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Codeine ban: 4 weeks after, youths still abusing drugs

SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018

g 14

VOL. 3

NO. 668

N150

Stakeholders seek rethink of strategy

Angela Onwuzoo Four weeks after recent ban on codeine-containing cough syrup by the Federal Government, reports from

stakeholders have shown that youths are still having access to the drug and other drugs abuse in the country like Tramadol, and Alabukun, among others.

The British Broadcasting

Corporation (BBC) documentary, showing the abuse of codeine in the country, attracted the attention of the Federal Government to the menace.

Continued on page 4

‘I may be owning a record label soon’ - Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) Age reduction law:

Why we retain 35 years for Gov, Sen – Ekweremadu g5

APC convention: Oyegun withdraws from national chairmanship race g4

Appeal Court frees ex-NIMASA DG over N2.6bn fraud g6

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Police shortlist 5,253 out of 37,000 candidates for recruitment g 4

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Codeine ban: 4 weeks after, youths still abusing drugs Continued from page 1 The documentary which went viral showed some Nigerian youths who were addicted to codeine displaying symptoms of mental illness and confined to an ill - equipped rehabilitation centre.

But many Nigerians have raised concern over the rising menace of drug abuse among youths fuelling the future threat in the families and society at large.

Experts say codeine syrup is used in treatment of cough, but when abused could lead to full-fledged addiction that is potentially deadly.

However, some concerned

stakeholders have maintained that the ban on codeine will not do much except the open drug markets in the country are closed and the National Drug Distribution Guidelines implemented.

Four weeks after its ban, a Non-governmental and human rights body- Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) said it has found out that the outright ban on the production of codeine cough syrup in Nigeria has not stopped the phenomenal abuse of the drug by the youths.

In a statement released on Friday, the NGO faulted what it described as “unwise and harsh decision” by the

Federal Government which it said, has led to great financial misfortunes for the over 30 legitimate pharmaceutical companies licenced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to produce codeine containing cough syrups as well as widespread unemployment of about 10,000 staff who were hitherto employed in these firms.

HURIWA said: “Based on field research and eye witness accounts our team generated during a wellcoordinated three week’s data collections, we have found out that contrary to the not so well thought out reasons for

APC Convention: Oyegun withdraws from chairmanship race Tom Okpe, Abuja.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John OdigieOyegun , has declared his intention to withdraw from the national chairmanship race in the forthcoming National Convention of the party.

Oyegun, who said he was not intimidated out of the race, stated that the decision to withdrawal form the race was a personal decision he took after consultation with his family, friends and other stakeholders of the party far and within.

The APC national chairman stated this during a press conference on Friday at his residence in Assokoro Abuja.

He said, “With the 2019 elections looming on the horizon, some of us considered it in the best interest of the party to go

into the elections as a united fighting force, rather than one that was potentially weakened by internal conflicts arising from competitive congresses and convention. It was for these reasons that we canvassed and obtained the National Executive Committee (NEC) of February 27th, asking all executives of the party to continue in acting capacity for another period of 12 Months”.

The Chairman pointed that if this decision had been sustained, the party would have probably achieved its objectives.

“I believe that the party faces difficult days ahead, and all critical stakeholders in its leadership would be required to bind together for a common purpose; therefore, the less contentious our National convention is, the better for the party. I have always sought to solve the party problems as I do not intend

to be a problem of the APC. “It is for is for this reason that I hereby declare that I will not be seeking reelection as the National Chairman of the APC”.

According to Oyegun, “I will continue to perform my functions as the National Chairman of the party till my tenure officially terminates on Monday, June 25 when a new set of party executives will be inaugurated”.

Oyegun thanked everyone that stood by him especially party men who took it upon themselves to mobilize support for him even when he declared interest in one way or other, saying that , “I want to urge you all to continue to give similar level of support to whoever emerges as the next National Chairman. Our great party, the APC is greater than any single individual and we must all continue to work hard to bequeath a strong and virile political party to generations to come”.

Police shortlist 5,253 out of 37,000 candidates for recruitment Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

The Nigeria Police has shortlisted 5,253 out of 37,000 candidates who wrote its recruitment examination conducted last Friday by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for medical screening.

According to a statement in its website, Kano State had the highest number of 308 candidates who made the recruitment process to the screening stage while Katsina followed suit with 238 candidates.

Oyo State got the third place with 225 candidates, Akwa Ibom came fourth with

194 candidates while 189 candidates were selected from Borno State. Jigawa State also had 189 candidates.

Other candidates and states composition are as follows: Abia State had 114 candidates, Adamawa, 140 candidates; Anambra,146 candidates; Bauchi,133 candidates; Benue State 157candidates, Cross River State 122 candidates , Delta State166 candidates, Ebonyi, 91candidates; Edo, 125 candidates; Enugu, 119 candidates; Imo, 181candidates; Kaduna, 161candidates; Kebbi, 144 candidates; Kogi, 140 candidates; Kwara, 110 candidates; Lagos, 136 candidates and Niger, 169

candidates.

Others are Ogun, 140 candidates; Ondo, 125 candidates; Osun, 211 candidates; Plateau, 116 candidates; Rivers, 138 candidates and Sokoto, 161 candidates.

The rest are Taraba with 112 candidates; Yobe, 110 candidates; Zamfara; 99 candidates, Bayelsa, 54 candidates; Gombe, 75 candidates; Ekiti, 84 candidates and FCT Abuja, 42 candidates.

The police further directed the shortlisted candidates to go for the screening at the zonal police headquarters in their state of origin between May 31 and June 3, 2018 for medical screening.

the hasty ban of production of codein containing cough syrup, the abuse is still ongoing.

“We found out that these youths who are hooked up in the habit of abusing these and many other drugs are still getting supplies of other drugs of abuse. Indeed this policy of halting the production within Nigeria was not a good decision to have embarked on.

The Federal Government was wrong to have adopted this regimented decision to stop pharmaceutical companies in the country hitherto producing codeine cough syrups without looking at other much more sophisticated methods of halting the abuses of these useful anti-cough syrup which is very popular amongst genuine patients”.

HURIWA further noted: “After about three weeks of generating and gathering first-hand information and observations, it has come to the conclusion that the decision to hastily ban the production of codeine cough syrups was irrational, panicky, unscientific, unreliable and has not in any way deterred or reduced the rates of drug abuse since the addicts have resulted to procuring other drugs and substances of abuse which will eventually be on the high side and uncontrollable like codeine.”

Still unhappy with the decision of the Federal Goverment, the NGO querried: “Why should government stop the production of codeine cough syrups only because some deviant youths in some parts of the country were abusing it? Would the government close breweries because many people are consuming high quantity of beer and perhaps committing atrocities in the society as a result of its consumption? Would the Government have closed tobacco companies as many people are abusing it as well?

Some of the common generic drugs currently abused on the

streets are Tramadol, a pain killer now used as an ecstasy drug; Rohypnol (a.k.a Roko, Roofies, Roche or Renfol), a tranquiliser about 10 times more potent than Valium, notoriously used for daterape; Alabukun, a cheap pain killer peddled on street corners by hawkers and street vendors; and Aspirin, an OTC pain killer whose chemical composition gives it the ability to numb the muscles and create soothing effect on the user.

Besides HURIWA, some pharmacists in the country have frowned at the ban, describing it as a knee jerk response by the Federal Government.

For Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former Chairman/CEO of Neimeth and former President, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), “the ban by the Federal Government is too sudden; you do not ban a thing that way. Codeine is not poison, it is a medicine that has therapeutic effects that has been used for many years”.

He explained: “Codeine is still sold in United Kingdom; they made the report but have not banned codeine, so I think it is a knee- jerk response with the way the government went about it. My belief is that the products could be withdrawn after the adequate medical evidence.

“So people may be abusing the drugs but that does not make it like poison. We need to have appropriate medical research and if we come to the conclusion that the product has to be withdrawn either because of successes, or adversity, or it’s being abused and the country cannot control the abuse, then it will be withdrawn in a gradual process because some pharmaceutical companies manufacturing these product have put a lot of orders and have invested in it.”

Another pharmacist, Lawrence Ikhide, said banning codeine and introducing

dextromethorphan is not a solution to the abuse of drugs and substances amongst the populace.

He said if you ban codeine, addicts look for the next available options.

“If you bring dextromethorphan that is abused in countries where they have strong regulation, how can that be a solution here?.

“It is estimated that in Kano and its environs alone, 4 million bottles of codeine are sold almost daily. If someone makes N500 from a bottle, multiply that by four million bottles, it runs into billions of naira, and many of these products come through the porous borders. So if you ban products from bodies you can regulate, what of places where they come from where you cannot regulate?” he asked.

Also, a Lagos based pharmacist, who spoke to The Daily Times on anonymity, said the government’s decision to ban the product was hasty, adding that the product has it merits and demerits.

“Banning codeine is not the answer to the drug abuse trend. We are talking about people who are trying everything, (from sniffing petrol to pit toilet) just to get high. How long will it take them to find another drug to abuse? “he said.

On his part, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuoso (APC, Ogun Central), stressed the need to address the issue of open drug markets which he said was responsible for unwholesome drug distribution.

However, all efforts to get the response of the DirectorGeneral of NAFDAC, Prof.

Moji Adeyeye, to ascertain the level of enforcement towards the ban of the product, proved abortive as she did not respond to several calls put across to her line at press time.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

5 News

Age Reduction Law: Why we retain 35 years for Gov, senator - Ekweremadu Groups demand reduction in age qualification for Gov, Senator Tunde Opalana, Abuja In an apparent move to quell the anxiety of many Nigerians as to the reason why eligibility age limit for aspirants into the office of governor and senator were not reduced in the recently signed law, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, on Friday in Abuja, advanced reasons for the exclusion.

President Muhammadu Buhari at a ceremony at the State House on Thursday signed into law what is better known as the ‘Not Too Young To Run Bill’ passed by the National Assembly.

The law is a constitutional amendment to the 1999 Constitution to reduce the age limit for running for the presidency from 40 to 35, House of Representatives from 35 to 30, and State Houses of Assembly from 30 to 25.

Senator Ekweremadu, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, explained that the 35 years age qualification for the Senate was retained as to correct the initial disparity in the 1999 Constitution between the age qualification for the Senate and that of the President, which used to be 40 years, but now reduced to 35 years.

His explanation was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Uche Anichukwu.

Ekweremadu said that the National Assembly reasoned that going by the provisions of Section 146 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President of the Senate could hold the office of the President for a period not exceeding three months should the offices of the President and Vice President be vacant at the same time for any reason.

He said: “Section 146 (1) provides that the VicePresident shall hold the office of President if the office of President becomes vacant by reason of death or resignation, impeachment, permanent incapacity or the removal of the President from office for any other reason in accordance with section 143 of the Constitution.

“However, Section 146 (2) further provides that where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in Sub-section 1 during a period when the office of VicePresident is also vacant, the President of the Senate shall hold the office of President for a period of not more than three months, during which

there shall be an election of a new President, who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office.

“So, since the President of the Senate, a Senator, could become an Acting President by happenstance, it is only right that the qualification for both offices are the same”.

On the non-reduction of the age qualification for the office of the Governor, Ekweremadu explained that the majority opinion was that 35 years should be ideal for now to enable the wouldbe governors acquire the requisite experience to pilot the affairs of a state.

“However, the Not-TooYoung-To-Run amendment is just one giant step forward.

It is not the end of the road, but just the beginning of the road. It is not an end in itself, but a means to an end.

“I believe that anyone who is 18 years old and qualified to vote should also be qualified to stand for an election. This is our ultimate target and I believe we will get there. So, it is work in progress because constitution amendment is a continuum.

“However, in the meantime, I urge the youths to mobilise into the political parties in their numbers to begin to influence party decisions, push for direct primary elections, internal democracy, level playing ground, and other reforms that will complement the provisions of the current millage achieved by way of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run amendment”, he added.

But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that President Buhari was not sincere with age reduction law he recently assented to.

The party said Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are not desirous of allowing young people adequate participation in politics.

The National Youth Leader of the PDP, Ude Okoye, at a press conference on Friday at the party national Secretariat in Abuja, said President Buhari’s comment while assenting the bill that the youths should not contest against him in the 2019 election is a true reflection of the character of the APC as youth- unfriendly party.

Okoye pointed out that the choice of a 74-year-old running mate to Dr. Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti State is vindictive of the fact that “APC is a government of the old, by the old and for the old”.

He challenged the youths to discard the president’s

plea that they should stay action till after 2019 but to aspire to any political office of their choice, including the presidency.

He said, “President Buhari was joking. He could not be serious in saying that. As far as the law is concerned, every Nigerian youth is free to run for any position”.

Okoye, who said the passage of the law celebrates the victory of the youth of Nigeria and the PDP, appreciated the dogged commitment and effort of Hon. Tony Nwulu, who sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives and mobilised his colleagues in the National Assembly to support the bill which has been passed into law an assented to by Mr. President.

While appreciating President Buhari, he said “we must thank our lawmakers for this, and Mr. President for accepting to assent, for the first time, a progressive bill driven by the opposition for the interest of Nigeria”.

He said it has been the norm in the PDP for the interest of the youth to be projected and protected, while he gave a few examples of this commitment of PDP to youth development and inclusion in governance.

“PDP is a youth-friendly party that has operated on a policy of youth inclusiveness in government.

“The likes of el-Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu, Oby Ezekwesili, Charles Soludo, Femi Fani-Kayode and a host of others were brought into government administration

by PDP while they were still young.

“The youngest members of the two chambers of the

National Assembly are PDP members like Hon. Tony Nwulu. In the State Assemblies, the youngest parliamentarians are PDP members, and even the youngest Speakers of State House of Assemblies are from PDP. “It was under PDP administration of the country that the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligent Unit (BMPIU known as Due Process) was set-up in 2001, which ensured transparency in government procurements and spending.

A youthful Oby Ezekwesili was appointed the head of BMPIU. She was 38 when she was appointed in 2001.

“In 2002, the PDP administration also established the National Open University of Nigeria to boost opportunity for tertiary learning with greater flexibility. It will be instructive for Nigerian youth to know a bit of history that the National Open University was initially established on 22 July 1983 as springboard for open and distance learning in Nigeria

by President Shagari, but it was arbitrarily suspended on 25 April 1984, thereby denying Nigerian youth the mobility of distance learning for 18 years until PDP came into power in 1999 and reestablished it in 2002.

“It was under our party, PDP, that the Almajiri system of formal education was introduced to help educate academically and economically disadvantaged young persons (Almajiri) in the northern part of Nigeria.

“Computerization of education in Nigeria was done by PDP with the

introduction of the computerbased test (CBT) which became mandatory for all UTME candidates from 2015.

“From the above, you can see that PDP is the only true progressive party.

“The sponsor of the bill, Hon. Tony Nwulu representing Oshodi Isolo Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, said the passage of the bill in the two chambers of the National Assembly was made possible because both the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and the House Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara though APC members, are both “PDP at heart”.

Meanwhile, the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ movement has asked the National Asembly to review its vote on the age qualification for governors and senators.

Emmanuel Njoku, speaking on behalf of 54 groups which make up the movement, said it is “unfortunate and disappointing” that age qualification for the office of governor and senator was not reduced.

Njoku spoke during a press conference in Abuja on Friday.

He said, “The movement maintains that the retention of the 35 years for both governor and senate positions is unfortunate and disappointing. The National Assembly should revisit its vote on the age qualification for both offices.

“As we prepare for the 2019 general elections, the imperative for youth inclusion especially as candidates for all elective positions is not a matter for debate but an imperative.

“To the political class, if you want the youth vote, reserve tickets for youth aspirants; uphold internal party democracy to safeguard the emergence of more youth candidates and most importantly commit to nonviolent elections.

“The movement notes that signing this bill into law is not sufficient to guarantee youth representation in political office. It will require reducing the cost of politics, democratic primaries within political parties, affirmative action/quotas and most importantly credible and peaceful elections.

“The movement therefore makes the following demands – the National Assembly should review its vote on the age qualification for the Senate and governors.

This review should be in tandem with the proposal by the movement.

“Political parties should reserve 50 percent of party tickets for capable, competent, and morally upright youth aspirants across all elections in 2019. Expedite action on assenting to electoral reform bills bordering on limiting campaign expenditure and cost of securing party nomination.

Uphold the principles of transparency, democracy and accountability in party primaries.”

