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May Day celebration: Workers, FG face-off disrupts proceedings Ï Workers reject Ngige, stop Oshiomhole from addressing them Ï Dogara, others flee for safety Ï Labour unions reiterate demand from Govt.

Idu Jude, Abuja and Joy Ekeke, Lagos

ÏÏÏ Commotion

erupted at the Eagle Square Abuja on Monday as thousands of expectant workers of various workers’ unions curiously demanded the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari,

whom they said needs to address their suffering, especially the issue of the long overdue review of National Minimum wage.

The drama started when the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, failed to appear to address the workers Continued on page 7

N150

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 354

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

GAINERS AS AT April 28, 2017

LOSERS AS AT April 28, 2017 4.99%

ETI

7.80

7.71

-1.15%

Again, Presidency says no cause for alarm GUINNESS

60.00

60.01 0.02%

WAPCO

48.50

50.92

JBERGER

41.95

39.86

-4.98%

Buhari’s health:

Ï Says President is following instructions from doctors Ï Explains PMB’s absence at May Day rally in Abuja Ï No, president must take medical leave, go for treatment now - Falana, others Ï Some people in the corridor of power feasting on Buhari’s health condition -Akande

Tony Amokeodo, Olufemi Samuel, and Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Presidency for the second time

in two weeks has stated that the anxiety over the health condition of President Muhammadu Buhari is needless as Continued on page 6

PDP raises concern over arrest of Lamido, Suswam, 12 Aliyu, others NCAA suspends 6 crew member over Marijuana usage Why DTN Impact Award winners will not stop impacting society positively L2&L3

Workers protesting during the 2017 May Day celebration in Abuja... on Monday. Inset: Placards displaying some demands by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) workers during the 2017 May Day celebration in Lagos… on Monday.

Photos: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI and TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Vibrant opposition critical to good governance, says Atiku Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Former Vice President and

chieftain of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has declared that a vibrant and constructive opposition, including opposition political parties and independent news media, are

critical in ensuring good governance.

Atiku pointed out that a vibrant and constructive opposition was critical because they help to inform and mobilise the citizens and hold the government to account.

The former Vice President between 1999 and 2007 said this in a speech he delivered at the 2nd Annual Convention of the

Abia State Medical Association Alumni Association, UK, held at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Dartford, London recently.

He equally said that a good governance requires a vigilant and demanding electorate.

The Turakin Adamawa pointed out that it has been very difficult to realise good governance in Continued on page 7

FG building 7 productive, inclusive economy –Adeosun

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

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Makarfi wants govt. to prioritise workers welfare ÎÎÎThe

chairman, National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, has called federal and state governments to prioritise the welfare of workers, as the

nation marks 2017 May day.

Makarfi made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the national publicity secretary, of the party’s NCC, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye, to mark the 2017 workers day.

He also called on government to consider incentives that would promote workers welfare.

“We call on the federal and states government across the country to prioritise, with despatch, the welfare of workers at all levels.

“A situation where some states cannot pay salaries of its workers is unacceptable.

“We urge the Federal Government to also consider other palliatives or incentives to reduce the suffering of Nigeria workers,” Makarfi said.

He congratulated Nigeria workers in both the private and public sectors for their contributions to nation building.

“It is remarkable that the efforts and services of our workers are traceable to the success-

PDP will address workers’ minimum wage when it returns to power in 2019- Sheriff

Rivers Begins Jubilee Celebrations with Prayers Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt ÎÎÎThe Golden Jubilee Celebration of the birth of Rivers state haskickedoff withspiritualproclamation led by Christian clerics, traditional rulers and political leaders of the state.

The programme tagged Jubilee Prayer Banquet, had as its theme: ‘Rivers Jubilee Proclamation: Announcing our liberty.’

Led by three leading clerics, Apostle Emmanuel Kure of the Throne-room Ministry, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of the Salvation Ministries and Dr. Steve Ogan of the High Calling Outreach, the Christian community dedicated the state to God. The Christian leaders and traditional rulers offered special prayers for Governor Wike, empowering him with God’s strength to lead the state to greater heights after the Rivers Jubilee Proclamation.

The Christian Community also prayed God to dislodge all enemies of the state.

Speaking after the proclamation of the Golden Jubilee, Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, urged the Christian community to always uphold the state in prayers.

He assured the people of the state that he will continue to provide God-fearing leadership for the people of the state, using the resources of the people to develop their communities.

Governor Wike informed the Christian Leaders that the State Ecumenical Centre aimed at promoting Christian unity will be commissioned by the end of May. Wife of the Rivers state governor, Justice Suzzette NyesomWike, said: “I am confident that as these altars, covenants, oaths and sacrifices are made, that the much needed peace and prosperity of Rivers State will indeed become a reality.

“I am confident also that the Almighty God will ride upon our altarstotheriversof theheartsof the sons and daughters of Rivers State to begin to see eye to eye in peace and not in hatred.

She thanked the various prayer groups for uplifting the state through prayers and fasting.

The Jubilee Prayer Banquet was organised by the Rivers Women Jubilee Prayer Network.

es recorded so far in our national life.– Makarfi, called on workers in the country, especially the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), to work in unity saying, “the division among workers in the Country is unnecessary.”

Lateeef Ibrahim, Abuja

Members of Radio Television Theatre and Art Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) Bayelsa State chapter, during the 2017 May Day celebration in Bayelsa State… on Monday.

Niger Delta: Crisis looms over crude oil swap contract Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÎÎÎWhen

Vice President Yemi Osibanjo took a tour of the Niger Delta region, he assured the enthusiastic crowds that gathered in the various locations he visited that the federal government was developing a roadmap for the development of the oil producing region.

But despite the Vice President’s promise that the federal government would fulfill its promises to the communities, there appears to be a breach in the implementation of the direct sale of crude oil and direct purchase of products programme (DSDP).

In implementing the DSDP, selected overseas refiners, trading companies and indigenous companies are allocated crude supplies in exchange for delivery of an equal value of gasoline and other refined products to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In line with the peace agreement, the oil-producing communities were to have at least 30 percent rep-

resentation in the deals.

Recent reports indicate that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has drawn up a list of DSDP recipients for 2017.

Of the ten pairs of companies listed as having been selected by NNPC, none of them has any link with indigenes of the oilproducing communities which has created a cold blood in the area.

Reacting to the development, an ex-officio of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yekini Nabena, condemned the programme, saying: “It is a fraud and a negation of the peace deal which Vice President Osibanjo struck with communities in the Niger Delta, advising that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and Dr. Maikanti Kachalla Baru, Group Managing Director of NNPC should resign for not honouring the peace agreement.

He wondered why the NNPC would neglect the Niger Delta region even after the federal government had agreed that oil-producing communities should be given the opportunity to

participate in the business of oil.

He appealed to the Federal Government to prevail on the NNPC to undertake a review of its list of DSDP beneficiaries to include companies owned by indigenes of the Niger Delta, adding that it was the only way to ensure that the prevailing peace in the region is sustained.

Access to oil wealth has been at the center of the struggle of militant groups and political leaders in the region. Conflict in the Niger Delta started in the 1990s as tensions between foreign oil companies and oil producing communities who felt that they were being exploited.

Starting from 2003, more than 15 militant groups have been operating in the Niger Delta region, prominent among which are Niger Delta Avengers, Niger Delta Revolutionary Crusaders, Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force and Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. The anger over the neglect of the region was so pervasive that when the government of Umaru Yar’ Adua

introduced an amnesty program, more than 30, 000 youths crept out of the creeks in response.

Some of the militants were sent to institutions in various parts of the world for training in various fields. Delays in payment of stipends to some of the ex-militants and continued neglect of the region led to escalation of violence in the region after the 2015 presidential elections. The resurgence of militancy and subsequent attacks on oil installations reduced Nigeria’s oil production to a 22-year low. President Muhammadu Buhari’s initial threat to crush the militants led to heavy presence of the military in the region, but that did not stop the insurgency. The peace initiative adopted by Vice President Osibanjo, however, led to immediate cessation of attacks on oil facilities.

The tender for the DSDP contract was announced in January with 128 companies including Niger-Delta indigenous Companies indicating interest and submitted bids according to NNPC.

ÎÎÎThe national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has advised Nigerian workers to put in more efforts in making the nation great.

Sheriff gave the advice in his goodwill message to the nation’s workers on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Workers’ Day. The party gave the assurance that by the time the party takes over the mantle of leadership in 2019, it shall address minimum wage that will ensure workers’ pay will not only take them home, but will be able to also cater for the families and pay school fees.

Senator Sheriff, in a statement signed on his behalf by his deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, pointed out that the PDP understands the difficulties the nation is going through at the moment, stressing that a government can only be changed through the ballots.

He maintained that 2019 would be another opportunity to change power, then the workers would know what it means to have PDP back in power.

The statement reads: “The national chairman of the PDP, Sen. Modu Sheriff, on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party congratulates the nation’s workers on this 2017 Workers’ Day. “We want to use this avenue to urge the workers to put more efforts in making the nation great, even as we p romise them that in 2019, when we take over power, we shall address minimum wage that will ensure workers’ pay will not only take them home but will be able to also cater for the families and pay school fees.

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Daily Times Nigeria jƑƆ Ɨ ƕè L ƕ ƾè ƾƠơƣ

Buhari’s health: Again, Presidency says no cause for alarm Continued from page 1 the President is in a good state of health.

A presidential aide close to one of his doctors disclosed this development to The Daily Times on Monday night.

According to him, Buhari is adhering strictly to instruction to have a deserving rest, saying that the development was responsible for his inability to attend the rally by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Eagle Square Abuja on Monday.

The Daily Times further gathered from one of the close relations of Buhari who has always been with some of the medical doctors attending to him, that the health condition of the President is stable.

The source, who sought anonymity, said: “Contrary to specu-

lations, Buhari’s condition has been improving by the day. He needs some rest. And his personal doctors say he should avoid undue stress that may reverse the progress he has already attained health-wise.

“The president is in good health and he is following the instructions of his doctors accordingly.

There is no cause for alarm.

“If the president is going for medical treatment abroad, the country will be duly informed.

What the President needs from Nigerians is prayers as he will soon bounce back and deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of democracy this country”.

The Daily Times recalls that the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, had in a statement last week said Buhari’s

doctor are insisting that he should avoid anything that will escalate his health condition, more so as he is said to be fast recuperating.

But the failure of the President to appear at the May Day rally held in Abuja on Monday had caused apprehension in some circles as some opponents of the President again took to the social media to escalate speculations that his health has worsened.

The President on his return from United Kingdom where he went for six weeks on medical vacation had told Nigerians that he would soon return to the country for re-evaluation of his health condition.

Garba Shehu had said the President, even when he could not attend the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting last Wednesday had worked at home, while Ministers and heads of government

R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè R ƄƆ ƈ ` ƑƇ ƏƆ ƄƆ Ƌ æƏçè ƓƈƐ Ƈ ƌƈƋƕ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƇƈƏ Ɛ ƅƈƒƈƋƈ 1 ƒƆƏ Ə Ƈ R Ƒ è Ƌ ƐƆ dƆ Ɛ Ə ƗƆƐƑ Ɖƈ 9 ƈ Ɗ ƗƆƋƆƊƆè Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƤƐ # ƕ 0ƈƗ Ƒ ^Ə ƕƆƏ Ƈ Ə Ɛ Ɔ Ƌ ƐƆ Ɔ Ɛ Ə Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƏƆ ƈƗƆ ƅƆ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƗƆƅƆ ƆƗ ƈ &ƗƆČ L Ɨ ƕê zƈƐ ƈƌ ƏƆè ƗƆƅƆ ƆƗ ƕ Ƒ ƆƏ ƄƏ Ɛ ƆƏè LƏê ƗƆƌ Ƌ ƗƆƋƆƊƆì ƈ ƆƋƗƆƏ ƄƏ Ɛ ƆƏè #Əê #ƆƉƈ ƗƆƋƆƊƆ Ɨ ƈ ƈ ƐƆƏè LƏ ê #ƑƍƆ ƗƆƋƆƊƆê

agencies have been briefing him on their work schedules.

Meanwhile, legal luminary, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN); a Senior Fellow, Centre for Democracy and Development Abuja, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, and 11 others have advised Buhari to heed the advice of physicians and take a rest to attend to his health immediately.

In a joint statement made available on Monday, the group said: “We join the Nigerian people of goodwill to pray for a speedy recovery of President Buhari. We are compelled to advise him to heed the advice of his personal physicians by taking a rest to attend to his health without any further delay”.

The prominent Nigerians comprising Femi Falana (SAN), Prof.

Jibrin Ibrahim, Debo Adeniran, Dr. Chris Kwaja, Y. Z. Ya’u, Chom Bagu, Olanrewaju Suraju, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Anwal Musa Rafsanjani, David Ugolor,’Sina Odugbemi, Muhammed Attah and Adetokunbo Mumuni, said they gave the advice due to what they described as apparent deterioration in the President’s health condition.

The statement reads in part: “When President Buhari was recently in the United Kingdom on a medical vacation, which lasted 59 days, many public officers said that he was “hale and hearty.

“But upon his return to the country, President Buhari disclosed that he had never been that sick in his entire life. Even though the President did not disclose the nature of his ailment, he revealed that he went through blood transfusion. While thanking the Nigerian people for their prayers, the President announced that he might soon travel back for further medical treatment.

“A few weeks ago, Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai urged Ni-

gerians to give President Buhari time to recover from his sickness.

The plea was made after the Governor had visited and presumably assessed the state of the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

“However, due to the apparent deterioration in the President’s health condition, he has neither been seen in public in the last one week nor attended the last two meetings of the Federal Executive Council. His absence at the last Jumat service in the villa has fuelled further speculations and rumours on President Buhari’s medical condition.

“But instead of embarking on regular briefing on the actual state of the health of President Buhari, officials of the Federal Government have continued to assure the Nigerian people that the is no need for apprehension over the matter.

“In defending the absence of the President at the last FEC meeting and other state functions, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, stated that “the president’s doctors have advised on his taking things slowly, as he fully recovers from the long period of treatment in the United Kingdom some weeks ago.”

“As we join the Nigerian people of goodwill to pray for a speedy recovery of President Buhari, we are compelled to advise him to heed the advice of his personal physicians by taking a rest to attend to his health without any further delay.”

Meanwhile, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, on Monday, said some people in the corridor of power are feasting on the health condition of President Buhari.

Continued on page 7

NCAA suspends crew member over Marijuana usage Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended a crew member who tested positive to psychoactive substance, Tetrahydro – Cannabinol (Marijuana).

The suspect was fished out when the agency conducted a random alcohol and drug tests on licenced aviation personnel in the industry.

Out of the 87 personnel tested, the General Manager Public Affairs of NCAA, Sam Adurugboye, said that only one crew member tested positive to psychoactive substance, Tetrahydro – Cannabinol (Marijuana) and was immediately suspended by the Authority from carrying out further flight operations.

He said that further investiga-

tions were later carried out to ascertain the quantity of the substance in the urine sample of the crew member.

“Quite clearly, the crew member violated the provisions of Part 2.11.1.7. (a) and Part 8.5.1.5(a) (3) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs 2015). NCAA has therefore sanctioned the offending aircrew in accordance with the provisions of Part 2.11.1.8(f) (i) and Part 2.11.1.7(c) of Nig.CARs 2015”, Adurugboye said.

According to the Adurugboye, the Medical Certificate and Licence of the aircrew has been suspended for 180 days from the 5th day of April, 2017. Accordingly, the respondent shall cease to exercise the privileges of the License for the period of his suspension.

In addition, the crew member

shall within 7 (seven) days of receipt of Letter of Sanction, hand over the Licence to the Authority’s Director of Licencing (DOL).

Adurugboye added that “the aircrew shall undergo a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation for psychoactive substance abuse during the suspension period under the care of a Consultant Psychiatrist. At the end, the report of the Consultant Psychiatrist shall be reviewed by the Authority’s Consultant Psychiatrist Adviser. This is to enable NCAA consider possible restoration of the suspended Medical Certificate and Licence”.

Justifying the tests, Adurugboye said that the exercise was in compliance to a directive from the Director General, Capt.

Muhtar Usman.

The General Manager, in an

official statement issued on Monday stated that the test was duly communicated in an Advisory Circular NCAA – AMS – 004 titled “Drugs and Alcohol Policy for Air Operators Certificate holders, Air Navigation Service Providers and other aviation stakeholders” issued to the aviation industry on 1st July, 2016 by the Authority.

According to him, a total of 87 (nos) of personnel from two airlines, Air Peace, Medview and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were tested. They were randomly tested as they were about to embark on flight operations and air traffic control duties.

“There were 29 (nos) Pilots 10 and Cabin crew 19 from Air Peace Ltd while 42 (nos) Pilots 9 and

Cabin crew 32 were from Medview Airlines. Others were from Air Navigation Service Providers, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), 16 (nos) of licensed Air Traffic Controllers and Trainees. 10 (nos) Licensed ATC and 6 (nos) Trainees are from the Control Tower and TRACON Centre”, Adurugboye said.

The random drug and alcohol tests for Licenced Aviation Personnel will be carried out periodically to rid the industry of menace of crew members and ATCs conducting flight operations under the influence of psychoactive substance which could jeopardise flight safety.

The exercise was conducted

by Medical Assessors from the Aeromedical Department of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

7 News

May Day celebration: Workers, FG face-off disrupts proceedings Continued from page 1 rather delegated a senior Director, claiming that he will be addressing the workers as a representative of Mr. President on the same occasion.

The workers, who claimed being deceived by Ngige, as the Minister of Labour, approached the podium to disallow any other proceeding with the demand that they will not listen to any other Government official except Mr. President whom they voted in to help cushion the sufferings of millions of Nigerian workers.

The scenario took a dangerous and uncontrollable twist when former Labour leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, mounted the podium to test his popularity as a solution to calm the aggrieved and disenchanted workers but was met with a stiffer opposition as the chanting crowd assured him of a showdown.

The unfortunate event

threw the dignitaries in attendance including the Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and representative of the Senate President into confusion as they were all shielded out of the Eagle Square under the protection of the joint security men.

The workers, who defied police water tanker, took over the podium and seized the microphones to their satisfaction, chanting ‘Ole Ole’.

However, the aggrieved workers told The Daily Times that the Eagle Square face-off has become a better opportunity to confront the Government who has told lies since its inauguration.

According to one of the labour leaders who did not want his name in print, mammoth crowd that greeted this year’s May Day celebration was due to the apathy to the present Government.

His words: “Please do not be deceived, and do not think that we are here to

praise the Government. All the people you see here are ears to hearing one thing and that is the possible increase in minimum wage any other thing short of that is useless” Speaking also, another worker, Miss Janet Isa, said: “Our own mumu don too much’. Why will these people be treating us like this when their children are abroad studying and even to pay school fees in Nigerian for our children has become very difficult?

Today we are saying no to their sins”.

Meanwhile, President of the Nigeria Labour Union (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Waba, said that the Federal Government must be held responsible for the suffering of Nigerian workers whom he said has remained under paid despite the incessant increment in prices of items in the market.

Wabba while delivering his speech before a handful of workers at the Eagle square after the mayhem

that saw workers desert the Eagle Square, stated that Federal Government must do something possible to address the situation.

Addressing the media shortly after his address, the NLC president said that what happened at the event was a pure anger of what has been happening.

He said that this is an expression of people’s anger on what is happening today in the country. “It is an expression of people’s anger.

You have the issue of salary arrears, promotion arrears, leave allowance as well as the non-payment of retirees’ arrears. And here we are under recession,” he said.

Wabba said that what government can do to address the matter is to start discussion on the issue of minimum wage.

“We expected that either the President or the VicePresident would have been here to address the people on the matters because it is long overdue. And as we all know, the behaviour today

Members of the Nigeria Union of Tailors,during the 2017 May Day celebration in Ibadan… on Monday

Buhari’s health: Again, Presidency says no cause for alarm Continued from page 6 Akande said this in a statement adding that the president’s ailing health is taking a toll on the country.

He expressed fear that the country may be thrown into anarchy if Nigerians did not learn from history.

He said: “These are two great red flag dangers that have the potential of plunging the country into un-

precedented chaos and of destabilising the gains of democracy since 1999.

“The greatest danger, however, is for political interests at the corridor of power attempting to feast on the health of Mr. President in a dangerous manner that may aggravate the problems between the executive and the National Assembly without realising if, in the end, it could drag the entire country into avoidable doom.

“Let me warn today that those who wish to harvest political gains out of the health of the president are mistaken. This is not Nigeria of 1993.

“We are in a new national and global era of constitutionalism and order.

We hope Nigerians have enough patience to learn from history.

“My greatest fear, however, is that the country should not be allowed to slide into anarchy and dis-

order of a “monumental proportion.”

He urged all Nigerians to pray for the president’s recovery, saying it was necessary to prevent Nigeria from being thrown into confusion.

“To avoid the ugly consequences of letting President Buhari’s ailments throw Nigeria into confusion, I am urging all Nigerians to begin to pray for his divine healing and perfect recovery,” he said.

shows an accumulated anger since many workers today in Nigeria do not have up to three square meals a day and this calls for sporadic action.”

However in their different statements marking the Workers’ Day celebration, the United Labour Congress (ULC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), among others, demanded that the governments at the federal, state and local levels should review the minimum wage of workers, improve security, clear backlog of salaries, reduce the rate of unemployment and curb corruption.

The National President

of ULC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said: “We have watched with increasing despair the mounting deprivations and sufferings that have presently held Nigerian workers and masses in its throes without remitting.

On his part, National President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in his statement said: “As usual, we are pushing for the interest of workers, not only workers, but the interest of the Nigerian public, from social and economic angle to security angle, down to issue of strategic institutions, like power. All of these will actually be accommodated in our address.

FG building productive, inclusive economy –Adeosun ÏÏÏ Minister of

Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is building a productive economy for a sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The Minister said this while speaking on Monday at “The Platform” with special focus on the Nigerian economy, which was hosted by the Covenant Christian Centre, Lagos.

She said the Federal Government was calling for greater focus on the productive sectors of the economy to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country.

According to her, “while mistakes have been made in the past, this administration is looking ahead and laying the ground work to build a resilient economy that is not vulnerable to boom and bust cycles.”

The Minister noted that Government revenue remains overly reliant on oil and we must use oil revenue to develop and diversify the economy, not just sustain consumption.

She pointed out that “while oil proceeds have represented between 50 percent and 70 percent of Federal Government revenue over the past 3 years, it has contributed 10% or less to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the same period”.

Mrs. Adeosun emphasised that “we must change our growth model to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth by broadening the range of our economic

activities in the production and distribution of goods and services.”

She said that the Federal Government wants to create jobs for the people and to do this, we must look beyond the extractive industry. We must invest across the value chain in Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing and Trade to localise production, processing and distribution.

This will create jobs, drive innovation and support knowledge transfer to local businesses.

Adeosun said: “Our focus is on activities that are value adding to the economy to ensure longterm stability. The infrastructure that we build to facilitate power and transportation will be vital in achieving diversification and economic growth. We are focused on addressing the challenges we face to deliver services to our people”.

The Government is investing in massive domestic fertilizer production, making it cheaper to grow the food we need and raw materials to support moribund industries.

We are also investing in rail - making it quicker and cheaper to get produce across the country. Our pilot programme has shown that we can reduce the cost of food if we can move it across the country faster.

The Minister noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are critical to broadening our revenue base and we must make it easier for them to do business.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Non-payment of salary, a criminal act -Gov Lalong Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÏÏÏNone

payment of civil servants’ salary at the end of every month is an act equal to criminality, says Plateau state governor, Mr. Simon Lalong.

Lalong stated this on Monday in Jos, the state capital, during an event organized by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in commemoration of the Workers Day celebration.

The governor faulted the Peo-

ples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for saying that payment of salary is not an achievement, adding that if PDP is bold enough, it should come and stand before workers on May Day to say that prompt payment of workers salary is not something to celebrate.

Lalong said that he has taken note of the request made by the organised labour, which include the implementation of minimum wage regime to local government workers and primary school teach-

ers, enrollment of retirees into pension and payment of gratuity to retirees, payment of outstanding 2012 batch “C” leave transport grant, payment of ‘no work no pay’, timely release of promotion and payment of promotion arrears to all workers in the state and approval of the purchase of land for workers housing scheme.

Consequently, the NLC state chairman, Comrade Jibrin Bancir, lauded the governor for his workers-friendly disposition and

the achievement of his government in solving some of the sundry issues presented to him last year which he has attended to therefore winning the hearts of the workers.

Bancir added that “government must on her part continue to be committed, diligent, transparent and God fearing in her dealings.

This, he said, would no doubt usher in an era of prosperity, productivity and above all industrial peace and harmony in the state.”

32-year-old man docked for robbery Daniel Ojukwu

ÏÏÏA

32 years old man, Israel Chika Obi, was arraigned last Friday before an Ikeja Magistrate Court over alleged conspiracy, felony and armed robbery to the tune of N2.4million.

The alleged crime was said to have occurred at Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos, at about 3:30am on January 29, 2017.

According to the prosecutor, Simeon Imhonwa, the accused, in company of other gang members who are currently at large, armed with guns, attacked one Mr. Sunday Matthew Edigbe, and carted away N1.3million, a Galaxy Note 5 valued at N175,000, Sony Experia phone of worth N215,000, golden chain with a market value of N300,000, a wedding ring valued at N120,000, three gold plated wrist watches and a Blackberry Z 30 worth a combined value of N320,000.

The accused, Chika Obi, however pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The prosecutor further informed the court that the offence contravened sections 297 and 296 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2011.

The magistrate, B.O. Osunsammi, granted the accused bail with the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The matter was adjourned till July 3, 2017 for trial.

Adamawa workers display placards during the Workers’ Day celebration in Yola… on Monday.

8 News Niger NLC calls on Gov Bello to reshuffle cabinet Saka Bolaji, Minna

ÏÏÏ The Niger State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to, as a matter of urgency, reshuffle his cabinet due to its numbers of sycophants and unproductive members.

Chairman of the state chapter of the congress, Comrade Yahaya Idris Ndako, while addressing the workers in Minna to celebrate the workers day, hinted that the NLC has no problem with the state government but its aides who are not doing the right thing by not telling the governor the true situation of things.

He noted that salary of workers is a right and decried a situation whereby they are being subjected to untold hardship.

He further lamented the non-payment of pensions and gratuities to retirees and therefore called for the allocation of N200 million from the over N400million monthly Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) for such payment.

He also advocated for the constitution of a Board of Trustee for its effective and efficient management.

Comrade Ndako rejected the new executive bill sent to the state assembly on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

In his speech, the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, said that his administration is not unaware of the skepticism and apprehension of the civil servants in the state and promised that the welfare of workers would be given the required priority.

