolute compliance to both local and international business codes of ethics. “ he added

L-R: Corporate Marketing Manager, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Hari Elluru; Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Taeick Son; Managing Director Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohammed Fouani; Executive Vice President, Business Support Officer LG Electronics, Mr. Choong Hak Lee; and Vice President, LG Electronics, Mr. Dae Sik Yoon, during the commissioning of LG Electronics free laundry service at LG showroom in Ogba Lagos... at the weekend. Photo: Olatunji Wale

Promasidor Nigeria celebrates 254 employees Promasidor Nigeria Limited, recently honoured 254 of its employees who have put in several years in its service. The award ceremony, which was held in Lagos, brought together the company’s employees, relatives and distributors from different parts of the country. Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Anders Einarsson told the audience that the awardees were honoured for their commitment, hard work and loyalty to the organisation. He said the celebrated employees, who he urged others to emulate, had grown through the rank and become pillars of Promasidor’’s growth as a result of their exceptional work

ethics and positive attitude. He stated: “For us at Promasidor Nigeria, the Long Service Award is not just a tradition. It is an opportunity to celebrate and honour our employees for their dedication, hard work, commitment and loyalty to the company. Most of them joined the company at an entry level but grew to the positions of regional sales managers. Such promotions do not come without measurable performances and hard work. “At Promasidor, it is about good attitude, hard work and commitment. The awardees have met these standards; hence they have not only remained with us but have also become part of the pillars. The 20-year service awardees joined

the company when it was just five -years old in Nigeria. What does that imply? They have witnessed the different stages of its growth and transformation.” The three categories of awards were 20, 15 and 10 years in service with the beneficiaries evenly distributed among key departments, including sales, marketing, administration, engineering, finance and procurement. Anih Chidubem, who rose from the position of Marketing Assistant to Regional Sales Manager in his 20-year career at the company, described Promasidor as “a merit-driven organisation.” He further said: “Promasidor Nigeria is a fair organisation. If you are promoted, it means that you de-

serve it. For some of us who have been around for a while, it is not just a business organisation but a warm family. And I am very fortunate to have been part of it.” Another awardee, Modupeoluwa Awonusi said the company was able to retain brilliant and hardworking staff because it rewards excellence and dedication. “Organisations that reward productivity, creativity and commitment keep their best employees. Certainly, Promasidor is one of the few organisations that know how to keep committed people. Twenty years after I joined the company, I am not still in a hurry to leave the great family, which Promasidor has become.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018

B8Features

How equities market makes more millionaires, leaves many poor Bonny Amadi Recently, the National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi raised the alarm over the Nigerian capital market’s sudden boom; and called on the nation’s economic managers to monitor the economy closely. Adebisi said that, “The capital market is a barometer of some sort. It mirrors the state of the economy of a country. A situation where the economy of Nigeria is throwing out poor financial indices and the capital market is showing signs of good health and growth is suspect and should not be.” He called on stockbrokers, registrars and financial advisers to be more proactive and take their integrity more seriously to checkmate the rising cases of frauds in the sector, adding that ZX “Cases of frauds are becoming more worrisome and alarming. Assurances of our financial advisers are becoming more unreliable”. The Nigerian equities market currently has been on the bullish run returning with over 16 per cent year to date (Ytd) returns on investment. This gives foreign portfolio investors (FPI) and other global investors the much needed ground to converge on the Nigerian market for the much needed returns on investment in 2018. Fears are that the market may have started building another round of bubbles on the back of companies or banks without fundamentals, which is expected to burst, trapping uninformed investors who joined the herd. This could be the backdrop for which the ISAN boss made his pronouncement. For the week ended Friday, 2ND February , 2018, the equities market closed on bearish sentiments, which remained prevalent in the Nigerian bourse, the week was trailed by consecutive decline day after day in the NSEASI during the week.. Mr. Jude Fejokwu of Galactic Africa Analyst recently noted that as the buying frenzy continues, “be wary of where you are investing your money. Most stocks are rising on momentum and not because of improved financial performances and near-term expectations.” Fejokwu focusing on the banking industry, which has so far given the highest rewards year to date, noted that there are some banks to be weary of, irrespective of the hype on their equities price upward movement. He said, “The market has