He said the movement will retain its identity and be non-partisan.

“The movement will not be transiting into a political party. We enjoin youth across the country to take up the challenge to serve our great country Nigeria,” Njoku said.

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Rachid Benmessaoud; Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigeria Office, Eme Essien, during a meeting between the governor and the World Bank team, at Government House in Benin City... on Thursday

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Appeal Court frees ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi over N2.6bn fraud Peter Fowoyo Respite, on Friday came the way of a former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Ziadeke Patrick Akpobolokemi, as the Court of Appeal in Lagos discharged and acquitted him over alleged N2.6billion fraud.

Justice YargattaNimpar, leading a three-man appellate court panel, unanimously upheld the no-case submission filed by Akpolokemi in response to the criminal charges.

The Appeal Court overruled the decision of Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos,

who, on October 16, 2017, dismissed Akpobolokemi’s no-case submission.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on December 4, 2015 arraigned Akpobolokemi alongside five others for allegedly diverting N2.6bn from the coffers of NIMASA between December 2013 and May 2014.

Also arraigned alongside Akpolokemi were Ezekiel Agaba, EkeneNwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Limited and AlKenzo Logistics Limited.

The funds, the anti-graft agency alleged, were approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan for the implementation of a security project

tagged, “International Ship and Ports Security Code in Nigerian Ports.”

The six defendants had pleaded not guilty to the 22 charges preferred against them while the EFCC opened its case.

The anti graft agency called 12 witnesses and tendered 77 exhibits in a bid to prove the allegation.

Upon the closure of the EFCC’s case in 2017, all the defendants filed no-case submissions, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

But Justice Buba, in an October 16, 2017 ruling, dismissed their no-case submissions, holding that they had a case to answer.

The Judge held that, “From the evidence of the first prosecution witness, it is well established that all the defendants have case to answer; the exhibits tendered and the testimonies of other witnesses have established that there is a prima facie case against the defendants.”

Dissatisfied, however, the defendants approached the appellate court and in a judgment on Friday, the Court of Appeal discharged an acquitted Akpobolokemi of the entire 22 counts.

But the other five defendants were not so lucky as the appellate court upheld Justice Buba’s verdict that they had a case to answer.

L-R: Group Head, Corporate Communications & External Affairs, Access Bank Plc, Amechi Okobi; Group Managing Director/CEO, Herbert Wigwe; Chief Executive Officer, Slum to School, Otto Orondam and Chief Executive Officer, ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile during the bank’s visit to Slum to School in Lagos...recently

Presidency releases Buhari’s achievements in 3 years Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Presidency has released a ‘factsheet’ outlining the policy and programme achievements of the Buhari Administration since it assumed office three years ago on May 29, 2015.

The 41-page document highlights successes in the Economy, Security and the fight against Corruption – the three priorities of Buhari’s Change Agenda.

The document is organised into the following sections: Resetting the Economy; Restoring Growth, Growing What We Eat, Making Business Work, Doing More With Less, Investing In People, New Vision for the Niger Delta, Plugging Leakages and Justice Reforms.

The factsheet, which will be updated regularly, showcases improving economic indices, rising investment in agriculture and infrastructure, successes in the fight against terrorism, and ongoing efforts to improve security in the North Central.

In addition, the document lists

several measures taken to promote transparency and accountability in government finances.

Highlights of the Factsheet include the following: * Nigeria’s economy is back on the path of growth, after the recession of 2016-17 (1.95 percent growth in Q1 2018); *The Buhari Administration’s priority sectors of Agriculture and Solid Minerals maintained consistent growth throughout the recession; * Inflation has fallen for the 15th consecutive month, from 18.7 percent in January 2017 to 12.5 percent as of April 2018; * External Reserves of US$47.5billion are the highest in 5 years and double the size as of October 2016; * Total exports in 2017 were 59.47% higher than for 2016; *The first quarter of 2018 saw the fourth consecutive quarterly increase in capital importation since Q2 2017. The total value of capital imported in the quarter stood at US$6.3 billion, which is a year-on-year increase of 594.03%, and a 17.11% growth over the figure

reported in the previous quarter; *The new FX Window introduced by the CBN in April 2017, now sees an average of US$1 billion in weekly turnover, and has attracted about US$25 billion in inflows in its first year (and a total turnover of $47.14 billion) – signalling rising investor confidence in Nigeria; * Nigeria’s Stock Market ended 2017 as one of the best-performing in the world, with returns in excess of 40 percent; * Five million new taxpayers added to the Tax Base since 2016, as part of efforts to diversify Government revenues; *Tax Revenue increased to N1.17trillion in Q1 2018, a 51% increase on the Q1 2017 figure; * N2.7trillion spent on Infrastructure in 2016 and 2017 fiscal years, an unprecedented allocation in Nigeria’s recent history; * Fourteen moribund Blending Plants revitalized so far under the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI); with a total capacity of 2.3 million MT of NPK fertilizer;

*In May 2018, the Federal Government launched the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), under the management of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority. The PIDF is kicking off with seed funding of US$1.3 billion; * Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) in March 2018 invested US$10million to establish a world-class Cancer Treatment Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and US$5million each in the Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, to establish modern Diagnostic Centres. These Centres should be completed before the end of 2018; and * The Buhari Administration issued a N100billion Sukuk Bond in 2017, Nigeria’s first sovereign Sukuk Bond.

Proceeds from that Bond are funding 25 major road projects across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Si consul ut dem per hilicaet rem, pulerioribus pessimis nondam. Fui sum rei iae comne tercerit. Forat. M. Ibus.

UN chief honours 3 Nigerian fallen peacekeepers UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to 129 military, police and civilian personnel, including three Nigerians, who lost their lives in 2017 while serving under the UN flag.

Guterres paid tribute to the peacekeepers at the commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2018 at the UN Headquarters in New York, U.S. He commended the services and sacrifices made by fallen heroes for peace around the world.

The three fallen Nigerian peacekeepers included Lt.-Col. Ali Suleiman, who served with the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The others were Warrant Officer Remmy Amakwe, who was deployed with the African Union–United Nations Mission in Darfur; and Mr Kolawole Shogaolu, who served in civilian capacity in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali.

Nigeria is the 41st largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping, according to a recent statistics.

It currently contributes more than 500 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan and the Western Sahara.

“Most of them were deployed far from home, while others served in their own conflict-affected countries as national staff. Every one of them made our world a better place,” Guterres said.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, marked annually on May 29, was established by the General Assembly to pay tribute to uniformed and civilian personnel for their contributions to the work of the UN. Guterres spent the 2018 Day with peacekeepers at the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, where 169 military, police and civilian peacekeepers have lost their lives.

He awarded a medal to a Nigerian peacekeeper, Cdr. Olufunmilayo Amodu, serving with the Mission for her outstanding service – an acknowledgement of the contributions of Nigeria to UN peacekeeping operations to ensure global peace and security.

The UN chief said he was deeply impressed by the work being done by all personnel in the mission, in spite of challenges.

“Threatened by terrorists, criminals and armed groups of all kinds, they are helping to build peace, to protect civilians and guarantee the political process,” Guterres said.

Since the first peacekeeping mission deployed 70 years ago, more than one million men and women have served under the UN flag, saving countless lives just as over 3,700 `blue helmets’ have paid the ultimate price over the past seven decades.

“These peacekeepers gave their lives to protect the lives of others. We are forever in their debt, and they are always in our hearts,” Guterres said at a wreath-laying ceremony.

He said the year 2017 recorded the highest number of fatalities – 132 individuals from 37 countries – for UN peacekeepers as a result of malicious acts, the highest in many years.

Currently, more than 96,000 uniformed personnel from 124 countries serve under the blue flag, alongside more than 15,000 international and national civilian staff and nearly 1,600 UN Volunteers.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

2019: Buhari’s comment on youths counterproductive –Group The call by President Muhammadu Buhari, on the youths not to participate in the 2019 general elections has been described as counterproductive, anti youth and a deliberate policy thrust of the APC led government to shoot the youths out of politics.

This is coming even as the major opposition party, PDP has described the Buhari’s call on the NotTooYoungToRun group not to come into politics untill 2023 as anti youth and abuse of politics.

National Coordinator, Generation Next Movement GNM, Olusola Afuye, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, explained that the political space is large enough to accommodate all interest

groups challenging the president to open the space and allow all Nigerians to participate in 2019.

According to Afuye, Buhari’s appeal is a misplacement of priority, adding that the president should come out and test his popularity if he Buhari has not over stayed his usefulness in the administration of the country.

He said the president’s appeal is not only unacceptable, unlawful, undemocratic but a clear confirmation of his disdain belief that the Nigerian youths are lazzy.

“We want Nigerians, particularly, the youths, to see the President Buhari’s position as a reflections of the APC policy designed not to allow our

youths the opportunity to aspire to any position of authority at all levels in the country.

The APC still want to apply use and dump approach by depriving, frustrating the youths from the front line participation”, Afuye declared.

“It is unimaginable for a President to sign a law and immediately seek to suspend it.

Buhari’s posture and attempts to talk down, intimidate the youths from contesting against him in 2019 shows that he is not in support of the Not Too Young To Run law and only assented to it because he is left with no other option under the 1999 Constitution (as Amended to assenting to the bill.

“We in Generation Next Movement admonished all

Nigerians to be alert and wary of body language of the president, APC traps and the Presidency will set to scuttle the quest by the youths to participate and aspire in the democratic process in 2019.

“The Nigerian youths have come of age; and are free, under all political structures to contest for any position, including the office of President in 2019 general elections.

“We therefore calls on all Nigerians and the youths in particular to support PDP to return the country to a society where where children of school age can go to school, where nigerians will stop selling their children to feed, pay rents, and pay hospital bills amongst others”.

“Be wise to note that President Buhari and the APC have nothing to offer the nation at large. The youths should spare no thoughts in jettisoning all support for President Buhari and the APC in their 2019 reelection bid”.

GNM as a National vehicle to drive the participation of the youths in politics is optimistic that PDPunder the inestimable leadership of Prince Uche Secondus has given birth to GENERATION NEXT MOVEMENT to demonstrate the goodwill, willingness and readiness of the party to mainstream and integrate the unequal potentials of young Nigerians in all spheres of live .to take over leadership and contribute to nation building.

The Director General of Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha (second left); Honourable Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun (fourth left); Executive Vice President, China Development Bank, Mr Zhang Xuguang (middle); Honourable Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN (fourth right);Permanent Secretary, Power, Mr. Louis Edozien (2nd right) in a group photograph shortly after a meeting on key infrastructure projects in Nigeria with China Development Bank officials in China . . .on Thursday

Gov Obaseki sacks officials of agric college Titus Akhigbe, Benin In what will be described as 2018 Democracy Day gift, Edo state government has sacked the entire staff of the state- owned College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi in Ovia North-East local government area.

The 37- year old college of Agriculture was established by the civilian administration of late Ambrose Ali in 1981, closed by the military governors and reopened by the Lucky Igbinedion administration in 2001.

The school charged with the responsibility of offering Ordinary Diploma and Higher National Diploma in agricultural technology, animal science, crop science, agricultural extension and management was on August, 2017 temporary closed by the Godwin Obaseki-led government with a promise to

revamping the institution.

Obaseki said the institution was closed down because it was not worthy of being a school of agriculture due to its poor standard.

“I shut down the school to enable me invest money and bring it up to standard. I will revamp the school so that the graduates will be employable.”

He said he is in talks with Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and PRESCO Plc., to join hands with his administration to revamp the school, help train students and provide them with employment.

“I will provide allowance to the 261 students in the school and send them to farms for industrial training,” he had promised.

The state government in a letter signed by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources,

MondayOsaigbovo dated May 25, 2018 to all the staff announced the termination of their appointments.

The letter entitled, “Restructuring of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi”, the commissioner said following the restructuring of the college and subsequent closure, government has decided to terminate their services with effect from January 31, 2018.

“Restructuring of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi.

I am directed to refer to the above mentioned subject and to inform you that following the restructuring of the college of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and its subsequent closure, government has decided that your services are no longer required with effect from 31st January, 2018.

“You are requested to handover all government properties in your possession to the permanent secretary,

ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources immediately.

“Furthermore, I am to add that in line with your terms of engagement, your cheque for January 2018, monthly salary with one month in lieu of notice is herewith attached”, he said.

The staff in a peaceful protest to the palace of the Oba of Benin said their sacking did not followed due process.

They said more than four hundred staff that are in the nominal pay roll of the institution including the provost were affected by the sack.

The staff also dropped a copy of their protest letter titled, “ Special letter for your intervention into the massive sack of all staff of Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi” in the State House of Assembly for onward transmission to the Speaker of the House, Kabiru Adjoto.

They opined that there was no consultation with staff of the institution on the restructuring process neither was there any option of redeployment of staff to other ministry or institution before the massive sack letters were issued to them.

“There was no due process followed by the governor in relieving us of our duties as permanent or confirmed staff in public service, as this contravenes the provisions of the public service rules.

“By record of service, majority of the staff had put up to a minimum of ten years in service while others had put in almost twenty years and that since the governor visited the school on August 7, 2017 and its subsequent temporary closure till date, there is no evidence of any form of infrastructure or administrative restructuring by the governor as against the six months he promised during his visit”, the stated.

7 News I will return to Senate in 2023 –Okowa Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday said he will be back in Senate by 2023, stressing that 2019 election for him stands a work over.

Okowa, who spoke to Journalists at opening ceremony of the state library In Asaba, described his Executive council members as wonderful, adding that to execute projects in the face of paucity of funds depended on collective responsibility.

He said “what I was saying is that many Governors like I am often times Wait for much money to be able to execute projects, no,here in Delta we work as a team to execute projects, we may not have the funds but our good will has always see us through” The Governor noted with dismay recent activities in the country, especially the killings orchestrated by Fulani’ herdsmen and Book haram,and called on the President, Mohammadu Buhari to take proactive measures to curb the Menace According to him,” my teams are wonderful, the finance commissioner,Economic planning, others are doing well, When I got to the Senate, I was helped by Senator Ike Ekwueremadu,Senator James Manager, today,this library started in 2007,when uduaghan was the Governor of the state, we stood our ground to complete the project for the benefit of our people.”

He thanked Deltans for their understanding ,adding “we are determined to do more in 2019 because I know I am coming back to office, I will return with My Deputy, Barr,Kingsley Otuaro, together we shall make the difference in the state” Also, the Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekwueremadu assured Deltans of his continued support, adding “ Okowa is very reliable, he will move to state forward “

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Leaders mourn PUNCH newspaper chairman, Wale Aboderin (1958-2018)

Ambode condoles with PUNCH over death of Wale Aboderin Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday, expressed sadness over the demise of the Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Mr. Wale Aboderin.

Aboderin, died on Thursday at a private hospital in Lagos at the age of 60.

In a condolence letter he personally signed and addressed to the Punch Managing Director, Mr. Demola Osinubi, the Governor described Mr. Aboderin’s death as a sad development coming at a time when the media institution can benefit more from his leadership

and direction.

“With deep sympathy, the Lagos State Government wishes to condole with the management of the Punch Nigeria Limited and the entire Family of the Founder, Chief James Olu Aboderin on the sudden death of the Chairman,

Mr. Wale Aboderin on Thursday, May 31, 2018.

“The Punch has earned its place as a great medium for the expression of views and dissemination of news and intelligence on account of the high standards of ethics and the vision of its founding partners.

“The death of Mr.

Wale Aboderin is a sad development at a time this media institution can benefit more from his leadership and direction.

It is a big loss to the sports sector in which he played major roles as investor and philanthropist. Because of these impeccable records, he lives in our hearts. His

indelible footprints tell us that he will always be part of our journey as citizens of Nigeria and the world at large.

“Kindly convey my sincere condolence to the entire family at this moment of grief. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the Governor said.

Okowa commensurates with family, PUNCH newspaper Nosa Akezua, Asaba Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has sent his heartfelt condolences to the Aboderin family, management and staff of Punch Nigeria Limited, over the death of their Chairman, Mr Gbadebowale Aboderin, who passed away at the age of 60 on Wednesday May 30, 2018.

The Governor also commiserated with members of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the media and sports industry in the country on the death of the respected entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Governor Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu said Aboderin, will be greatly missed by all stakeholders in the media industry especially for his invaluable contributions to the growth of the sector by creating an enviable standard in the Punch Newspapers.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, I identify with the Aboderin family, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the entire staff and management of Punch Newspapers over the irreparable loss.