Represented by the Secretary of State Government (SSG), Hon. Ibrahim Isah Ladan, the governor stated that the state government will continue to pay its 10.5 percent and 7.5 percent of workers in to the CPS while calling for dialogue in resolving matters between government and the organized labour.

Ambode unveils digital library, assures education for all Lagosians Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ

Lagos state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has formally unveiled the state Digital Library, reiterating his administration’s commitment to provide access to education for all.

Governor Ambode, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, at the launch of the state digital library held at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, said the unveiling of the first of its kind digital library was part of the vision of providing access to education for all.

According to the Governor, the access envisioned would be through collection and curation of digital content by online portal.

He said the development, apart

from complementing the quest for achieving the Lagos dream of becoming Africa’s model megacity, would also help in transforming the state to a global economic and financial hub.

“The digital library will provide a repository of contents which include 2,000 study aids on core subjects from Primary to Senior Secondary School curriculum, over 1,600 tutorials, instructional videos and selected e-books for primary to SS3 approved texts, brief history of Lagos State, online forum, podcasts and exam-mate (A Test Resource).

“The contents also include quality research papers from Lagos State Tertiary Institutions covering a wide variety of topics digitized for the platform in various forms such as vocational videos, entrepreneur-

ship contents, creatively presented history lessons and online courses on coding.

“This portal will be accessible via internet connection on a range of devices, from desktop computers to feature phones regardless of location, age or social economic status,” he said.

He said as part of the government’s efforts to make Lagos the next technology hub in Africa, the “Code Lagos” and “Digital Library” projects were initiated, adding that the Digital Library programme was the first of its kind in the state and one of the largest learning platforms in Africa.

The Governor noted that based on statistics available, Africa is expected to reach 500 million internet users by 2020, majority of whom will

access internet through a mobile device.

He, therefore, urged students, researchers and everyone interested in knowledge acquisition to make use of the platform which can be accessed from any part of the state and country.

Ambode

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

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9

C/River APC united, ready to sweep all stakes in council poll – Etta Ntufam Hilliard Etagbo Etta is the National Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), South South. He was at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar, Cross River State recently to relax and share ideas with some of his contemporaries. EDEM EDEM, cornered him and he spoke on several issues including, Paris Fund, President Muhammadu Buhari’s attitude to work from home, voter’s registration, defections and factions in APC, among other issues.

Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade was reported to have collected Paris Club fund alongside other governors in the country, nobody heard of it or what he has done with it, what is your take on this?

Our governor, Prof Ben Ayade has not declared that he has collected the US160 million from the Federal Government. We must ask him to declare it publicly. Is he thinking that we do not have people in this state to challenge him? The Head of Service of the Federation, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Minister of Niger Delta Ministry, the chairman of NDDC, the National Vice Chairman of APC, etc, are all from Cross River State, appointed by the APC government. So how dare he think that he can blindfold the state and pocket this money like he did on other bail funds from the Federal Government.

One of which his younger brother, Frank, was accused by EFCC of having pocketed N4 Billion. How come that he has secretly collected this money and has not bothered to disclose to people of the state that he has so collected the money. Since after he collected this money, pensioners have not been paid, no projects have been executed, nothing has been changed. Gov Ayade will not just collect $160 million and pocket it just like the last ones. Well by 2019, the immunity conferred on him by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will elapse

not, you would have seen our campaign posters everywhere because we are the only people embarking on campaign for the local government elections in the state.

We are the only people that have sold forms for our prospective aspirants. We have conducted party primaries for our councillors. We shall soon conduct another for the chairmanship slot. We have fully sensitised our aspirants and electorate on the issue of continuous voter’s registration.

Etta

and we will jail him.

If he thinks he can fritter away our resources and go away scot free like Senator Liyel Imoke, he is lying. He thinks that Liyel Imoke has gone away, let me tell you Liyel has not gone away free. I think that the critical sectors of the country, like the media, for instance, should be able to ask Gov Ayade what he has done with all the bailout funds, including the recently received one, the Paris Fund Club.

This fund is outside the normal federal allocation to the state. This one just happens to be an unforeseen largess from the Federal Government. This should help the state to defray outstanding debts and other bills, which have become a disgrace to the state. Well, I know that the governor of Cross River has no sense of shame. If he can go about dancing ‘showkee’ with collar of his shirt straightened up like marijuana smokers, he does not have shame.

On the forth coming local government elections in the state, what is APC doing in this regards?

APC is the only party in the state that is preparing for the local government election.

Other parties including the PDP are dead.

We are the only party that is going about the registration exercise. But our people have been stopped from mounting public advertisement by CRISAA, from pasting their posters. On this, we have decided to sue them. If

In the event that Governor Ben Ayade refuses to conduct local government election as it is unfolding now, what would you do?

Already you may be aware that we were in court over this with the state government, and we got a favourable court order that finds harmony with the position of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. And the apex court has made it abundantly clear that it is unconstitutional to have any other apart from elected officials at the local government council’s administration.

But we will not be surprised if Ayade will continue with the impunity that PDP has been known for, that has become the acceptable government in the state. But certainly we will always drag them to court over such impunity, and to ventilate the position of the party, which is that anyone occupying position of the local government chairman must have been democratically elected.

It’s said that APC national leaders from Cross River State are factionalised, what is your view on this? Is it actually that APC has factions, home and Abuja fronts?

I do not have any faction in the Cross River APC. Pastor Usani Usani, the Minister for Niger Delta Ministry does not. It is wrong to say that the minister and I do not see eye to eye.

The minister and I are political associates. We have never been enemies. But that is not to say that we cannot disagree on policies. Even if I was to be situated with my twin brother, we can always disagree on policy issue.

I hold very strong views on many issues.

Minister Usani also happens to be a man who holds very strong views on many issues.

Therefore, it cannot be imagined that these kinds of people cannot have disagreements bordering on policy issues. Disagreement does not mean factionalisation. To me, politics is propelled by self interests. One of the pillars

So what gives anyone the impression that APC in Cross River is in factions? The word factionalisation has been bandied around for too long without anyone caring to ask the actual meaning of the word. Sir John Ochala is the chairman of the party in the state whom everyone well accepts. I would think that the ever quarrelsome and cantankerous PDP are behind the speculation that there is faction in our party

of democracy and politics is the capacity for crisis management and resolution.

So what gives anyone the impression that APC in Cross River is in factions? The word factionalisation has been bandied around for too long without anyone caring to ask the actual meaning of the word. Sir John Ochala is the chairman of the party in the state whom everyone well accepts. I would think that the ever quarrelsome and cantankerous PDP are behind the speculation that there is faction in our party.

Still on APC, why is it that the state chairman is still operating under the capacity of acting chairman, two years gone?

It is because we are yet to conduct congress to fill vacancies in the party. Cross River is not a peculiar state at all. We also have acting chairman in Adamawa State because the chairman, Mrs Binta, contested Senatorial election and won. The one who actually took over from her passed on. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Let us articulate this properly before we are seen as the megaphone of the dying PDP. Interestingly, today your party is receiving defectors from PDP, how do you see this development, especially when some of them are alleged to be corrupt, are they coming to your party for cover?

Our arms are always widely open to welcome every defector to APC, especially in Cross River State. The constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of association.

No one can take this away from Governor Ayade who is reported to be interested in crossing over to APC. But I will never tolerate his infantile disposition in our party if and when he comes in, but I cannot stop Gov Ayade from coming to the party, any time he wants to.

We cannot stop anyone interested to come to APC because after all this would be the first time in the state for people of Cross River to join the progressives. Whether anyone likes it or not, APC represents progress.

I find it very amusing that people have already condemned a man before hearing from him. The Minister of Transport, and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi who has been bandied to be corrupt, for instance, why hasn’t his successor, Nyesome Wike, been able to put up a formal charge against him?

This is because he has access to all official documents that transpired during his predecessor’s tenure. I have not seen, heard, may be you can remind me, when Gov Wike has sued Amaechi over alleged corruption.

It should not be only the EFCC, ICPC or the federal police that have the powers to drag anyone before the courts over allegation of corruption.

The state government can also prosecute anybody. Why has Wike not sued Amaechi, instead he is crying all over the pages of newspapers. To those who criticise us for welcoming decampees, I also ask, is there any way in the constitution that debars us from doing so? In the APC, we have preponderance of the progressives. We also have people that have come for their priCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2. 2017

CVR: INEC commends Enugu for massive mobilisation of electorate The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commended the Enugu State government for massive mobilisation and sensitisation of the electorate on the on-going Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

INEC’s National Secretary, Mrs Augusta Ogakwu gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

Ogakwu said that the commission was overwhelmed with the massive number of people coming out for the exercise in various centres in the state.

“For these two days, I have been to various CVR registration centres in the three senatorial zones of the state, Enugu East, Enugu West and Enugu North, and I saw the massive turn-out of people eligible for the exercise.

“The number is quite overwhelming and an indication that the people of Enugu State are keying into the ex-

Gov. Ugwuanyi

Prof. Yakubu

ercise.

“I personally noticed the overwhelming number in most centres in the hinterland of the state as well as the patience the people have to go through the process of the exercise,’’ she said.

The commission’s secretary, however, advised all eligible persons to ensure that they go through the exercise as it would continue till the 2019 elections.

Ogakwe urged the state government and relevant stakeholders to prevail on

Adamawa Assembly Speaker denies beating policeman The Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, has denied reports that he physically assaulted one of the policemen attached to him who complained of non-payment of allowances.

Mijinyawa, in a statement signed by the Assembly Public Relations Officer, Mr Yahaya Daji, described the story as “baseless, false, unfounded and malicious” aimed at denting his image.

Mijinyawa said that as a legislator, he has respect for the rule of law and would not carry out such dastardly act against anybody.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Adamawa Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Othman Abubakar, had said that the police was investigating the matter.

Abubakar said that there was allegations that the Speaker beats one of the policemen attached to him.

The spokesman, who did not give details, explained that the Yola Area Command of the force was investigating the matter.

In another development, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Alhaji Musa Mahmud, has also denied mob action against him and some lawmakers who went for an investigation at the Yola North Metropolitan Council secretariat.

Mahmud said that the mob that besieged the secretariat during the lawmakers visit on Thursday did not harass nor prevent the lawmakers

from their investigative mission to the council.

“The fact is that the protesting youths were not after us; they are just two opposing group of youths. ‘’Those in support of the suspension of the chairman of the council and those against his suspension who are trying to shout each other down,” Mahmud said.

He said that the lawmakers went there to confirm whether the legislative arm of the council complied with the House of Assembly resolution to open the council legislative chamber.

The chamber was closed following leadership crisis; seven out of the 11 members had passed a vote of no confidence on the Chairman of the council.

“During our visit we met the legislative leader who told us that legislative activities could not take place due to absence of the legislative clerk and most of the Councillors.

“We left there immediately because there was no sitting to supervise and not because of mob action,” Mahmud said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

those who had not collected their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to do so.

She noted that the computer capturing machines in the state were adequate and fully functional for the exercise.

“However, we have our system engineers on ground to deal with any issue as well as large number of back-up systems to replace any defaulting system pending its repairs,’’ she said.

NAN reports that CVR was being conducted to enable citizens who turned 18 years of age after the last registration exercise; or those who for one reason or another could not register in the previous exercises.

The 2010 Electoral Act (as amended) mandates the commission to carry out CVR nationwide and to make available to every political party within 60 days after each year, the names of the addresses of each person registered during that year.

The exercise holds Mondays to Fridays, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, excluding public holidays.

Post-Insurgency: Yobe sets to domesticate Administration of Justice Act The Yobe State government has commenced the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (AJCA) as part of measures to recover the setbacks suffered by the justice sector from the insurgency era.

The AJCA provides for the administration of criminal justice system which promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions and speedy dispensation of justice.

It also provides protection for the society from crimes and protection of the rights and interest of the suspect, the defendants and victims in Nigeria.

Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu.

He said: “Gov Ibrahim Gaidam has also approved the setting up of the Administration of Justice Committee.

“We have the Administration of Jus-

tice Commission at the federal level and the Administration of Justice Committee at the state level.”

Mustapha said the process of domesticating the act has reached advanced stage and would be submitted to the State Assembly for passage into law.

The commissioner said courts were forced to close down while judges, lawyers and litigants avoided the courts during the insurgency era.

He said that this brought untold consequences on administration of justice, adding that it also affected the rights of those awaiting trial and other litigants “We are grateful for the improvement in peace and security, the courts are now sitting and lawyers from all over the country now attend the courts,” he said.

Mustapha said that the new atmosphere would redress some of the problems suffered in the administration of justice and contribute to the post insurgency era reintegration.

‘ C/RiverAPC united, readyto sweep all stakes in council polls’

vate and personal interests.

But as the ideological firmament of Nigeria begins the process of congealment, the situation as at this time is quite fluid. A time shall come when the proper congealment will begin to take place. This will be when the people who ought to be in APC but are in PDP and other parties will steadily find their way back home. A time will come that people will return to the parties that best suit their ideologies.

How do you view the recent story that President Buhari is performing his official duties from his house?

We make a mountain of a mole hill. I do not know if you have ever visited the Aso Rock villa. If you have, you would have seen that the President’s official residence is just about two or three minutes walk to his office. His work can not suffer as a result of him working from his official residence.

Beside, you know that his ticket comes

with his vice, the very active, energetic and wonderfully gifted Professor Yemi Osibanjo. Even if the President was so indisposed, the presidential work will never suffer because Osibanjo is well gifted and endowed.

The man who asked the question, who is the Presidency was not literate enough!

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is not my friend. The President had suspended him.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

11 Interview

Why the western world are sabotaging Ajaokuta Steel Industry-Professor Timothy-Asobele What is your assessment of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, bearing in mind that the complex holds much potential for Nigeria’s development?

It is a subject that I know so well that will bring expected Industrial revolution and economic take-off for Nigeria. On the fifth of January, 2010, I sent about fifty pages of a position paper on how Ajaokuta Steel Complex can support Nigeria and its economic takeoff. Then, I decided to send it to other media houses so that since it is the very fulcrum of our economic take off, I believed that the downstream activities of the Nigeria Steel Complex in Ajaokuta, will impact positively on the life our people in Nigeria, especially, the Kogi people, most especially, the Okun people of Kogi West Senatorial District, North Central Nigeria.

That is why I’m interested, because we have trained so many engineers, so many workers, economists, etc., but I keep on asking, what impacts have they made on the economy of Nigeria? Because, we have professors all over the places, we have professors of Metallurgy/ Material Sciences, we have Professors from Harvard University, California Institute of Technology, what are their impacts?

Have we able to create even needles or switch boards; wristwatch, balance wheal, which we can generate by our economic activities at the Ajaokuta Steel Complex? That our professors, the PHD holders in sciences, in technology, they should realise that if they developed their own entrepreneural scheme by adding values to our raw materials will take off economically.

Just as a plain bar of iron worth five American Dollars made in to repair of raw shoe is worth fifty dollars made into medical needles is worth five thousand dollars made in to balance fine switch wrist -watch might bring half a million dollar. Our children must developed our numerous raw materials, which abound in our Agricultural field, we are gifted and talented use, for example, in the old Kabba Province, the people were able to turn corn into cornflakes, gbugburu, Ogi, Eko elewe, cornmeal, which added value to the local corn. We expect our people to be inventors; to be able to add value to what we have in our own local materials; and that is why I have been talking about iron and steel development. It is the cornerstone of our industrial and our economic take-off.

At the inception of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN’s, administration in 1979, and even right from former President’s Olusegun Obasanjo’s Military government in 1976, we heard that government had a good vision to develop Ajaokuta Steel industry by sending out some of our young talents to overseas; what is your view or thought about Nigeria’s technological breakthrough?

Well, we believed that if, for example, we revived the critical section to generate enough funds to service and finance the rolling means, these can generate important upstream and downstream industrial activities that are critical to the country economy in line with Vision 2020, foundry can proceed to manufacture various agricultural equipment, for refinery; auto parts, platform, pipes and bents, defense and armament parts, crushers, hammer, to create demand for steal and alloy components in automobile industry.

There is a huge market for alloy even in the cement factory, at Ewekoro, Ashaka, Obajana, Okpela, Calabar, Shagamu and Unkalagwu. The downturn in oil prices makes this alternative source of revenue impera-

Professor Samuel Olajide Timothy-Asobele is the Head, department of European Languages, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. A man of many parts, he is also an outstanding administrator and author of several books. He spoke with FEMI GANIYU and ISMAILA ADEKUNLE on the travails of Ajaokuta Steel Complex, Kogi State; academics and other sundry national issues. Excerpts States Government as, industrial spy; to come and steal the technological development of the American State; and we remembered that even Japan took more than 150 years to achieve industrial revolution, which took about fifty years; they caught off with the US and they are masters of their products, I believed it high time we think of how the Japanese and ancients tigers were able to beat the West and produce more than the West.

We expect Nigeria’s economic recovery plan at the beginning of April, and the government should revisit the educational background of those who are going to implement the economic recovery system.

Prof. Timothy-Asobele

tive for us in this country. Let us produce for export; by so doing, we will be facilitating technological growth, thereby adding value to our economy in a sustainable manner.

Ajaokuta foundry for example, has the capacity to produce 7000 tons of billet per annum. This will create jobs for our youth, reduce importation of cost products in the spirit of local contents; develop good rails and road network around Ajaokuta, Okene, Idah, Kaaba, Itakpe deposit side to link Obajana limestone deposit in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi state.

Vast forest lumbering activities are produced in commercial activities in Kogi State; our steel mill can produce rail track, wagon and coaches. Let the Chinese open up industrial estate in Nigeria.

What you have done now is to espouse the linkages between industry, Agricultural, mining, transportation sectors, etc.

I don’t believe that the white people will transfer technology to us. The Chinese used to steal from the United States government as, industrial spy; to come and steal the technological development of the American State; and we remember that even Japan took more than 150 years to achieve industrial revolution, which took about fifty years; they caught off with the US and they are masters of their products, I believed it high time we think of how the Japanese and ancients tigers were able to beat the West and produce more than the West.

Do you think the Nigerian government has done enough to carry out these linkages with respect to steeling industry?

The linkages you are talking about, I thought about it, because to develop the agric. sector for rural development, is very important. Agric. equipment from Ajaokuta foundry is about 4.5billion; agricultural, rural development loan was taken from China, everything will come for development, the tractors and the rest, it is about agriculture to take off and to rescue what we are producing and be exporter of product of goods and services abroad. We should develop the export sector, oil and gas, petroleum, because even now, with the platform in Brass LNG and Bonny LNG, we need the input of iron and steel for it to take off. We must add the expansion of energy Infrastructure, I mean the former NEPA; we have the Shiroro Dam, Kainji Dam and several all other dams, if we expand those dams, we should be able produce kilowatts of energy.

The linkages we are talking about, there must be availability of raw materials, availability of water, availability of human resources, we have developed paper tiger human resources, the professor of engineering that are not professing anything.

It is high time that we don’t put emphasis on their certificates, but on their productivity to impact on the industrial take off of the country.

Prof, you must have visited Ajaokuta steel industry, the building, the structures, perhaps some other steel industry in Oshogbo, Jos, in Warri and the rest of them; now, what is your assessment of the state of iron and steel industry In Nigeria?

Yes, in the year 2010, I visited Ajaokuta iron and steel company; in 2012, I visited the place again, and I have been there more than three times. I see the colossal waste that the company represents, but I believe that most steel technology operations from the white people, I don’t believe that the white people will transfer technology to us.

The Chinese used to steal from the United

Ajaokuta has gone through many hands; Indorama recently; and the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said they are going to privatize the Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Complex. Do you think that will solve the current problems facing the Complex?

Well, our Minister, Kayode Fayemi was my student in my faculty. I was teaching him French and History, I didn’t know him then. But I think, he is out of his mind, because, how do you privatize the core iron and steel industry that will make Nigeria send men to space, that would have a fleet of tractors; trailers made from iron and steels in Ajaokuta, and you want to give it to foreigners?

Anyway, he is an historian, he doesn’t know what he is doing. Ofcourse, fayemi is not an economist. Because nobody will transfer knowledge to you. In the late 1970s, Joseph Garba, the Minister at that time decided together with Obasanjo to send our young star to abroad to study science so that they can steal technology to come and develop the country, but, instead, they are running after paper qualifications and not the competency in performance that is expected of them.

President Muhammadu Buhari has just released his economic growth plans. What is your take on it?

If to judge the country by the number of conferences and seminars; the number of Colloquia, congresses done, Nigeria will be number in the world. Nobody has implemented all these. I think there is a committee to monitor the implementation of that fine program that is before us. We must look for people who are patriot. For example, I sent a letter to the Minister of Mining and Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, but up till now, he has not replied me; and I have sent more than fifty photocopies of Ajaokuta steel to him; and one of the lecturers here, who was his classmate, has gone about it, but he (Fayemi) refused to look at the message.

Have you ever met with former President Obasanjo to rub minds on the steel sector and his role?

Obasanjo is my friend. He personally wrote me over issues. We talked and rub minds. He is a true Nigerian, he believes so much in this country. And that is why I like him. But his second coming as a civilian President was not as good as his first coming as a Military Head of State.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Vibrant opposition critical to good governance, says Atiku

Continued from page 1

Nigeria due to a number of structural, historical and socio-cultural factors, stressing that human actors are largely responsible for the current state of affairs.

He said: “In contemporary Nigeria, good governance would involve addressing the country’s economic stagnation and crisis, including transitioning the economy to a post-oil/commodities trajectory, ensuring security, fighting corruption and restructuring the polity, including the structure of the federation and government institutions.

“In a democracy, a vibrant and constructive opposition, including opposition political parties and independent news media, are critical in ensuring good governance because they help to inform and mobilize the citizens and hold the government to account.

“And above all, perhaps, good governance requires a vigilant and demanding electorate.

“I think it has been very difficult to realize good governance in Nigeria due to a number of structural, historical and socio-cultural factors. But human actors are largely responsible for the current state of affairs. A brief excursion into Nigeria’s history will help”.

Atiku maintained that good governance will require a plan, not just for managing day-day governance issues but to address emerging and anticipated future challenges.

According to him, the goals of good governance, after all, are people’s security and welfare and the smooth functioning of society.

Continuing, he said: “In Nigeria, we need to restore due process and respect for government procedures rules and regulations. And we need to enforce sanctions for their disregard.

“We really need to go back to the basics of what makes for an orderly and smooth functioning

governmental administration.

“Good governance requires proper coordination of the organs of government. You cannot have different agencies of the same government working at crosspurposes or contradicting each other on very important policy issues, and personnel selection.

“We must address Nigeria’s economic stagnation/crisis. This will include economic reform and modernisation which privileges the private sector as the engine of growth and employment generation.

“We must continue to diversify our economy away from the excessive reliance on oil, continue the privatization policy began more than a decade ago and try to align monetary and fiscal policies for much needed coherence, predictability and stability in order

to attract investments.

“Good governance in Nigeria will include a relentless effort to curb corruption in public life.

And this should not be merely dealing with corruption after the fact. Perhaps more important are efforts to prevent corruption from taking place, especially through the removal of opportunities for corruption and imposing strong sanctions for the corrupt.

“Such efforts should also include ensuring the independence of the anti-corruption agencies through such measures as funding them through the first line charge in the consolidated revenue fund and having them report to the parliament.

“We also have to improve security, including anti-terrorism, anti-kidnapping and anti-armed

robbery, and efforts to end the herdsmen-farmers clashes. Fortunately, progress has been made in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency by the Buhari administration, but we need to also make progress on the others.

“All these security issues are broadly linked to economic challenges, and improvements in the latter will help in that regard.

“To improve good governance in Nigeria we also need to restructure the country’s federal system.

This include fiscal federalism, devolution of powers to federating units and the restoration of state police to states that so desire. “We might consider using the current geo-political zones as federating units since they are large enough to be more viable or we may consider a means-test for viability

of states such that existing states that are unable to generate a specified percentage of their revenues from internal sources will be collapsed into other states.

“This will encourage the federating units to once more engage in productive activities and healthy rivalries.

“On the whole, good leadership is critical for good governance.

This will involve leadership by example, a leadership that steers the country in a clear direction, is competent; has integrity and credibility; and is perceived as fair to all segments of the population.

“Effective opposition is critical for the maintenance of good governance and the deepening of democracy, which in turn, helps in the maintenance of good governance”.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd r); Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule (3rd l); Chairman House Committee on Establishments, Training, Pensions and Public Service, Hon. Dayo Famakinwa (2nd r); Commissioner, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson Oke (2nd l); Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola (l); and chairman Lagos State, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Francis Ogunremi (r), during the 2017, Worker’s Day Celebration in commemoration of the Lagos at 50 in Agege Stadium, Lagos… on Monday.

PDP raises concern over arrest of Lamido, Suswam, Aliyu, others Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has accused the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) of harassing and intimidating Court Judges, opposition leaders, social media influencers/bloggers and other Nigerians that speak against the federal or state governments on fabricated charges.

The NCC of the PDP specifically raised the alarm that the governing APC is unleashing the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Service (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the opposition members and others with a view to cowing them.

The national caretaker committee of the leading opposition

party in the country made the accusation in its reaction to the weekend’s arrest and detention of former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

The NCC of the PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, noted that former Governor Lamido merely asked the people to defend their votes against rigging, wondering how that has become a crime.

The party pointed out that if APC is not planning to steal the peoples’ votes, why should it be afraid if the people are advised to defend their votes?

It reasoned that no thief would want the owner to guide his house against burglary.

The NCC of the PDP noted with regrets that the excesses of the security agencies in the country has now reached alarming proportions, stressing that if they

must be reminded, their mandate is to defend all Nigerians and not to act as a willing instrument of oppression of the people by the autocratic APC Government.

It therefore called on the security agencies in the country to release unconditionally Lamido, the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, and all other political detainees in their custody, adding “We are in a democracy and not a Gestapo state”.

It equally used the opportunity to invite members of the international community to call the APC government particularly the overexcited and autocratic APC Governors to order.

The NCC argued that the APC and its Governors are ones who are instigating lawlessness in the country as was seen in Kogi, Niger, Benue and now Jigawa State.

It warned that if this ugly trend is not stopped forthwith, it may lead to breach of peace and public disorder.

The APC leaders and Governors, the NCC of the PDP said, should be held responsible for whatever is the outcome of the continuous intimidation of opposition members in the country.

The statement reads in full: “The attention of leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, has once again been drawn to the unwarranted arrest and detention of the former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji (Dr.) Sule Lamido by men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) in Kano State. This is outrageous and antidemocratic.

“Dr. Lamido was arrested and detained on Sunday, April 30, 2017 on the frivolous allegation of ‘inciting the public’.