Trading on the floor of Nigeria Stock Exchange

gone crazy; do not rub shoulders with it. If a stock does not deserve to rise to the level it has, when it falls, it will take no prisoners on its reverse journey. It is better to gain less than to lose more.” Fejokwu noted, “ The banking industry takes the brunt of bulls and bears so, I will focus on this industry. I will mention (briefly) three banks to be wary of when the tide turns and stocks start heading south as investors panic and seek for the exit trying to hold on to their unrealized gains.” Remarking on some of the banks that have seen high rise in their equity prices recently, Fejokwu said, “ FCMB Holdings’ nine-month (September 2017) result is not on the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s corporate disclosures page”. He pointed that the bank’s Pre-tax income declined by 52 per cent year-on-year and Gross Earnings declined by 16 per cent year-on-year. Pre-tax income was 7.57 Billion naira in April 2007 (12-month result) and ten years later now operating as a holding company, nine-month pre-tax income in September 2017 is N6.84 billion despite interest income being approximately seven times larger in September 2017 compared to

April 2007. Taking a closer look at Skye Bank, which for some days, led the gainers’ table on the bourse, the analyst pointed that Skye Bank’s 2016 fiscal year result has been releasedl while 2017 fiscal year results are about a month away from release every other bank. On Stanbic IBTC Holdings, he noted that it is the holding company that incorporates the largest asset management company in Nigeria. Nonetheless, the bank’s gross earnings and assets are less than that of Diamond Bank, while trading 12.5X higher per share. However, reacting to the prevailing market bullish trend, Mr. Solomon Kugbe, a Lagos state stock broker told Daily Times Nigeria that the bubble alarm raised by the national president of ISANl, may scare retail investors from the market instead of strengthening them to take advantage of earning opportunities prevailing in the bourse. Kugbe said, ‘that is not correct, because Nigeria is not alone in positive equities performance prevailing globally. “We are number three last year in equities performance ranking globally and all over the world equities market are doing very well, so, the growth

trajectory is always there for our market and other performing markets across the globe and people who understands this take advantage of the opportunities the market provided”. According to Kugbe, the Nigerian Stock exchange is not doing badly, and as the third best performing market in 2017, the trend has continued in 2018 and may further lead to a better performance, a trend he wants retail investors to understand appreciate. Explaining why the market has remained bullish, Kugbe said that understanding the fact that Nigeria came out of recession in 2017, reinforced investors’ confidence in the nation’s bourse. “When economy is coming out of recession the growth pace will be high because of renewed confidence as more investors try to reinforce their position in the market.” He added ,“Second, we are expecting full year result of many companies and the market is gearing towards that”. The stock broker stressed that, what might look like a bubble in equity price movement should be looked at from the economy point of view and devalued currency which has reduced the worth of the Nai-

ra even trading at ‘assumed” high price. “You might think that the market is going up, but you have to know that because the naira has been devalued, the N50 naira of today is not the same of yesterday, so, when you see a company trading at N50.00, it is as good as trading at 10 or N15.00 before devaluation of the Naira. So, the market is just adjusting to the realities of the macro economy”. Afrinvest Securities Nigeria Limited, CEO Mr. Michael Eboh, at a recent forum in Lagos, told our correspondent that, key analysts still have not seen what may be driving up share prices of some banking stocks without strong fundamentals. He noted that some inventors may be blind to such performance measuring indices. According to him, some of the banks that have lately recorded high growth in equity prices have negative capital adequacy ratio, while some may not have released their results for the past two years. He said, “you may feel that you want to double your money, but at the end f the day you are trapped. Some of the banks have been rallying for the past weeks; now the buyers want to sell no one want to buy.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 2, 2018