“He was a committed journalist, publisher and philanthropist whose commitment to the welfare of his staff truly distinguished Punch Newspaper as an industry leader and pacesetter.

“As we mourn his painful departure, I pray that God will bring solace to his family who will miss him the most and grant him eternal rest.” the Governor said.

Representative of Lagos State Governor and Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, signs the condolence registers of Punch Chairman, Mr. Wale Aboderin at his Lagos residence, on Friday, June 1, 2018. With his is Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Mrs. Kofoworola Awobamise (right)

Ajimobi expresses shock over death of Aboderin Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has received with utter shock the news of the untimely death of the Chairman of the Punch newspaper, Mr. Wale Aboderin, whom he described as an illustrious son of the state, and a lovable brother and consummate gentleman.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, lamented that death had again

snatched one of the great sons of the land, who spread his signature effervescence and love everywhere he went.

The governor expressed sadness that death cut short the dream of the foremost entrepreneur and affable administrator, whose magic wand, he said, had further entrenched the Punch as a dominant force in the newspaper industry.

Ajimobi said, “That the Punch newspaper now prints simultaneously in Lagos,

Abuja and Port Harcourt is directly attributable to the business acumen, dexterity and go-getting efforts of my late brother, who toiled day and night to sustain the family’s business legacy.

“The enigma called death has again cut short the life of one of our shining and unassuming stars. Wale was a great citizen of our dear state and son of the soil in whom we were well pleased.

The news of his sudden death saddens me.

“His simplicity and

modest lifestyle despite sitting atop a multibillion naira enterprise are exemplary and noteworthy.

I was told that no employee enters his office with a frown without leaving with a smile.

“I can boldly say that death is not the end of my adorable brother’s life, since only his body departed us.

His spirit can never die; it continues to live with us.

His legacies of humility, selflessness, integrity, diligence and Godliness shall continue to live with

us.

“I know that no soothing words can help ease the pain and loss that my sister, his dear wife and lovable children are feeling at this moment, but they will forever be in my prayers and thoughts.”

The governor prayed that God should give the entire Aboderin family, management and staff of the Punch newspapers, the sports community, as well as his friends and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday May 26, 2018

Politics Ekiti: Oni, APC chieftain differ on Fayemi’s chances in July governorship election Stories: Patrick Okohue A former governor of Ekiti State and one of the governorship aspirants in the just concluded primary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni has expressed doubts as to the possibility of the APC candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi winning the July 14 governorship election.

He also reiterated his concern over the campaign about the use of Federal might, which he said had been going round everywhere in Ekiti at various APC gatherings by supporters of Dr Kayode Fayemi, saying: “It is for Fayemi himself to warn his supporters to desist from such image boosting, but dangerous campaigns, which are still going on now.”

However, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in Ekiti State,Dr Olusegun Osinkolu has described the adoption of the former Ado Ekiti Local Government Executive,Chairman, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi as the Deputy Governorship candidate to Dr Kayode Fayemi as a strong cohesive force that will galvanise supports for the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the July 14 governorship election.

Dr.Osinkolu,a senatorial aspirant said Egbeyemi as one of the founding fathers of Alliance for Democracy which transmuted at various stages to APC , is a bridge builder and a stabilising factor in the progressive fold.

Osinkolu commended Fayemi for making the right choice, saying the Deputy governorship candidate has paid his dues in the politics of Ekiti and commands large followership among the populace that would buoy the party’s chances in the election.

Oni said; “The July 14 governorship election, which is about 5 weeks away will not be such a Tea Party with Governor Ayodele Fayose, a

Oni second term governor and De Facto candidate of PDP who has been campaigning now for more than one year.

“For those who care to know, Fayose controls all the 16 local governments with the second set of elected officials.

When Fayose was involved in voter registration drive in every local government in Ekiti, our Minister was staying in his Ivory Tower in Abuja.”

In a statement, through his Director General (DG) Campaign Organisation (SOCO), Dr Ife Arowosoge, Segun Oni lamented that people were gradually leaving APC for PDP because the PDP candidate, Prof Kolapo Olusola Eleka and Governor Fayose were reaching out to them.

He said Fayemi was feeling too big to do the needful and reach out to all contestants and their supporters who are willing to work for him, which is a necessary corollary to any primary election.

The statement by Arowosoge was a response to Wole Olujobi’s rebuttal on behalf of John Kayode Fayemi

Fayemi Campaign Organisation, JKFCO to the plea for unity and inclusiveness of Chief Segun Oni and other contestants in the campaign for the July 14 governorship election.

“Some people are today leaving the APC because they feel their interests cannot be protected by the APC candidate because of his style and disposition towards this coming election.

“Some who are not moving out of the party are even saying they may “sitdown look” and stay aloof for another four years.

“We know of two local governments in the state, where the APC members are threatening to move out en masse for the same reason,” Oni said.

But, speaking in Ado Ekiti on Friday on the right moves made by the stakeholders on the choice of Egbeyemi, Osinkolu said the party needed experienced politicians and grassroots people to be able to win the next election.

He said with Fayemi and Egbeyemi flying the party’s flag for the much

awaited poll that Ekiti APC needs not rely on any federal might to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Osinkolu said it would be a fatal mistake for the PDP candidate, Prof Kolapo Olusola and his 39-year old Deputy, Deji Ogunsakin to be installed in the coming election, being largely perceived as inexperienced individuals in Ekiti politics.

“Dr Fayemi has been governor in Ekiti. He served for four years before being appointed as a Minister superintending over the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, where he served for two and half years.

“So, he is better equipped than a man who has under the shadow of his boss for the past four years.

“Chief Bisi Egbeyemi had been Commissioner in the State Ministry of Education and Ministry of Justice. He had been council boss of Ado municipal council. He has also practiced law for close to four decades in Ekiti, so he understands the terrain and we need this strong team at this point.”

Buhari’s group commends SERAP, judiciary for ‘radical’ ruling on budget padding The judgement of the Federal High Court, Lagos compelling the Federal Government to probe allegations of padding and stealing of about N481billion from the 2016 budget by some principal officers of the National Assembly has been described as a necessary fillip to the war against corruption.

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has said that with this historical ruling by Justice Muhammed Idris it is clear that the anti-graft war is becoming an all stakeholder affair.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator Austin Braimoh and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, the group also heaped encomiums

on Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Projects (SERAP), a non-governmental organisation for taking the matter to court.

“The ruling is a welcome radicalisation of the judiciary approach to expanding the horizon in the fight against corruption and its debilitating consequences on Nigerians across board. While we encourage the Judiciary as an institution to continue with this commendable proactive engagement in the Federal Government led fight against corruption, we specially applaud the Social-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for initiating the legal

process that culminated in this remarkable ruling through the filing of Mandamus suit to compel the Federal Government to probe the budget padding and stealing allegations.

“We, on behalf of all Nigerians, thank and congratulate the SERAP on the outcome of the suit and, particularly commend the SERAP for championing a new course of citizens’ engagement in the antigraft war. This has shown that the fight against corruption is not just a President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight but that of every concerned and well-meaning Nigerian.

“This, certainly, is the way to go in salvaging our country from the

invasion of our common wealth by irresponsible public officials that are determined to abuse their offices which they are supposed to hold in trust for the good of the people, but would rather deploy as platforms of exploitation and brazen thievery.”

The group then called on more non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and patriotic Nigerians “to emulate SERAP in advancing the cause of the fight against corruption and owning it as a Nigerian collective project rather than an exclusive Federal Government project. With every Nigerian fighting the corruption at each front, the war would soon be won for the common good”

9

CACOL lauds judiciary over Nyame’s conviction, calls for speedy trial of pending corruption cases The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), has hailed an Abuja High Court for sentencing the former governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame, to 14 years’ imprisonment for looting N1.6b.

In a press statement issued by CACOL’s Executive Chairman, Mr, Debo Adeniran the group described Nyame’s conviction as a further reassurance that the Judiciary and President Muhammadu Buhari mean business in ensuring that no corruption culprit, no matter how highly-placed, goes unpunished.

Adeniran recalled that Nyame, whose trial started in 2007 but was stalled by his team of lawyers who filed many applications to frustrate the efforts of the prosecution, was finally found guilty and convicted of 27 out of the 41 charges leveled against him.

According to him, “It is gratifying to note that the anti-corruption crusade is gradually exposing those who have been hiding under the cover of religion, political power or social status. We have also seen others resort to one political alignment or the other, and some trying to bribe their way out of an on-going corruption trial just to frustrate the judicial system and the efforts of anti-graft agencies.

“We want to remind corruption criminals that no matter how many gimmicks they have up their sleeves, they shall eventually run out of tricks and the full wrath of the law will catch up with them.

“We are overly delighted with the deterrent punishment meted out to the ex-governor. The anti-corruption war has before now been trapped in an endless loop of inconclusive cases, and we hope this victory against Nyame would facilitate the speedy and diligent trials and convictions of pending corruption cases.”

We urge the present administration to treat anyone with a corruption petition with all seriousness.

Prosecution of corruption suspects shouldn’t be slowed down or halted without diligent investigation due to political expediency.

Nyame

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Adamawa North Senatorial Zone: Chances and dilemma of aspirants in 2019 Tom Garba, Yola The three Senatorial Districts of Adamawa State have been areas of political tactical maneuvers for many aspiring politicians jostling to represent any of the zones as senators in the forth coming 2019 general elections.

But it appears there is higher number of interested candidates from the Northern Senatorial District of the state, the axis that is having the incumbent governor, Sen Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow.

Being a zone with the least number of local government areas with the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party of interest to many of the prominent sons and daughters of the area, it is important to look at the chances of already identified aspirants under the APC platform.

In the zone there are Maiha, Mubi South, Mubi North, Michika and Madagali as the five local councils that constitutes the zone that has to its credit produced three governors in the state. Sale Michika from Michika LGA, Boni Haruna from Mubi with ancestral origin at Michika, a Higgi man by tribe but chose to be an indigene of Mubi North when he was the sitting governor and Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow who is the current governor of the state from Mubi North.

The political tempo and atmosphere, rhythm and lyrics of the zone is now tensed with about ten aspirants in APC alone indicating interest to run for the seat with political will to succeed.

Their will is connected to what they have been doing to improve the standard of living of the people of the area whether as political office holders or at their personal, individual efforts as private or business owners.

Each of the aspirants is qualified at the level of his or her loyal supporters’ assessment, but to a wider range of people it is only the person with good political will and power, somebody that’s an expert in political tactics and dribbles that can bench others and go for a clean victory.

But what are their chances and what possible dilemma may anyone aspiring to be the senator in the zone have?

Sen. Binta Masi Garba Binta Masi Garba is the incumbent Senator representing the zone and has succeeded in writing her name in the golden sands of time. Her politics date back to 1999 when she became a House of Representatives member to represent Kaduna South in Kaduna State. Binta who is nicknamed Iron Lady, Lady B and BMG is a lady of many first.

The first of Binta Masi Garba (BMG) is as a result of the many political prowess that she displayed and holds at various level of her political journey. It is on records she is the first woman to represent two different Federal constituency in 1999 and 2009, Kaduna South and Michika/Madagali of Adamawa respectively. She is the first woman to join the league of women leaders in Commonwealth of nation as the first Vice President of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP)

Sen. Binta Masi Garba under Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in Cameroon.

She is the only female Senator in all the 19 Northern States of Nigeria in the 2015 elections . She was also, the only female delegate from Adamawa State to the National Conference in Abuja.

Also the first of Binta has it that, she is the first ordained woman pastor to be a senator in the country. Many see her as a dogged lioness and gradually paving her way to get her political desired goals at the National Assembly. Her meaningful contributions at the floor of the Senate chambers is no doubt a resounding voice to liberate her people, working round the clock in making sure her voice is heard for the sake of her political zone.

She struggled to ensure that a barrack is constructed in Mubi where the activities of Boko Haram was prevalent, in all the committees she held is one story of breakthrough and successes on her name.

In the course of her political journey she received many historic awards.

The serving Senator is undoubtedly having a national political goodwill, having been identified as the only senator that decided to support President Buhari’s interest, even at plenaries see is agile in articulating her points for the interest of Mr. President and the people she represents.

She has also pitched her tent and is the only senator that has identified with the Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla

“

Dr Abdullahi Dauda Belel Bindow led government ,she seems to be receiving and enjoying the support of Bindow who on many occasion professed to support her second term bid.

However, all seems not to be well and the political journey is not going as rosy with her at the grassroots. Her chances in future elections might be doubtful with the way her political popularity is dwindling in Michika, her local government of original, which did not vote for her at the last 2015 elections.

Because of this, many are of the opinion that she is paying them back in return by caging them out of her political plans. According to them if you see anybody close to her from Michika, then the person is either a Muslim or people from Bazza, her home town and the people of Mubi North and South who gave her massive votes.

The many huddles before Binta became pronounced when people like Adamu Kamale decamped to APC from PDP and showed interest to contest, Adamu who is a member representing Michika/Madagali at the National Assembly is also from Michika, Higgi by tribe and knows well the political intrigues of Michika and Madagali.

Binta who is not a religious bigot, though a Christian she has most of her political allies from the Muslim faith, right from the formative

Their will is connected to what they have been doing to improve the standard of living of the people of the area whether as political office holders or at their personal, individual efforts as private or business owners. Each of the aspirants is qualified at the level of his or her loyal supporters’ assessment, but to a wider range of people it is only the person with good political will and power, somebody that’s an expert in political tactics and dribbles that can bench others and go for a clean victory.

”

Prof Tahir Mamman

stage of her political struggles, but it seems politics of religion will be staging a war against her and to her disadvantage in 2019. This may likely contribute in giving her a fierce and stiff battle.

Michika is an LGA dominated by Christians, but still in the cobweb of denomination fracas of who decides or becomes what must come from the EYN blog of Christianity. EYN as an Orthodox Church in Michika with high number of worshippers and Binta who is a born again Christian and an ardent member of Praise Chapel International and belongs to the Pentecostal block of Christendom.

Judging from the political history of how the Michika LGA operates, there must be a total synergy with those in EYN block to have a generally acceptable candidate that may win any election.

Hon Adamu Kamale, the serving member representing Michika/ Madagali at National Assembly, Hon Joseph Ayuba Kwada (Depolis) who is a member representing Michika constituency at the State House of Assembly are full fledged EYN members, but in different camps with Binta. All of them share the same political platform, but because they could not agree to be on the same political page it might pose a serious threats for Binta to get an overwhelming majority.

In 2015, one of the possible reasons Binta was not voted for in the area, aside the antecedents of APC then and security challenges was the EYN church factor of political belief. The people of Maiha, Mubi South and Mubi North gave her an overwhelming vote for her landslide victory to clinch the Senatorial seat.

The politics of religion might still be playing out against her as the three core LGAs that supported her in her last ambition where Maiha, Mubi South are Muslim densely populated areas. Having the belief that they might rally round to cage their votes into a block, then they can decide for a Muslim candidate of their choice.

She stirred some anger in the zone recently in what many described as a political crime against Islam religion, when during a testimony to celebrate her 50th birthday at Praise International Church in Yola Binta said, “I gave my life to Christ when I was in primary school. My father was infuriated and he burnt everything I had because of my decision to follow Christ.

“I suffered so much because of the name of Jesus. I would have been nothing if not for His grace. The rejected child, because of my faith, has become a cornerstone. I give glory to His name.”

Her words to any conventional Christian is a welcome idea to appreciate God’s faithfulness over her life, but because of the politics of religion in the minds of people they consider her godly testimony as an outrage, unpardonable crime against humanity.

Dr Abdullahi Dauda Belel The name Belel is no doubt a household name, a conglomerate of Health knowledge and an expertise in public health care, focusing on rural communities by making sure they receive and enjoy a revamped Health care delivery system in the entire Adamawa.

Mallam Abdullahi Bala who is one of the advocates of good governance and an indigene of Madagali LGA describes Belel as a man of high ‘Integrity”, a powerful force that is driving and keeping people to trust others long after they have left their presence. According to him, Dr Belel has written his name in gold and silver, living positive scars in the lives of thousands of people in the state, hence the call to entrust him with greater assignment for the sake of the masses who he always want to serve.