“The true reason for his arrest however, has to do with the forthcoming Local Government Elections in Jigawa State. The long incarceration of former Governor Gabriel Suswan is also linked to the forthcoming LGA Elections in Benue State.

“The APC-led Administration is fast losing the confidence of the people because of its non-performance, high handedness and lack of empathy for the suffering of the people.

“The only option left for it is to prevent the opposition from effectively campaigning and mobilizing the people for the Elections.

“The whole strategy of the failed APC Government is founded on the assumption that if there is no opposition, then they cannot be defeated. Hence the intimidation, harassment and incarceration of popular opposition leaders like Sule Lamido.

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

s PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Nigeria’s upsurge of kidney disease

I

t is fact that kidney disease (renal failure) has become a huge problem affecting millions of people all over the world. Incidentally, the burden of the disease is increasing among Nigerians with its physical, social and financial complications. In recent times, the increasing incidence of kidney failure has become a real source of worry in Nigeria.

The burdens associated with the disease have financially impoverished both the sufferers and their families alike, even as stories of Nigerians affected continue to grab media headline every day.

What is kidney or renal failure? It is when the kidneys are no longer working well enough for a person to live without dialysis or a kidney transplant. Medical experts have attributed the causes of kidney failure to include diabetes mellitus and long-term uncontrolled hypertension, chronic inflammation of the kidney, junks and fatty foods, advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease, indiscriminate consumption of herbal medicines and alcoholic beverages.

Others are untreated microbial infection, diarrhoea, malaria, potassium bromate poisoning, abuse of painkillers particularly paracetamol.

Statistics by the Nigeria Association of Nephrology shows that more nearly 37 million Nigerians of the country’s 170 million citizens are suffering from various forms of kidney diseases. In addition, records reveal that the disease affects an estimated 16,000 new patients every year. Increasingly, children are the worst hit with a prevalence rate of 22.3 admissions per 1000 child admissions per annum. Unfortunately, managing kidney related diseases is expensive even for the rich. Estimates put the cost of caring for kidney patients at about N130 billion annually of which a larger percentage is spent on foreign

Publisher/Editor in Chief

medical tourism.

Managing kidney-related diseases is complicated, even as its prevalence is a problem in our environment. Survey shows that one out of every seven Nigerians has one stage of chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, out of 50,000 patients, who should ideally be on dialysis, less than 1,000 are receiving one as at today. The good news is that some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible.

Even at that, there is a lack of government funding for treatment in Nigeria unlike some African countries like Rwanda and South Africa. This leaves the entire burden to individuals who most often cannot bear the cost for too long.

It is painful to note that only a handful of hospitals presently have the dialysis machines, which ideally should be spread across the country to tackle issues of kidney failure. We are therefore calling for the subsidisation of kidney treatments in the country, as most patients are unable to afford the treatments. In all, combating kidney failure among Nigerians implies mounting relentless public awareness campaigns on the risk factors behind it.

To accomplish this, the government should take a holistic approach to chronic diseases prevention, early identification and intervention, even as we recommend that social, behavioural and biological determinants of health be addressed within the framework of an overarching national chronic diseases’ strategy.

Fundamentally, however, the government and health policy makers need to have scientific projections on the trend, with a view to putting in place a framework for investing and funding renal treatment centres nationwide.

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, (r), in a chat with Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abia State chapter during 2017 May Day Celebration in Umuahia… on Monday.

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ogun State, Comrade Olubunmi Fajobi; and his Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) counterpart, Comrade Akeem Ambali, during the 2017 May Day Rally, at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta...on Monday.

Former First Lady of Benue State, Arc (Mrs.) Yemisi Suswam (m) and other family members during the cutting of cake to mark her 50th birthday ceremony, at the Central Parish of Redeemed Christian Church of God in Abuja… at the weekend.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Deputy General Manager Northern Operations Tony Ailemen 08036073601

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Goodluck Jonathan

Matthew Ashimolowo

Julius Nyerere

“Nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian”.

“If you must make a difference in life, then change your mind set”.

“Independence cannot be real if a nation depends upon gifts.”

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Workers’ day celebration

Ondo to employ 10,000 workers - Gov Akeredolu ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏThe Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Monday, announced that his administration would employ 10, 000 workers for the reforestation project in the state.

Mr. Akeredolu made the promise at the international workers day celebration held at the Gani Fawehinmi Ar-

cade, in Akure.

“In the coming weeks, investors will be here to plant trees and this will lead to the employment of 10, 000 unemployed Ondo state citizens,” the governor said.

He stated that the trees would help grow the economy of the state and resuscitate moribund industries neglected by past administrations.

Mr. Akeredolu reiterated that his administration was committed to the workers’ welfare and promised to offset the outstanding salaries owed by the immediate past government.

“The welfare of workers and the people of Ondo are the priority of this government which is evidenced by frantic efforts in prompt payment of

workers salaries and gradually offsetting salary arrears.

“There is a dire need, particularly for workers in the state, to start thinking out of the box on how to diversify our economy from the oil dependence into agriculture and industrialization in order to boost our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR),” he stressed.

The governor also asked the state workforce to imbibe a positive attitude by shunning “absenteeism” and other unethical conducts at public offices.

Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Bosede Daramola, also said there was need to diversify the economy by the various tiers of the government.

Perm Secs: Niger NLC alleges politicization of appointments

Obasa salutes workers, says they are partners in progress with govt Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏ The

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Nigerian workers on the May Day celebration.

Hon. Obasa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Razak, stated that the Nigerian workers deserved to be praised and commended for their persevrance, diligence and cooperation with government at all levels.

“I salute your courage, cooperation and support for government at all levels which have contributed to the success recorded so far by government at all levels to improve the standard of living of our people,” he said.

The Lagos Assembly Speaker stated further that workers are an integral part of any developmental programme of any government because they are partners in progress with government at all levels.

Rt. Hon. Obasa assured Nigerian workers that government at all levels will continue to work to put in place programmes and policies which will enhance the standard of living of the workers and also improve their welfare.

“The administration of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at all levels of government is workers’ friendly government hence will continue to put in place programmes and policies that will improve the standard of living of the Nigerian workers as well as enhance their welfare,” he said.

Mrs. Daramola pleaded with the federal government to expedite action on the agitation for a new minimum wage for the workers in the country.

The chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Soladoye Ekundayo, called on the state government to embark on programmes that will make the youths to be gainfully employed.

Saka Bolaji -Minna

ÏÏÏAs

L-R: Chairman, Eleganza Group and husband of the celebrant, Chief Razak Akanni Okoya; celebrant, Mrs. Sade Okoya; and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, during the 40th birthday celebration of Sade in Lagos… at the weekend.

We will employ ‘Danfo’ drivers for our new buses - Ambode Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ

Lagos state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday allayed fears that plans by his administration to phase out the yellow commercial buses, popularly known as ‘Danfo’, would lead to massive job losses, saying that it would instead create more jobs in the transportation sector.

The governor, who spoke at the May Day Rally held at the Agege Stadium to commemorate the 2017 Workers Day Celebration, said the Bus Reform Initiative, aimed at introducing over 5000 air-conditioned buses to replace the Danfo buses would open new vista of opportunities, while also redefining the means of road transportation in the state.

Responding to fears raised by the chairman of the state

chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Idowu Adelakun, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Francis Ogunremi, on the implications of the initiative to drivers, conductors, mechanics and other artisans, Governor Ambode assured that it would benefit all Lagosians in the long run.

“If Lagos is to be globally competitive, we need to change the outlook of the way the city runs. What is of paramount interest to this government is to make sure that every Lagosian has a comfortable means of moving from one point to the other. But I promise you there will be no job losses.

“The governor is not interested in driving all the new buses. It is the same bus drivers, the technicians, the mechanics that will also still be

employed and trained to use these new buses. Instead of job losses, we are going to employ more people for the greater number of the buses and it will make the city more beautiful and more comfortable for all our workers,” he said.

Governor Ambode, who also addressed the request of the labour leaders on workers’ welfare, assured that as the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to increase, his administration would work out modalities to improve the welfare of workers in line with his mantra of an all-inclusive governance.

He said his administration was ready to look into the plight of pensioners as regards the pace of paying pension, assuring that the process would be fast-tracked immediately.

“Just like we have said, we

have provided vehicles for the unions but again it has not gone round and it has also not gone round to the private sector unions, we will complete the whole scheme before the end of the year,” he said.

The governor said as part of the celebration of 50 years of Lagos, his administration would provide a befitting State Secretariat for the NLC, while government would also work on local and international training for labour leaders to make them relevant to the growth of the economy.

He equally assured that the officers of the State Public Service, who according to him, are the real drivers of the development in the state, would continue to be equipped with the necessary competencies and skills in order to deliver effective and efficient service to the people.

workers mark the 2017 Workers Day, the Nigeria Labour Congress has kicked against the politicization of the appointments of permanent secretaries in the state civil service.

The NLC specifically said that “the appointment of permanent secretaries from outside the service has brought about indiscipline, inefficiency and mediocrity which were alien to the civil service in the past.”

The chairman of the Niger state chapter of the NLC, Mr. Yahaya Idris Ndako, said at a rally of all affiliate unions of the congress in Minna on Monday that government should put a stop to the policy and rather institute “productivity award” in the service to make workers more dedicated to their duties.

Ndako also alerted the administration in the state that “the teaching profession is presently facing serious crisis of brain drain. Many teachers have been leaving the sector for other lucrative jobs thereby creating a large vacuum.”

He therefore charged the state government to as a matter of urgency and in the interest of educational development, recruit more qualified teachers in both primary and secondary schools to address the brain drain syndrome.

The NLC boss also asked the state government to without further delay pay the entitlements of all retired workers saying “ the lack of payment of pensions and gratuities to retired workers has led to the death of many.”

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

National Orthopedic Hospital workers decry non-full payment of salaries Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ The leader of the Joint Health Workers Union in the hospital, Comrade Cyprian Orjinta, disclosed this on Monday after the joint union march pass during the Workers Day celebration in Okpara Square, Enugu.

Orjinta noted that the joint union had embarked on a strike over one week now, which had paralyzed activities at the hospital. ``As I speak to you now, the whole staff at the hospital did not receive their October, 2016 salaries; apart from the half salary payment we had been receiving since January this year. ``We have checked with our colleagues in National Orthopedic Hospitals in Lagos and Kano; they are not treated with these salary payment issues. ``We are yet to understand, while the branch of the hospital under the Federal Ministry of Health in the South East would be treated this way,’’ he said.

Orjinta, however, lamented that still now the management of the hospital and its parent ministry had not deemed it fit to call for dialogue over the matter especially the on-going strike action.

Earlier, the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Enugu State Council, Comrade Chukwuma Igbokwe, commended Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on his development stride even in the current financial difficulties in the country.

Igbokwe lauded the transparent disbursement of N4.2 billion bailout fund for arrears of salaries and pensions of civil servant as well as the 100 per cent application of the Paris Club fund on the payment of local government workers’ salaries. ``However, we are imploring the governor to ensure the implementation of the adjusted salary chart and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) in state. ``The release of the result of the biometric exercise for parastatals and prompt payment of arrears of pension and gratuity in the state,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Virginus Nwobodo, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for striving to ensure labour harmony in the state. ``The NLC wants the centralization of payroll system for local government as well as intervention to the non-payment of some parastatal and clearance of arrears of salaries of parastatals especially the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS),’’ Nwobodo said.

15 News

NLC, ULC plead with governments over workers salary arrears Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The Abia state councils of the

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC) on Monday called on governments at all levels to ensure that their workers are paid promptly and as when due.

This year’s May Day theme is ‘Workers in a Recessive Economy: An Appraisal.’

Speaking at their separate march pasts in Ibeku High School and rally at Urban Primary School 1, Umuahia, the chairmen of NLC and ULC, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe and Comrade Christopher Uche Eziekel of NLC and ULC respectively also urged workers to give their best to the governments assuring that they

would be paid.

In his speech, Comrade Obigwe commended the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu on behalf of the Abia workforce for the judicious management of the 2015 bailout funds as well as the Paris Club refund.

Comrade Obigwe as well as his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Christopher Okpara, said Ikpeazu is the “only governor in all the states of the federation that constituted a two-partied committee, made up of government officials and labour leaders in 2017, to disburse the first tranche of the N10billion Paris Club refund to the state which was appropriated at the ratio of 50.50 for infrastructural de-

velopment and payment of arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities.

“As a listening governor, instead of N5.3b for salaries and pension arrears, you magnanimously conceded 55.3 percent of the N10.6 billion to salaries and pensions. ‘’We are however using this opportunity to crave the indulgence of our dear governor as usual to shift ground when the 2nd tranche of Paris Club refund drops to enable the payment of arrears of salaries.”

The workers also lauded the governor for the level of infrastructural development being carried out by his government and urged him not to relent.

Responding, Governor Ikpeazu thanked Abia workers for their

support, hard work and sacrifice which he said is responsible for the achievements he has recorded in office and implored them to partner his government to record greater accomplishments.

While admitting that he is not satisfied with the condition the Abia and Nigerian worker finds themselves, he said he looks forward to better days ahead for the Abia worker, adding however that there is no longer opportunity for free launch for any lazy worker in the state.

The governor maintained that parastatals were expected to generate enough funds to be self sustaining but regretted that this is not the case with many of the establishments.

A/Ibom: NLC seeks 71.2% contributory pension balance

Patrick Odey, Uyo

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong (l), with the chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Plateau chapter, Comrade Jibrin Banchi, during the Workers’ Day celebration in Jos… on Monday.

Amosun pardons three out of four sacked labour leaders Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ Ogun state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Monday pardoned three out of the four labour leaders sacked last year in the state.

The labour leaders were dismissed by the state government in October last year for an alleged misconduct during the World’s Teachers Day celebration.

They are the out-gone chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Dare Ilekoya; Eniola Atiku and Nola Balogun.

Meanwhile, the state council chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Akeem Ambali was not pardoned.

Amosun who announced the pardon at the M. K. O. Abiola, Kuto, Abeokuta, venue of the Workers Day celebration converted the dismissal to compulsory retirement with their full benefits.

He said since Ambali has gone to court it would be prejudicial to make any announcement on his own case.

It would be recalled that Ambali had approached the National Industrial Court, Lagos, over his disengagement from the state service.

The governor said: “We are not in anyway interested in punishing anybody. Procedures must be followed. We have been talked to on a daily basis by our leaders and elders in the state.

“We have been told that we have four, but three of them will be reinstated, and the reason is this, one of them has gone to court. Once you are in court, we are forbidden and cannot make any pronouncement on any matter that is in court.

“In the meantime, those under plea, Dare Ilekoya, Nola Balogun and Eniola Atiku, have been pardoned and they have been compulsorily retired with full benefits.”

He explained “Since the fourth person has gone to court, we must allow the process to run it course. After that, we might now take decision on his case.”

The theme of the this year’s celebration is: ‘Labour Relations in Economy Recession: An Appraisal.’

Meanwhile, NLC staged a walk out of the celebration ground, and did not partake in the march past. The reason, we gathered, was basically because of the none reinstatement of the state chairman, Comrade Ambali.

The governor commended the state work force for their support for his administration, adding that 2016 was a challenging year both for the state and federal government.

He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that efforts would be geared towards paying deductions and gratuities which were in arrears.

ÏÏÏ The Akwa Ibom state chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Etim Ukpong, has called for refund of balance of 71.2% percent contributory pensions Money to affected workers in the state.

Ukpong made the demand on Monday in a speech to mark the 2017 workers’ day celebration held at the old Uyo Township stadium.

The state labour boss said resolution of the issue would enable government and the union agrees on the resumption of contributory pension scheme in the state.

He said, ‘’We call on the government to address the following industrial issues bordering on refund of balance of 71.2% percent contributory pension money to affected workers so that labour and government can agree to the resumption of contributory pension scheme in the state’’.

The chairman called on the state government to address other industrial issues relating including payment of arrears of promotions from 2011 to date to all categories of workers and payment of arrears of leave grants to primary school teachers, local government staff and others.

He called on the state government to wade into the crisis in the construction companies where workers are losing their jobs and companies shutting down have refused to pay their entitlements. ‘’We demand that in negating contracts workers welfare and delivery of satisfactory jobs should be paramount and labour should be part of the negotiating team’’ Ukpong said.

The TUC chairman, Akamba Awah, lauded the industrial harmony between government and the union but called on the government to look into workers welfare adding the present minimum wage is nothing to write home about.

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Tech Times

Lagos State pushes for Computer Village relocation soon The government of Lagos state has said that it is committed to relocate Computer Village soon in order to decongest the capital of the state.

The state government made position known during the 2017 press briefing, adding that is aimed at curbing environmental degradation, housing stock deficit and traffic congestion in the state capital.

The Computer Village is situated in state’s capital, Ikeja, and stands as one of the biggest and highly patronized tech hubs for wide range of technology products and repair of gadgets in Nigeria.

This issue of relocation has been on since March 2009 following an agreement reached by the Lagos State Government under Babatunde Fashola, erstwhile governor of the State and the Computers And Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN) , but was put on hold for undisclosed reasons.

Daily Times gathered that in line with Lagos State Government’s policy to remove all markets from residential areas to more spacious and conducive sites, the Computer Village is expected to be relocated to a new site in Katankowa, in Agbado Oke Local Council Development Area, (LCDA), in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) along the Lagos-Abeokuta Express Road.

Sunday Ogunfolaji, then social secretary of CAPDAN said the certificate of occupancy (C of O), of the land had already been acquired by members of Association.

“Under a Public Private Partnership (PPP), we intend to build almost 5000 offices and shops at the new site which will be called ‘ICT Enterprise Zone’.

Presently, there are between 2, 000 to 2, 500 offices and shops in the Computer Village. With an average of about three persons to one office, the number of traders in the computer village would be at about 7, 000 persons. So the new site has excess capacity”.

GOV. AMBODE

s

Nigeria needs 80,000 base stations –Danbatta Stories by By Tony Nwakaegho Nigeria needs at least 70,000 to 80,000 telecommunication base stations in the quest to joining the countries working toward making Internet of Things (IoT) a reality by leveraging 4G and 5G networks.

Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), made this disclosure at a sitting of the House Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee investigating the health implications of mounting telecommunications masts close to building in Abuja, adding that the country currently has less than 50,000 base stations.

Danbatta said while responding to questions from members of the ad hoc committee that “3G, 4G going to 5G networks are going to usher this country into smart applications, the Internet of Things or the smart world and cities we are talking about. And of course because of the additional burden on infrastructure, the present capacity of telecom infrastructure is grossly inadequate to cater for these additional plat-

VICE DANBATTA EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, NCC forms or services we talk about.

“Therefore we will need from 70,000 to 80,000 base transceiver masts to be able to provide the effective capacity that’s needed to deploy 4G going to 5G.” He urged other approving agencies at all levels of government in the country to synergize with NCC with a view to

achieving the target, stressing that the United Kingdom (UK), with a population of almost one third of Nigeria already has close to 60,000 masts.

Commenting on concerns about health implications to exposure to electromagnetic field, the EVC NCC said researches so far conducted in the area have not indicated any adverse health concerns.

“With regards to other professional bodies like Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) we don’t have any quarrel with their positions. The only question is when we say exposure to electromagnetic field is hazardous to health what level are we talking about? We have to define the level of exposure that is hazardous to human beings.

“Of course if you generate a massive electromagnetic field of unprecedented proportion and put a person inside, there will be medical consequences. But what we are saying is that: provided the limit specified is observed and NCC is there to ensure compliance with that limit, there is no health hazard. There is a limit of safety below which electromagnetic fields do not cause any harm to health,” he pointed out.

CTO, Samoa sign MoU on Commonwealth Broadband Forum’17

The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and the government of Samoa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Commonwealth Broadband Forum (CBF) scheduled to hold in July 2017.

The CTO Secretary-General, Mr. Shola Taylor and Honourable Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i, the Minister of Communication & Information Technology, Samoa signed the agreement during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth ICT Investment Forum in Dubai on 10 April.

The Commonwealth Broadband Pacific Forum, would take place on 25 – 27 July 2017 at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (“TATTE”) Convention Center, Apia, Samoa.

“Broadband plays a key role in socio-economic development. The CTO has established this important conference series to assist Commonwealth communities to harness the power of broadband to transform community life and we are delighted that this year’s broadband forum will inform, and be informed by, the countries of the Pacific and beyond,” Taylor said.

The Commonwealth Broadband Pacific Forum will discuss the possibilities for social and economic development by exploring the role of broadband in areas such as finance, education, health broadcasting, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.

Previous events have been held in Kenya, Nigeria and Malaysia with input from policymak-

ers, regulators, industry leaders and civil society from across the Commonwealth.

“The Commonwealth Broadband Pacific Forum will enable Samoa to showcase our progress in connecting our citizens and enabling them to access the benefits of the Internet. It is also an

opportunity for us to bring together colleagues from the Pacific to examine the particular challenges facing broadband in our region, and discuss with our peers from the international community the future for broadband development across the Commonwealth,” Afamasaga said.

L-r : CTO Secretary-General, Mr. Shola Taylor and Honourable Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i, Minister of Communication & Information Technology, Samoa during the signing of the agreement in Dubai, recently.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

19 Tech Times

Paga, NIPOST partner to attract financial services to communities

By Tony Nwakaegho In line with their shared goal to drive deeper financial inclusion in Nigeria, Paga and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) recently announced a partnership aimed at attracting financial services to all Nigerians by leveraging on all the NIPOST offices nationwide as robust financial services points.

This partnership will be done on the back of the Shared Agent Network framework approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Paga will continue to expand its mobile money agent network to include post offices in all the Local Government Areas of Nigeria while giving priority to areas where banking services

are limited or otherwise difficult to access.

The first set of services to be offered, Daily Times gathered are deposits and withdrawals from bank accounts and mobile money wallets, utility bill payments, and airtime recharge for all telecom networks.

Other services which include savings and loans products are scheduled for launch in partnership with banking partners.

Speaking on the partnership with Paga, Mr. B.M Mukhtar, General Manager Financial Service, NIPOST said “There is a post office location within reasonable distance of almost every community in the country today, so we see an opportunity for NIPOST to play a leading role in enhancing financial inclusion for the betterment of Nigeria. For this reason,

ADEGBUYI

Post Master General NIPOST NIPOST is committed to partnering with Paga and other

financial institutions to bring critical financial services such as bill payments, bank account deposits and withdrawals, loans, money transfer and more to be available at NIPOST locations nationwide. We are taking it step-by-step and have already started to see the positive impact.”

On his part, Paga co-founder and director of business development, Jay Alabraba said, “Our work with NIPOST is simply one of several big steps that we are leading the industry in taking, to bring financial services to all communities in Nigeria. The rollout has been on-going since the beginning of 2016, and we are very encouraged by the outcomes so far. The Central Bank provided clear guidelines for shared services such as these, and we invite banks, mi-

Signal Alliance, Cisco task Nigerian banks on digital transformation Signal Alliance and Cisco met with representatives of Nigerian banks recently to showcase how their operations and security can be improved and more efficient without spending above their budget.

Adegbola Adesina, Signal Alliance Director of Service Delivery said at the Signal Alliance-Cisco business engagement session that “more companies continue to embrace mobility, cloud, analytics, and increase in custom built application on low bandwidth, consuming applications to digitize their businesses. These have made IT teams to struggle in their bid to keep up with the ever-increasing complexity of the network, sophistication of security attacks and growing end user’s expectations”.

This trend according to Adesina has led many organizations to spend whopping sums of money acquiring new devices all in the name of upgrade which may not be necessary.

Three presentations were made by experts. Yinka Adeosun of Signal Alliance spoke on Digital Network Transformation, Tomi Amao of Cisco demonstrated the new Cisco

L-R: Ikenna Ezurike, Enterprise Architect – GTBank, Christian Odey, Networks and Communications System – Keystone Bank, Peter Olajuyin, E-Business and Payment – Wema Bank, Morenike Alder, Marketing Manager, Nigeria/English West Africa – Cisco and Adegbola Adesina, Director, Service Delivery Signal Alliance at Signal Alliance Digital Transformation Engagement in Lagos recently.

Security Integrated Architecture, while Kaecy Udumukwu presentation was on Digital Business Transformation.

Participants were made to know that Cisco had realized that traditional networks simply could not scale to meet the increasing demands of the digital business; hence a new network was needed for the digital business.

A new network for the digital era- A network designed from the ground up to be flexible, programmable and open; while leveraging on and protecting existing investment.

The Cisco Digital Ready Network assists IT to address these demands by moving networking from hardware-centric to software-driven, from manual to automated, and from reactive to adaptive.

The Signal Alliance Digital Transformation event was attended by leading banks in Nigeria who were informed by experts how their organizations can make do with what they already have, cut down on their IT spend and grow their services in a more secure environment to gain competitive advantage through process digitization.

crofinance institutions, mobile payments providers and others to join us to reach more customers and make the scheme a success. Nigerians needs this now more than ever, so we must direct our resources wisely and make it happen.”

NIPOST and Paga joint teams work closely to ensure the commercial success of the initiative, including training and equipping of the NIPOST staff at each post office performing the transactions and other dayto-day mobile money agent operations.

The Paga network currently comprises over 11,000 authorized mobile money agents and 6 million unique customers across Nigeria. Paga’s agent network is the largest and most active network of financial services access points in Nigeria

INEC unveils electronic platform to ease voter registration The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced innovations known as e-collation, e-tracking and etransmission, to make the registration process easier.

Hajiya Amina Zakari, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, made the revelation in Sokoto while speaking at the commencement of the continuous voter registration.

Zakari explained that the introduction of the innovations was to make the continuous voter registration easier for the populace, especially those registering for the first time, update and validate the voters’ register in accordance with existing laws before the general elections.

The INEC’s National Commissioner said that the current registration was for those who had turned age 18 years of age, stressing that a good and comprehensive register of voters would form the bedrock of any credible election process.