“In the present office he occupies as the Chairman, sometimes I wonder if he is a Medical Doctor, or a career civil servant, all I see are people trooping in for one help or the order. There could

Continue on page 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturdday, May 26, 2018

11 Politics

...Chances and dilemma of aspirants in 2019 represented the zone between 20112015 and made a remarkable impart to many people especially those from Michika and Madagali his LGA of origin.

He is making waves in political move and maneuvering, he is connecting the dotted lines that seems to work against him, he is actually moving with the more you see the less you understand with a possible bigger shocker to have a ticket in APC.

Hon Adamu Kamale Continued from page 10 be but I have never heard anybody saying bad of this man.

“This makes me to believe that to serve the many, you first serve the few, I think this humble and versatile man is ripe for serving the multitude and people of Adamawa Northern senatorial zone of the state,” Bala emphasised Alhaji Aliyu Magaji Adamu from Mubi North LGA who is advocating for, “the act of credible people in politics” and tenacious fight against the spirit of “Sak” Mantra, extols Belel as the engine room of diseases control, employing the preventive and curative way of managing the outbreak of any epidemic in the state and remaining committed to the best delivery service of primary health care.

It is good to say that Dr Belel has been living a life of sacrifice for the sake of humanity not only in Adamawa, but Nigeria as a nation and is being spotted as a man who can do all things for the sake of humanity.

Though he is not into partisan politics per say, but his meticulous growth of good public service has naturally initiated him into politics in the local and even the state level. His rise became noticeable by just making sure Adamawa people are safe and free from all forms of diseases.

His good will to people and his philanthropic work has shown him out to be a hope and rallying point to many people.

But the rivers Belel need to cross to the land of promise are many.

Belel, an indigene of Maiha LGA have a major challenge as he belongs to the other side of the zone that the governor hails from. One will keep asking will Bindow want somebody from Maiha, Mubi South and Mubi North to contest for the seat if he wants to come back for a second term.

But the popularity of Belel is beyond any rhetorical question. Belel is a candidate most likely to beat if politics is a game of number with the block votes of only people from Mubi South, Mubi North and Maiha anybody can become the senator.

Hon Adamu Kamale This is one of the smartest Christian

Hon Abdulrahaman Isa politicians in the whole of Northern Adamawa State, a two term House of Assembly member in the state, made indelible contributions while in the State Assembly and was one of the lawmakers that has the highest number of resolutions and contributions. Now a member representing Michika/ Madagali at the National Assembly, contributing well to the growth of the area and Nigeria as a country.

Being a smart politician, he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party whose platform he rode on to be elected into the House of Representatives to the APC, the ruling party because of an agenda to contest the senatorial seat against the incumbent Senator Binta.

A decision many political analysts described as untimely knowing full well that the senatorial seat to him is more of a probability that can be gambled out than the National Assembly that is more of a certainty compared the lump some work he need to do in convincing the people of Mubi South, Mubi North and Maiha who had already have their sons vying for the same seat.

Adamu teaming up with Hon Emmanuel Tsamdu, the lawmaker representing Madagali at the State Assembly is a strength to him to clinch Michika and Madagali, but the politics of favoritism and sectionalism may be playing out against him from Mubi South, Mubi North and Maiha because of his political antecedent of joining the party not long ago.

Another thing that will ever stand against him is the power of incumbency of Sen Binta, who have been his political arch enemy right from the very day he decided to join the ruling party (APC), but with his strong relationship with the APC chairman in the state many see a possible ticket for him.

Hon Abdulrahaman Isa Call him a vibrant lawmaker, you are not far from the truth, call him Mr integrity who vowed to be a man with the credence of Abubakar Tarawa Balewa and the Ahmadu Bello, the Sardaunan Sokoto. He is a young dynamic politician whose heart is the heart of a Lion to dare the unthinkable.

The tenacity and temerarious nature

Mrs Anna Sini-Annayo

of boldness in him is a strength that might make him an Oscar winner.

Young Isa is playing the game of politics with all the vigor he has, though a man within the age bracket of 35-40 his wish could be of amassing wealth, buying exotic cars and living a stupendous life, but contrary to this, the gentle man Isa is still a tenant and drives around with just an official car that was given to him by the state government. Rather he spends all he has on people in need, especially those from his constituency.

His courage, boldness and apt in calling black as black, his frankness and uprightness is a powerful attribute of leadership he has that makes him distinguished.

Abdulrahaman who is an indigene of Mubi South, a present lawmaker representing the area and being loved by the people of the area could be having challenge of the power brokers in the senatorial district if they decides to go for a consensus candidate other than anybody from Mubi North. He might still face the fierce battle of politics of god fatherism. His belief in Not Too Young To Run slogan that’s making the Nigerian youths to have a re-echoing voice that they can be good leaders at a very youthful age, the campaign is making Isa to have a massive support of many youths in the state. His dream of breaking the vicious circle of old men and women leading the affairs of things in the country should be a thing of the past.

Mrs Anna Sini-Annayo Mrs Anna Sini who is popularly known as Annayo seems to have

“

beckoning hands of people from the North, South, East and West cost of Northern Zone of the state. This woman who believes in putting smiles in the face of people adhering to a call from the five LGAs that makes up the Northern Senatorial district some months ago in a Press conference.

A woman of respect and dignity, attracted a deference “of a sighted good leader by her people who gave her a courtesy and esteemed her very highly and regarded her to be a hope at last to rekindle dwindling dream of thousands of people not only in the state, but in the whole of Nigeria, those who they know can speak up and speak out and can stand out for the sake of the downtrodden. To them, the zone will get a sense of true representation with her works.

With great amount of enthusiasm many people tends to have interest in this philanthropic woman, their opinion suggest that she is a diadem ornamental who will showcase the glory and beauty of Adamawa State.

This has positioned Anna in the watchful eyes of people doing great in their various field of endeavor, men and women are now watching with hearts full of hopes to see their dream to a reality having seen her selfless services she rendered in some parts of the zone.

Barr Yakubu Wali This is another Young Promising Nigeria who is doing great in the area of his calling. His political journey turned around when he was principal assistant to senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow who

However, all seems not to be well and the political journey is not going as rosy with her at the grassroots.

Her chances in future elections might be doubtful with the way her political popularity is dwindling in Michika, her local government of original, which did not vote for her at the last 2015 elections. Because of this, many are of the opinion that she is paying them back in return by caging them out of her political plans.

”

Barr Yakubu Wali Call him a political father it is indisputable fact, he reigned well during the days of Abacha and was elected a senator in 1998 before the cancelation by the Abacha dictatorial regime. Walin Mubi as he is fondly called is a big name in part of the five Northern zone, a political father that planted young politicians that now they have grown to be giant trees. But the Diablo might work this great man in the circle system of this present administration, non inclusion to the main stream of political events might work against him.

Prof Tahir Mamman Professor Tahir Mamman hails from Michika Local Government.

An ABU Alumnus, he had his LLB in Zaria and obtained LLM and Ph.D from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.

Tahir spent 17 years teaching law at the University of Maiduguri before he was appointed Deputy Director General of the Kano Campus of the Nigerian Law School and in 2005, he was promoted to head the legal institution as it’s Director General.

To the credit of Professor Tahir Mamman, the Yola campuses of the Nigeria law school was established.

He is currently the vice chancellor of the Baze University Abuja.

Tahir was conferred with the national honour award of OON in 2013 and became senior Advocate Of Nigeria in 2015. He joined politics in 2014 after completing his meritorious tenure as DG, Law School. He contested for the APC governorship primaries held in December 2014 along with three other candidates, but lost to the present governor.

Professor Tahir Mamman’s quest to contribute his quota at the highest level in 2019 will be an uphill battle that would warrant his 24/7 indulgence in consultations, sensitisation and dinner and lunch meetings to woo new supporters.

As a man close to traditional rulers, he could also solicit for their support in winning over new supporters. He is the Dan Ruwata, Adamawa Emirate Council and Dokaji Mubi Emirate Council. He is also the Garkuwan Nkafa.

Tough times may be lying ahead for the professor turned politician, but he is a dogged go-getter who could pull off a surprise in the end to this excellent academia With so many others yet to be identified as aspirants to become members of the red chambers, the story is all the same. It is five LGAs with the hope of bringing just a person, is all about 2019 general elections that hope to bring one Man or Woman, the aspirants are many, but be sure is a one Man or Woman game.

I can only see game of luck playing and to whom destiny and God wills it to.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Buhari should seek support of Nigerians in halting herdsmen killings -Olatujoye Prince Anthony Olatujoye is a former Director/Legal Adviser of Central Bank of Nigeria.

In this interview with PATRICK OKOHUE he speaks on the current state of insecurity in Nigeria among other issues as they affect the nation.

What is your reaction to the current state of insecurity in the country, especially the killings in the Northern parts of the country?

It is a truism that insurgency, herdsmen-farmers clashes and other extra-judicial killings are unfortunately and inexplicably posing very serious challenges to our fledgling democracy, especially in these times when the generality of Nigerians are yearning for good governance.

This cannot be good news; I am not happy in any way and I believe that all hands must of necessity be on deck as this situation is precariously hanging on political, religious or ethnic sensibilities. I submit that these vices must be collectively fought by all citizens, politicians, the media, security agencies and government at all levels. We must also refrain from trading blames on this issue. The more we engage in the ‘blame game’ on who is responsible, the more we will be unable to tackle this problem as a nation. If all afore-mentioned stakeholders come together to fight this collective enemy to a halt, we stand a good chance of putting an end to the carnage for good. I believe what is happening goes beyond the clashes and the mindless killings in the North East, North Central and indeed the whole country, that is why we need to caution our politicians to stop the blame game for the sake of peace.

What is your advice to President Muhammadu Buhari on how to end the killings?

We all know that President Buhari is a retired General who knows the appropriate Military strategy to employ to stem this most unfortunate tide. We need to encourage him to put in place a sustainable security architecture which will enable him to combat the menace effectively. This would involve the acquisition of modern technological and combat equipment such as the 12 Super Tucano fighter jets being purchased from the United States of America, capacity building in the form of training and retraining of military and other security personnel in the areas of guerrilla warfare; counter-terrorism and insurgency. Also, Mr. President is urged to solicit the cooperation of pressure groups, religious bodies and opposition party leaders to support this administration’s resolve to put an end to these mindless killings in whatever guise and form. Finally, the Judiciary should be encouraged to ensure that justice is always served in respect of captured terrorists and their sponsors.

Some

prominent

Nigerians

Olatujoye have advised Buhari to sack the Service Chiefs and overhaul the Nation’s security apparatus, What is your take on that?

I believe these ‘Prominent Nigerians’ are entitled to their opinions. However, it is my view that sacking these service chiefs may not be the panacea for the problem of insurgency in this country. It is safe to opine that our security architecture needs to be improved upon in order to address insecurity in a more anticipatory and pragmatic manner with a view to ensuring adequate training of our military men in modern warfare, strategy and tactics. I do not believe that removing the service chiefs now can bring the vista we need to end the insurgency in Nigeria. The military chiefs should however up their strategies for the effective and efficient performance of their responsibilities.

The Catholic Bishop Conference recently called on Buhari to resign in view of the worsening security situation in the country. How do you see that call?

Again, that is the opinion of the Catholic Bishop Conference, but I don’t believe the President has to resign as demanded by the Bishops. I reiterate my earlier position that we need to encourage and support this government to find enduring solutions to the worsening security situation in the country.

We also need to avoid using religious sentiments to address national issues; rather we must proffer advice to government on

how best to end the carnage.

How would you react to the creation of the Coalition of Nigerian Movement spearheaded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the Nigeria Interventionist Movement by Olisa Agbakoba as a third force to take over power from Muhammaud Buhari and the APC In 2019?

My reaction is simply that we do not need a coalition/third force/movement to unseat this present government. It is common knowledge that Sovereignty rests in the people and in them lies the power to elect or remove their leaders. With due respect to Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is always passionate about governance issues in Nigeria, his government (between 1999 and 2007) was not without its downsides, therefore, his voice against the reelection of President Buhari,

“

via a coalition, remains with respect, unnecessary. Mr. Olisa Agbakoba SAN is a friend and a classmate but I do not believe that he has the time to bring his vision to bear on the arduous task of wresting power from the President. In sum, I do not believe in this coalition syndrome and reiterate that sovereignty lies in the Nigerian people, who have the right to elect their leaders. This is however without prejudice to the fundamental rights of the people to vote along party lines.

Remuneration and allowances of Public Office holders have been described as being on the high side. Do you support the call for reduction of salaries and allowances of public office holders as a way of saving costs?

In my opinion, the issue of remuneration and allowances of public officers said to be on the high side may not be applicable to all public office holders. It is

but I don’t believe the President has to resign as demanded by the Bishops. I reiterate my earlier position that we need to encourage and support this government to find enduring solutions to the worsening security situation in the country. We also need to avoid using religious sentiments to address national issues; rather we must proffer advice to government on how best to end the carnage

”

noteworthy that the remuneration of public officers is determined by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) which is constitutionally empowered to undertake a review of the remuneration packages of political, public and judicial office holders in Nigeria. However, it is a fact that the salaries and allowances of Legislators, though determined

by RMAFC, are being implemented out of sync with those approvals regard being had to the startling confession of Senator Shehu Sani at a recent plenary at the Red Chambers. It would be recalled that the distinguished Kaduna State Senator had no difficulty in announcing to the whole world that N13.5 Million Naira stands as running costs each senator earns every month exclusive of other emoluments. I hate to say that this is a flagrant infraction of the RMAFC Act and a deliberate usurpation of the Commission’s powers to determine the wages and salaries of public officers. While it is a welcome suggestion to adopt any means of reducing the costs of governance, it would be proper to put in place mechanisms to regulate the earnings of legislators and the unbridled waste in the public service which surely would save costs in the long run.

Many Nigerians believe the only way out of the myriad of problems facing the country is restructuring, while others say restructuring may lead to the breakup of Nigeria. What is your position on these?

For me, the issue of restructuring is a salient point but much more than restructuring the country into/ by whatever forms, enthroning good and transparent leadership at all levels to wit: Local, State and Federal levels is sine qua non. If this position is taken, then we can talk of economic and political restructuring of our present governance system.

And a lot of this has to be done under the instrumentality of the National Assembly. Presently, the Assembly is believed to be on top of the key issues of restructuring after a recent attempt at amending the 1999 Constitution in that regard. The APC seems to have woken up in its desire to enthrone true federalism in our polity but it appears that the process of bringing this idea to bed may be hamstrung by the looming National Convention of the party and indeed the 2019 elections.

On the question of whether restructuring will lead to the breakup of Nigeria, I say with all the emphasis at my disposal that restructuring will not only bring peace, growth, development but also assure or encourage competitiveness among states as witnessed during the 1st Republic. The successes recorded in the country’s pre-1966 political and economic structure have acquired such notoriety that I need not go into them here.

TIMES SPORTS

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Seun Ajetunmobi’s death: Nigeria has lost a key player – NTTF official

Serena Williams: I want to make my daughter proud of me

Russia 2018 Preparation

Wenger, Conte among favorites to replace Zidane

Hamstring injury knocks out Moses Simon from World Cup

Austrian Embassy depletes Eagles’ backroom officials William Troost-Ekong: Criticism by Sunday Oliseh helped my improvement

Super Eagles Jersey sells out in three minutes

Times Sports 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

R USS I A 2 0 1 8 S UPE R E AG LE S N E W S !

Austrian Embassy depletes Eagles’ backroom officials The Embassy of Austria in Nigeria has denied key staff of the Super Eagles’ workforce entry visa into their country for the team’s final phase camping programme billed to begin on Sunday.

Several months ago, the Nigeria Football Federation concluded arrangements with the world–renowned Avita Resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, for the Eagles to put finishing touches to their World Cup program there. They are billed to be there before flying to Yessentuki, the team base camp at the World Cup, on 11th June.

Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor confirmed to thenff.com that the lead physiotherapist, Nnaemeka Anozie and Equipment Manager, Chidi Ngoka, were denied visas by the Austrian Embassy in Abuja.

“We are stunned by the action of the Austrian Embassy. How will the team cope without the physiotherapist and the equipment manager? Everyone is

disappointed with this,” Achor said on Thursday.

Thenff.com notes that Anozie and Ngoka have been with the team for several years, including through the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series, and are integral part of the Super Eagles’ family.

It was learnt that team leaders were so furious they briefly contemplated cancelling the camping in Austria and relocating the team to another country altogether.

Another team official fumed: “This is a big shock. Someone like Chidi Ngoka has been with the team for several years and even attended the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments. Anozie has been with the Eagles for many years as well, and earlier worked with the U17 National Team. Both of them have been to several countries in different continents. We don’t know the reason for this action by the Austrian Embassy.”

Eagles, Three Lions in glamour encounter at Wembley Nigeria and England go toe-to-toe in what promises to be a thrilling Russia 2018 preparatory game for both teams at the Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.

England hosted and won the FIFA World Cup in 1966, but have only gone as far as the semi finals since then, when Bobby Robson steered a squad including Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne to the last four in Italy 28 years ago.

Just like the Three Lions, the Eagles are dreaming of big things to come in Russia, despite both teams being ‘blessed’ differently with intricate opposition in the group stage.

Nigeria must negotiate the obstacles offered by two-time world champions and reigning world vice champions Argentina, hard-as-nails eastern Europeans Croatia and an Iceland squad that stunned England and world football in the Round of 16 at the 2016 European Championship in France. England must sort matters out with strong African opponents Senegal, Japan and Panama.

They have never won the FIFA World Cup, have never even managed to proceed beyond the Round of 16 at the quadrennial tournament, but the Three Lions must beware of a supremely motivated Nigerian squad aiming for the heights in Russia.

A proactive, diligent and equally ambitious NFF leadership signed a landmark agreement with the team on FIFA World Cup funds as far back as November last year, and the process is on to credit the account of the players with what is due to them, more than two weeks before their first match against Croatia in Kaliningrad.

“The most important thing about the World Cup is not the money. But I must admit that the fact that the money is there and we know is there gives us extra energy, extra motivation in the preparations,” forward Kelechi Iheanacho told thenff.com.

Defensive stalwart Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi and forward Odion Ighalo also admitted this much in separate interviews with thenff.com.

On Thursday night, at a brief event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, Senate President Bukola Saraki spurred the team on with a cash gift of $50,000, and with a pledge of ‘special package’ for every unreplied goal at the World Cup finals in Russia.

On Friday morning, the contingent met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Federal Council Chambers, and his words that they should go and fight with their spirit as the whole nation is

behind them, are still ringing in the players’ ears.

After bidding President Buhari farewell, the delegation was flown to London aboard a luxury jet, and will train for the big match at the Wembley on Friday, between 5pm-6pm.

Skipper Mikel John Obi told thenff.com: “We are in England, a terrain most of us know too well.

I was here and won several trophies with Chelsea, including the Champions League. It will be an interesting encounter on Saturday.”

In truth, a high percentage of the travelling Nigeria party are familiar with the United Kingdom.

Wingback Victor Moses recently won the FA Cup with Chelsea FC, the west London club where Mikel Obi achieved great things; Wilfred Ndidi is reverred at another side Leicester City where he won the Young Player of the Year for the second successive season; Iheanacho is also at Leicester City; Alex Iwobi is with north Londoners Arsenal FC; Olaloluwa Aina is with Hull City; Ahmed Musa only recently left Leicester City; Odion Ighalo was a star at Watford FC before leaving for China last year and; Kenneth Omeruo is officially with Chelsea even though he has been on loan in Turkey.

Iheanacho said simply: “England’s players know us and we know them. It will be a good match.”

Marco Guida

Int’l friendly: Super Eagles’ battle ready The FA names Italian officials for big match

The Football Association on Thursday named Italian official Marco Guida as referee for Saturday’s prestige friendly between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and England’s Three Lions at Wembley Stadium, London.

Guida will be assisted by compatriots Riccardo Di Fiore and Alessandro Giallatini (Assistant Referees) and Davide Massa (Fourth Official), as well as Michael Fabbri (Video Assistant Referee) and Giulio Dobosz (Assistant Video Assistant Referee).

The match, which is the penultimate pre-World Cup friendly for both teams before their first matches in Russia, will start at 5.15pm UK time.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

15 Times Sports

RU SSIA 2 0 1 8 WO R L D NE W S !

Mattress gaffe may have revealed Belgium World Cup squad Belgium’s final squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup appears to have been inadvertently revealed during a television report over team preparations.

Public broadcaster VRT showed footage of mattresses being loaded up by a Belgian bedding company before their departure for Russia, with labels indicating the player for which they were designated.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has named a provisional squad of 28, which will be whittled down to 23 on Monday after a friendly international against Portugal on Saturday.

However, based on the mattresses, the cut has already been made, given there were only 23 on show.

The indication is that goalkeeper Matz Sels, defenders Christian Kabasele and Jordan Lukaku, midfielder Leander Dendoncker and winger Adnan Januzaj will not be flying to Russia.

Their absence would not be a great surprise.

However, it would confirm the inclusion of some of the more fringe players in the squad, such as defender Dedryck Boyata or forward Christian Benteke.

Belgium will also play friendlies against Egypt and Costa Rica before opening their World Cup campaign against Panama on June 18.

Their group also includes England and Tunisia.

William Troost-Ekong: Criticism by Sunday Oliseh helped my improvement Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong says that criticisms from former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh shaped his quest to excel at the international level.

Troost-Ekong, 25, who scored his first international goal for Nigeria in Monday’s preWorld Cup friendly against Democratic Republic of Congo gained recognition after impressing with the country’s U-23 team that won bronze in the football event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The centre-back and his central defence partner, Leon Balogun were impressive for the Super Eagles in the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Now a key member of the Super Eagles team, the Bursaspor of Turkey defender’s journey to international stardom has however not been a rosy one.

“My partner at centre-back (new Brighton signing Leon Balogun) is half-German, halfNigerian, so he is the same as me,” Troost-Ekong stated in an interview with Telegraph .co.uk.

“After a game, he (Sunday Oliseh) said we were too soft to play against African players. That upset me, because one of my traits as a player is that I am someone who does not back away from anyone. I am not the most skilful, but I know what I am good at.

“I think that’s part of being from different countries, different cultures. It’s not nice when people try to use that against you. I identify myself as being Nigerian as well, and I feel at home in the team.

“Not once have I ever looked around and thought ‘this is not for me’. But it spurred me on. I have played against African strikers since then and no one has bullied me. I have proven my point.”

Troost-Ekong played for the Netherlands at junior

levels but made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 after an impressive season on loan at Dutch side FC Dordrecht.

The duo of Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi could have played for England, but they chose to represent Nigeria instead and the rugged defender reckons that it is important for players to go where they are appreciated.

“You have to go where you are loved, where you are appreciated,” he insisted.

“It is more appealing for younger players. It is opening doors for foreign-born Nigerians, and I think there are going to be more to follow. Nigeria is a giant of African football.”

The Super Eagles will come up against England in a friendly game at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday which provides an opportunity for a reunion with Harry Kane, his former teammate at Tottenham Hotspur who once helped him fill out his registration form when he was a fresh-faced scholar at the club.

“He was one of the first guys that sat me down and helped me,” Troost-Ekong said of Kane.

“It’s amazing to see how well he has done.”

He recalls how left Tottenham Hotspur for Dutch club in 2013 following the appointment of Tim Sherwood as manager “Me and Tim did not have the best rapport,” he stated.

“He did not really believe in me as a player.”

Troost-Ekong believes he has an unfinished business in the English Premier League and hopes to be back someday.

“I’ve taken a different route,” he added “But if I can get to the Premier League, I will feel like I have achieved a lot.”

Super Eagles jersey sells Hamstring injury World Cup trophy stolen by London gangsters before 1966 tournament - Report out in three minutes knocks out After Nike received 3 market before the official you are, Reg, look at this’. He million pre-orders, Nigeria’s launch with reports claiming Moses Simon opened one side of his jacket and World Cup kit was officially about 3 million of the fake the World Cup was there.” released for sale on Friday, jersey was already on sale. from World Cup Gary claimed the pair hid it in June 1. Outside NikeTown The home jersey which A hamstring injury that will sideline Moses Simon for at least three weeks has now ruled out the KAA Gent winger from the World Cup. A third scan in London has revealed the extent of the injury after similar tests were done in Nigeria.

“It’s a second degree tear and that means he will be out at least three weeks,” a top team official said.

Moses Simon was very much part of the team on the road to Russia 2018.

A likely move to the Premier League in England is now in the balance as his making the final cut to Russia was seen as the deal maker.

Coach Gernot Rohr will now have to drop two more players to announce his final 23-man squad after tomorrow’s friendly against England at Wembley.

A London gangster and his brother were behind the notorious unsolved theft of the World Cup trophy just months before the 1966 tournament in England, according to a report.

Sidney Cugullere, with the help of his brother Reg, stole the Jules Rimet trophy while it was on public exhibition at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, Reg’s son Gary said.

The theft led to one of the biggest investigations in Scotland Yard’s history, before

the trophy was found seven days later by a dog named Pickles in bushes outside his owner’s south London home. The masterminds behind the heist remained a mystery.

Gary told the Daily Mirror that his uncle Sidney had stolen the trophy “for the thrill” and not for financial gain — and that Reg had also been in the hall at the time of the theft but had not seen Sidney take the cup.

He added: “On the street after coming out of the doors, Sid lifted his jacket and said: “Ere

Reg’s father-in-law’s coal shed.

“My dad was freaking out and he knew there was no way they could sell the cup. They realised they had to give it back,” he added.

The trophy was snatched on March 20, 1966. Three days later a package containing the top of the trophy and a typed ransom note demanding £15,000 arrived at Chelsea Football Club, sparking a full-scale police operation.

Detective Inspector Leonard Buggy was called in to meet a gobetween called Edward Betchley, later jailed for his part in the theft.

Mr. Buggy met Betchley in London’s Battersea Park and showed him a briefcase containing the cash, in dummy notes.

The pair drove off to collect the cup from its hiding place, but Betchley jumped out and fled having realised the car was being shadowed by police and the handover never took place.

He was arrested minutes later but refused to reveal the whereabouts of the cup.

According to the Daily Mirror, Sidney died in 2005 without ever being caught, while Reg died in 2012.

in London, fans lined down Oxford Street and round the corner to purchase the kit.

The kit, which was available for sale online quickly sold out with many buyers unable to add to their cart.

Nike UK also said there were no plans to restock.

The American sportswear company released the home and away jersey, a fan kit, a travel suit, a bucket cap and an anthem wear and Mercurial football boots as part of the collection.

However, fake replicas of the jersey has flooded the

goes for about 41,000 naira in Nigeria was first worn in the friendly against Poland in March. The home jersey was worn again in the match against DR Congo.

The Super Eagles are likely to wear the home jersey in their friendly against England on Saturday.

The jersey was rated as the best World Cup jersey in a poll conducted by Sky Sports and has been well received by non-Nigerians.

Nigeria are grouped alongside Argentina, Iceland and Croatia for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Times Sports 16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Hotels - L e i s u r e - TREASURES SUITES & CONFERENCES

Plot 66, 1st Avenue by Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Opp Federal High Court, Abuja HOTEL INFORMATION With facilities uniquely designed to cater to guests comfort at every level, Treasure Suites is located at Plot 66, 1st Avenue by Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Opposite Federal High Court, Abuja, Nigeria. It boasts business related amenities such as a business centre and 2 meeting rooms.

It features 45 rooms categorised into Suite, King Suite and Deluxe Single Room. All rooms provide conveniences such as airconditioning units, refrigerator, coffee/tea making facilities, flat screen TV with satellite reception, sofas, free bottled water, in-room safe, hair dryer, desk and a private with shower and free toiletries. Some of these rooms also have a balcony.

Complimentary breakfast is served daily between 8 AM and 11 AM. Alongside the swimming pool with pool umbrellas and sun loungers, the hotel also has a fitness centre/gym where guests can engage in workout sessions. The on-site restaurant specialises in local and continental delicious cuisine and the bar serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks which guests can enjoy and unwind at the lounge. Free Wi-Fi and self-parking are also available at the hotel which has a tight security network. It boasts business related amenities such as a business centre and 2 meeting rooms.

Cubana Suites

Barcelona Hotels, Abuja

20 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja

23 Blantyre Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II

HOTEL INFORMATION Cubana Suites, located at 20 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria, is a 3-Star hotel that overlooks Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Golf Course.

HOTEL INFORMATION Barcelona Hotels, Abuja is a 4-Star hotel located at No 23 Blantyre Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja. It is situated in the heart of town and enjoys proximity to a number of public and private owned institutions.

Cubana Suites offers rooms with modern interior decor. The rooms are equipped with tile flooring, an air conditioner, work desk, telephone, flat screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, armchairs, balcony with a view of the pool and an en-suite bathroom with toilet paper, towels and linen provided free. Categories of rooms available are Cubana Classic, Superior Deluxe, Executive Deluxe and Supreme Deluxe. It offers complimentary breakfast with an option of room service.

Continental food options are offered at the restaurant while a wide variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks can be ordered at the bar on-site. A swimming pool is also available on the premises.

Barcelona Hotels, Abuja offers a number of spacious and tastefully designed rooms which come in the categories: Standard, Superior, Executive, Executive Twin, Diplomatic, Ambassadorial, Ministerial, Barcelona, Senatorial and a Presidential Suite. Each of these rooms comes with top quality facilities such as flat-screen television with a full cable subscription, sofas, luxurious bed, wireless internet connection, luggage storage and en-suite bathroom with shower facilities.

Barcelona Hotels Abuja also offers guests banquet, event and conference halls; a rooftop sit-out with a breathtaking view of the environs; a restaurant that offers a wide range of tasty dishes plus continental breakfast; an adequate parking space; a 24-hour power supply; gym facilities; a swimming pool and guaranteed security.

Additional services rendered by the hotel on request include concierge, laundry/dry cleaning, currency exchange, express checkin/check-out, car hire, room service for limited hours, luggage storage and airport shuttle.

Cubana Suites also offers services such as 24-hour front desk, 24 hours power supply, concierge service, luggage storage, cleaning services, daily maid service, ironing service, dry cleaning/laundry service, a meeting/ banquet facility and round-the-clock security.

A cache of extra services are also available to guests and these include: an elevator, a business centre, sauna, laundry and dry cleaning services, car hire services, airport pickup, daily newspaper delivery, housekeeping, valet service, room service, lawn tennis facilities, concierge, spa, Chinese cuisines, ballroom and casino.

Interesting Places to Visit near Treasure Suites Federal High Court (1.1 km) Harrow Park (1.8 km) Turf Arena (1.5 km) Durban Neighbourhood Park (0.95 km) Silverbird Cinemas (2.0 km) DHL Express (1.8 km) The nearest airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, is only 37 minutes away.

Interesting Places To Visit Near Cubana Suites Millennium Park (4.5 km) Silverbird Cinemas (5.5 km) National Mosque Abuja (5.0 km) IBB Golf Course (7.5 km) Aso Rock (7.6 km)

Places Of Interest Near Barcelona Hotels Abuja Berger flyover Federal Ministry of Finance GSM village NAFDAC Wuse market

Terms and Conditions Check-In: From 09:00 am Check-Out: Until 12:00 pm Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: Children are permitted to stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, and Cash Payments only.

Terms and Conditions Check in: from 12:00pm (Identification required) Check out: from 12:00pm Pets: not allowed Payment: Cash, Cards Smoking: In designated areas.

Terms and Conditions Check In: From 12:00 PM (ID Required) Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children are allowed to stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted here.

FAQs

Q: Does Treasure Suites offer free Wi-Fi? A: Treasure Suites offers free Wi-Fi to all checked-in guests.

Q: Does Treasure Suites have a swimming pool?

A: There is a swimming pool in this hotel.

Q: Does Treasure Suites offer complimentary breakfast?

A: Treasure Suites offers its checked-in guests complimentary breakfast.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Treasure Suites? What type of equipment are available?

A: Yes. A modern and well-equipped gym is available at the hotel.

Q: Does Treasure Suites have a restaurant?

A: A restaurant is available at Treasure Suites.

Q: What is the check-in and check-out time at Treasure Suites?

A: Check-in and check-out hours are 12:00 PM and 12:00 PM respectively.

Q: Does Treasure Suites offer shuttle services?

A: Treasure Suites renders airport shuttle service on request.

Q: Does Treasure Suites offer car hire services?

A: Treasure Suites renders car hire service on request.

Q: Does Treasure Suites allow pets?