“It is not open for everyone, it is only for those that are citizens of this country and who should be residing in any of the Local Government Areas nationwide. Zakari added

20

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

21 Public Notice

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

OKHUELEIGBE SHEDRACH GOD’S FAVOUR

MRS ADEYANJU OLUWATOSIN KATE

CORRECTION OF NAME

MUSEDIKU MURISIKU OLUWALOGBON

My name was wrongly written as EASTER BAMIDELE SALAU instead of ESTHER BAMIDELE SALAU, now my correct name is ESTHER BAMIDELE SALAU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALOSO MURITALABI AKANNI, now wish to be known and addressed as MUSEDIKU MURISIKU OLUWALOGBON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ROBBIN OLUWATOSIN KATE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEYANJU OLUWATOSIN KATE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS LAWAL ABIODUN WASILAT

HUSSEENAT IDRIS HUSSEIN

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MRS OGUINE ADAKU EZINNE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ESAN ABIODUN WASILAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS LAWAL ABIODUN WASILAT. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as HUSSEENAT IDRIS now wish to be known and addressed as HUSSEENAT IDRIS HUSSEIN All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as AKINTOLA AYOOLUWA TOMIWA and AKINTOLA AYOOLUWA T. while in some other documents it was written as AKINTOLA AYOOLUWA. I am the one bearing all the names. Henceforth I wish to be known as AKINTOLA AYOOLUWA TOMIWA All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OZUZU EZINNE ADAKU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGUINE ADAKU EZINNE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AJOMALE SAMUEL OLUSEGUN 2. AJOMALE TEMITOPE OMOLABAKE 3. OMOYENI KOLAWOLE OLUBUNMI 4. ALABI OLUSEGUN 5. ADEGOKE FOLUSO

x

IKESAINT INTERNATIONAL FOUNATION

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

TRUSTEES 1 IKE UGOCHUKWU SAINT 2 IKE ERNEST NGOZI 3 IKE IHEOMA FELICIA 4 IKE MABEL ULUNMA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO RAISE AN ARMY OF YOUTH AND LEADERS WITH SOUND SPIRITUALITY, CREATIVITY AND A HEART FOR POSITIVE CHANGE 2. TO ADVERTISE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST BY HARNESSING, REDEFINING AND POSITIONING THE TALENTS OF YOUTH; AND 3.TO DO ALL SUCH OTHER THINGS MAY BE CONSIDERED TO BE INCIDENTAL OR CONDUCIVE TO THE ATTAINMENT OF THE ABOVE OBJECTS OR ANY OF THEM. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY SECRETARY

BAKERS & CONFECTIONERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

I formerly known and addressed as OKHUELEIGBE SHEDRACH ANTHONY and OKHUELEIGBE SHEDRACH EZOJEME now wish to be known and addressed as OKHUELEIGBE SHEDRACH GOD’SFAVOUR All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

- CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY - TREASURER - PRO

AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1 . TO ASSIST THE LESS-PRIVILEDGED. 2 TO GIVE ASSISTANCE TO WIDOWS & ORPHANS 3 TO PROMOOTE THE WEFARE OF THE POOR 4 TO PROMOTE FREE EDUCATION ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: DYKESLAND CHAMBERS 17 CONSTAINTINE STREET WUSE ZONE 4, ABUJA – FCT

UNQUENCHABLE LIGHT CHURCH

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1)ANYALOGBU EDITH OBIAGELI - CHAIRMAN (2)PEREKEME STACY OMENESA - SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) ONIGA EBUN ESTHER (GENERAL OVERSEER) (2) TAIWO ADENIYI AYOMIKUN (SECRETARY) (3) BOLOWOTAN KAFILAT (4) TAIWO SEYE OLU (5) KANZUDEEN SAIDAT ABIMBOLA

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROMOTE THE BUSINESS OF BAKING AND CONFECTIONERIES IN NIGERIA. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

CHRIST GARDEN OF MERCY WORLD OUTREACH

CHRIST POSSIBILITIES CENTRE

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

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

NAMES OF TRUSTEES: 1. PASTOR PAUL EBENEZER- GENERAL OVERSEER. 2. EVANGELIST MRS FELICIA IYABO ODELEKE. 3. BROTHER EMMANUEL OLUWAFEMI ODELEKE. 4. MR. ISRAEL AJIBOYE ODELEKE. 5. MR ABIODUN MATHEW TAIWO.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES 1. PASTOR OLUSOLA OLUGBENGA DAVID 2. MRS OLUSOLA OLUBUKUNOLA OLUWATOYIN 3. AKINOLA SUNDAY MICHEAL 4. OLALEYE KOLEOLA EMMANUEL 5. ODUSANYA OLUWASEUN OLUWASINA 6. ADEYEMO JAMES OLUGBADE 7. MRS AKINOLA OLAIDE ESTHER

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS. 2. TO ASSIST THE NEEDY WITH THE WORDS OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OTUNBA GBEMIGA ADEWUMI 08062969700, 07089628485

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

TRUSTEES 1 GBADAMOSI IDAYAT OLAYINKA 2 GBADAMOSI IBRAHIM DEMOLA 3 ENGR. ADEDEJI ADEGOKE ISHOLA AIM 1 2 3

- CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY - TREASURER

AND OBJECTIVE TO ASSIST THE LESS-PRDIVILEDGE TO GIVE CLOTHING TOR THE ORPHAN ( CHILDREN) TO ROMOTE FREE EDUCATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: DYKESLAND CHAMBERS 17 CONSTAINTINE STREET WUSE ZONE 4, ABUJA – FCT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ENCOURAGE THE STUDY, UNDERSTANDING & PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE BIBLE TRUTH IN EVERY DAY LIFE 2. TO PROMOTE AND PROPAGATE THE GROWTH OF CHRISTIANITY AND THE SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIANS THROUGH EVANGELISM AND OUTREACHES ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

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

TRUSTEES 1. HARRISSON EMMANUEL ESSIEN 2. HARRISON UDEMEOBONG EMMANUEL 3. OBASI ERNEST AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1 . TO INITIATE DEVELOPMENTAL & PROJECTS THAT WILL IMPACT POSITIVELY ON THE LIVE OF THE PEOLE 2 . TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETRY

NWOKE ANUOLUWAPO ABOSEDE

FATAI SHOLA JANET

I formerly known and addressed as ONASILE ANUOLUWAPO ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as NWOKE ANUOLUWAPO ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BANKOLA SHOLA now wish to be known and addressed as FATAI SHOLA JANET. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIDENCE IFEOMA DURU

OWODUNNI FAIDAT OLUWATOMI

I formerly known and addressed as ANYANWU IFEOMA CECILIA now wish to be known and addressed as CONFIDENCE IFEOMA DURU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ODEWALE OLUWATOSIN CECILIA now wish to be known and addressed as OWODUNNI FAIDAT OLUWATOMI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS MICHEALS DOREEN IJEOMA

FLORENCE NGOZI ONUABUCHI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AZIKE DOREEN IJEOMA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MICHEALS DOREEN IJEOMA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as FLORENCE OLISA NGOZI now wish to be known and addressed as FLORENCE NGOZI ONUABUCHI All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS. EKWULU CHIOMA MIRIAN

ONYEKACHI MIRIAM UMEOJILINNAKA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANYANWU CHIOMA MIRIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EKWULU CHIOMA MIRIAN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGWUDIRE ONYEKACHI MIRIAM, BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ONYEKACHI MIRIAM UMEOJILINNAKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS OSONDU PATIENCE AMARACHI

OBASEKI FADINIYI CYNTHIA OSARO

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AGUGUO PATIENCE AMARACHI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OSONDU PATIENCE AMARACHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OBASEKI CYNTHIA OSARO NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OBASEKI FADINIYI CYNTHIA OSARO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OMOZERE IFEANYI CHINYERE

In some of my documents my name was written as AKINADE BASHEERAT OLAYINKA while in some other documents it was written as AKINADE BASHEERAH ENIOLA .I am the one bearing all the names. Now I wish to be known as AKINADE BASHEERAH ENIOLA All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OMOZEEREZE IFEANYI now wish to be known and addressed as OMOZERE IFEANYI CHINYERE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

EDWARD BITRUS

SODIQ BABATUNDE JUBRIL

I formerly known and addressed as EDWARD BITRUS MARTINS now wish to be known and addressed as EDWARD BITRUS. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE OLUWANIFEMI JUBRIL now wish to be known and addressed as SODIQ BABATUNDE JUBRIL All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ONOREFE RUKEVWE

EZECHUKWU ELIEZER CHUKWUENYEM

I formerly known and addressed as ONOREFE OGHENERUKEVWE KELLY now wish to be known and addressed as ONOREFE RUKEVWE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EZECHUKWU ELIEZER NDUBUISI now wish to be known and addressed as EZECHUKWU ELIEZER CHUKWUENYEM All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ADERONKE BOSEDE ODUTONA

I formerly known and addressed as ADERONKE ABOSEDE ADEBAYO now wish to be known and addressed as ADERONKE BOSEDE ODUTONA All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS. OBI FAITH ADAOBI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED MISS. AZUKA ONOKO FAITH ADAOBI, BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. OBI FAITH ADAOBI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

TONY OLUWASEUN JUNIOR I formerly known and addressed as SEUN JUNIOR TONY now wish to be known and addressed as TONY OLUWASEUN JUNIOR All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OMOKO OGHALE RUTH

Formerly known and addressed as FREEBORN OGHALE RUTH now wish to be known and addressed as OMOKO OGHALE RUTH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

ADDITION OF NAME

MRS THERESA MRS.ODO JOY ATHAN EKE

NWACHUKWU CHARITY CHINENYENWA

22 Public Notice

CHIGBU MAGDALENE CHIDIADI

That I was formerly known and addressed as ABADAGO CHIJOKE, that i now wish to add NDUBUISI to my former names, that i now wish to be known and addressed as ABADAGO CHIJOKE NDUBUISI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. BEKANWAH JOY NIABARI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. JOY ATHAN EKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, OKORO CHARITY CHINENYENWA, now wish to be known and addressed as, NWACHUKWU CHARITY CHINENYENWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, Chigbu Chidiadi, now wish to be known and addressed as, Chigbu Magdalene Chidiadi. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME My name was erroneously written in my First Bank Account/ BVN as DONU ELIJAH D. My correct name is DEEKOR, DORNUBARI ELIJAH. All relevant authorities and the general public should please take note

AMANZEODO OKECHUKWU SIMEON MRS THERESA

MRS EDEH HOPE IFEYINWA

MRS UDEOKPALA PRECIOUS CHIAMAKA

ANOM TIMOTHY I, formerly known and addressed as, IORUNGWA IORORON, now wish to be known and addressed as, ANOM TIMOTHY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS EZEINNE UCHE AGBO I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZINNE UCHE ONYIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZEINNE UCHE AGBO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AMAMZE SIMEON, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AMANZE OKECHUKWU SIMEON. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEABOR HOPE IFEYINWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EDEH HOPE IFEYINWA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEKE PRECIOUS CHIAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEOKPALA PRECIOUS CHIAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS ANIKE KINGSLEY EBERE MAUREEN

MRS ODO THERESA UMOKE CHIMEZUO OGBA

JIMOH ADEWALE

MRS CHIDEBEM LINDA NKEMJIKA

MRS TAWA LOLA ADUKE BOLAJI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EBERE MAUREEN UMAHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIKE KINGSLEY EBERE MAUREEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MOSES SUCCESS CHIMEZUO, now wish to be known and addressed as UMOKE CHIMEZUO OGBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as FRIDAYADEWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NTTIWUH LINDA NKEMJIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIDEBEM LINDA NKEMJIKA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC, Banks and General public should please take note.

This is to inform the general public that MRS TAWAKALITU LOLA ADUKE BOLAJI, is also refer to as, MRS TAWA LOLA ADUKE, BOLAJI , and MRS ADUKE LOLA BOLAJI. Now wish to be known and address as MRS TAWA LOLA ADUKE BOLAJI, all former documents remains valid, the general public should please take note.

MRS ODO THERESA LOSS OF DOCUMENT

SALISU OLUWAYEMISI RACHAEL

HABIB OLAIDE ANIFOWOSHE

This is to notify the general public and authorities concerned of the loss of Certificate of sale of the property at No.21, Ilelogo Street, owned by late Richard Simpson Aikoriogie. All efforts to trace proved abortive.

I formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI OLUWAYEMISI RACHAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as SALISU OLUWAYEMISI RACHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as HABIB OLAIDE SULAIMON, now wish to be known and addressed as HABIB OLAIDE ANIFOWOSHE. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

xx MISS SANDRA OGU

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that i SULAIMON BABATUNDE BALOGUN-AGBAJE is the same person as SULE BABATUNDE BALOGUN-AGBAJE. Henceforth wish to known and addressed as SULAIMON BABATUNDE BALOGUN-AGBAJE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

FRIDAY ONAZI OGILEGBA

I formerly called and addressed as FRANK ONAZI OGILEGBA Now wish to be called and addressed as FRIDAY ONAZI OGILEGBA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MAFUA AMARACHI BLESSING I formerly called and addressed as EZEJI AMARACHI BLESSING. Now wish to be called and addressed as MAFUA AMARACHI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

VICTORIA TOSIN AJOSE Confirmation Of Name That VICTORIA TOSIN AJOSEADIGUN IS One And The same Person As VICTORIA TOSIN AJOSE . All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE I AM LYDIA OKORO THAT I MARRIED TO . MR KEVIN OKORO ON THE 13/ FEBUARY 2017.

THIS DECLARATION IS NOW FOR RECORD AND OFFICIAL PURPOSE. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

I formerly called and addressed as MISS OLUCHI IMACULATE OGU. Now wish to be called and addressed as MISS SANDRA OGU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWADOZIE ROSEMARY CHIGOZIE

This is to certify and confirm that SAKA KAZEEM AREMU and QUAZEEM ZAKARIYA AREMU is one and same person but wishes to be known and addressed as SAKA KAZEEM AREMU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OTEGBADE MARIA OLUFUNKE

MRS MUOMAH CHIDIMMA ROSEMARY

FORMER MISS UDEBUANI CHIDIMMA ROSEMARY, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS MUOMAH CHIDIMMA ROSEMARY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS BEARING THE OLD NAME REMAINS VALID, PUBLIC AND NYSC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OGWEIMOH THERESA OLUFUNMILAYO

I formerly called and addressed as ROSEMARY CHIGOZIE EZEOKONWO. Now wish to be called and addressed as NWADOZIE ROSEMARY CHIGOZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly called and addressed as OTEGBADE MARIA AYINKE. Now wish to be called and addressed as OTEGBADE MARIA OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly called and addressed as QUASHI THERESA OLUFUNMILAYO. Now wish to be called and addressed as OGWEIMOH THERESA OLUFUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS OLANIYAN MARIAM ADEBISI

SAIDAT IYABO MURAINA

x DUROWOJU BUKOLA AYOMIKU

Formerly Known As Saidat Adeyonu Muraina Now Known As Saidat Iyabo Muraina, my date of 5/5/1972. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

Formerly Known As AJIBOLA BUKKIE AYO Now Known As DUROWOJU BUKOLA AYOMIKU. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

THAT I AM THE SAME PERSON BEARING EWESOR FRANCISCA AND ABASS FRANCISCA OLUWASHOLA. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

THAT I AM THE SAME PERSON BEARING VANDY ABIODUN EMIL AND VANDY JIMMY EMIL AND ABIODUN THOMAS VANDY AND ABIODUN VANDY NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS VANDY JIMMIY~EMIL ABIODUN. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

MRS ADESINA DEBORAH OLUWATOSIN

Formerly Known As MISS AZEEZ MARIAM ADEBISI Now Known As MRS OLANIYAN MARIAM ADEBISI. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

PRODIGY AFRICA DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Formerly Known As Miss Olusanya Deborah Oluwatosin will now like to be addressed as Mrs Adesina Deborah Oluwatosin.

Please America embassy, and the general public take note.

JEMINEN JEREYE FOUNDATION

This is to notify the general public that the above-named Initiative has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

This is to notify the general public that the above-named Foundation has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE. 1. FUFEYIN PERE CLETUS. 2. OVERY FREDERICK AMAMULADE

TRUSTEES ARE 1. JEMINEN OMAGBEMI .............................CHAIRMAN. 2. IMASOGIE ENORENSE MERCY....................SEC. 3. GBUBEMI EMMANUEL ERIC ..........................TREASURER 4. WEHIMI OMAGBEMI ........................................MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1 COUNTER VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND SAFETY OF CIVILIANS. 2. EDUCATION, GENDER, YOUTH AND EMPOWERMENT. 3. WOMEN, PEACE, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND SECURITY. 4. HUMAN RIGHTS, PROHIBITION OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS, HUMANITARIAN RELIEF/ REFUGEES. 5. DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILIZATION AND REINTEGRATION. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, PMB. 198, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERING OF THE UNDER PRIVILEGED BY BRINGING SUCCOR TO THEM. 2. TO REACH OUT TO THE ORPHANS AND DEPRIVED TO CARE FOR THEM REACH OUT TO THEM IN LOVE. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, PMB. 198, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

SIGNED. CHAIRMAN

OMOTILEWA OMOTOPE FLORENCE

I formerly called and addressed as KILANI FATIMOT OMOTOPE. Now wish to be called and addressed as OMOTILEWA OMOTOPE FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

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Formerly Known As ADESHINA HAMMED OLATUNDE Now Known As MORUFF HAMMED OLATUNDE . All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

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Formerly Known As MISS ABE OLUWABUKOLA AGNES Now Known As MRS DUKU OLUWABUKOLA AGNES. All Former Document Remain Valid, General Public Take Note.

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ORINYA FRIDAY EMMANUEL

I, formerly known and addressed as ANI FRIDAY EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ORINYA FRIDAY EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm that i Miss Ohaeri Bridget Akunna is the same person as Miss Ohaeri Bridget Chinagorom Akunna.

All former documents remain valid. BVN, Skye Bank and general public please take note.

RICHARD SAMUEL I formerly called and addressed as FRED DADDY. Now wish to be called and addressed as RICHARD SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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THIS ADVERT SPACE IS FOR SALE “THE PASTOR’S WIFE WELFARE ORGANISATION INT’L” This is to notify the general public that the above-named Organisation has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES; 1. Pastor Celestine C. Aneke (Chaiman). 2. Sister Catherine Agu (Secretary). 3. Pst. (Mrs) Hart Dorothy Iwo (Member). 4. Mrs. Agatha C. Aneke (Member). 5. Pst. Progress Aghedo (Member) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ; 1. To preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, establish and conduct prayer meetings, camp session, conferences, rallies, win and nourish souls. 2. To train and equip pastor’s wives and female ministers or workers for the work of the ministry.

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Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, PMB. 198, Garki Abuja, within 28 days of This Publication.

Signed: Barr. Sunny Eghide Rehoboth Chambers 130 Victoria Street, Port Harcourt . Tel : 08036740913.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

23 News

Labour Minister blames disruption of celebration on NLC faction ÏÏÏThe Minister of Labour and Em-

ployment, Dr. Chris Ngige, on Monday blamed the disruption and protest by workers at the May Day celebration in Abuja on factions in the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

Ngige told newsmen on the sideline of the celebration that what happened was as result of infiltration by nonworkers into the rally venue and not necessarily workers anger about minimum wage.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was disrupted for close to one hour by workers who barred government officials from delivering the speech from the federal government.

He said that the workers had no reason to be angry with the present administration because it had been very friendly with them.

“The Federal Government has been friendly to workers to the extent that it even went ahead and initiated the bailout fund.

“No government has done that before and that was because we did not want to lay off any worker.

“So what happened today is that some people who are not really workers infiltrated this arena and they started causing some problems.

“Be that as it may, we are going to address the issue of minimum wage,

Tony Nwakaegho with Agency report

ÏÏÏIn a major job cut that affected

about 15 percent of MTN’s entire Nigerian workforce, the South African telecoms firm, has sacked 280 of its employees in Nigeria.

Those affected, according to sources, include some 200 permanent employees and about 80 contract staff across various cadres, ranging from new graduates to senior managers.

Many of those sacked are said to have spent up to 15 years with the company having joined MTN as it opened its business in Nigeria in 2001.

The affected workers according to

we are also going to address the issue of backlog of promotion areas and allowances of all sorts.

“We captured them in the 2016 budget but for some reasons the releases are not forthcoming but the president of the senate has assured us now.

“So we are going to capture them in the 2017 budget and once it’s captured in the appropriation, the minister of finance will handle the rest.”

Ngige insisted that the venue was infiltrated by non-workers due to some factionalisation within the labour federation, adding that the conclusion was reached based on intelligent report.

He said the issue of minimum wage was being delayed because the government employed what it called a tripartite negotiation also known as social dialogue so as to capture all sectors.

He said this was because the issue did not concern the government or public sector alone but also the private sector so it needed time to carry everybody along.

“We have finished the framework for the composition of the committee of the minimum wage and we have passed it round to government to source the requisite and qualified persons that will man this committee.

“We are going to address the issue of minimum wage; we are also go-

ing to address the issue of backlog of promotion arrears and allowances so workers should be patient and give us some time.

“Within the next quarter, the minimum wage committee will start functioning and in the next three months too backlog of all arrears and other allowances that are due to them will be paid,’’ he said.

However, the President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Ayuba Wabba, and his counterpart, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Bobboi Kagama, said that Nigerian workers had expressed anger and disappointment on the non-implementation of the minimum wage thereby disrupting the 2017 May Day celebration.

According to them, workers have

Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner in Adamawa, Mr. Salihu Ya,u (r), issuing a temporary voter card to Sadiqa Tahir, during inauguration of continuous voter registration exercise in Yola… recently.

MTN sacks 280 employees in Nigeria the sources were given a dismal severance of 75 percent of their gross monthly income multiplied by the number of years with the company.

“Given that the company is about 16 years old in Nigeria, the severance package brought pain and discontent among the affected staff.

“With the payoff structure, senior managers with 15 years of service were left with about N15 million.

Most of the staff got less than N5 million,” one source said.

But a source familiar with the latest downsizing revealed that 200 of those affected had earlier agreed to

leave the company voluntarily, adding that the sackings were as a result of “the changing dynamics of the telecoms industry in recent times”.

The source said the company introduced the voluntary severance scheme, (VSS), to provide a window for one week in April, for persons who have served in MTN for five years and above to take up.

Those who decided to leave under the VSS were to be paid the equivalent of their three weeks gross salary for every year they worked with MTN. “What it means is that if one

worked in MTN for five years, one would be paid three weeks of their gross salaries times five,” the source said.

Eventually, all 280 staff were disengaged under the VSS and paid their benefits, the source added.

It will be recalled that MTN Nigeria recorded nearly $1 billion in profit in 2016, but the telecoms firm was heavily fined by the Nigerian government for failing to disconnect 5.2 million unregistered subscribers.

The spokesperson for the company, Funso Aina, could not be reached for comments on Monday.

Soldiers kill suspected leader of kidnapping gang in Ondo

ÏÏÏNigerian soldiers in Ondo state

have killed Ossy Ibori, a wanted leader of a militant group involved in kidnapping in Ikorodu and Epe areas of Lagos State.

Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, told newsmen on Monday in Lagos that the suspect was killed by soldiers at Ajakpa area of Ondo State.

Owoseni said that he was killed at about 3.00a.m. on Monday in the course of arresting all members of his gang and other criminals who had made life miserable for innocent citizens.

He said that the gang members retreated to their base in Ajakpa because they could no longer lay claim to the creeks in Isawo area of Ikorodu.

“At about 3.00a.m. today (on Mon-

day), soldiers posted to dislodge the militants wreaking havoc in some parts of Lagos engaged the criminals in a shootout at Ajakpa, during which the suspected leader known as Ossy was killed.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the other gang members,” Owoseni said.

In a statement, Maj. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, said that the Operation DELTA SAFE carried out the killing.

According to Abdullahi, the squad repelled an attack in Ajakpa Community in the creeks of Southern Ondo state on Sunday night.

He said that the attack was led by the notorious gang leader, Ossy Ibori, who had a hideout at Ajakpa, Ilaje Ese-

today expressed their sadness, challenges, as many of them have not earn their salaries, so it is a demonstration of anger on the situation in the country.

“The challenges workers are passing through are enormous, workers have expected that either the President or the Vice president would have been present to respond to workers yearning and anticipation.

Odo local government area of Ondo state.

“The leader was gunned down during the gun duel along with some of his gang members. His body was identified by some of the locals in the area.

“Search for other criminals who jumped into the water with gunshot wounds is ongoing. The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle and four magazines,” he said.

The Ibori gang had been terrorising parts of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo states.

Last month, the gang killed an army captain and two policemen in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The gang was also blamed for the abduction of students and staff of a secondary school, in Ikorodu area.

“The criminals, in addition, carried

out several attacks at Ilaje Ese-Odo Community at Ajakpa, Safarogbo and Balowo areas,” Abdullahi said.

Abdullahi said that the need to flush the criminals out from their hideout became necessary to ensure peace and security in Ondo state.

“Sadly, in the process, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price while three others sustained gunshot wounds.

“They have since been moved to a military hospital for proper medical attention.

“While the operation is ongoing, let me appeal to law-abiding residents of the affected communities to remain calm, vigilant and to support our troops with valuable information on whereabouts of other criminals,’’ he said.

Gov. Umahi suspends implementation of contributory pension ÏÏÏGovernor David Umahi of

Ebonyi state has directed for the suspension of the contributory pension scheme, pending when all issues are resolved.

The governor also directed that money deducted so far, should be refunded to the workers.

Umahi spoke on Monday in Abakaliki during the celebration of the 2017 Workers Day. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that organised labour in Ebonyi had kicked against the manner the scheme was introduced and the percentage the workers would pay.

The governor said that implementation would continue when it would be convenient to workers.

“We are going to suspend the Pension Law and all your desires will be taken into consideration.

“By May 15, every deduction made in respect of the Pension Law, will be refunded back to you.

“You will be the one to tell me when the law should come into effect, ” Umahi said.

NAN reports that five per cent of workers’ salaries were deducted under the suspended scheme.

Umahi also directed that accumulated promotion of workers should be released, and also approved payment of leave allowance to workers.

He assured workers that the rest of their demands would be given consideration.

He appreciated the cordial relationship existing between government and workers.

24

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Leadership deficit: Engage youths now, says Fashola ÎÎÎWorried

by the perceived leadership deficit in the country, a former First Lady of Lagos state, Dame Abimbola Fashola, says youths should be constructively engaged in the quest for the attainment of national and personal goals.

“We need to build our youths and help them in their dreams, they are the ones to impact on our environment, community and country.

“We must help them to succeed because they are the ones to take over in the `nearest’ future,” she told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday on the sideline of a youth empowerment programme.

The programme with the theme:“Time Out with the

Youths”, the 8th edition in the series, is organised by Fashola’s pet project — Leadership Empowerment And Resources Network (LEARN).

The event which held at Abalti Barracks of the Nigerian Army, Surulere, had in attendance more than 300 participants.

Fashola said older generation should help youths to achieve their dreams and prepare them for leadership positions and possible challenges.

She said her passion was to impact positively on youths and also help them to achieve their dreams through right guidance.

“My vision is to help the youths to discover themselves, realise their dreams and live positively. They are meant to impact the society in positive

ways.