A: Pets are not allowed at Treasure Suites.

TREASURES SUITES is a top-class hotel in Wuse, Abuja

Grand Cubana Hotel No. 6 Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja

HOTEL INFORMATION Grand Cubana Hotel offers a budget friendly accommodation in a very scenic environment at No. 6 Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria. It is appropriate for both business and leisure travellers.

All rooms are fully air-conditioned and fitted with king-sized beds, flat screen TV sets with satellite reception, wardrobes, refrigerators and an en-suite bathroom. These rooms can be categorised into Alcove, Standard Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, Executive Deluxe, Business Royal, Ambassadorial, Grand and Presidential Suites.

Grand Cubana Hotel has 24hours electricity and room service is available on request. The bar and restaurant provide guests with a variety of meals and drinks. The event hall is fully equipped and appropriate for social and corporate gathering; an outdoor pool and a fitness centre are available on-site. Parking is free and security is guaranteed.

Grand Cubana Hotel has a business centre and offers additional services such as laundry/dry cleaning, concierge, luggage storage, airport pickup and car hire.

Interesting Places To Visit Near Grand Cubana Hotel Utako Motor Park (0.7km) Patsy Plaza (0.35km) O’neal Centre (1.1km) Rock of Ages Mall (2.6km) Terms and Conditions Check In: From 3:00 PM Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children are allowed to stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted here.

FAQs

Q: Does Grand Cubana Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? A: Grand Cubana Hotel offers free Wi-Fi to all checked in guests.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Grand Cubana Hotel? What type of equipment are available?

A: A gym is not available at the hotel.

Q: Does Grand Cubana Hotel have a swimming pool?

A: There is no swimming pool in this hotel.

Q: Does Grand Cubana Hotel have a restaurant?

A: A restaurant is available at Grand Cubana Hotel.

Q: Does Grand Cubana Hotel offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. Guests will be charged for breakfast orders.

Grand Cubana Hotel is a budget hotel in Jabi, Abuja

FAQs

Q: Does Cubana Suites offer free Wi-Fi? A: Yes. It offers free Wi-Fi to guests.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have a swimming pool?

A: Yes. It has a swimming pool.

Q: Does Cubana Suites offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. It does not offer complimentary breakfast.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Cubana Suites?

A: Yes. It has a fitness centre/gym.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have a restaurant?

A: It has a restaurant with delicious delicacies.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have on-site parking? Is it free?

A: Yes. It is free.

Q: Does Cubana Suites offer airport pickup or shuttle services?

A: No. It does not offer airport pick-up/ shuttle services.

Q: Does Cubana Suites allow smoking in rooms?

A: No. It disallows smoking in rooms.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have an event centre/conference rooms?

A: Yes, It has an event centre.

Q: Does Cubana Suites accept cash, cheques, cards and bank transfers?

A: It accepts cards and cash.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have hair dryers?

A: No. It does not provide hair dryers.

Cubana Suites is a top-class hotel in Maitama, Abuja

HOTEL INFORMATION Sandralia Hotel is a high-class hotel in Abuja offering a mixture of luxury, elegance and comfort.

This hotel offers free Wi-Fi, adequate parking space and it’s situated at 1, Solomon Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.

L a r

Way,

Sandralia Hotel gives guests the opportunity to experience the Piano Lounge. The Piano Lounge is a trendy and stylish bar offering an eclectic and original cocktails and drinks list with an accompanying menu of light bites. You can listen to beautiful Nigerian and international music every Monday to Friday from 9:00 PM to 1:30 AM performed by the hotel’s in-house band.

The conference rooms and facilities can accommodate any business or social event, from an intimate luncheon or a sumptuous reception to an executive meeting, with space to accommodate up to 300 persons for meetings and receptions. The restaurant offers a wide variety of a la carte and buffet services for both African and international cuisine at affordable prices. Furthermore, highly trained professional staffs are always on ground to give guests the best of hospitality services. The hotel also features a well-equipped gym for guests who fancy workout and body fitness exercises, a swimming pool for guests to take a relaxing dip in. An outdoor tennis court and playground are available on-site.

Additional services such as airport shuttle, laundry/dry cleaning, car hire, 24-hour room service, ironing and concierge, can be rendered by the hotel on request.

Q: Is there a swimming pool at Barcelona Hotels Abuja?

A: There is an availability of an outdoor pool for guests to utilise at Barcelona Hotels Abuja.

Q: Are there fitness facilities at Barcelona Hotels Abuja?

A: There are fitness facilities plus a well-equipped gym at Barcelona Hotels Abuja.

Q: Is there an internet facility at Barcelona Hotels Abuja?

A: Yes. It offers free Wi-Fi in each room category.

HOTEL INFORMATION The Missouri Hotel is located at No 8, Missouri Street, off Colorado close Minister’s Hill., Abuja, Nigeria. It is one of the luxury hotels in Abuja with its dynamic blend of artistry and elegance. The staff guarantee a warm reception. The Missouri Hotel is close to Millennium Park and National Mosque, Abuja. It is an 11-minute drive from Shoprite and 38 minutes from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

All the rooms at The Missouri are uniquely and stylishly designed to the guests taste. Each room is air-conditioned, fitted with an ornate Persian rug, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, armchairs, sofa and an en-suite bathroom. Tea/Coffee facilities are available in the rooms.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available to all guests. A variety of dishes with buffet options and drinks can be ordered at the on-site restaurant and outdoor bar. Special diet menu is available on request. The dining room is available.

The Missouri Hotel has a beautiful garden where guests can relax. The hotel offers airport shuttle at an extra charge. Dry cleaning, room service, 24 hours front desk service and car hire services are rendered. There are designated smoking areas. Concierge services are rendered.

Interesting Places to visit near The Missouri Hotel Millenium Park (11 min) Shoprite (13 min) Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (38 min) National Mosque (12 min) National Stadium (13 min)

Interesting Places to Visit near Sandralia Hotel National Mosque (11.7 km) Magic Land (16.3 km) Abuja Stadium (10.9 km) National Hospital (9.9 km) Federal Secretariat (10.2 km) Millennium Park (10.8 km) The Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport is only 10 minutes away.

Terms and Conditions Check in - From 12:00 pm (ID required) Check out - By 12:00 pm Payment - Cash, MasterCard, Visa accepted Cancellation - Cancellation policies vary with room type.

Pets - Not Allowed Children - Babies and Kids under 10 stay free.

Please note that non-refundable rates can only be booked via card prepayments and reservations made on these rates cannot be refunded.

Terms and Conditions Check-In: From 2:00 PM (ID Required) Check-Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children not older than 2 are allowed to stay free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted here.

FAQs

Q: Does Barcelona Hotels Abuja offer shuttle services?

A: Yes. It offers such services.

8, Missouri street, off Colorado close Minister’s Hill.

It is equipped with 102 tastefully furnished rooms categorised into Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Room and Suites. These rooms are designed with modern in-room amenities such as premium beddings, air-conditioning units, tea/coffee making facilities, flat screen TV with satellite channels, mini bar, work desks, plush sofas, ornate lampshades and an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries.

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? A: Sandralia Hotel offers free Wi-Fi to all checked-in guests.

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel have a swimming pool?

A: There is a standard outdoor swimming pool in this hotel.

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. Guests will be charged for breakfast orders.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Sandralia Hotel? What type of equipment are available?

A: Yes. A modern and well-equipped gym is available at the hotel.

FAQs Q: Is there an event hall at Barcelona Hotels Abuja?

A: Yes, there is a well-equipped and spacious event hall at Barcelona Hotels Abuja.

The Missouri Hotel

No 1. Solomon Lar way, Jabi

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel have a restaurant?

A: A restaurant is available at Sandralia Hotel.

Q: What is the check-in and check-out time at Sandralia Hotel?

A: Check-in and check-out hours are between 2:00 PM and 12:00 PM. Q: Does Sandralia Hotel offer shuttle services?

A: Sandralia Hotel provides an airport shuttle on request.

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel offer car hire services?

A: Sandralia Hotel renders car hire service on request.

Sandralia Hotel is a luxury hotel in Jabi, Abuja.

FAQs

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? A: Yes. It offers free Wi-Fi to each guest.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel have a swimming pool?

A: No. It does not have a swimming pool.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. It does not offer complimentary breakfast.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at The Missouri Hotel?

A: No. It does not have a fitness centre/gym.

To u r s

Afri Hotels

Plot 281 Herbert Macaulay Way, Opposite National Defense College HOTEL INFORMATION Situated at Plot 281 Herbert Macaulay Way, Opposite National Defense College Afri Hotel Abuja is a citadel of excellence and homeliness. Its location sets it strategically between various places of interest like Millennium Park and other businesses.

The rooms at Afri Hotel come in a wide variety of choices. They include: Afri Standard, Royal, Deluxe, Ambassador, Super Diplomat, Luxury Suite, Exotic and Executive. Each of the 100 room is fitted with top class features such as television sets with satellite channels, a microwave (on request), refrigerators with free bottled water, work tables and chairs, air conditioners, private bathrooms, free toiletries, and hair dryer.

Free continental breakfast is served daily to guests at Afri Hotel. The on-site restaurant serves well prepared and tasty meals and of course you can relax in the lounge after a stressful day. The in-house barbeque grills and coffee shop are stocked to suit the guests looking for variety in their cuisine.

Guest at the Afri Hotel may also make use of the outdoor pool for a relaxing swim or simply enjoy the on-site bar/lounge and terrace. A Gym/Fitness centre is available for those looking to stay in shape and keep fit. There is also a business centre and free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the premises. For guests interested in holding meets, office retreats and other cooperate events, the conference centre at Afri Hotel is available and well equipped to meet those needs.

Afri Hotel also provides a variety of other services such as airport shuttle, 24-hour front desk & room service, daily housekeeping, laundry service, concierge service, free newspapers in the lobby, luggage storage, porter/bellhop, for the comfort of its guests. The hotel complex comes with various levels of security with a presence of professional security guards. Parking at the hotel premises is safe and free.

Interesting Places to Visit Near Afri Hotel Nigerian National Mosque (2 km) National Hospital Abuja (3.1 km) Federal Secretariat (3.2 km) National Assembly (3.9 km) Millennium Park (4 km)

BARCELONA HOTELS is a top-class hotel in Wuse 2, Abuja.

Sandralia Hotel

17 Times Sports

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel have a restaurant?

A: It has a restaurant with delicious delicacies.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel have on-site parking? Is it free?

A: Yes. It is free.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel offer airport pickup or shuttle services?

A: Yes. It offers airport pick-up/shuttle services.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel allow smoking in rooms?

A: Yes. It has designated smoking area.

The Missouri Hotel iis a top-class hotel in Maitama, Abuja

Terms and Conditions Check-in : From 7:00am Check-out: At 12:00pm Payment: Card, cash deposit required at check-in Government-issued photo ID required at check-in Minimum check-in age is 18 Pets: Max is 2 pets per room Children: Cribs/infant beds available at a surcharge Rollaway/extra beds available at a surcharge Guests must contact the property in advance to reserve a crib (infant bed)/rollaway bed

FAQs

Q: Does Afri Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? A: Yes, Wi-Fi is available and for free Q: Does Afri Hotel have a pool?

A: Yes, a pool is available at the hotel.

Q: Does Afri Hotel have a restaurant?

A: Yes, a restaurant is available onsite.

Q: Does Afri Hotel have onsite parking? Is it free?

A: Yes, self-parking is available/free.

Q: Does Afri Hotel offer airport pickup or shuttle services?

A: Yes, airport shuttle services are available.

Q: Does Afri Hotel have an event centre/conference rooms?

A: Yes, an event centre and conference rooms are available.

Q: Does Afri Hotel offer room service? What are the hours?

A: Yes, 24-hour room service is available at the hotel.

Q: Does Afri Hotel allow pets?

A: Yes, pets are allowed at the hotel. A maximum of 2 pets per room Q: Does Afri Hotel have cribs?

A: Yes, cribs are available at a surcharge.

Q: Does Afri Hotel have irons?

A: No, irons are not provided in the rooms.

Afri Hotels is an affordable hotel in Central Business District, Abuja

Kryxtal Suites 120, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2 HOTEL INFORMATION Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2, is an exclusive boutique hotel located opposite GLOBACOM Headquarters in Abuja and a few seconds from KFC. This hotel is very well appointed and its one of the reference points in the Wuse area of Abuja for visitors and Abuja residents.

It is situated at 120, Aminu Kano Crescent, Opposite Glo Office, Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria.

Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 has 20 exclusive spacious bedrooms categorised into Classic, Deluxe and Superior. Each room is very well fitted with exceptional facilities such as air-conditioning units, flat-screen TV with international channels, a reading/dressing table and an en-suite bathroom with slippers and free toiletries.

Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 has some awesome facilities such as free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, uninterrupted power supply, a 24-hour front desk service, and a restaurant and bar where guests can order from a wide range of meals and drinks. Free private parking space is also available within the hotel complex and it’s well guarded by security personnel. It has a banquet hall/meeting rooms for various meetings, conferences and events.

Laundry/dry cleaning, car hire, airport shuttle, a 24-hour room service, safety deposit boxes, luggage storage and concierge are made available on request. An ATM is available on-site Interesting Places near Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 Cameroon Embassy (2 km) Afro-Asia Garden (0.4 km) Ecowas Court (0.7 km) City Park (0.6 km) Globacom Office KFC The nearest airport to the hotel is the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport which is about 23 km away.

Terms and Conditions Check In: From 12:00 PM (ID Required) Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children not older than 12 are allowed to stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted here.

FAQs

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offer free Wi-Fi? A: Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offers free Wi-Fi to all checked-in guests.

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 have a restaurant?

A: A restaurant is available at Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2.

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 have a swimming pool?

A: There is no swimming pool in this hotel.

Q: What is the check-in and check-out time at Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2?

A: Check-in and check-out hours are between 12:00 PM and 12:00 PM

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. Guests will be charged for breakfast orders.

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offer shuttle services?

A: Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 renders airport shuttle service on request.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2? What type of equipment are available?

A: No. A gym is not available at the hotel.

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offer car hire services?

A: Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 renders car hire service on request.

Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 is a budget hotel in Wuse 2, Abuja

Times Sports 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Serena Williams: I want to make my daughter proud of me Serena Williams said she wants to make her daughter proud after fighting back to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

The 36-year-old American came from a set and break down to defeat Australia’s Ashleigh Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

The three-time champion and former world number one, dressed again in her all-black catsuit, is playing her first Slam since winning the 2017 Australian Open while two months pregnant.

However, her stay in Paris almost proved short-lived until she summoned the same fighting spirit which helped her conquer life-threatening blood clots after giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian in September.

“It’s just incredible,” said Williams.

“I am so happy to be back here. I lost the first set and thought I must try harder, I must try harder — and then Serena came out.

“I will be back tomorrow to play doubles with Venus. I don’t mind playing singles and doubles — I will fight my heart out.”

Williams said her daughter inspires her to keep winning as she targets Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 majors.

“This is my first Grand Slam back and I want to the best that I can.

“I want to be able to one day tell my daughter that I tried my best.”

Williams will face Germany’s Julia Goerges for a place in the last 16 on Saturday.

If she gets past that challenge, she could face old rival Maria Sharapova for a place in the quarter-finals.

Williams again played in her striking all-black catsuit which has raised some questions over its legality.

But the American insisted it was crucial to help prevent a return of life-threatening blood clots.

“I definitely thought there would be a lot of reactions over the outfit,” she said.

“It’s not a typical outfit. But what’s typical, you know? Who makes the rules?

“I feel like in 2018 the world’s different.

It’s important to be yourself and to bend things and to try something new and to try something fresh.

“However, my outfit is actually functional for me, because I had a lot of health issues.”

Williams had cruised through her opening round match against Kristyna Pliskova in what was a record 317th win

at the Slams.

But Thursday was a tougher proposition for the American who was playing just her sixth match of 2018.

Barty wrapped up the first set when the former world number one netted a wearylooking forehand, the 12th unforced error of the opener.

Williams hit just three winners while 22-year-old Barty could afford to bide her time, just two winners a n d four

unforced errors coming from her side.

She was a break down again after dropping serve in the opening game of the second set.

But just as the halffull crowd, enjoying the late evening sunshine on Court Philippe Chatrier anticipated a quick kill, Williams came storming back, reeling off four straight games for 4-1.

A fifth ace of t h e contest won h e r t h e set.

A

bre a k in the third game of the decider proved crucial and Williams claimed victory on a second match point with a sweeping, running forehand.

Wenger, Conte among favourites to replace Zidane

The dust has barely settled at Real Madrid as Zinedine Zidane announced his dramatic departure as manager, but already there’s plenty of talk about who could take charge of the Spanish giants next.

Zidane, 45, walked away from the Santiago Bernabeu just five days after winning his third-straight UEFA Champions League title as Real boss. Talk about a mic-drop moment…

His three years in charge of Los Blancos will surely go down in history as one of

the greatest managerial stints ever and is unlikely to be replicated.

But who’s next in the notoriously toasty hot seat for Real’s president Florentino Perez? Real’s president seemed slightly stunned that Zidane had stepped down but knows he needs to act fast to keep his superstars in check over the summer and allow Real to build on their success.

Arsene Wenger – 3/1 – Now this would be something, wouldn’t it? Real have tried to get Wenger in the past but the Frenchman always resisted their advances

to remain in charge of his beloved Arsenal. Now he’s a free man and has been speaking about his next managerial move being overseas, what’s to stop this happening? Could Wenger handle the egos of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale? His style of play would certainly delight the Real fans and this would be some way for Wenger to get back on the coaching carousel.

Antonio Conte – 4/1 – Look, his stock is still incredibly high across Europe despite what happened at Chelsea this

FIFA lifts suspension on Guatemala FIFA Thursday lifted a suspension imposed on Guatemala 18 months ago over its failure to comply with anticorruption rules.

The suspension prevented Guatemalan teams from participating in international competitions such as the Gold Cup, the Central American Games and the CONCACAF Champions League.

“FIFA has today lifted the suspension that was imposed on the Guatemalan Football Association” Fedefut, it said in

a statement.

Football’s governing body said it made the decision after receiving a letter from Juan Carlos Rios, the head of a FIFA-appointed “Normalization Committee” to oversee the Fedefut. The letter confirmed that the committee was operational.

The suspension “is lifted with immediate effect, restoring all its rights as a federation member of FIFA,” Rios told a press conference. “It is a very happy day

for us.”

FIFA sanctioned Guatemala in October 2016 after it failed to authorize the normalization committee after an international corruption scandal that rocked world football.

Former Fedefut general secretary Hector Trujillo was the first person brought down in the scandal to be sentenced to jail, given eight months by a judge in New York in October for wire fraud.

season. A Premier League title, a fifthplace finish and an FA Cup in his two seasons at Stamford Bridge isn’t bad at all and Conte has proven he can work with big-name players at Juventus, Italy and Chelsea. Real could do a lot worse and Conte and Chelsea may have found the perfect escape route for their uncomfortable situation as the Italian enters the final year of his contract.

Mauricio Pochettino – 6/1 – Now, the Argentine has just signed a new long-term deal with Spurs until 2023 and seems very happy at Tottenham. There are also reports out there that Tottenham didn’t include a release clause in Pochettino’s new deal, so it seems as though he’s staying put at White Hart Lane. But come on, it’s Real Madrid.

Daniel Levy will be keen to halt the conveyor belt from North London to the Spanish capital (Ahem, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric) and stopping Pochettino from jumping ship is pivotal to keeping the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli wanting to join him in Spain. Poch will manage Real one day, that much is true. But this could be slightly too early for him.

Guti – 6/1 – Remember this guy?

What a fine head of hair he had during his playing days with Real as a twinkle-toed central midfielder. Guti has been working hard behind-the-scenes at Real with their academy players and the U-19 coach is well-respected at the club. Promoting from within worked out pretty well for Florentino Perez and his board before.

That said, Guti doesn’t quite have Zidane’s stature in the game so again, it may be a few years before he could take the reins. A good back-up option and a Real legend.

Massimiliano Allegri – 12/1 – It appears that he may well remain at Juventus but the Italian tactician is yet to commit his future to Juve and this opportunity would surely be intriguing for him. A coach who loves the art of defending may find it a little tough to drill the flamboyant Real stars, but for sustainable, long-term success, he’s your man. Allegri has built a fine squad at Juve and a group of players who play together instead of individuals.

AC Milan faces Europa League ban

European football’s top financial investigators have recommended excluding Chinese-owned AC Milan from the Europa League next season for violating rules that limit spending, the New York Times reported on Friday.

According to the US daily newspaper, “two people involved in the process” have confirmed that UEFA investigators have recommended Milan be excluded from European competition for violating Financial Fair Play rules.

UEFA announced last week that the seven-time European champions had failed to convince officials they are financially sound and referred the case to the adjudicatory chamber of its financial control unit to recommend an appropriate punishment.

A decision is expected next week and according to the New York Times investigators “have recommended excluding .. AC Milan from continental competition”.

UEFA are concerned over AC Milan’s stability after it was purchased

by Chinese businessman Li Yonghong from Silvio Berlusconi for 740 million euros ($918mn) in April last year.

The club also spent more than 200 million euros on new players in the summer and have a massive high interest loan of 300 million euros from US hedge fund Elliott Management.

Milan finished sixth in the Serie A last season and qualified for the second-tier Europa League for a second consecutive season missing out on the money-spinning Champions League.

If Milan were excluded they would become the highest profile club banished from Europe, following Spanish club Malaga, Red Star Belgrade and Turkey’s Galatasary who were banned for a year in the past for failing to meet financial criteria.

Ezekiel Bassey, Chima Akas, Paul Onobi share in Super Eagles $2.8m World Cup bonus Ezekiel Bassey, Chima Akas and Paul Onobi will also share in the Super Eagles largesse of $2.8 million for qualifying for the World Cup in Russia.

Bassey, Chima Akas and Onobi were playing in the NPFL by the time of the World Cup eliminator against Swaziland in October 2015.

Onobi, for one, famously started for the Eagles head of skipper Mikel Obi in the return leg match against Swaziland, which the Eagles won 2-0 in Port Harcourt.

Bassey made his Eagles debut in that game before he flopped on loan at Barcelona B of Spain.

It is believed that as many as 37 players shared in the qualification bonus and they were all paid in US dollars.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Edo Govt approves winning bonuses for Edo Queens The Edo Government, on Friday in Benin, said it had approved the payment of all winning bonuses for Edo Queens FC, to motivate the team for a job well done.

The Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, made this disclosure during the team’s courtesy visit to Government House, Benin, to present to him, the Edo FA cup trophy, which they won last weekend.

Our correspondent reports that Edo Queens defeated Fortress Lady’s FC 4-0, to lift the female version of the state’s FA Cup trophy.

Shaibu also said that the State Government was working on having a more-befitting and permanent accommodation, to keep the players in the right frame of mind before crucial assignments.

He restated the Edo Government’s commitment to re-brand the team ahead of next season, and congratulated them for the good form they had displayed so far.

Earlier, the team’s technical adviser, Gabriel Adejor, thanked the deputy governor and the State Government for their commitments toward improving sports, and the support for the team.

“The Edo Government has done remarkably well and we must commend them for what they are doing in the area of sport development,’’ the technical adviser said.

NNL: Jigawa Golden Star recruits 13 players to strengthen team Team Manager of Jigawa Golden Star Football Club, Issa Dodo, says the club has recruited 13 players to strengthen the team for a promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Dodo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that with the recruitment, the club now has a total of 35 players to achieve its aim.

He said the state government had also promised to support the team to excel in the 2018 Betja Nigeria National League (NNL).

“We will fight hard to bounce back to premier league because that is where we belong.

“We have recruited 13 players from different academy to strengthen our team for the ongoing NNL. “We now have a total of 35 players in all.

“The Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, has been supportive to make the team have a good record in the league,” he said.

NAN report that 2017/2018 NNL started on March 3.

19 Times Sports

Gov. Dickson’s Cup: Ekeremor, Nembe teams qualify for final Teams from Ekeremor and Nembe Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa have qualified for the final of the ongoing Gov. Seriake Dickson’s football tournament, tagged “Restoration Cup Season Two’’.

Mr Daniel Alabrah, Media Director of the Competition, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Friday that the two teams are Peretorugbene and OpuNembe football clubs.

Alabrah said that the tournament with N11 million cash award, was organised to uncover new talents at the grassroots.

He said that no fewer than 150 community-based football clubs across the eight local government area of the started the tournament.

Alabrah said that Otuasega of Ogbia LGA would trade tackles with Toru-Orua of Sagbama for the third place position.

He said that the two matches would be played at Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, on Sunday.

Alabrah said the special guests for the final match would include the governor and the former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia.

NAN reports that the champions will take home N5 million, while the second and third place winners would go with N3 million and N2 million, respectively.

The fourth team would get a consolation prize of N500,000, while the Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer and the Most Valuable Player would receive N100,000 each.

Alabrah said that the 20 most talented players discovered during the tournament would be sponsored for more training at Sampson Siasia Football Academy, before going to Europe.

NLO: Crime Busters promise to beat Abia Warrior Feeders – TM Team Manager, Crime Busters FC of Enugu, Ebere Amaraizu, says his players had vowed to beat Abia Warrior Feeders, Umuahia, in the ongoing Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) season.

The police team will be locking horns with Abia Warrior Feeders at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the NLO Group D2.

Amaraizu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Friday that the team had brighter chances to win the match and would not leave any stone unturned in doing so.

“We are looking forward to continue with our unbeaten run

in the league having been forced to a one-all draw last couple of days in Aba when we confronted Enyimba Feeders FC, Aba. “The feat was coming shortly after Crime Busters dethroned Rangers International FC of Enugu in the just-concluded Enugu State FA Cup competition,’’ he said.

According to him, we are ready to win the match to ensure that we wrap up the league on a sound note as we look forward to garner the maximum three points at stake.

“Coach Edmund Ndukanma has put in place all necessary measures to ensure that the boys

play to instructions and to garner the maximum three points at stake,’’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mohammed Danmallam, recently said that Crime Busters would continue to be nightmare to other clubs in both the NLO league and Federation Cup competition.

NAN reports that Crime Busters, that is still enjoying its unbeaten run in NLO, are currently having 14 points after five matches.

The police team won four matches and drew two so far in the ongoing 2017/2018 season.

Seun Ajetunmobi’s death: Nigeria has lost key player— NTTF official

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has described the death of the Italy-based Nigeria international, Seun Ajetunmobi, as shocking.

Our correspondent reports that Ajetunmobi, born on Oct.10, 1985, died on Thursday in Lagos as a result of gas explosion.

Anderson Bankole, a board member of NTTF, told reporters on Friday in Lagos that the federation had lost one of its key players.

The former technical director of NTTF also said that he was surprised and perplexed when he received the sad news of Ajetunmobi’s death.

“We have lost a key player in the table-tennis family.

“Nigeria has lost a very good, vibrant and committed player in the person of Ajetunmobi.

“It is really painful because rather than celebrating this young boy, we are mourning him,’’ he said.

Bankole said that the late Ajetunmobi w a s never found

wanting as a national player in and out of season.

He was always making himself available whenever we needed his service for major tournaments, he said.

Also, a table-tennis coach with Lagos State, Samson Ajayi, said that the player exhibited impressive performances as a national player in his life time.

“I got the news hours ago and called the brother to the late Seun who confirmed the sad development.

“The deceased started well and exhibited impressive performances as a national player in various championships he featured at singles and teams’ events.

“These stood him out among his peers,’’ he said.

Ajayi also described Ajetunmobi as a humble, respectful and focused player.

“His lifestyle was a reference point used in counselling young players in the country.

“There is not much to say.

“Ajetunmobi is dead and it is painful, especially, for those of us that were part of his sport life as a national player.

“We encourage young players to emulate his attributes,’’ he said.

Tosin Oribamise, a national youth table tennis player described the late Ajetunmobi as a nice person, caring, loving and generous to young players.

“He was always taking the

advantage of his off season to visit home and support up-andcoming players.

“NTTF has lost a star player.

“I cannot describe brother Ajetunmobi enough because he was a good person and supported young players in his little way, we will miss him,’’ Oribamise said.

Faith Bazuaye, a Para-Table tennis player said that, “it was unbelievable that Ajetunmobi is dead, he was a friendly, kind hearted and an easygoing player.

“We will really miss him because he was a friendly person and encouraged us whenever he was around.

“He was always training with us in this Lock Hall whenever he came home,’’ Bazuaye said.

Ranti Lajide, a certified table-tennis umpire, said that Ajetunmobi was a dedicated player and contributed his quota to table tennis development.

“It was a shock to hear that Ajetunmobi died on Thursday night.

“He was a player that had paid his dues and left a footprint that will always speak volume of him,’’ he said.

NAN reports that Ajetunmobi won the last Aso Cup Table Tennis Championship held in Abuja in May. He was part of the Nigerian table tennis team at the last All Africa Games, held in Congo Brazzaville in 2015.

15 schools, 300 athletes participating in Oyo inter-school competition The Chairman of Oyo Athletics Association, Friday Isaac, says 15 schools and 300 students are participating in the ongoing State Inter Secondary School Track and Field Athletics Competition in Ibadan.

Isaac told reporters in Ibadan on Thursday that the competition was part of the preparations for the fourth edition of the National Youth Games slated for Ilorin in September.

He said that the athletes are featuring in the 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 4×100 metres Relay and 4×400 metres Relay.

Other events, he said,

include Short put, Discuss, Javelin as well as Long and High Jump.

Isaac said that even though the events phase would be concluded on Friday, the male and female categories of 400 metres had already been decided.

He said while the competition had been thrown open, it was still strictly for athletes in JSS and SS1 classes and within the 15 years age bracket.

Isaac, who said that the competition started with Ibadan Zone, added that it would be staged in other zones such as Oyo, OkeOgun and Ibarapa before the finals in Ibadan.

Kalu Orji undergoes medical at Morocco’s Mouloudia Club d’Oujda

Kalu Orji will undergo a routine medical today with Mouloudia Club d’Oujda before signing a three-year contract with the Moroccan club.

Kalu Orji, who signed a short-term deal with Kano Pillars recently, departed Nigeria on Wednesday for Morocco.

He is due back in Nigeria on Monday, before

rejoining the team in time for pre-season training in Spain.

Mouloudia Club d’Oujda monitored the experienced central defender, who recently had a short-lived spell in Albania, during the CHAN staged in Morocco.

The Jos-born Orji has previously featured for Heartland and Enugu Rangers.

20

TIMES SPORTS

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Wilder: Unify vs.

AJ, I’ll fight at cruiserweight

Deontay Wilder insists he will move down to cruiserweight once the WBC champion defeats Anthony Joshua to unify the heavyweight division.

Wilder (40-0, 39KOs) believes a fight against the British world champion will come later this year, with the date depending on whether the fight happens in the United States or the United Kingdom and the American insists victory would see him move from the heavyweight division to cruiserweight.

“I’ve been thinking about once I unify the heavyweight division, moving down to the cruiserweight division and taking over that division,” Wilder said on social media.

“I mean there has never been a heavyweight champion ever go down in weight. I mean just for the fun of it.

Just take over the cruiserweight division while maintaining the heavyweight division.”

His comments come after Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insisted Wilder had until the end of the week to make a decision on whether he wanted to fight Joshua.

While doubt still remains over whether a unification fight between Wilder and Joshua will happen, there is also the possibility of Wilder facing Tyson Fury who returns to the ring June 9.

Fury insisted that he could not sleep knowing that people think Joshua and Wilder are better than him opening up the possibility of him facing either heavyweight champions.

Sergio Ramos changes phone number after death threats over Mo Salah challenge Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos has reportedly been forced to change his phone number following threats over his challenge on Mohamed Salah in last Saturday’s Champions League final in Kiev.

Salah sustained a shoulder injury following the challenge and was later substituted with Adam Lallana replacing him.

The Egyptian international hopes of playing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia are now in jeorpady although the country’s FA officials expect him to recover just in time for their second group game.

Ramos has been on the end of a significant social media backlash since the incident, with many believing that he injured Salah intentionally.

But the abuse has reportedly surpassed just social media – after it was claimed that a group of fans found his phone number.

According to COPE Network, both Ramos and his family have been receiving threats, meaning they have all had to change their numbers.

The report claims that Ramos has been rang by anonymous callers and has received death threats.

It is also claimed that Ramos’s agent has raised the query with local police.