“The inspiration is also to gather youths, I love children and I call them my children because I gave birth to just two, but in my house at any given time, I have them around.

“I love to impact on their lives, I want them to succeed because that is a passion for me … willing to listen and find solutions to whatever challenges they are facing.

“The message is that we need to discover these youths and map out strategies to attain whatever dream and goals they have as there should be no vacuum in their lives,” she said.

Earlier in her remarks at the occasion, a former Deputy Governor of the state, Mrs Adebisi Sosan, advised youths to take advantage of the programme

and strive to actualise their dreams.

“They should stick to what they have learnt and make use of them.

“You should make use of this golden opportunity because it is once in a lifetime. I did not have the opportunity of participating in a forum like this as youth yet I am determined to succeed.

“I grew up in Ajegunle, but that did not deter me to be what I wanted to be. So the onus rests on the youths to determine what they want to do with their lives,” she said.

NAN reports that the event featured training and sharing of experiences with the youths by older generation of successful Nigerians including popular artists like Sound Sultan, Skuki and Q-dot.

Man arraigned in court over N4.45M petroleum fraud Titilope Joseph

ÏÏÏ

A middle-aged man, Kosoko Abdul-Fatai Adewale, has been charged before Chief Magistrate B. Osunsanmi of a Lagos Magistrate Court in Ikeja for allegedly defrauding one Adeyinka Yakub Imam of the sum of N4.45million under false pretense.

The suspect is facing a three count charge of fraud, theft and forgery, an offence preferred against him by Lagos state police.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Imhonwa, the accused committed the crime at plot 8, Oshodi Apapa Expressway, Olodi Apapa Lagos with the intention to steal and outwit the unsuspecting victim.

Adewale was said to have obtained the said sum under the pretense of supplying 33,000 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit(PMS) to the victim sometime in January 2016 without delivering the product.

In a bid to repay the stolen funds when the matter was reported, Adewale also did issue a zenith bank cheque with No. 26430724 of N4,405,500 in the name of the victim which was rejected and dishonoured due to insufficient or no funds in the said account.

Imhonwa further informed the court that the offense committed by the accused contravened sections 312, 278 and 319 of the criminal law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused was granted bail in the sum of N400,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi (m); his wife, Rachel (r); and State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Leonard Nkah, during the 2017 Workers’ Day celebration at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, Abakaliki ... on Monday.

25 News Consultants engaged

by C/River govt pay N63m into private accounts -Labour Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏConsultants

engaged by the Cross River state government illegally deducted N500 from each government worker amounting to N9million monthly since October 2016 and N63million till date, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has alleged.

The money was said to have been paid into private account despite demand by NLC to stop the deduction and pay the deducted amount back to the workers.

Disclosing this on Monday while speaking at the workers’ day celebration, the state council chairman of the NLC, Comrade John Ushie, said that the consultants commenced the audit exercise without showing workers its terms of reference neither has the consultants published its findings till date, hence, the continued complaint by government of bloated wage bills is “a voyage of futility.”

The NLC expressed displeasure with the state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade whom they had awarded the ‘Best Friendly Governor’ last year that, he has not paid many workers and pensioners correctly due to data mix-up and failure to carry out monthly update of salaries as well as wrong computation of check-off dues and other deductions as at when due on the system.

“Disjointed payment of salaries with some staff, especially teachers in the local government service, are owed up to six months salaries since June 2016,” labour expressed regret and faulted the governor’s decision to transfer local government staff salaries to Ministry of Finance while those of primary school teachers to be sent to SUBEB. They noted that “this indeed is an anomaly…Local government as a third-tier of government is a creation of the Law (Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution and amended in 2007 as section 55 of the local government Law).”

Association trains 200 people on vocational, entrepreneurship devt in Kwara Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏNo fewer than 200 people in Omu-

Aran, Irepodun local government area of Kwara state have received free vocational and entrepreneurship development training organised by Dominion Youth Liberation Association.

The vocational training, according to the association’s president, Mr. Alex Abegunde, was part of a week-long activities marking the 2017 World Earth Day celebration.

Participants at the training held at the old Hall of Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran, comprise under-

graduates, unemployed youths and house wives.

The beneficiaries were drawn from the 11 wards of the council.

The Daily Times reports that the participants received basic tips and rudiment on making hair cream, face powder, laundry soap, Chinese balm, pomade among others.

They were also given counselling on safe environment, certificates and chemicals free of charge to assist for the smooth take-off of their businesses.

He said that the Earth Day 2017 which climaxed on April 22, has Environmental and Climate Literacy, Education is the Foundation for Progress its theme..

Abegunde said the program was aimed at promoting entrepreneurship development among the youths for them to be self reliance.

He maintained that the level of unemployment in the country had assumed an alarming proportion, saying government alone cannot provide for the need of the citizens.

“This free vocational training is part of our corporate social responsibility as an association toward making our youth’s to be self reliant as we mark this year World Earth Day. “It has become very difficult for government at all tiers to provide employment for our numerous graduates and other categories of unemployed

citizens.

“Acquiring vocational and entrepreneurship training therefore remains a veritable alternative for the youths to be self productive and reliance,” he said.

In his remark, the president of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Chief Bisi Adeyemi, praised the association for its foresight, urging other individuals and bodies to emulate the gesture.

The council chairman, Comrade Kazeem Adekanye, reiterated the council’s readiness to continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in bringing the desired development to the grassroots.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Times Law

s

Justice in this case is for both parties- the Plaintiffs and the Defendants. The court has a duty to guard against an attempt by any of the parties to make an ass of the law and its rules of procedure.

Ngwuta, JSC. in MFA and Anor v. Inongha (2014) 1-2 S.C. (Pt. 1) 43.

Mike Ahamba S.A.N., read law at the University of Maiduguri in 1981. He practiced briefly at the chambers of the Attorney General of Kano State. Between 1986 and 1988, he also worked with the Legal Resources Consortium, Imo State, from where he established his own law firm, Mike Ahamba & Associates in 1989.

In this interview with PETER FOWOYO, he speaks on the slow dispensation of justice and the judiciary, the decentralization of the Supreme Court and other sundry issues.

What is your take on the losses of some high profile cases by the Federal Government?

My position on this issue is that if the court freed an accused person, it means the prosecution has not provided substantial evidences. The court cannot go beyond the evidences at its disposal. The mere fact that someone was caught with an amount of money does not automatically transmit to guilt. The circumstances must be such that provides the ingredients of the offence and if the prosecution fails to do that, the court will have no option than to free the accused person. So, if accused persons were discharged and acquitted, we have to agree that the facts produced by the prosecution are not enough.

But, if the prosecution feels bad about it, it has a right of appeal.

How would you assess the independence of the nation’s judiciary?

As far as I am concerned, the biggest problem it has is this problem of not applying the constitutional provision of payment of judges.

The Constitution provides that the revenue should go straight to the heads of courts rather than the governors.

Given the money to the governors to now give to the courts in order to claim glory is not good enough. That however does not mean that a courageous judge will not do what

he want to do if he or she want to do it in the course of his duties. The issue of the Independent of the judiciary is a thing of the mind of the judge. It has nothing to do with paper work of lawmaking. If you accept to be a judge, just face your work and leave the rest to the administrators. As a judge, do what you have to do and stop thinking about what will or not happen to you. Look at what happened in America to Trump’s plan to bar some people from entering America, a judge simply puts it off as being unconstitutional, this was also affirmed by the Court of Appeal. The judges have done their own. The country have to change. Judges have a duty to do their own jobs and they should not blame any other person if they did not do their jobs well. So, the issue of the Independent of the judiciary is in the mind of the judex.

There are calls for the withdrawal of the title of Senior Advocate from any lawyer that is facing criminal trial until such a time he or she is cleared of the allegations?

Lawyers are not civil servants.

So, why will you withdraw SAN title from a lawyer simply because he is facing criminal trial? The title of SAN is an honour conferred on somebody. The law in that light is only applicable to public servants and not to lawyers. So, I don’t see how we should apply rules that are only applicable to civil servants to lawyers who are into private practice. If the person is a civil

Ahamba, (SAN)

Don’t decentralise Supreme Court -Ahamba servant, you can suspend him.

You can interdict him until his case is decided one way or the other. There is no way a private man can be interdicted. If a lawyer is found guilty of corrupt practice, then, the Disciplinary Committee of the Bar will look at the case and decide whether to suspend or derobe him at the end of the trial.

What is your suggestion on how best to tackle the problem of delays in the dispensation of justice?

The first thing to do is to improve our infrastructure at the various courts. Till today, judges are still writing in long hand for hours during court proceed-

ings. In other climes, there are recording machines which records proceedings. Secondly, we must look at our evidence act and find out areas where improvements are desired on the procedure for tendering documents and things like that. Also in election petitions, the law provides that every candidate or party should have an agent at every location on the election day. The law also provides that such agents should collect documents for their principals from such locations. Then, the question to ask is, why do we expect each and every agent to come and tender their documents in court? Instead of allowing the principals on whose behalf the

documents were collected to come and tender them. If the principals were invited, the whole exercise will be faster and less cumbersome. Look, I was involved in an election petition matter where for about four months, INEC refused to comply with the order of the court asking it to bring election materials to court and the commission was not sanctioned. Congestion is another reason for delayed justice.

Many other reasons could be adduced for the delay. But, the law of fair hearing demands that everybody should be given a chance to ventilate his or her grievances in court and CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

27 Law

Court orders UBA to pay firm £38,000, N4m as damages Peter Fowoyo A Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos has ordered the United Bank for Africa (UBA) PLC to pay a firm, D. S. Dave trading under the name and style of V. M. Products, the sum of £38, 000.00 (Thirty eight thousand British Pounds Sterling ) being the total amount due to the firm under the letter of credit number UNCLCIB 151/83/04/2492 of 28th December, 1983 granted in the plaintiff ’s favour by the bank, upon which the plaintiff released goods to Kemson Trading Stores, which sum the bank refused or neglected to remit to the plaintiff.

Justice Muslim Hassan also made an order for the payment of interest on the said sum of £38,000.00 at the rate of 21% per annum until the judgment sum is liquidated.

Besides, the judge ordered the bank to pay the plaintiff the sum of N4 million being general damage for failure of the bank to remit the sum of £38,000.00 due to the plaintiff under a letter of credit dated 28th December, 1983 upon which the plaintiff released agricultural equipment to the company, Messrs Kemson Trading Stores.

Specifically, the court awarded a cost of N50,000.00 in favour of the plaintiff against the bank and made an order that the plaintiff is entitled to the sum of £38,000.00 being the amount due to the plaintiff under the letter of credit number UNCLCIB 151/83/04/2492 of 28th December, 1983 granted in the plaintiff ’s favour by the bank upon which the plaintiff released

goods to Kemson Trading Stores, which sum the bank has till date refused, failed or neglected to remit to the plaintiff notwithstanding several demands.

Justice Hassan said :” I have examined very carefully the oral and documentary evidence in this case and have reached the decision that the evidence of the plaintiff is to

be preferred to that of the defendant on all material issues. PW1 evidence is very consistent, both in examination in chief and under cross examination, his credibility was not shaken nor discredited under cross examination.

“I hold that the defendant has failed, refused and neglected to pay the sum of £38,000.00 due to the

plaintiff under the letter of credit despite repeated demands by the plaintiff. “ Thirteen years ago, the plaintiff had approached the court and by its amended statement of claim dated and filed on 21st of December, 2012 sought the court for an order directing the defendant to pay the plaintiff the said sum of £38,000.00 being the total amount due to the plaintiff under the letter of credit number UNCLCIB 151/83/04/2492 of 28th December, 1983 granted in the plaintiff ’s favour by the defendant, upon which the plaintiff released goods to Kemson Trading Stores, which sum the defendant refused, failed or neglected to remit to the plaintiff.

The plaintiff sought interest on the said sum of £38,000.00 at the rate of 21 percent per annum from January 1984 until March 2004 and thereafter at the same rate until final liquidation.

Alternatively, the plaintiff asked the court to ordered the bank pay the sum of £1, 719, 851.8 being special damages for failure of the defendant to remit the sum of £38,000.00 due to the plaintiff under a letter of credit dated 28th December, 1983 upon which the plaintiff released agricultural equipment to one Messrs Kemson Trading Stores.

The sum of N9.5 million being general damages for failure of the defendant to remit the sum of £38,000.00 due to the plaintiff under a letter of credit dated 28th December, 1983 upon which the plaintiff released agricultural equipment to one Messrs Kemson Trading Stores.

‘Don’t decentralise Supreme Court’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 the moment that is not allowed, what other things are done will become a nullity. Another thing I observed is that our laws favours the defendants and respondents. If a plaintiff or an applicant failed to show up in court, the case might be struck out but the reverse is the case if it involved a defendant. The defendant cannot be shut out by the court and this might prolong the life span of the case in court.

If we want cases to be heard expeditiously, then, there should be sanction for any erring party, whether plaintiff or defendant.

tion of the Supreme Court as a way of fast tracking some of these cases?

I am not in support of that suggestion.

There must be a central clearing house for the law to have some certainty and in particular, for the interpretation of the Constitution. Otherwise, we may find ourselves in a situation whereby conflicting and divergent judgments are being churned out from the apex courts and this might create confusion. So, I would not advice that we decentralized the Supreme Court. We can have subordinate appellate courts but we cannot have one Supreme Court.

Do you support the decentraliza-

Many people were of the view that judges unlike the magistrates were

being unfairly treated with the provisions of Section 292 (2) of the Constitution which bars them from coming back to the Bar if they lose their jobs or resign their appointments. What is your opinion on this?

Well, Magistrates are not judicial officers, according to law, they are civil servants. I have made a lot of criticism on this point you are talking about while speaking at many public lectures. I see it as a sword of debacle hanging over the head of judges. Does it mean that somebody cannot on principle quit and still earn a living? I think it is not fair. I believed that the only judge who should be stopped from practicing should be the judge who commits an offence upon

which an ordinary lawyer would have been penalized, particularly if it has to do with corruption or gross misconduct. A judge that was disengaged from service or retired, won’t he or she make a living after leaving the bench? I think it is a question of looking at what the situation is ideally. In essence, I don’t support that provision of the law and I will be glad to have that particular section of the Constitution altered. You can’t amend the Constitution but you alter it. The National Assembly is acting ultra vires when it says it is amending the Constitution, one day the issue will be a subject of litigation.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2 , 2017

World Veterinary Day: 100 Dogs get free vaccination in Taraba Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

ÎÎÎAbout100dogsweretargeted

L-R: Admin. Assistant to the Diocesan, Diocese of Lagos Anglican Communion Church of Nigeria, Venerable David Adebayo; Diocese Bishop and Dean Emeritus, The Most Rev (Dr.) Ephraim Ademowo; Assistant Synod Secretary, Venerable Tunde Oduwole; Assistant Synod Secretary (Lay), Mrs. Yeunde Akiluyi; and Diocesan Public Relation Officer, Venerable Seyi Pirisola, during the press briefing on the second session of the 33 synods of the diocese in Lagos… on Monday.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

FG buliding a productive, inclusive economy says Adeosun

Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Minister of

Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has said that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is building a productive Nigerian economy for a sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The Minister, while speaking on Sunday at ‘The Platform’ hosted by the Covenant Christian Centre, Lagos, said that the federal government was calling for greater focus on the productive sectors of the economy to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country.

She said: “while mistakes have been made in the past, this administration is looking ahead and laying the ground work to build a resilient economy that is not vulnerable to boom and bust cycles.”

Other speakers at the event included, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, Professor of Economics Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Abdulraheem Garba, and Chief Economist & Financial Analyst PWC, Andrew Nevin.

Others were Prince Bimbo OlashoreandMrs. NimiAkinkugbe.

The Minister noted that Government revenue remains overly reliant on oil and we must use oil revenue to develop and diversify the economy, not just sustain consumption.

She pointed out that “While oil proceeds have represented between 50 percent and 70 percent of Federal Government revenue over the past 3 years, it has contributed 10% or less to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the same period”.

Mrs. Adeosun emphasised

that “we must change our growth model to deliver inclusive and sustainable growth by broadening the range of our economic activities in the production and distribution of goods and services.”

She said that the Federal Government wants to create jobs for the people and to do this, we must look beyond the extractive industry. We must invest across the value chain in Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing and Trade to localise production, processing and distribution. This will create jobs, drive innovation and support knowledge transfer to local businesses.

Adeosun said, “Our focus is on activities that are value adding to the economy to ensure long-term stability. The infrastructure that we build to facilitate power and transportation, will be vital in achieving diver-

sification and economic growth.

We are focused on addressing the challenges we face to deliver services to our people”.

The Government is investing in massive domestic fertilizer production, making it cheaper to grow the food we need and raw materials to support moribund industries. We are also investing in rail - making it quicker and cheaper to get produce across the country.

Our pilot programme has shown that we can reduce the cost of food if we can move it across the country faster.

The Minister noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are critical to broadening our revenue base and we must make it easier for them to do business.

quarters of Keana local Government council, the Sarking Fulani of the locality, Haldo Sodangi, said that the unfortunate dead of their cattle commenced immediately after the over 12 hours down pour witnessed across the state recently.

The Haldo therefore lamented that within his house hold alone over 200 cows have so far died why many others are with a similar symptoms that could led to their death any moment.

He further solicited for release of materials to cushion the effect that has trau-

matized headsmen in the State as a result of the unprecedented death of their cows.

In the same vein, the Sarkin Fulani of the State, Haldo Dono Lawal, lamented the unfortunate incidentand called on appropriate authorities to resume inoculation of animals as the case used to be in the past to avert further occurrence of any outbreak of epidemic amongst livestock in the state.

Consequently, he appealed to the three tiers of government for intervention by

way of diagnosing the cause of the unfortunate incident and proffered a solution to curtail the menace.

Hitherto, the Sarkin Fulani of the state suggested for an approval by the government to allow leaders of the headsmen to carry out a census of victims of their atrocities in order to forward same to relevant authorities for a possible compensation that would alleviate the suffering being experienced by such victims.

Unknown epidemic kills 2000 cows in Nasarawa

Augustine Kuza, Lafia

ÎÎÎ

Fear has gripped Fulani herdsmen in Nasarawa state over the on-going death of their over 2ooo cows have so far been reported dead by unknown epidemic.

Investigation by The Daily Times reviewed that the dead of the animals was witnessed immediately after the first downpour of the year in the state which took over 12 hours before it came to an end.

Speaking to our correspondent in Keana, head-

to receive free vaccination with certificates issued to their owners attheVeterinaryHospital,Jalingo when the Taraba State chapter of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) marked its 2017WorldVeterinaryDay. Speakingattheceremony,with the theme, “Antimicrobial Resistance from Awareness to Action”, the state Chairman, NVMA, Dr. Ibrahim Gideon Pasoki, said the WorldVeterinaryDayisobserved globally,sinceseventeenyearsago

by World Veterinary Association and World Animal Health Organisation.

According to him, the programme was aimed at celebrating the great achievements and theimpactsof Veterinarianinthe improvements of livestock well being.

He explained that any single achievement made in the veterinary profession, is a requisite for the betterment of the human race.

“If diseases are tamed in the animal race, it is the humans that rejoice because most of the diseasesthataffectmanaretraceable tolivestockorigin” “Diseases like Ebola, Lassa fever, Tuberculosis (TB), Rabies Teneasis, anthrax, etc that affect manareallfromlivestockorigin”, hesaid.

Dr. Pasoki further described

the role of the Veterinarian as not only barricading the flow of diseases from livestock to human but also, in the security of man through the training of some animals.

Itwasinviewof theabovestatement that he revealed that in this year’s national celebration, a dog called Teacher in Maiduguri, Borno State, specialized in detecting terrorists until it was killed, was to be crowned with an award.

He added that NVMA, Taraba Chapter wants to promote what it described as the Watchmen (Dogs) by offering them free vaccination and licenses as their contributions to the security of the people.

The Guest Speaker, Dr. Abubakar Dauda, Director, Veterinary Services, Taraba State Ministry of Agriculture, Jalingo explained that Antimicrobial resistance occurs due to so many reasons, describing one of them as the abuse in the use of antibiotics.

Dr Dauda, however, called on the private sector Veterinarians to partner the public sector Veterinarians, saying they have to come together to work for the progress of the profession and mankind.

Glo’s Professor Johnbull flays poor treatment of servants …features Zebrudaya alias 430

ÎÎÎProfessor Johnbull, the

prime time television drama series, sponsored by Globacom, will in this week’s episode turn attention to the poor treatment of domestic and other staff by employers.

Viewers of this episode will also enjoy the performance of the legend, Chief Chika Okpala, aka Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo, alias 430, who makes a star appearance.

The episode opens with the erudite Professor Johnbull, Kanayo Kanayo, obliging his servants with breakfast. But the scene quickly switches to show Chief Zebrudaya’s wife dishing out dozens of instructions to her domestic aid with machine-gun alacrity to Zebrudaya’s consternation. Matters quickly degenerated to abuse. The maid was subjected to physi-

cal and oral abuse by her ‘madam’.

And the plot unfolded further into more and more encounters with different masters and different servants in different kinds of relationships.

Viewers will discover how Ime Bishop ( Etuk) treats the staff of his hotel , how Mai Doya ( Funky Malam ) treats his yam seller and how Olaniyi ( Yomi Flash Lanzo) treats his restaurant hands.

The new episode titled Life Jacket, according to Globacom will draw the emotions of viewers as they behold the good and the bad treatment to which domestic and workshop servants are subjected.

According to Globacom, the episode will address whether some of the wicked acts of domestic servants may not be attributable to the wickedness of their masters.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 2, 2017

29 News

President Buhari should take medical leave now, say Falana, others Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, a Senior Fellow, Centre For Democracy and Development, Abuja and 11 others have advised President Muhammadu Buhari to heed the advice of his personal physicians and take a rest to attend to his health immediately.

“We join the Nigerian people of goodwill to pray for a speedy recovery of President Buhari, we are compelled to advise him to heed the advice

of his personal physicians by taking a rest to attend to his health without any further delay”, they said in a joint statement on Monday.

The group comprising the followings:Femi Falana (SAN),Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Debo Adeniran, Dr. Chris Kwaja,Y. Z. Ya’u,Chom Bagu, Olanrewaju Suraju, Ezenwa Nwagwu, Anwal Musa Rafsanjani , David Ugolor,’Sina Odugbemi,Muhammed Attah and Adetokunbo Mumuni said they gave the advice due to apparent deterioration

in the President’s health condition.

Their statement read thus: “When President Muhammadu Buhari was recently in the United Kingdom on a medical vacation, which lasted 59 days, many public officers said that he was “hale and hearty.”

But upon his return to the country President Buhari disclosed that he had never been that sick in his entire life. Even though the President did not disclose the nature of his ailment, he revealed that he went through blood transfusion. While thanking the Ni-

gerian people for their prayers, the President announced that he might soon travel back for further medical treatment.

A few weeks ago, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Nasir El-Rufai urged Nigerians to give President Buhari time to recover from his sickness.

The plea was made after the Governor had visited and presumably assessed the state of the President at the presidential villa in Abuja.

However, due to the apparent deterioration in the President’s health

Adamawa NLC praises Gov Bindow’s developmental strides Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏ Nigeria Labour Congress

(NLC) in Adamawa State has praised the governor of the state, Senator Muhammad Umaru Jibrilla Bindow as one of the most hard working governors that are performing well in terms of physical infrastructure in the country.

Dauda Maina who is the state’s chairman of the congress while addressing hundreds of civil servants gathered at the Ribadu Square to mark this year’s May Day celebration in the state,called on the state’s workers to corporate with the governor in order to do more in touching the lives of people in the state.

“It’s good to announce that for the past two years Bindow is the only governor who is always registering his personal presence not in representation to join the thousands of workers of the state to mark our day.”

Maina Said.

Comrade Maina however lamented the laxity of the state government in addressing the lingering problems of non payment of salaries to the state’s civil servants.

He urged the governor to clear the four months outstanding salaries of local government workers particularly the school teachers.

He called on the government to make a clear policy statement on how the outstanding salaries of three and four months owed Local Government workers, Primary Health Care Development Agency and Primary School teachers respectively would be paid within possible shortest time.

condition, he has neither been seen in public in the last one week nor attended the last two meetings of the Federal Executive Council. His absence at the last Jumat service in the Villa has fueled further speculations and rumours on President Buhari’s medical condition.

But instead of embarking on regular briefing on the actual state of the health of President Buhari, officials of the federal government have continued to assure the Nigerian people that there is no need for apprehension over the matter.

In defending the absence of the President at the last FEC meeting and other state functions, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu stated that “the president’s doctors have advised on his taking things slowly, as he fully recovers from the long period of treatment in the United Kingdom some weeks ago.”

As we join the Nigerian people of goodwill to pray for a speedy recovery of President Buhari, we are compelled to advise him to heed the advice of his personal physicians by taking a rest to attend to his health without any further delay, they stated.

Plumbers seek greater recognition, assure for quality service Representative of the Rivers State Governor, Hon. Kenneth Kobani (m); Rivers State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Beatrice Itubo (l) and Rivers State Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Austin Jonah, during the 2017 Workers Day celebration in Port Harcourt… on Monday.

Workers Day: Rivers pledges regular payment of salaries Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

Rivers State Government has pledged to pay workers’ salaries and emoluments promptly and regularly in spite of the current hash economic environment in the country.

The state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, stated this yesterday while addressing Rivers State workers during the workers day celebration at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt. He said that workers welfare would always be placed on the administration’s front burner.

Wike, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Kenneth Kobani said: “In this period of economic difficulty, we remain committed to fulfilling all pledges made to our workers.

“Let me reassure our workers that salaries and emoluments of workers will remain a top priority of my administration “.

He stressed that issues of workers

welfare were given priority by his administration because he believed that the workers were contributors to the development of the state.

“I recognise the role of workers in the development of our state. They will always get benefits of working for the state “, Wike said.

He told the workers that there were plans to have a robust engagement with labour leaders to address requests presented by labour, urging them to participate fully in the activities to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the state.

In her remarks, Chairman of the Rivers Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Beatrice Itubo lauded Governor Wike for his regular payment of salaries and emoluments.

She also commended Governor Wike for his execution of key projects across the state. The NLC chairman pleaded with the governor to continue to prioritise workers welfare.

Also speaking, the Chairman of

Trade Union Congress, Comrade Austin Jonah said that priority attention given to workers welfare should be sustained by the administration.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Bro Felix Obuah, has joined other Nigerians to wish the workers a happy celebration, congratulating them on their resilience in the face of the biting economic challenges.

The PDP Chairman congratulated the Nigerian workers in Rivers State for their commitment to duty and support to the Gov Nyesom Wike-led government, in reciprocating the friendly working environment and welfare packages offered by the government.

Obuah observed that such harmonious and symbiotic relationship could not have been possible without the maturity, commitment to civil responsibilities and spirit of patriotism exhibited by the workers, the government and other employers of labour.

Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏ The Association of Professional

Plumbers has urged governments at all levels to accord it greater recognition and patronage, vowing to deliver quality service to Nigerians.

The group also counselled its members nationwide to work for its progress with a view to adding more value to the profession.

President, National Association of Professional Plumbers of Nigeria, Lagos State branch, Mr. Olufemi Awotoye, who made the call at the inauguration of the new members of the association on Thursday in Lagos, said that the profession was critical to the building sector.

Among the newly elected members were, Mr. Adesina Ogunkoya, 1st executive governor; Lanre Adeleke, deputy executive governor’ Mr. Bayo Akerele, secretary; and Mr. Samson Omolade, public relation officer.

According to the president, the association was conscious of the need to partner with relevant agencies of government to add value to the economy, and especially; help to increase delivery of housing and other associated services to Nigerians.

However, Ogunkoya, while thanking members for reposing confidence in them, assured them of meeting their needs. He urged members to work towards the progress of the association and avoid cutting corners.

30

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

EXTRATIME

31

NFF Unveils Eagles Travel Plans

T

he Nigeria Football Federation has silently started preparations for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations qualifying match with South Africa in Uyo next month.

A minimum of 19 foreign-based professionals are expected to participate in a training camp in Corsica and Paris, France ahead of the clash with the South Africans.

The invited professionals have been instructed to

arrive in Paris on May 23rd, 2017 by 1200 hours latest, so that they can connect an arranged flight to Corsica from Paris at 1500 hours.

After the friendly with Corsica on Friday, May 26, the national team will continue camp in Paris from 27-31 May. Nothing has been cast in stone yet but there is a possibility of playing a second friendly match with a yetto-be-determined opponent on May 31.

Esiti Recalled To Eagles Camp

G

ent of Belgium Nigerian midfielder Anderson Esiti has been handed a recall to the senior national team of Nigeria by coach Gernot Rohr.

Esiti is in the provisional list of players under consideration for the Eagles camp in France, which is due to be released later in the month.

The Franco-German coach of the Super Eagles wasn’t happy with the midfielder’s display against Zambia in a World Cup qualifier which Nigeria won 2-1 away in Ndola.

He subsequently left him out of the squad for the

Everton To Battle Celtic For Onyekuru

I

squad for the Algeria game, and the recent friendly against Senegal in London, before deciding to list him in his provisional squad for the training camp in France.

Rohr decided to give the power playing midfielder widely recognised as the strongest Nigerian player, a second chance following a string of impressive performances for Gent.

The camp in France is meant to prepare the Eagles for the AFCON 2019 Qualifiers clash against South Africa in June, and the team will play Corsica Island during their stay in France.

t was a day to forget for Everton in the Premier League this weekend as they were comfortably beaten by Premier League title-chasers Chelsea at Goodison Park, much to the disappointed of their fans.

The Toffees are still harbouring ambitions of making the top-six but have some work to do after losing ground on their rivals.

And if they do bring European football back to Goodison Park, it’s surely going to be a massive pulling factor when it comes to signing players of the summer.

And according to the Sun, Everton are planning a £7million bid for Celtic target Henry Onyekuru, a Nigerian winger who plays his football with KAS Eupen in Belgium.

Onyekuru has been in stunning form for Eupen this season, with Everton considering the young Nigerian hotshot as an ample replacement for long-term injury doubt Yannick Bolasie.

It’s set to be a real fight for his signature though, with Onyekuru being tipped as one of the hottest young prospects in football.

Chukwu – Nobody Sabotaged Amakapabo N

igeria legend and Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Rangers, Christian Chukwu, OFR, has strongly rebufed talks about former NPFL title winning coach, Imama Amakapabo being sabotaged, leading to his eventual suspension few weeks before the end of the first round of the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

Amakapabo, a former Nigeria junior international goalkeeper, ended Rangers 32-year-old title drought

with last season’s NPFL title haul.

But strings of embarrassing results in the domestic top flight and an early exit from the CAF Champions League in the hands of Zamalek of Egypt as well as a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup twisted the arms of the Enugu club to hand him indefinite suspension and eventual sacking.

Amakapabo saw his ouster as product of sabotage, insisting this was so because players he wanted to bolster the squad with were not cleared

by the hierarchy of the club.

Chukwu, a former coach of the club and ex-Super Eagles gaffer ,reckons such claims were unfounded.

“There is nothing about sabotage here, I must say, even though I’m not in a position to talk on that because I just came in as General Manager,” Chukwu states .

“These things happened under the former administration. “So I don’t know the reason those players were not cleared. Maybe there was no funds.

“But even when they were

not cleared, we had the bulk of our last season’s squad that won the league still intact.

“We didn’t lose any player during the transfer window.

“But he should have started with the players that won the league last season.

“If he had done that, maybe we wouldn’t have been in the position we are in right now.

“I wasn’t there before but since I came on board, I’ve been able to identify some of the problems and I’m tackling them.”

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email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 08050220692 Editor Daily: SAM NZEH

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

VOL. 2. NO. 354

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NFF Unveils Eagles Travel Plans P 31 News Hotlines: 08050220561 Advert Hotlines: 08086296714

Eguavoen Optimistic After Sunshine Win

N

Eguavoen

ew head coach of struggling NPFL side, Sunshine Stars of Akure, Austin Eguavoen believes the team will continue to improve in every area of the game, and steadily move up the log in the second round of the season.

Buoyed by the winning start to his time in charge of the club following their 2-0 victory over Rangers on Sunday in Akure, ‘Cerezo’ already has his sight on a respectable finish at the end of the season.

“I am very happy with this winning start,” Eguavoen disclosed at the post-match conference on Sunday.

“We have beaten the defending champions 2-0 and more importantly we played well. We created chances to score more goals, controlled most of the game and kept them (Rangers) on the back foot for large spells. This is a good sign”, he added.

The former Super Eagles head coach confirmed that the team have signed up some new players that would help their campaign when the more crucial round of the season begins.

Indeed, fans of Sunshine Stars were left satisfied with the team’s performance against Rangers, especially in the second half.

Ocheme joins Nasarawa Utd C

Ocheme

entral attacker, Edoh Ocheme has successfully joined Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Nasarawa United for the remainder of the on-going topflight.

The former Giwa FC marksman wore the colours of the reigning champions, Enugu Rangers in the first stanza of the top-flight.

Ocheme said desire for a change of environment largely informed his decision to switch camp to the Solid Miners.

“I have joined Nasarawa United for the remainder of the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

“Of course, I will campaign in their colours when the second stanza of the season starts in the month.

“Yes, I was well received by the players and that already has given me a sense of belonging.

“I’m happy to switch camp to Nasarawa United as it met my dream for a change of environment.

Akpom Left Out Of Eagles Camp

A

rsenal striker Chuba Akpom is unlikely to make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles when they tackle South Africa in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in June, allnigeriasoccer.com understands.

Akpom’s good friend Alex Iwobi has been named in Nigeria’s roster for the game in Uyo and even told to report to Corsica for training, but the Hale End Academy product, who spent the second half of this season at Brighton, has been omitted.

Born in East London, Akpom appeared for England at U16, U17, U19, U20 and U21 level before he flirted with the Super Eagles during their get-together in London last month.

Akpom

The striker was called up to the national team in January 2015 for a friendly against Ivory Coast, but declined the invitation because the game fell outside Fifa’s window for international matches and he hadn’t made his mind up about representing Nigeria.

Akpom will celebrate his 22nd birthday in October and will no longer be eligible to represent England youth teams.

The Abia Times

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Buhari is a good president AT4 but…- Bourdex

Navy finalises plans for made-in-Aba naval uniforms AT 2

Methodist Synod commends whistle blowing, urges restoration of MOUAU courses

ÏÏÏ The Methodist Archdiocese

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (middle); Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Leye Oyebade and other security chiefs when a combined team of policemen and soldiers stormed and destroyed a kidnappers den in Ugwunagbor Local Government Area of the state...recently.

$1.5b Chinese shoe factory: Investor lands in Aba

Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ With interest in establish-

The Abia

T E A M

ing $1.5b factory in Aba, the management of Chinese Huajian Shoe Factory Guangdong, at the weekend, paid a site visit to Abia State to ascertain the level of preparedness of the state to host the planned massive investment.

This was barely one week after Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State returned from China having discussed with the Chinese investor who indicated his interest of investing in the state.

The Chairman of the company, Zhang Huarong, said the essence of the visit was to seal the deal which started during the Governor’s visit to his Shoe factory in China and to express his readiness to partner with Abia State to quickly deliver on the deal.

While describing Abia as a beautiful and calm environment where business can thrive, Hua-

rong said “China has enjoyed a robust relationship with Nigeria and having a factory in Abia would build on the relationship as well as help accelerate the industrialisation drive of the Governor”.

His desire, he said, was not only to be part of the technological development of Abia State and Nigeria but to also share in its mining industry and commerce, describing Nigeria as an open market.

He explained that the planned investment will project Abia State to the world, noting that Nigeria would be a major trade centre in the next 20 years as he sees a good future for the company in Abia State.

Expressing his happiness over the visit, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who hosted the visiting team at a Chinese owned Steel factory in Ukwa West area of Abia State, thanked the host factory, Inner Galaxy, which deals on recycling of metals for other products including roofing sheets and iron, metal car

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondent Sunday Nwakanma

parts fabrication among other things for partnering the state so far.

Ikpeazu said he chose the venue to show the Chinese team that some of their brother investors were already on ground in Abia State and expressed delight at the level of infrastructure in the company while also applauding the employment of many Abians at the factory.

“With what Inner Galaxy is already doing in steel fabrics and manufacturing, it is obvious that Chinese investors are already at home with Abia State in terms of huge investment.

“The coming of Zhang Huarong and his team will boast the Aba leather and garment industry. We welcome them with our heart to come and invest and make in Aba. We also encourage our people the see their coming as a healthy competition. I have no doubt that our people in Aba will take advantage of their coming and competition will improve on what we are already doing. Our target is to conquer the African leather and garment market. I am happy that the Chinese investors are responding to our request for them to come and invest in our state and make their products in Aba”, the governor

said, stating that the visit shows that Mr. Huarong and his team mean business.

He added that “the first batch of Aba shoe makers will depart Abia for China in the next one week for training.”

Ikpeazu insisted that the best way to develop Nigeria is to adopt the Chinese model of public private partnership for rapid industrialisation, stating that he shares the vision of the Chinese Shoe investor whose mission is to ensure employment generation and described him as a potential development partner.

He assured the Chinese team of government support to actualise the factory through incentives and accelerated certification, emphasising that Abia State is a fertile ground for businesses to thrive and invited local and foreign investors to look towards Abia to make their products and sell their services under a business friendly environment.

It would be recalled that Governor Ikpeazu brokered the $1.5B project for the establishment of a Shoe factory in Aba with Huajian Shoe Industry in Dongguan, Guangzhou, during his last visit to China.

Church of Umuahia has commended the Federal Government over its whistle blowing policy while also suing for the the restoration of the de-accredited courses in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU).

Arising from its 56th annual Synod held at the All Saints Methodist Church, Amuzukwu Ibeku recently, the Synod also commended the federal Government over the release of bailout funds and for its “aggressive fight against and zero tolerance to corruption in Nigeria.”

In a communiqué read by the Synod Secretary, Very Rev. M. Evans Onyemara and explained by the Archbishop of the Archdiocese and Chairman of the Synod, His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Chibuzor Raphael Opoko, the Synod called on the Federal Government to checkmate the incessant killing of innocent Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen and to as a matter of urgency, establish ranches for them in the North and only allow them to get their cows to the south through trailer transportation. While urging governments at all levels to also create enabling economic climate by encouraging agricultural activities, it urged the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate its roads in the South East, as well as to ensure that the flag off of the second Niger Bridge by past administration is not a mirage but actualised.

The Synod called on all Nigerians to trust in God over Boko Haram menace, Niger Delta militants’ activities, agitations for self-rule by IPOB, crave for resource control, spate of kidnapping and general insecurity in the country.

The synod extended its gratitude to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State over his humility and commitment to road construction and rehabilitation in the state.

Reacting over questions from newsmen, His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Chibuzor Raphael Opoko, urged Nigerians not to politicise the health of the President, but to pray for him instead, advising the Federal Government that fighting corruption should be total and not sectional.

He also advised the President to ensure the country goes back to land and must do all he can to encourage agricultural activities as a way forward for the country.

The Abia Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Labour calls for living not minimum wage in Nigeria ÏÏÏ The Abia State branch of

the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to look inward and stop talking about minimum wage in the country, but living wage.

The NLC chairman in the state, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, told newsmen this in Umuahia at the Pre-May Day seminar, stating also that labour in the state has endorsed whistle blowing system in the country as a way of not allowing corruption to continue.

He called on the Federal Government to also lessen dependence on foreign commodities, while urging for the patronage of made-in-Nigeria products to strengthen the naira currency and give it a leeway.

While expressing his mind that the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, as a listening governor will give ears to workers plight in the state, he urged him to be focused and look inward over unpaid salaries and allowances, including pensions and gratuities which has remained unpaid over the past 16 years.

Also speaking, the state Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Comrade Chris Okoro, de-

cried non-payment of workers in a recessive economy like that of Nigeria, stating that workers should be paid to enable them remain alive.

Also chatting with newsmen, the state Chairman of National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Mrs. Ugochi Akoma, regretted that the country had drifted into a recessive economy, and called on workers to strike a balance between non-payment of salaries and the resolution to remain alive.

She urged workers in the state to depend on God to be sustained under the recessive economy, stating that though workers are being owed up to eight months in some quarters, they should exercise patience as the state government will one day pay.

In his lecture at the occasion, the resource person who is the Abia NLC Education Facilitator, Comrade Ugorji Shedrack, said the way forward for workers to survive the recessive economy is to look inward at their talents and other alternative means of livelihood like farming.

According to him, the home is worst hit under economic recession, stating that workers should try to diversify their sources of income to survive.

Navy finalises plans for madein-Aba naval uniforms Stories by Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Navy has fi-

nalised plans to begin the procurement of naval uniforms from Aba. This was following the campaign by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for patronage of made-in-Aba items which has been yielding positive results.

A delegation from the Chief of Naval Staff led by Commodore Chris Obinta has therefore visited Abia State to see things for themselves with a view to undertaking the feasibility of partnership with the state government.

Receiving the delegation in the state Government Lodge

in Aba, the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, expressed seriousness of his administration in making Aba the hub of leather and garment manufacturing in Nigeria and Africa, stating that it has been confirmed that 1 million pairs of shoes are exported out of Nigeria from Aba every week while the state government’s campaign on madein-Aba products in the last one year has resulted in the labeling of Aba products “made-inNigeria”.

“I believe that the Navy is a strategic partner if they partner in economic development of the country. If they partner with us, it will go a long way to enhance confidence of our artisans engaged in the trade.

“I commend the Nigeria Navy

for indicating there interest in procuring their wears from our people in Aba. I must also commend the Federal Government for the support given to our made-in-Aba promotion campaign. “Made-in-Aba is bigger than the geographical entity of Aba. It is a philosophy that has even gone beyond the shores of Nigeria. We encourage our people to patronise made-inAba goods and services”, the governor said.

Earlier in his speech, leader of the naval delegation, Commodore Chris Obinta, thanked the Abia state government for agreeing to partner with Nigerian Navy in the production of naval uniforms, stating that said that their visit was to see things for themselves.

ASPIMSS to energise trauma centre ÏÏÏ The General Manager, Abia

State Passenger Integrated Manifest/Safety Scheme (ASPIMSS), Kingsley Megwara, says energising its trauma centre is what is uppermost in his mind as number one thing towards repositioning the scheme for better service.

Megwara disclosed this to newsmen in Umuahia while on an official function in Umuoriehi isingwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area recently, stating that he is determined to ensure that the trauma centre started by the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, when he was the General Manager of the outfit, sees the light of the day, stating: “We will find a way of going back to the trauma centre. The centre is something that I so much want to energise so that as time goes on, we can get NYSC Doctors to man that place.”

He said in the event of non-life threatening accidents, “We can quickly take them (accident victims) to our own clinic and make sure we treat them.

He notified that “ASPIMSS is the only agency removing dead bodies from the roads.

“When we see any dead body on the road, we make plans immediately to remove it because the hazard the dead body will in turn cause, either by motorists dodging the dead body and will have an accident or the medical problems involved, especially during the rainy season, when the rains will filter back to the boreholes people drink,” he said.

According to him, ASPIMSS is in better shape today under him since its establishment, stating that Dr. Ikpeazu as the GM of the centre established the trauma centre as a mid-range hospital where ASPIMSS can treat people on non-life threatening accidents, while life-threatening issues are taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia or Amachara General Hospital in Umuahia and Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba. “We also have a relationship with volunteer Doctors from America who have volunteered a month each year to assist ASPIMSS”, he said.

Megwara also disclosed that for the last 15 years, the scheme has not been paying compensations, but have set up a new office for compensation.

“When people pay, they have subscribed for compensation in view of accidents, but the only problem we have on that is that people do not take advantage of that”, he said, disclosing that his administration has paid seven compensations since he came in as the GM, while also doing enlightenment for drivers on the dangers of drinking and driving, not obeying road signs, stating that the drivers have started having a change of mind.

“We have also continued to ask the Federal Government to quicken the process of repairing its roads in the South East as no day passes without our ambulances responding to accidents on the roads, particularly around Ubakala-Aba expressway,” the ASPIMSS boss said.

Chairman of Huajian Group, Mr. Zhang Huarong, (5th from left) with Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (6th from left) and members of Huarong team when they visit the Abia State to conclude discussions on establishment of a shoe factory in the state ...at the weekend.

Ogurube Ibeku reverses curse on subjects ÏÏÏ The paramount ruler of Ibekuland and the Ogurube IV of Ibeku, Eze Samuel I. Onuoha, at the weekend, reversed the curse he had earlier placed on some of his subjects over disrespect on him.

The Ogurube IV did this at the Ibeku traditional town hall at Isieke with eight other traditional rulers in attendance and they included the Chairman of Ibeku Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Henry Ezekwem, Eze Donatus Aguiyi, Eze J. O. Ibezim, EzeIheanyichukwu Ezeigbo, Eze Okechukwu Onwubuariri, Eze Ogbonna of Amaforo, Eze B. K Ukaegbu and Eze Ibeabuchi.

Performing the libation, the Ogurube IV explained that his predicament was because of politics in Ibekuland, pleading with gods of the land not to kill anybody as he had asked them in the past to kill those that belittled and insulted him in the past.

He urged those concerned to come with certain items to remove the curse on them, stating while pouring libation, “If I, in any way said anything bad, I have reversed it”.

Anchoring the occasion, a former Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Engr.

Emma Nwabuko, said the gathering was of people who were interested in the peace of Ibeku land, stating that the occasion was what all want in Ibeku.

Also speaking, the facilitator of the occasion and member representing Ibeku East in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, urged the Ogurube IV to forgive all, stating that he will not rest until peace is brought to Ibeku, urging the Ogurube “to reverse all he said before so that all will not be dizzy” and prayed for them for the event to continue.

In his speech, the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Chief Charles Ogbonna, traced his relationship with then Ogurube IV, stating that people who do not like anything good brought about the trouble in Ibekuland, and promised to go to the paramount ruler as requested by the royal father.

Answering reporters’ question, Chief Ogbonna said that in six months in future, significant prog-

ress will be seen in Ibeku land with the peace deal.

He expressed his opinion that as a PDP member, he does not expect every Ibeku persons to be in the same party, stating that what is important is that all should bring home their wealth to develop Ibeku land.

Also speaking, the State PDP Chairman, Chief Johnson Onuigbo said peace is paramount in Ibeku land and urged all to ensure peace reign in the land.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman, Ibeku Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Henry Ezekwem, expressed his happiness over the occasion, and prayed for those who want peace to return to Ibeku land.

He berated Ibeku people who disclosed their internal problem to Ibeku brothers in Umuahia and urged their people to tell politicians to allow Ibeku traditional rulers to do their job and to reposition Ibekuland.

It would be recalled that Ibeku land was thrown into trouble following the emergence of two President Generals after their December, 2016 elections that was riddled with confusion and disquietedness.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

3 The Abia Times

ABSG partners UN over training of youths on sustainable citizen participation ÏÏÏ Abia State government has

Paramount ruler of Ibekuland in Abia State and the Ogurube IV of Ibeku, Eze Samuel I. Onuoha (centre) with other traditional rulers during the reversal of curse placed some of his subjects ...at the weekend

Multiple taxation drive traders away from Ubani Ibeku ultra-modern market Stories by SUNDAY NWAKANMA Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The aims and objectives of

Senator T. A. Orji of actualising the age-long relocation of Umuahia modern market to the Ubani Ibeku may have been defeated as the present government in the state through its agents has made the place a desert through multiple taxation.

Not only that, traders have been encouraged to vacate the ultra-modern market for the city centre, Isi Gate, which the state government turns its eyes away from as the traders deface the capital city through refuse, indiscriminate defecation and urination and littering of unwanted trade materials.

As a result therefore, traders at the Ubani ultra-modern market

have threatened to relocate back to Umuahia main town because of multiple taxation by state government and low patronage as people now patronise Isi Gate traders.

Some of the traders who spoke to the Abia Times complained that they are paying N1,500 for verification of shops, tax - N3,600, Sanitation - N2,400 yearly as against stipulated N350, infrastructure, ASEPA and electricity bills.

These, the traders disclosed, stating that they are paying the heavy levies even as they record low patronage.

They alleged that market is moving inside the town due to new plazas cropping up, as people prefer to buy in the town as well as the allowance of traders to do their business at the city centre, thus diverting buyers away from the ultra-modern market.

They lamented that many trad-

ers are relocating to main town, except those who do not have money to rent shops inside the town.

The Chairman, Ubani Ibeku ultra-modern market, Mr. Patrick Emezue, disclosed to the press that he is investigating to know if the market verification is real and genuine.

However in her response to the allegations, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kate Nwosu, revealed that government is aware of the plight of Ubani Ibeku traders, adding that the verification is to know the number of shops in Ubani and other major markets in the state.

She debunked any form of multiple taxation, stating that apart from the N1, 500 for enumeration, N3, 600 for tax and infrastructure, other levies are collected by the leaders of the traders including electricity and security.

Fairness, equity, justice remedy for restiveness in society – Oboro PG ÏÏÏ

The President-General of Ahuwa Oboro Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Engr James Obediah Uchegbuo, has identified fairness, equity and justice as the only remedy for restiveness in any society.

The PG, who disclosed this in Umuahia while answering questions from newsmen on how best to manage youths’ restiveness in the country, urged the Federal Government to embark on serious infrastructural activities in the South Eastern part of the country to dispel youth’s agitation for a separate country.

According to him “If the South East received its deserved part of the national cake, the sympathy being enjoyed by such youth organisations as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) would not be strong”.

He emphasised that if the zone came in tandem with other zones, particularly the North West and South West, there wouldn’t be need for a breakaway quest from any quarters.

Engr. Uchegbuo therefore urged Federal agencies to invest in the South East, noting that cases of youths’ disruption of contractors’ activities and de-

struction of government-owned properties were most minimal in the South East.

He used the opportunity to flay plans by some communities, suspected to be Ibeku communities, to annex Amaba community land which is in Ikwuano L.G.A into Umuahia North Local Government.

“Everyone knows that Mr. Robert Fisher founded Government College in 1929 and the land he used was bought from the Amaba people of the present Ikwuano LGA. I was surprised to hear that some people are now calling that place Azueke Ibeku.

concluded plans to train 180 youths on Sustainable Citizen Participation (SCP), a project sponsored by the United Nations and aimed at arresting youth restiveness.

This training which would be executed in the Niger Delta region comprising of nine states by Afrihealth Optonet Association, a network of civil society organization, will see youths from Umunneochi, Isuikwuato and Bende in Abia North senatorial zone; Ikwuano , Umuahia North and Umuahia South(Abia Central) and Aba North, Aba South and Ugwunagbo (Abia South) benefit from the training which would instill them with various skills, including community mobilisation and conceptualisation of projects.

According to the Afrihealth Optonet Association National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, the UN through the United Nation’s Democracy Fund, is pumping $242, 000 (approximately N100 million) into the SCP project training which will commence in July this year.

Dr. Adirieje explained that the objective of the SCP was aimed at empowering the civil society in the Niger Delta to engage with government on a regular and sustained basis for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.

Addressing the Commissioner

for Youth Development, Barrister Haggler Okorie, during a courtesy call, Adirieje said: “In this state alone, we will train 180 civil society members from nine local governments, three from each senatorial zone.

“The local governments were selected using the criterion of consanguinity. We are training the youths so that we will arrest this issue of restiveness. From July, we will start the trainings.”

He presented the Commissioner with the project brochure, while seeking for the cooperation of the ministry as the project involves working with the communities.

Receiving the team, Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Haggler Okorie, assured them of government’s support as the training would make Abia youths to become better citizens.

“I am thrilled to hear about this project. For me, it is a cheerful news for that matter, because it is my thinking that youth development and empowerment starts with youth advocacy, youth mobilisation, and youth sensitisation and information dissemination.

“So, this great advocacy which Afrihealth wants to do for our youths on behalf of government, talking to them about how to live a better life; response mechanisms, and for me, it is yeoman’s job for my ministry.

AKSG, Deeper Life Church abandons their own in Amachara hospital ÏÏÏ

The Akwa Ibom State Government and the Deeper Life Church in Amachara, Umuahia, Abia State have abandoned one of their own in Amachara General Hospital, Umuahia, even after visiting him.

According to the good Samaritan who saved the patient, Mrs. Amaka Uja, “on the 11th of July 2016, a man from Ntani, Itu Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom state was found along a street in Umuahia, Abia state, dejected, homeless, in a tight corner of his life, with maggots infected leg, everything was against him, and it seems though he could not hang on again in life”.

While others ran away from the man identified as Nelson Asuquo Ekanem, the State Malaria Programme Manager, Mrs. Amaka Uja, at that very moment, became a God-sent divine helper who took him to the General Hospital, Amachara, where he has almost reached 100% recovery.

According to Uja, she contacted Akwa Ibom State Government officials early January, who sent a team led

by their Commissioner for Health that visited Nelson in the hospital, promising to do everything possible to take him back to Akwa Ibom State after interacting with him for over forty minutes.

According to Uja, “Today, the story is different. He cannot go back to Akwa Ibom State as the chief of the village Nelson claimed he comes from has denied knowing him.

According to them now, since he could not be identified by the village head and no one else has claimed knowledge of him, it is not possible to arrange his going back to Akwa Ibom State.

She described Nelson as once a wealthy man who last visited home 58 years ago and had lost contact with relations, but suddenly decided to trace his relations and come back home to invest his wealth, wondering, “How much money will it take a state, like Akwa Ibom to rehabilitate their own son?”

Asuquo further disclosed that Nelson mentioned in his church as Deeper Life Church and his pastor’s name in Agbor, Delta State where he had resided all the while.

The Abia Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Buhari is a good president but…- Bourdex Chief David Ogba Onuoha, popularly known by his telecom business name, Bourdex, who recently retired traditionally from his Abiriba communal affairs as the “Ugoena” Abiriba, in this interview with SUNDAY NWAKANMA, bared his mind on his football competition, the retirement ceremony in Abiriba age grade system and on issues in the polity, stating that Muhammadu Buhari is a good President but that he is 20 years late.

Excerpts:

What is your aim of organising Bourdex Foundation unity cup?

When I had my traditional retirement ceremony in Abiriba, “Ime Uche,” my focus now is giving back to the society, helping the up and coming ones to achieve their purpose in life. The Bourdex Unity football competition started about two months ago and the footballers cut across the five local government areas of Abia North and our aim is to give an opportunities to the young talents that we have in these local governments and showcase their skills in football and other sports which is a big business. Nigerian should be able to harness the talents and export them to the world. My aim is to help these young ones to discover their talents through organising these tournaments that have prizes attached to them and in so doing, assist them to become what they want to become. We have a lot of talents in Abia North.

So my aim is to help where help is needed.

This is just the first edition. When is the next one coming up?

The next edition will come up next year just about the same time this one came and the finals will also be played on Easter Sunday next year.

What motivated you to go into sports to harness the potentials of the young footballers in Abia North?

My motivation comes from the fact that I at some point in my life was motivated and I believe strongly that it is more blessed to give than to receive. I believe in the law of karma, the law of sowing and reaping. I also believe in Christ’s injunction to love thy neighbour as thyself. I also derive joy in giving and I want to see people excel in whatever profession they choose. I also know that our society today is so much populated by the youths who are in dire need of assistance and most of who have graduated and there is no work for them, while the result is that you begin to breed a society or community of people that have nothing lose and that is the most dangerous community you can create. So, I am trying in my own little way to engage these youths in sports and other activities that will make them not think like an idle mind.

So I want to help where help is needed.

What is your word to some other people in your position who are not doing what you are doing?

They should look at their communities, at their circumstances and surroundings they found themselves in and use their Godgiven wealth to help our societies. This is because, if you helped one become somebody, you have helped not only his family but a whole community as it will have a multiplier effect. They should find something to do. There are so many schools in our communities that are dilapidated. Government cannot do it alone. Take up one, renovate it and see if you can pay the fees of the pupils there. There is so much to do in our society.

So I urge the well-to-do to rise to the occasion and help. It does not take much to help.

Sports, especially inter-house sports

Chief David Ogba Onuoha

“President Buhari is trying his best especially given his age. He is a good president but he is 20 years late. He should have been here 20 years before now and then we would have had a miracle of leadership in place” is dying in our schools. What will be your advice to governments at all levels in this regards?

It will not be an advice to the government specifically as it is now very busy trying to repair our infrastructure that are so dilapidated as it is today. Government has her hands full, but where they can help, they should also help, reactivate inter-house sports amongst our schools as it helps nurture their talents and also sharpen their brain. While we are advising the government, I would also advise the well-to-do in our various communities to also do something about inter-house sports in our schools, reactivate it, get the small ones together, get them start running and jumping and playing football and all those athletic feats that see them to Olympics. I am going to start that as well. It is one of the things Bourdex Foundation is going to start to re-awaken that spirit of sportsmanship and get the schools to compete in sports and also quizzes. We are also going to look at some handsome rewards to those who excel in the form of scholarships and so many other things. So, our best is yet to come. We have just started and we are going to give a lot.

Away from sports, what joy do you derive from paying school fees and doing so many things for school children?

I derive so much joy, especially when I saw the look on the faces of those children.

It also got me thinking. I did not know that our schools were in such a dilapidated state when I saw the Foundation chairman come back with the pictures. It got me thinking as to what we must do to help and also it got

me thinking in the form of children paying school fees. So, we are looking at a way where the Foundation can help these children and their parents pay school fees. We are working it out. What happened then is like a wake-up call. We are looking at all those things and it gives me joy to see joy on people’s faces when I give a stipend. The joy of giving is something you need to experience.

Just few months ago, precisely at the end of last year, you did your traditional retirement ceremony as an elder citizen of Abiriba. What does that mean?

That means that I have come of age. The Abiriba community runs on the age grade system and at some point at the life of an age grade, they perform the “Uche” ceremony which was what we did last year. That means that they have discharged their duties to the community and are now to sit back and become advisers to the age grade that takes over from them and the other age grade that are upcoming. They also become advisers to the Enachioken (paramount ruler of Abiriba), the community and others. They have done everything they are supposed to do to for the community as grown men who belong to an age grade. That was what we did last year and that doesn’t mean that we should rest on our oars or go to sleep. For me, it is even the time to start anew to work for the community, not only for the Abiriba community, but for the entire Abia North, the area I come from.

You said the government is now busy trying to repair decayed infrastructure probably left behind by previous administrations. Can you explain further on this?

What I mean is that we have a situation where past governments, whether at the state or federal level, built certain infrastructure and we also had a situation where nothing was built at all and the resultant effect is that the infrastructural requirement of this country is almost non-existent whether at the state or federal level, where some states are concerned. Our roads are bad, whether it is federal or state roads. It does not only apply to Abia State, but also to other states. We have problems everywhere. We have federal roads that are death traps. Look at Arochukwu/Ohafia federal road for instance. You cannot go to Arochukwu without suffering some pains the next day. It is also the same thing with Onitsha-Lagos road or Benin-Ore road without praying, having nightmares on the road and praying that you arrive Lagos safely. You cannot travel from Enugu to Port Harcourt and yet we had a President who came from the South-South and that is the annoying part. So, the infrastructure in this country today is terrible. That is the truth of the matter.

Recently on my trip to China, I passed through Ethiopia. I was shocked at the state of their infrastructure. Their airport is as good as being in Europe or anywhere in the USA. It is beautiful and I remembered when I travelled through the airport last in the ‘80s when they had just overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie. It was in a sorry state and people were cuing on food lines with food coupons. But today, the place has changed and it is like El Dorado and yet they do not have any oil but depend on agriculture and so on. So, what is wrong with our government, our society and Nigeria? We don’t have any infrastructure. It is fable and gives me nightmare as a Nigerian and I ask myself, ‘when will all these change?’ so that is what I mean. We have a problem in this country and we need another Jesus to come and help us.

In your own opinion, is President Muhammadu Buhari doing his best to alleviate these sufferings from Nigerians?

In fairness to him, President Muhammadu Buhari met a lot of problems on ground and it is not easy to rebuild something that has almost fallen apart overnight. So, I would say President Buhari is trying his best especially given his age. He is a good president but he is 20 years late. He should have been here 20 years before now and then we would have had a miracle of leadership in place. As far as I am concerned, he is doing his best and we have no other president except him today, therefore it is our duty to rally behind him and give him the support he needs to do what he can do with the remaining time that he has. We should not forget that corruption is an endemic problem in this society. We have a lot of people who have looted this country dry and he is pursuing some of them but I also wonder when we are going to see those who have been found guilty or found to have stolen our funds jailed. This is because if we don’t begin to set example, then we are not doing anything and people will begin to carry on as if it is normal. So he is trying his best and we have to support him in anywhere we can because he is the president we have today and he means well.

People believe you still have political ambition. Do you have any intention to run for the governorship position of the state in future?

No. I have no ambition to run as a governor of this state at any time. My intention is to do what I can as long as the life the Almighty gave to me remains with me and as long as I have what it takes, I would always try to do my best and help where help is needed. Anybody can interpret it to mean anything. It is that person’s business

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

BoI posts N17b profit in 2016, bags ICAN award

Page B2

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigerian Labour Union Congress (NLC) have called for a special salary for the employees residing in the FCT following the high cost of living in Abuja The Union Leaders made the call on Monday at the 2017 May Day Celebration in Abuja, with the Theme: “Labour Relations in Economic Recession: An Appraisal.”

Ngige assures international community on FG’s plan for steady economic development Page B6

NiRA and prospects of engaging in .NG domain names Page B8

TUC, NLC call for special salary for workers in Abuja Mr Amodu Olayinka, TUC FCT Chairman, said the Federal Government and the FCT Administration need to urgently create and adopt a special salary structure for workers residing in the capital territory.

He said special salary would motivate and increase the morale of workers in Abuja as civil ser-

vants are the engine room of any government.

Olayinka explained that the prevailing economic recession and high cost of living in the FCT made it imperative for government to create a special salary structure for employees residing in Abuja.

According to him, the new in-

jection of luxury buses for transportation by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reduced the stress and suffering of commuters.

“We will appreciate if more buses can be provided and other MDA’s to follow the same step to help ease the stress of the common man.”

L-R: Mr. Tuoyo Jemerigbe, Mrs. Titi Adeleye, Mrs. Kofo Adeleke, Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Henry Bassey, and moderator, Mrs. Annetie Fisher, at the launch of Open House Lagos 2017 aimed at celebrating past, present and future architectural buildings in Lagos... recently.

Members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association Of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has observed that Nigerian aviation sector is one of the mostly hit by the prevailing national economic recession ravaging our dear country.

The National President of

BUSINESS TIMES Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

He commended the administration for the initiative to construct 400 housing units for staff of FCTA/FCDA, saying the union was looking forward to the commencement of the scheme and the collaboration of labour centres on the project.

According to him, the creation CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Nigeria lost $850m to gas flaring in 2015 – DPR

Aviation industry most hit by economic recession - ATSSSAN Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

…Decries fuel scarcity, casualization, anti-labour laws, others

ATSSSAN, Comrade Ahmadu D. Ilitrus, on behalf of the National Administrative Committee (NAC) made the observation yesterday during his May Day speech at the Lagos Airport adding that the situation is not only made worse by the perennial scarcity and high cost of Jet-A1 and aircraft maintenance parameters.

According to the ATSSSAN leader, the situation is further aggravated by some attendant mismanagement in the sector, including “ungodly interventions of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which priorities capitals over labour concerns in some aviation undertakings, one of which is the present precarious situation our

members of the Aero Contractors Airlines are been faced with”.

Illitrus, while discussing the theme of this year’s May Day“Labour Relations in Economic Recession: An Appraisal”, further pointed out that the unexplainable anti-labour posture of denying workers the right to unionism by some private undertakings like; Dana Air; Medview Air; BiCourtney; Execujet and Arik Air, contrary to section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and other extant labour laws are also part of the problems of the sector.

The ATSSSAN leader further said that unconscionable and perpetual casualization of aviation workers in the guise of out-sourc-

ing, contract staffing by some mean corporate organizations in the industry are part of the problems “Unsavory government policies which unduly interfere in the administration of the agencies in the aviation sectors such as the career invasion through imposition of managers from outside by the ministry to the detriment of the principle of career progression de-motivates and tend to dampen the morale of the toiling personnel are also part of it”, Illitus said.

He further stated that the determination of the Federal government to concession our four viable airports is not only a secuCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said that Nigeria, the ninth largest gas producing nation in the world, lost over 850 million dollars to gas flaring in 2015.

Mrs Pat Maseli, Deputy Director, Head, Upstream, DPR, gave the statistics at the just concluded 10th Annual Sub-Saharan Africa Oil and Gas Conference in Houston, Texas, U.S. This is according to a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday by Mr Sonny Oputa, Chairman, Energy Corporate African, the organiser of the conference.

Maseli said that the development led to a loss of 3,500 megawatts of electricity generation and about 400 million dollars carbon credit value emission.

She said, “55 million Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) was lost and 25 million tons of carbon dioxide emitted.

“The country is recording decline, but the scale of gas flaring is still worrisome’’.

She said that with almost 8 billion cubic meters of gas flared annually, according to satellite data, Nigeria had the seventh largest gas flaring in the world.

“At the same time, approximately 75 million Nigerians lack access to electricity.

“In recent years, Nigeria has shown significant progress by reducing gas flaring by about 2 billion cubic metres from 2012 to 2015,’’ she was quoted as saying.

Maseli said that prior to now, there were no gas terms in place, but the department had recently developed policies on gas terms and utilisation.

Business News B2 Despite the economic and businesses headwinds that played out in 2016, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has posted an operating profit before tax of N17 billion in 2016, 44 percent increase, over the N11.9 billion recorded in 2015, a feat it described as unprecedented in the history of the bank.

However, the Bank’s loans and advances also rose by 10 per cent to N171bn in 2016 from N156bn in 2015, followed by disbursements to Small and Medium Enterprises that similarly went up by 42 percent within the same period to N8bn compared with N5.64bn in 2015.

Moreover, the bank assured its shareholders of a very bright and positive financial year, noting that its financial operations in Q1 2017 have already showed the bank performed brilliantly and profitably as against Q1 2016.

Indeed, the Development Finance Institution (DFI) stated that with the recent approval of its accounts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), clearly shows that

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

BoI posts N17b profit in 2016, bags ICAN award ... Loans to businesses hit N171b

2017 will definitely be a profitable year for the bank.

A review of the bank’s financial activities during the year showed that the quality of its risk assets also improved phenomenally with a reduction in the ratio of nonperforming loans (NPL) to 3.72 per cent in 2016 from 5.87 in 2015.

According to the bank, the feat was achieved in year when the average ratio of non-performing loans in the nation’s banking industry rose sharply to 14 percent which is beyond the Central Bank of Nigeria’s threshold of 5 percent.

Commenting on the bank’s performance in the financial year under review, the institution’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Waheed Olagunju attributed the growth to strong commitment, professionalism

and strict adherence to global best practices by the bank’s competent, dedicated as well as passionate management team and staff.

He stressed that these achievements also culminated in BOI’s consistently high ratings by international and domestic rating agencies being upgraded and affirmed, describing it as the best in the bank’s history despite last year’s economic head winds.

While Moody’s assigned BOI Aa1 in 2016 up from Ba3 of 2015, Agusto’s rating of AA- in 2016 was higher than A+ of 2015. AA+ assigned by Fitch in 2015 was affirmed in 2016.

Acknowledging the Bank’s feat, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at its yearly dinner and awards conferred a merit award on the bank for its

BoI Acting MD, Waheed Olagunju

outstanding contributions to national development.

Commenting on the awards presented to BOI, he said: “We are delighted that the country we serve and the various constituencies we serve continue to appreciate the bank’s contributions to development of Nigeria which is also

TUC, NLC call for special salary for workers in Abuja CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

and completion of more access roads to link up area councils will reduce traffic congestion, stress and fatigue experienced by commuters on daily basis.

He, however, called on the FCT administration to urgently complete these roads; Orozo-karshiTakalafia-Abuja, karshi-Garki access road, Gwagwa-deidei link road and Mararaba-Gurku-Asopada-Mpape road.

He noted that the FCT was becoming a dump site of refuse especially in the satellite town and this has serious health hazard on residents.

“We will like the administration to put relevant authority in charge to provide enable environment for proper sanitation which will help generate funds and create more employment for the citizens’’.

Aviation industry most hit by economic recession - ATSSSAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

L-R: President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Segun Ajibola; Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okey Enelamah; Chairman, Fintech Associates Nigeria, Dr. Segun Aina, and Group Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Mr. Ade Ayeyemi, at the 1st National Fintech Conference in Nigeria held in Lagos recently.

Don’t sign EU partnership agreement, MAN warns FG ... Commends Govt on enabling environment

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the Federal Government should not sign the ECOWAS – EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), as it would further de-industrialise the country.

According to a statement signed by Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General, MAN; “MAN wishes to reiterate its insistence that Nigeria’s concerns with respect to EPA Market Access should be addressed before the country could endorse the Agreement just as it was done before the take-off of the ECOWAS CET. This is to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a dumping ground for finished products from the European Union.

“At the inception of this administration in May 2015, MAN submitted a position paper where it recommended strongly that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari should not sign the EPA in its present form, taking into consideration the negative consequences the EPA would have on local manufacturing in particular and the economy in general, especially in the areas of job creation, loss of investment and revenue to government.”

Ajayi-Kadir, noted that Nigeria, at various stages in the EPA negotiation process, voiced strong opposition to the agreement and raised concerns that the Agreement would lead to de-industrialisation as it is structured to limit the growth of manufacturing in West

Africa, particularly in Nigeria.

He stated that the implication of EPA is that the Nigerian economy will remain a provider of raw materials and importer of finished products.

The DG said: “MAN’s concern is premised on the fact that from all parameters, West African States, including Nigeria, are not at the same level of economic development with any European country.

“Therefore, we are not in a position to conclude a reciprocal trade relationship as espoused in the trade agreement with EU. “Based on the country’s national interest, the last and present administrations took a pragmatic decision not to join other West African States in endorsing the Economic Partnership Agreement [EPA] in its present form.

rity risk to the nation but also an economic terrorism, adding that “ATSSSAN will maintains it no to concession which does no good to our members in particular, and the nation in general”.

“In the context of the theme for this year May Day celebration Labour Relations in Economic Recession: An Appraisal, it is worrisome to surmise that workers in the aviation industry, who are facing the challenges of having to manage with excruciating working conditions, inadequate operational tools, promotions, salaries, allowances stagnation and incessant redundancy, especially in the private organizations, are not even appreciated by their bosses.

ATSSSAN therefore, stated that the Union is ever determined to continue to find solace

in the spirit of their moto: “Dignity and Safety” as regard their engagements with employers of the members.

Illitrus equally used the opportunity to appeal to their friends, brothers and sisters who are yet to subscribe to unionism to consider joining and belonging to the family of ATSSSAN and other responsible aviation unions across the country.

“Today therefore serves as another opportunity to meet with other brothers and sisters from our units, branches and other Unions; rub minds together and activate strategies of emancipating our people from the shackles of oppression, deprivation, want, poverty and sundry socio-economic vices they have been exposed to in a land that is flowing with milk and honey”, ATSSSAN boss said.

Why FG may privatize some oil joint venture assets - Minister Motolani Oseni The Budget and National Planning Minister, Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, has said that the Federal Government plans to restructure some oil joint ventures to free up revenue when there is sufficient market interest.

“We have to do it when oil prices are moving up. We have to look at the timing to get that right,” he told Bloomberg TV during an interview.

Nigeria ultimately wants mar-

kets to determine naira exchange rate, and it’s matter of time to get there The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to bring in private investors in infrastructural development of the country.

The country is shopping for funds from World Bank to help “stabilize” power sector in the next 3-5 years.

The National Assembly may pass 2017 budget, which was submitted by President Buhari in December, next week.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni Due to macro-economic challenges, no fewer than four Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) including; First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB), Union Bank of Nigeria, Diamond Bank and First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc (FBN Holdings) have suffered a whopping sum of N5.79 billion drop in three months of 2017 profit.

The above four Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) profit declined from N32.8 billion in first quarter of 2016 to N27.1 billion in first quarter of 2017, representing a decline of N5.79 billion or 17.6 per cent.

For instance, Union Bank of Nigeria and FCMB profit in first quarter of 2017 dropped by 4.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent from N4.7 billion and N1.6 billion to N4.5 billion and N1.58 billion in first quarter of 2017 respectively.

Commenting on Union Bank’s first quarter results, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, said, “2017 will be a very busy

B3 Money Market

FCMB, Union Bank, others declare N5.79bn profit decline year for our Bank, with our 100th anniversary celebrations running through the year and the launch of our N50 billion rights issue in the second quarter.

“The Bank continues to focus on liability generation which translated to a 24per cent increase in Gross Earnings to N33.8billion at the Group level, compared to N27.3billion in the same period of 2016.

Notwithstanding reduced customer purchasing power, our enhanced customer value proposition and energised brand continue to drive our Customer Deposits up, with a six per cent increase to N695.2billion from N658.4billion as at December 2016. Non-interest income from ebusiness channels grew by 66per cent against Q1 2016 as a result of increased customer adoption of

our alternate channels.

“Expectedly, due to inflationary impact on operating expenses, Profit Before Tax for the quarter declined marginally by three per cent to N4.7billion from N4.9billion in Q1 2016. We remain confident that we are on track to meet our growth and revenue objectives for 2017.

“In Q2, we are focused on launching a successful rights issue which will be critical to executing our short and medium term business priorities.

Discussing the first quarter numbers, Chief Financial Officer, Oyinkan Adewale, said, “Improved foreign exchange availability allowed the Bank streamline its loan book, bringing the foreign currency loan book down to 49per cent of Gross Loans, compared to 53pper cent

at December 2016.

“With six per cent increase in deposits and three per cent drop in loans, we were able to bring the Loans to Deposit Ratio to 75per cent, from 81per cent at December 2016.

“The three per cent drop in Gross Loans in the quarter is responsible for the marginal increase in our NPL ratio from 6.69per cent December 2016 to 7.27per cent March 2017.

Also, FBN Holdings recorded the highest drop of about 22.1 percent in profit to N16 billion as against N20.7 billion in first quarter of 2016, followed by Diamond Bank that suffered a decline of 16.5 per cent in profit from N5.76 billion in first quarter of 2016 to N4.8 billion in first quarter of 2017.

Commenting on the results, the Group Managing Director,

FBN Holdings Plc, UK Eke, said, “We are making good strides on the initiatives we have instituted across our businesses, fundamentally on risk management framework to forestall asset quality deterioration and we remain focused on the various remedial and recovery activities.

“Similarly, we are seeing enhanced revenue from the banking and nonbanking subsidiaries in line with our strategy of enhancing revenue generation capacity and deepening collaboration across the Group.

“The increasing earnings contribution from the non-banking businesses have cushioned the overall impact of the challenges faced by the Commercial Banking franchise, further reinforcing the inherent strength of our holding company.

How new FX window’ll boost investors’ confidence, by economist Following investors doubt trailing float of the local currency, Naira, on the newly introduced foreign exchange window, an economist and financial analyst Dr. Uche Uwaleke, has explained that the FX created for investors will encourage return of portfolio investors to the capital market.

Uwaleke, the Head of Banking and Finance Department in Nasarawa State University, Keffi, made the observation in Lagos on Monday that the new policy would impact positively on the capital market with more portfolio investors returning to the market.

He explained that constraints in the foreign exchanges market which caused illiquidity in the market led to exit of foreign investors from the capital market.

“The conscious attempt to ease foreign exchange access by the CBN through a special window for foreign investors promises to impact the capital market positively with more portfolio investors returning to the market,’’ he stated.

Uwaleke said the development would brighten the country’s chances of readmission into the JP Morgan Index in line with

the Federal Government’s efforts to revitalise the economy.

“Following this development, the country’s chances of readmission into the JP Morgan Index are brightened, especially now that the government seems set to get the economy on the path of recovery,’’ Uwaleke said.

Daily Times reports that the central bank opened a foreign-exchange window for investors and exporters last Monday where the naira trades between the interbank rate and the black-market rate, which many Nigerians use to access dollars.

In the weeks before the opening, Governor Godwin Emefiele told senior bankers that he would tolerate a weaker naira and allow the market to determine the rate within the new window, according to a person who attended the meetings.

While the initial market reaction showed investors are optimistic the platform will be successful in bringing hard currency into Nigeria -- bank stocks rose and naira forward contracts priced in a weaker currency -- policy makers still must demonstrate that they’ll allow free trading.

L-R: Head, Agency Banking, Ecobank Nigeria; Funso Oyelohunnu; Head, Consumer Distribution, Ecobank Nigeria, Tunde Kuponiyi; MD/CEO of Accion Microfinance Bank, Bunmi Lawson; Deputy Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Tony Okpanachi; Head, Remittance & Mobile Money, Ecobank Nigeria, Esther Obot, and Chief Operating Officer, Accion Microfinance Bank, Stephen Olalere, announcing the commencement of Western Union Money Transfer services provided by Ecobank in Accion Microfinance Bank locations in Lagos ... recenty.

Naira closes 390/$1 at parallel market, as market resumes The naira on Monday closed at the same rate sold on the last trading day of the week before closure of the official market for Workers Day celebration on Monday May1, 2017.

The Nigerian currency was exchanged against the Pound Sterling yesterday at depreciated rate of 492 against 485 traded over the weekend and also loses five points against Euro to close at 420 compare to 415 that was sold at the parallel market at the weekend.

Although, forex dealers are optimistic that the

naira will rebound in the week ahead, as the official foreign exchange market opens today, following its closure for the workers day celebration on Monday.

At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the naira was sold at N362 to the Greenberg, while trading at the interbank window there were no changes as the market remained unchanged at N305.85 to the dollar. However, the naira, appreciated marginally at the investment and export window, as it closed at N379.04, from the N379.89 it opened earlier on Thurs-

day.

Meanwhile, reacting to the call from different quarters that the that multiple exchange rate in the forex market is not helping in addressing the forex crisis, the CBN has explained that multiple exchange rate has eliminated “frivolous demand” of foreign currency.

Traders at the market were hopeful that the naira would bounce back as the CBN sustained liquidity boost at the BDC subsector.

The Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department at the

CBN, Isaac Okorafor, said the multiple exchange rates was aimed at improving dollar supply while allowing investors to trade their own dollars at a more market-determined rate.

Furthermore, he said the CBN had observed that quite a good number of dealers were adhering to the forex guidelines. Nevertheless, he said the CBN will continue to monitor the activities of authorized dealers to ensure that no outfit or individual circumvents the laid down forex rules.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Nestle Nigeria Q1 2017 suffers 38.4% Seplat declares N5.9 billion Loss in Q1’17 gross margin decline Stories Bonny Amadi Nestle Nigeria Plc for the first quarter 2017 recorded growth in sales and profit after tax over a 12 months period and three months period, but the gross margin dropped remarkably on annual and quarterly basis.

The company’s Q1 result for the period ended March 31, released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recently showed that Sales recorded by Nestle grew by 69 per cent y/y to N61.2billion while Profit before Tax (PBT) grew by 64 per cent y/y to

Adesola Afolabi

…As PBT/ PAT garner 64/25% respectively N14.3bn.

As the macroeconomic headwinds persists, Nestle Nigeria’s PAT grew by 25 per cent y/y to N8.4billion, while the firm also posted PAT growth of 12 per cent q/q due to a comparatively lower tax rate of 41.5 per cent, compared to 53.6 per cent recorded in Q4 2016.

The result showed that unit volume growth and y/y price increases contributed to the strong topline growth recorded in the first quarter.

Price increases across all categories, as well as

decline in competition from imported products due to foreign exchange (fx) supply constraints, were attributed as the primary drivers to the topline growth delivered by the company in Q1.

The company’s Q1 result further showed that sales in food category were up 92.6 per cent y/y to N40.3bn while sales for the Beverage segment also grew 46 per cent y/y to N21.4billion.

The strong topline growth more than offset the negative impact from a gross margin contrac-

tion of -1081bps y/y to 38.4 per cent and a double-digit y/y rise in opex.

Nestle’s net finance income was N1.1billion compared with a net finance charge of –N300m in the corresponding quarter of 2016. A strong finance income of N2.6billion offset an fx-revaluation loss of N1.0billion.

PAT was up 25% y/y to N8.4bn. Overall, Nestle’s Q1 performance is very strong. Sequentially, sales grew by 16.6% q/q. A gross margin contraction of -622bps q/q led to a PBT decline of -11% q/q.

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc has released Unaudited Interim Financial Statements for the three months ended 31 March 2017.

The company reported a loss after tax of N5.9 billion. The loss is a 31percent increase from loss after tax of N4.5 billion declared for the first quarter of 2016.

Seplat also reported a revenue decline of 13 percent. Revenue for the first three month of the year stood at N14.5 billion as againstN16.6 billion reported as revenue in Q1 2016 The unaudited results which is subject to further review reflects lower oil exports via the Warri refinery route whilst jetty upgrades and repairs were undertaken.

Commenting on the results Austin Avuru, Seplat’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The first quarter of 2017 is a transitionary period for Seplat in which our oil

sales have been constrained whilst we electively undertook the necessary upgrade and repair work on two jetties at the Warri refinery to give us the future benefit of doubling barging volumes and stabilising exports via that route at a gross rate of 30,000 bopd.

Alongside this we are collaborating with and supporting government on completion of the Amukpe to Escravos pipeline that will offer a third export route to Seplat and help to significantly de-risk the distribution of our oil production to market.

These proactive management actions, combined with the consistently strong performance of our gas business and continued strict financial discipline to preserve a liquidity buffer, should lead to a much improved performance outlook over the remainder of 2017 and beyond, with a much greater level of inbuilt resilience to such external shocks”.

Summary of trading activities on NSE

L – R: Femi Onifade, Head, International Primary Market, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Pai Gamde, Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE; Ibukun Adebayo, Co-Head, Emerging Markets Strategy, London Stock Exchange Group, representing LSEG; Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets Division, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) representing NSE; Mojisola Adeola, Company Secretary, NSE and Nirmal Nandwani, International Markets Associate, LSEG at the NSE & LSEG renewed Capital Markets Partnership for Growth at the NSE recently.

Union Bank posts 24% growth in Q1 Gross Earnings Adesola Afolabi Union Bank’s Unaudited Financial Statements for the three months ended 31 March 2017 released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) shows a 24 percent increase in gross earnings of N33.8 billion.

In the three month period, the bank interest income of N27.2 billion improved by 27 percent.

A breakdown of the interest income showed Cash and its equivalents improved 103 percent to N983 million while Loans and advances to customers appreciated 38 percent toN19.7 billion A 114 percent increase in Deposits from customers indicates growing confidence in the bank, however it contributed significantly to a 91 percent increase in interest expenses that stood at N12.6 billion Earnings Per share thus

dropped 7 percent to 26 kobo from 28 kobo in 2016.

Mobil reports 99 percent profit decline in Q1. Mobil Oil Nigeria has released Unaudited Financial Statements for the three months ended 31 March 2017 with a profit after tax (PAT) of N13.1 billion.

Mobil’s Q1 PAT is 99 percent lower than N1.8 billion declared as PAT in the same period of 2016.

The company recorded turnover of N25.2 billion, which is11percent higher than N22.7 billion declared as Revenue for the first three months of 2016.

Earnings per Share dropped to 4 kobo from 504 kobo reported in Q1 reflecting the 99 percent decline in profitability While total assets dropped to N59.0 billion from N61.7 billion in 2016, Shareholders funds stood at N22.7billion as against N21.5 billion in2016

ASI

25,758.51

DEALS VOLUME

3,598.00 366,467,226.00

VALUE

2,875,994,863.45

CAP

8,912,898,934,536.83

FCMB Group Q1 2017 weakens P/L lines by 384% Q/Q rise in provisions FCMB may have set the pace for its 2017 financial year with 40% Y/Y or 384 %Q/Q boost in provisioning and decline in funding income, recorded in the first quarter ended 31 March 2017.

The result which was released recently for the investing public showed that Profit before tax (PBT) declined by 10 per cent y/y to N2.0billion, while PAT grew by 405 per cent y/y to N2.1billion courtesy of other comprehensive income (OCI) Components of other compre-

hensive income which boosted FCMB’s PAT in Q1, may be unrealized holding gains on investments that are classified as available for sale, foreign currency translation gains, Pension plan gains or losses, or Pension prior service credits. All these forms of earnings are usually one off gains.

However, key driver behind the marked growth in PAT was a positive result of N537m on the other comprehensive income (OCI) line compared with a loss of –N1.2bn in Q1 2016.

The FCMB Q1 2017 result which has remained subject of discussion in the equities market, may have started generating negative reaction from the market, which ostensibly has triggered downward revisions to consensus 2017E PBT by some investment analysts.

Pre-provision profits grew modestly by 4 per cent y/y. However, a 40 per cent y/y rise in loan loss provisions proved significant and completely offset the modest growth in pre-provision profits.

Oando shrinks net debt by 29 per cent, posts N1.7bn PAT Oando Plc has reduced its debt burden by 29 per cent, while growing its profit after tax (PAT)

by N1.7 billion in first quarter 2017, indicating a possible robust financial year for the company’s shareholders.

The company’s result which was released recently showed that,Oando’s turnover grew by

116 per cent to N138.4 billion and gross profit by 53% to N13.4 billion compared to the first quarter of 2016. Oando’s N1.7 billion profit can be attributed to proactive measures put in place to enable the business cushion the effect of continued economic headwinds.

Approximately 66% of the company’s crude production was

hedged with 9,590 bbls/day of crude oil production hedged at $65/bbl (average) with expiries ranging from July 2017 to January 2019, as its upstream subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources (OER) has consistently adopted a hedge mechanism that ensures the business is protected from fluctuating oil prices.

15-Feb 18-Feb 21-Feb 24-Feb 27-Feb 02-Mar 05-Mar 08-Mar 11-Mar 14-Mar 17-Mar 20-Mar 23-Mar 26-Mar 29-Mar 01-Apr 04-Apr 07-Apr 10-Apr 13-Apr 16-Apr 19-Apr 22-Apr 25-Apr 28-Apr

B5

29,500 NSE All Share Index

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Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Naira Value (m)

27,000

22,000 99,000

79,000

59,000

24,500 39,000

19,000

(1,000)

Labour B6 Stories by Joy Ekeke President of the United Labour Congress of Nigeria, (ULC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has condemned actions of the National Assembly to move the minimum wage from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list, insisting that the move would fail, as Labour is prepared to battle the lawmakers to a standstill.

Comrade Ajaero made this known at a seminar tagged, ‘Worker’s In a Recessionary United Labour Congress to celebrate the 2017 May Day in Lagos.

According to Ajaero, “the move is ill-motivated to deny workers their right to live well, which is what some of the governors have been advocating; but we will mobilise against them”.

He said that If the planned delisting of wage from the exclusive legislative list succeeds, it means that the country would no longer have a national minimum wage.

“It means that each state of the federation will be empowered to legislate and arrive at

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Workers’ Day: ULC to battle NASS over minimum wage what should be their respective minimum,’’ he said.

The ULC leader recalls that the current minimum wage of N18,000 was signed into effect in 2011, by former President Goodluck Johnathan, subject to a review every five years.

He said that labour since 2016, had been agitating for the review of the wage citing hyperinflation and the devaluation of the Naira which had continued to impact negatively on workers’ take-home pay.

He said that workers not only deserved wage increase, but better welfare package in both the public and private sector.

Ajaero said that the national economy was wobbling not because Nigeria as a nation was poor, but because of deep rooted corruption. “’This is why as a labour movement, we need to be in the streets to insist that working condition of the people must be improved.

Ajaero however said the Con-

gress was prepared to collaborate with other progressive forces to ensure that government at all levels work for the people of Nigeria and not political office holders and their cronies.

Speaking on the topic-The Role of Trade Unions in A Recessionary Economy, The Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Values in Leadership, Professor Pat Utomi said “I believe that the recession did not suddenly drop on us, we all saw it coming and through error of omission or otherwise, allowed the avoidable damage to hit our economy.”

“The impunity that was unleashed on the economy has workers as eye witnesses in the various establishments where public funds were looted but no alarm was raised until politicians started their intra and inter party battles.”

Prof. Utomi who was represented by Comrade Adegbenro Rasheed, the Vice President, Centre for Value in Leadership

stressed that, “It is either the workers have lost confidence in the leadership of respective trade unions and therefore maintained a golden silence or there is so much distance between workers and union leaders to the point that workers now respect politicians more than union leaders.

“In addressing this subject, it is pertinent to examine where we are coming from; what were the milestones in times past; where we are today; and what does the society that we claim so much to represent, expect from us.

“There is no doubt that the trade unions played very effective role in Nigeria’s independence struggle. In the 1940s-1950s, before the advent of political associations, there were just two windows available for Nigerians to express their strong resentment of colonial rule. In fact you are first a trade unionist or a journalist before you become a politician.”

Ngige assures international community on FG’s plan for steady economic development The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senathe international community of the irrevocable commitment by President Muhamadu Buhari’s administration towards growing the economy through strategic initiatives.

Ngige gave the assurance at a gathering, while delivering an address titled: ‘Investment in employment and social security for harnessing demographic dividend,’ at the ongoing 2nd Ordinary session of the specialized technical committee on social development, labour and employment holding in Algiers, Algeria.

He expressed optimism that the recently released Medium Term Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) by the present administration is a paradigm shift in this direction.

“The present administration in Nigeria has demonstrated its capacity to exploit our huge population for wealth creation and economic growth. This explains the capacity shown so far for an early exit from recession.

“Our shift is the engagement of our large population in wellarticulated diversification programme which has shifted attention to agriculture and mining,

in a process intended to be driven by diverse skills acquisition and subsequent job creation,” Ngige said.

The Minister stressed that Nigeria was resolute in exploiting the untapped potentials of huge population to grow the economy through dynamic micro-economic policies.

“The focus of the present administration in Nigeria is to invest in our huge population through massive job creation, youth empowerment, social inclusion and strengthening of our educational and health system so as to achieve macro-economic stability and diversification.

“This is a pathway to building a global competitive economy that can stimulate private sector investments, infrastructural renewal, a major pathway to spend out of recession and improve business environment.”

According to him, concerted efforts were being made to increase access to decent work to Nigerians through the implementation of National Policy on Employment whose document was reviewed in 2016 while creating jobs and skills acquisition centres which targets the 774 Local Government Areas as operational base.

He added that 15 obsolete and

Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige retrogressive labour laws, some of which dates back to the colonial era have been sent to the National Assembly for review.

The Minister enumerated other government efforts towards exploiting Nigeria’s huge population for jobs and skills development to include a nationwide stop-gap jobs for unskilled persons through intervention-

ist schemes in agriculture and mining, skills development and competency upgrade, reduction of miss-match between graduate skills and demands in modern labour market as well as the Npower programme, noting that women constitute a large percent of the beneficiaries of these different programmes.

One worker dies every 15 seconds globally - ILO The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said that one worker dies every 15 seconds and 153 are involved in workrelated accidents globally.

Mr Dennis Zulu, the Country Director, ILO Office for Nigeria made this known at an event to commemorate the “2017 World Day for Safety and Health at Work’’ in Abuja.

Zulu, who was represented by Mr Aly Cisse, the office Chief Technical Advisor, ILO Nigeria said this year’s theme; “Optimise the Collection and Use of the Occupation Safety and Health (OSH) Data’’ was apt.

He said the theme laid particular emphasis on the collection, analysis and use of OSH data for purposes of providing information to be used in various OSH interventions being implemented by stakeholders.

According to him, such data can be used by governments to formulate policies, make laws and initiate activities for prevention of accidents, and by stakeholders to highlight the area of increasing risks.

Zulu said that with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the requirement and the needed capacities to collect and utilise reliable OSH data had become an absolute necessity.

This, he said was imperative for countries to fulfil their commitment to implement and report on some of the agendas of the 17 SDGs and their targets, especially goal 8.

He said that goal 8 called for the protection of labour rights and promotion of safe and secure working environments for all workers.

Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, who was represented by Dr Ijeoma Anyawutaku, Director, Occupation Safety and Health in the Ministry, said the theme was apt and necessary to attain the SDGs. Ngige said the ministry had been involved in the development of a national profile on OSH and three regulations: the diving at work regulations, the lifting of equipment and allied work equipment regulations.

“While the three regulations are still undergoing further processing, I will be making a public presentation of Nigeria’s first ever country profile on OSH. “The national profile on OSH offers an overview and information of the country’s national system on OSH, including the recording and notification system for occupational accidents and disease, institutions and activities in OSH.

Energy

B7

Stories by OpeOluwani Akintayo Head of the Public Affairs unit of the Department of Petroleum Resources, Dorothy Bassey, has said she would like to see a fully automated DPR. She made the statement at the send-off party organised in her honour recently after 35 years of active service.

According to Bassey, the world is now technology-driven, hence, her hope that DPR will follow suit after her departure.

“I would like to see a fully automated and technology driven agency after I’m gone.

I am sure you have heard of robotics as well. Very soon, we humans will have to prove our relevance,” she said.

She also expressed confidence in the crop of hands at the agency, saying she had no fear whatsoever about their performances after she might

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

I’d like to see fully automated DPR - Dorothy Bassey ...Bows out of office

have left office.

“The journey was not a smooth sailing one but we have a group of young men and women who have been trained to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s interest. That is why we now conduct our services online. Customers don’t have to come to the office anymore. So I am confident because we have men and women of integrity,” she said.

Expressing her joy about the surprise party held in her honour, Bassey showed appreciate to her colleagues and bosses who believed in her and gave her the opportunity to express herself on the job.

“I find myself speechless today because I didn’t expect this. What I was told was that we were going for a lunch of 10 friends, only to get here and they said I would have to do my makeup and a photo-shoot. I appreciate my junior colleagues who despite their lean pockets, were able to put this together. I also thank my bosses, Dr. B. A Abah and Mr Austin Olorunsogo for believing in me,” she said.

Dorothy Bassey is a graduate of the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan respectively where she obtained her first degree in Chemistry and a Masters in Analytical Chemistry.

She is an Oil and Gas veteran with over 25 years’ experience in the sector. Prior to that, she worked with the Federal Ministry of Health as a chemical analyst for ten years before joining the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Her continued passion for knowledge gained her a diploma in Research Methodologies from the University of Aberdeen UK. Before her retirement, she headed the Public Affairs unit of the Department of Petroleum Resources after a stint as the head of the Safety and Environment Unit-a position she held for 5 years and as the first female in the history of the department.

Her contributions in turning around the Licenses and Permits section of the DPR are hallmarks of her visionary leadership.

She is the Vice President 1 of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) the premier environmental society in Nigeria. Dorothy is also the first female to occupy this position Dorothy is a fellow of the following societies in Nigeria: Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM) Nigerian Institute of Safety (NISP). She is also a member of the Energy Institute Nigeria.

DisCos not sincere with account records, says GenCos Electricity generation companies (GenCos) has accused the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) of being insincere with their account records.

Whereas, the DisCos also condemned the request from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to open up their books.

According to the GenCos under the auspices of Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), described it “as not just a welcomed development, but also a wake-up call to all participants in the electricity market.”

The APGC Executive Secretary, Dr. Joy Ogaji, in a statement recently, recalled that the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) had likened the move to centralize their

revenue accounts to nationalisation of the Discos.

Ogaji expressed surprise that DisCos are churning out stories and “crying wolf” to gain consumers’ sympathy whereas the NERC enacted the tariff with their consent.

She added that “there is something that Discos are not telling the people. What government is calling for is not just escrowing but visibility.”

She however explained that the electricity sector is a value -chain that needs to be remunerated as applicable covering the cost of generation, transmission and distribution.

The GenCos, according to her, are entitled to “60 percent of markets remittance as they not just generate power but also pay for gas supply and gas transportation.

NEITI commences 2015, 2016 oil, gas sector audit

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, has commenced process for independent audit of the Nigerian oil and gas sector for 2015 and 2016.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Waziri Adio, disclosed this in Lagos at a workshop for major oil companies and relevant government agencies expected to participate in the exercise.

Adio said the independent audit exercise would be conducted in line with

the principles and standards of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, EITI. He said the workshop was packaged to acquaint the participants with the structure and content of the auditing template, particularly the kinds of questions NEITI would ask and the answers expected from the covered entities.

The workshop, which featured presentations on the EITI processes, methods, principles and standards, also covered emerging is-

sues on beneficial ownership, contract transparency and benefits of implementing EITI in Nigeria.

“This workshop is to seek your views, suggestions and inputs as well as listen to your concerns on how to make the exercise hitchfree,” Adio said.

The Executive Secretary announced that NEITI would introduce a ranking reward system to provide incentives for participation by covered entities.

Under the ranking system, Adio said, companies

would be graded based on their efficiency in populating the audit templates, including the quality and depth of information and data provided, quick response to set deadlines, among other considerations.

He further explained that the ranking system would be shared with over 51 member countries of the global EITI and multi-lateral organisations to serve as reference points on adherence to business ethics for major investment decisions

in Nigeria.

“NEITI is committed to working closely with the companies under the EITI framework to create good business environment conducive for the inflow of more foreign direct investments into the extractive sector. For this to happen, we encourage all companies to embrace transparency, accountability and corporate governance in conformity with the EITI standards,” he said.

Adio, however, warned

that the transparency agency would not hesitate to invoke relevant sanctions under the law on companies and other covered entities that fail to cooperate during the exercise.

Representatives of all the major international oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria, including Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Agip, Total and were at the workshop. Also in attendance were relevant government agencies such as the NNPC, the FIRS, DPR, NDDC, NLNG etc.

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Tony Nwakaegho Nigerian Internet Registration Association, NiRA, the body controlling domain name registration and usage in Nigeria, has been blazing the trail of making Nigerians come to terms in the actualization of the use of the .NG domain in both private and business endeavours.

Daily Times gathered from NIRA that currently, only over 80,000. NG domain names have been registered which is a far cry; thereby making the .NG registry only second to South Africa in terms of the number of registrants.

Commenting on the advantages that accrues to the use of using the .NG domain name over the .Com domain name, Rev’ Sunday Folayan, President NIRA stated that a Nigerian business registered on the domain will be found faster online in Nigeria than one registered in the .Com registry.

He explained that as your business grows, you can then move outside Nigeria and there, you can register under the domain registrars in the countries you opened an office.

It is disheartening to note that while Nigeria has over 19 million Facebook users and over 37 million SMEs, it has far less than 100,000 .NG domain names as the citizens have not taking advantage of the .NG. According to him, the big players in business understand the importance of tying their business to a locality which helps to ensure more visibility and patronage and urged the small businesses to do the same.

The President NIRA said at a recent media parley that to get more businesses to patronise and use the .NG domain name beyond what we presently have, there is need to enable more SMEs and MSMEs and by doing so reach over 37 million SMEs and MSMEs. He, however, lamented that the prospect of having most SMEs and MSMEs adopting the .NG domain is hampered by factors such as the right education which could as well add value to the business.

For more people to accept the .NG domain, he said there must be payment assurance and confidence as well as the ability for them to use the devices, and cross the hurdles of the learning the curves in the use of technology.

He cited that South Africans use the .ZA domain but they are not compelled by any government policy to do so, adding that Germany also undertake all businesses using the .DE domain, which has hit the 5 million mark in registry.

He attributed this trend in these countries to their citizens appreciative of the rudiments of being nationalistic and identifying with their national brand,

B8 Business Feature

NiRA and prospects of engaging in .NG domain names

SUNDAY FOLAYAN

adding that NiRA is not out to coerce anyone to register the .NG domain, but to encourage Nigerian businesses and individuals to take pride in the .NG domain.

Commenting on the assertion that the .NG domain is expensive, he stated that the .NG domain is appropriately priced, and the pricing is based on the long-term sustainability of the registry so that it can continue to offer its services.

He also disclosed that NiRA is trying to solve the challenge of education of users; hence it established the NiRA Academy which is a DNS Centre of excellence in Nigeria that trains the needed manpower in all spheres related to the business and spheres that the Association operates such as Engineers, Technicians, Entrepreneurs, Policy makers, Internet governance, law enforcement, etc.

He said that NiRA is creating excitement to make this happen by creating the NiRA Awards which is now the flagship for businesses, Entrepreneurs and Startups to showcase what they are doing in the domain name industry.

Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) statistics of domain name registration for the months January, February and March 2017 released shows increased adoption of 17,610.

Rev’ Folayan stated that, by the time the .NG domain registration hits the one million mark, then between 200,000 and 400,000 businesses would have been created in the country.

He added that NiRA is trying to make this happen by creating the NiRA Awards which is now the flagship for businesses, Entrepreneurs and Startups to showcase what they are doing in the domain name industry coupled with the modus for price reduction of the .NG domain.

He urged corporate organisations, small businesses and individuals operating in Nigeria, to adopt the .ng domain name for their businesses in order to tap into a lot of opportunities that abound in .ng domain name, which is Nigeria’s identity in the cyberspace.

He decried the situation where most Nigerians still register their businesses with foreign domain names, like .com, .co.uk, and .ca, and still host their critical data outside Nigeria leading to capital flight and lost to the nation’s revenue.

He explained that it is not only wasteful to do so; in the conservation of its scarce foreign reserves, but it also creates some security risks and difficulties to reach the host, in times of emergency and urgent needs.

Commenting on NIRA re-

NiRA president sponse to internet abuse, especially with the rise of Ponzi schemes, he warned that the fraudsters are operating under various names and across various platforms.

He said that ‘Nigerians are being defrauded by various forms of Ponzi schemes’; hence NIRA set up a ‘Law Enforcement Desk’ to handle complaints on domain name related issues.

“Recently, innocent people’s contact details (such as Phone and Email) are been used as administrative contacts for these schemes.

“The victims of the identity theft only get to know when defrauded victims start to call, demanding for payments. Several people have received threatening phone calls, regarding their fate if they don’t pay up,” Folayan said.

He explained that NiRA has taken tangible steps to further assist law enforcement agencies to deal with the menace.

“NiRA has established a Law Enforcement Desk to handle complaints on Domain Name abuse. It has also developed an Internal Procedural Process to manage and deal with such complaints received in conjunction with relevant law enforcement agencies and is cooperating fully with them, to stem the tide.

“If you discover any form of

Internet abuses with .ng websites please send an email to abuse@ nira.org.ng. We will deal with it.

Together we can make the Internet safe for us and our children”, he admonished Nigerians.

The Association said, its operations are guided by polices that relate with the nation’s Cultural values.

“For instance, NiRA does not allow profane words, certain obscene words and vulgar words for .ng domain name registration.

NiRA also maintains closed domains for some of its .ng extensions (zones) e.g. gov.ng, edu.ng, mil.ng, net.ng, sch.ng. Registration under these closed zones must be verified before the registration can be done.

Daily Times recalls that NiRA on February 28, 2017 temporarily blocked DomainKing.ng, an Indian based .ng Country Code TopLevel Domain (ccTLD) accredited registrar for alleged negligence of duties to clients’ requests, especially for refusal to respond to escalated support queries and emails from its clients forwarded to it by the .ng Registry.

However, on Friday 24th March 2017, an official representative of Hannu Internet Corp PVT LTD, the manager of DomainKing. ng, informed the .ng Registry that since 20th March 2017, the organization had re-opened its support channels, commenced resolving clients’ queries and has commenced preparations for full operations as a .ng Accredited Registrar.

The officer also reported how they are cooperating with their clients to provide them with support and other services beyond registering .ng domain names.

Confirming the development, Edith Udeagu, Chief Operating Officer, NiRA, said in a press statement made available to Daily Times that NIRA Board has evaluated and assessed the situation of Domainking.ng.

“Hannu Internet Corp PVT Ltd has responded to the .ng Registry within the allowed grace period with an outline on its dealings with its clients and its eagerness to return to full operations.

“As from Monday 27th March 2017, NIRA has lifted the temporary suspension of Hannu Internet Corp PVT Ltd. However, the Registrar will not be able to register new domains for another two weeks, as the .ng Registry continues to monitor its activities and the way it resolves pending customer issues.

“Please note that during the period that Domainking.ng was not available to attend to its .ng clients, those clients who requested for the transfer and renewal of their .ng domain names were able to do so,” she said.

Life&

TIMES Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Abiodun Akinpelu ‘Teebee’: On passion for music, life and plans for the industry

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Why DTN Impact Award winners will not stop impacting society positively Times Impact Award Winners

Great leaders always radiate, not when all things are working as scheduled, but when otherwise. The personalities elected by select committee of the Daily Times of Nigeria as Times Impact Award winners 2017, have truly demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities in various capacities which not only impact on Nigerians, but the world at large. They have demonstrated through leadership and entrepreneurial ingenuity that leadership is service and there is power in giving, giving to help people, to inspire and to motivate people to reach their fullest potentials.

All the 2017 DTN Award winners have never in their day-to-day activities demonstrated to be quitters in adding value to greater

Times Public Service Award

Senator Lanre Tejuosho Nduka Obaigbena -

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Abike Dabiri-Erewa John Momoh -

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Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, May 2, 2017

why I will like to work with Davido -Teebee Afro-pop artiste, Abiodun Akinpelu, better known as Teebee took his career professional in 2011, he said that music is all he has ever done, even as a kid. Fresh with a single titled Alagbon, the graduate of Biochemistry from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology speaks with MUTIAT ALLI on his life as an artiste, plans for the industry and sundry issues.

toady is the current economic hardship. Things are

about some courses, particularly music and theatre

order to be happy. In my music, I preach happiness, peace, love and togetherness.

bothered. But after my university education, I told my

persons to listen to my music anytime I drop a single

everybody in the music industry is really putting in Davido.

Biochemistry. I decided that if I go for medicine, the music in me might die.

apart from others. Well, let me start by saying I am one

it. The unique sound that Teebee gives stands him out from any other artiste. to go for my one year compulsory service. During my is much more important than the course I studied in in my latest single, Alagbon.

acquire good education in order to get the platform, Teebee came to be.

If you are given an opportunity to choose a record

catch because it is not a regular title. Again the lyrics

We have very many fantastic labels in the country and they all support good music because they are academic performance.

As a full time artiste, do you intend dropping your

Life&