Anthony Joshua’s

camp set Deontay Wilder deadline as Alexander Povetkin looms

ANTHONY JOSHUA’s camp are expecting a call from the WBA next week to begin negotiations over a bout with mandatory challenger Alexander Povetkin.

The news will come as a massive

stumbling block to the potential fight with Deontay Wilder, which they are hopeful of scheduling later this year.

Eddie Hearn has confirmed it is highly likely Joshua will fight in September but if

they cannot come to an agreement with Wilder then Povetkin will be the Brit’s next opponent.

Talks have been ongoing with the American since April and Joshua knocked back a $50million (£37m) offer to fight in the USA. The 28-year-old is hopeful of bringing Wilder to the UK but if they cannot agree by next week then Povetkin will be given his shot at the title “We’ve got a situation with Povetkin where probably next week they’ll (WBA) call for purse bids then it takes another two weeks, something like that for the purse bids,” Hearn told Boxing Scene.

“I think realistically two weeks is the absolute deadline.”

Hearn is in constant communication with Wilder’s camp and says they are working

together well - but the clock is ticking.

“We’re speaking very frequently, and to be fair to Deontay he understands,” Hearn added.

“It’s not like he’s moaning about it. He always felt that he’d have to come to the UK and like I said they made a strong offer.

“Some of the points, or some of clauses in that offer weren’t acceptable, some were.

“We could have talked about them but it was just a decision from the team that the first one should be in the UK. “We want to go in September and that’s either going to be, most likely at this stage, Wilder or Povetkin.

“Both tough fights. By the end of this week I want to be in a position to know if Wilder wants the fight.”

ICC seeks evidence from Al Jazeera to assist corruption probe The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday asked Al Jazeera to share evidence that would help it further investigate corruption in the sport.

This request has come in the wake of the news organisation airing a documentary on the matter last weekend.

The ICC launched a probe after the “Cricket’s Match Fixers” programme showed a groundsman agreeing to tailor pitches for test matches involving leading teams.

“I ask Al Jazeera to release to us all the material they have relating to corruption

in cricket,” ICC CEO David Richardson said in a statement on Friday.

“We will conduct a full, thorough and fair investigation and ensure no stone is left unturned as we examine all allegations of corruption made in the programme. To do so, we need to see all the evidence they state they possess.”

The programme claimed that the stadium manager at Galle in Sri Lanka may have doctored the pitch at the behest of fixers and suggested minor Twenty20 events had also been targeted.

It also alleged incidents of spot-fixing in a Chennai match between England

and India in December 2016 and the Australia-India test in Ranchi in March 2017.

“We understand and fully respect the need to protect journalistic sources and our ACU (Anti-Corrpution Unit) team have worked with other media companies on that basis,” Richardson added.

“However, to prove or disprove these allegations, we need to see the evidence referred to in the programme.”

Match-fixing has become a major concern for the sport in recent years, with a high-profile incident involving

Pakistan on a previous tour to England forming one of cricket’s low points.

Pakistani trio Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, who is back playing for the national team, were part of a gamblinginspired plot.

The plot was to bowl no-balls at prearranged times during a test match against England at Lord’s in August 2010.

All three players served time in prison and were handed multi-year bans from the game after a ICC tribunal found them guilty of spot-fixing.

Tiger Woods on shooting 85: ‘I didn’t want to have anyone watch me play’ Tiger Woods is back at Muirfield Village Golf Club, where he’s made plenty of history, most notably five victories at the course and tournament Jack Nicklaus founded.

But it’s also where he shot his highest score as a pro, an 85, during the third round of the 2015 Memorial, which was his last visit to the tournament.

The score led to an early-morning Sunday tee time -- alone.

“I didn’t want to have anyone watch me play the way I was playing,’’ Woods said Wednesday.

The 85 included a career-first of 40 or worse for both nines. He shot 4243. Through seven holes, Woods was 2 over par and played the remaining 11 holes 11-over.

His round included a quadruplebogey 8 on the last hole, as well as two double bogeys, six bogeys and a single birdie.

Zac Blair, a rookie on the PGA Tour in 2015, played with Woods for the first time and beat him by 15 strokes, shooting 70. As much as Woods would like to forget that day, Blair said “it was the coolest round of golf in my life.’’

Not in the field this week at the Memorial, Blair recalled that he could see a possible Saturday pairing shaping up with Woods after both barely made the 36-hole cut.

“From the first hole on, I couldn’t have been more blown away,’’ Blair said from his home in Utah. “My favorite athlete of all time, and to get paired with him was really cool. Everything exceeded my expectations. He was my idol and I tried to not expect much, but he was really nice, talked to me all day, talked to me about fishing in Utah. The Chambers Bay U.S. Open was coming up and we talked about that because I had played in the U.S. Amateur there.’’

Despite Woods’ poor score, Blair was still impressed.

“I remember some of the shots he hit and thinking how unbelievable this guy is and why he is on another level as far as talent from anybody else,’’ Blair said. “To hit some of the shots he hit ... I had played a year out here and played with a lot of good players but some of the things he could do with a golf ball made me realize why he was the best. He was still able to do some good things. He hit some iron shots that I couldn’t believe how flush they were.’’

And that’s shooting 85.

“Unfortunately, that’s all I had,’’ Woods said. “I take pride in throughout the years of never bagging it. I’ve tried in every single round to fight to the end. Unfortunately that

week I think I shot 85. I’ve had (a few) rounds in the 80s in my career, and unfortunately that was the highest one I’ve ever had.

“It didn’t feel very good. But it is what it is. I tried and, unfortunately on this golf course, hitting it as bad as I did it just wasn’t good enough.’’

The 85 is one of just four scores Woods has shot in the 80s as a pro. His first came in 2002 at The Open at Muirfield, where he shot a third-round 81 in horrible

weather

conditions. He also shot 82 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in 2015, and then two weeks later he opened the U.S. Open with an 80.

At the Memorial, after a final-round 74, he finished last -- by 8 shots.

“I don’t remember much of the round.

Clearly we know now he was hurting back then,’’ said caddie Joe LaCava, referring to the back issues that resulted in three more surgeries, including a spinal fusion last year. “He had a lot of troubles, but I know I can tell you that he was trying hard.’’

Woods has 14 major titles compared with Nicklaus’ 18 and 79 PGA Tour wins compared with the 73 posted by the Golden Bear.

When it comes to high scores, Woods’ four is best compared with the six Nicklaus had prior to turning 40.

Nicklaus had 16 overall, his highest an 85 during the 2003 Masters when he was age 63.

“Whenever I tell people the story about playing with Tiger, I always try to tell them how amazing he was toward me,’’ Blair said. “He could have easily walked off. He wasn’t playing his best and after 9 he could have just gone in. He stuck through it all day and really grinded it out and was still really nice. That was the coolest round of golf in my entire life.’’

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Feature Mother of all lizards found in Italian Alps

Scientists said Wednesday they had tracked down the oldest known lizard, a tiny creature that lived about 240 million years ago when Earth had a single continent and dinosaurs were brand new.

Scans of the fossilised skeleton of Megachirella revealed the chameleon-sized reptile was an ancestor of today’s lizards and snakes, which belong to a group called squamates, an international team wrote in the science journal Nature.

This finding dragged the group back in time by 75 million years, and means that “lizards inhabited the planet since at least 240 million years ago,” study co-author Tiago Simoes of the University of

Alberta in Canada told AFP. That, in turn, suggested that squamates had already split from other ancient reptiles before the Permian/Triassic mass extinction some 252 million years ago, and survived it.

Up to 95 percent of marineand 75 percent of terrestrial life on Earth was lost.

Megachirella, discovered some 20 years ago buried in compacted sand and clay layers in the Dolomites mountain range in northeast Italy, was initially misclassified as a close lizard relative.

But Simoes had questions.

“When I first saw the fossil I realised it had important features that could link it to the early evolution of lizards,” he

said.

So he hooked up with colleagues to perform a more detailed analysis of the tiny skeleton, which included CT scanning.

The scans revealed previously unseen physical features, including the underside of the fossil, embedded in rock.

The team found a tiny bone in Megachirella’s lower jaw that is unique to the squamate family.

- ‘Virtual Rosetta Stone’ “I spent nearly 400 days visiting over 50 museums and university collections across 17 countries to collect data on fossil and living species of reptiles to understand the early evolution of reptiles and lizards,” Simoes explained.

“I used this dataset... to conduct the phylogenetic analysis presented in this study.”

Phylogenetics is the study of how different species relate to one another in the tree of life.

Simoes’ colleague and study co-author Michael Caldwell likened the Megachirella fossil to “a virtual Rosetta Stone in terms of the information it gives us on the evolution of snakes and lizards.”

The stone, dug up in Egypt, allowed scientists to decipher hieroglyphics.

There are 10,000 modern squamate species alive today, Caldwell added, “yet we’ve really had no real understanding of where they came from in terms of their

evolutionary history”.

Until now.

For Simoes, the study is about more than the history of lizards.

“We currently suffer a crisis in the world of lack of confidence in scientific evidence and facts.

Denial of scientific information has been increasing and replaced by alternative facts not backed up by science.

“This study, along with others that try to understand fundamental aspects of evolution... will hopefully draw back people’s curiosity and attention to the natural world and how it has been changing for hundreds of millions of years.”

Source: AFP

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

23 News

Ekiti Guber: Opeyemi Bamidele, one other shot at APC secretariat

Gbenga Shodende, Ado-Ekiti

A former member of the seventh House of Representatives, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele and one other person on Friday were shot at in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The shooting took place on at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti, during a reception organised for the governorship candidate of the party, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

The Daily Times gathered that that the bullet came from the rifle of a riot policeman who was among those deployed to ensure security.

Bamidele was said to have been rushed to an unknown hospital for treatment while

the yet-to-be-identified second victim died at the spot.

The reason behind the rage of the policeman was yet to be ascertained but an eyewitness said the policeman was provoked by some thugs who waylaid dignitaries at the secretariat.

The rally, which attracted a huge crowd of party supporters and admirers across the state, began on a good note from Akure Airport , Ondo State, before things went awry.

Bamidele was standing with Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Fayemi and former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, when the policeman pulled the trigger.

Bamidele was said to have

been started muttering, “I have been hit by a bullet, I have been hit by a bullet,” repeatedly before he was rushed into a waiting car.

The cameraman of Core TV in Ekiti, Sunkanmi Ogunmuko, also sustained injuries in the ensuing melee. Other reporters at the scene scaled the fence for safety to avoid being hit by bullets.

Angry mob reportedly descended on the errant riot policeman and hit his head with sticks and other items before he was rescued by his colleagues.

Earlier, Fayemi and his entourage, including his running mate, Bisi Egbeyemi, were received in Ikere-Ekiti by a large crowd of party supporters, which caused serious traffic

congestion along AdoAkure road.

Before the crisis, Akeredolu, while addressing party members, said that Fayemi had come home to rescue Ekiti from the pangs of poverty and wanton neglect caused by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) administration.

He applauded the APC members for putting behind them the pre-primary crisis to mobilise for Fayemi; adding that “Fayemi has returned with full force to reclaim the land. He needs your support and this task shall be achieved in the mighty name of God.” Responding, Fayemi said that he returned home to work for Ekiti with party leaders on the grounds that it is a collective responsibility.

He said, “We are going to work with everybody, including those who just defected to our party, because we are one big family in the APC. “We shall win by the grace of God. Our case was like the case of a ram who moved backward to garner more strength. We are here to rescue Ekiti and it is a task we must achieve.”

In his contribution, Adeyeye, who returned to the party on Tuesday after 12 years in the PDP, said: “I have returned home and my mission is to ensure that we kill Fayose politically by burying him.

“We shall mobilise well to achieve this task and by the grace of God, this is a mustwin and must-accomplish task for all of us,” he added.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ike Ekweremadu (2nd left); Senator James Manager (right); Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori (left) and Staff of CCECC Construction Company, during the Inspection of Storm Water Drainage along Raph Uwechue to Anwai River Asaba, Delta State, PIX; JIBUNOR SAMUEL.

ASUP to Bauchi Govt: Reverse salaries cut within 7 days or face strike Samuel Luka, Bauchi In a stiff resistance to the alleged salary cut of its members by the Bauchi State Government, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi branch has handed down seven days ultimatum to government to restore their normal salaries or face strike action.

The Chairman of the Union, ATAP Chapter, Comrade, Bala Mohammed Yakubu, maintained that the ASUP sacrificed a lot while the state and the country was in economic recession.

He said, “we have

sacrificed certain percentage of our entitlement in order to compliment government effort in ensuring that the educational sector doesn’t collapse during the period.

Adding that, “now that the country gets out of recession, and the federal government gave a time frame for the implementation of new minimum wage.

The Union never postulate a deduction in salary from the government but rather an increment through the implementation of lower cadre migration and other allowances that are not fully implemented as done in other Tertiary Institutions of learning.

“We vehemently and

resolutely reject the deduction and demands an immediate restoration of the moneys deducted from our members May, 2018 and the immediate payment of salaries to our members who are yet to received their May salaries,” the Chairman said.

In addition, the union also demands for the implementation of Full CONPCASS salary structure and lower cadre migration before the expiration of the 7 days’ ultimatum, or the union will be left with no choice than to embark on industrial action.

“Therefore, the Union wishes to remind the Head of Civil Service

that Polytechnics salaries structure is statutory in nature which became national policy of which every state willing to operate a state owned Polytechnic must comply as stipulated in the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Scheme of Service/guidelines and approved by the previous administration,” Yakubu explained.

The union also remind the State Head of Civil Service that there are no illegal allowances in Tatari Ali Polytechnics as the institution has different scheme of services compared to other state ministries and agencies of

government.

The union observed with greatest dismay that the salary of a teacher who made all other professions possible can be deducted overnight without any circular or consultation as stipulated in the civil service rules.

However, the ASUP Chairman who appreciated the effort of Governor Mohammed Abubakar for prompt payment of salaries called for the removal from office, the State Head of Civil Service as according to him the action of the Head of service was aimed at sabotaging government efforts towards worker’s welfare in the state.

FCTA shares N2.3bn to Area Councils Idu Jude, Abuja Federal Capital T e r r i t o r y Administration (FCTA) has disbursed the sum of N2.3bn to the six Area Councils in the FCT as share of statutory allocation for the month of April.

The figures show an increase of N100 million compare to the allocation for March.

FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, who stated this on Friday, in his office during the Joint Area Councils Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting, tasked the council Chairmen to ensure judicious utilisation of funds disbursed to the Councils.

He also harped on the need for the Council Chairmen to redouble their efforts toward providing improved services to the people at the grassroots level in demonstration of the gains of the change agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

The figure shows that Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) received 198millionaire, while Gwagwalada got 181millionaire and Kuje received 156millionaire.

Similarly, Bwari Area Council received 150 million, Abaji 143 million and Kwali N135million.

Statutory deductions from the release include: N1 billion for primary school teachers, 15% pension funds took 226 million, 1% training fund gulped 23 million and 10% for employer pension contribution.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, who also double as the Chairman of FCT Chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr. Joseph Kwali Shazin thanked the leadership of the FCT Administration for always ensuring that all the Area Councils get their allocation full and in good time.

Mr.Shazin assured the FCT Administration that the Area Councils would ensure the funds are prudently utilised.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

FCT perm sec inaugurates c’ttee on National Sports Festival Idu Jude Abuja As part of efforts to ensure success of the 2018 Annual National Sports Festival billed to hold in Abuja, the nation’s capital city, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, has inaugurated a 15-man committee to ensure the event is hitch-free and befitting for a capital city .

The Permanent secretary, who doubled as the LOC Chairman, While inaugurating the Committee on Friday, explained that the event would boost the economic potentials of the city, add colour to the city and also enhance the image

of the FCT. He said: ‘This event will add colour to our city, boost the image of the Federal Capital Territory as a sport loving city and grow our economy.”

According to the Permanent Secretary, the FCT Administration is privileged to be chosen as the host for the 2018 National Sports Festival, after several failed attempts to host the event in other states of the federation.

He further remarked that though, FCT is not fully responsible for the hosting, however, as a major partner, the FCT Administration has been assigned special responsibilities.

The Permanent Secretary reeled out the Committee’s

terms of reference to include: provision of security, transportation and game services.

“Although, the hosting is not entirely the responsibility of FCT, we have been charged with the task of taking care of four major areas as the major partner. The areas are security, opening and closing ceremony, game services and transportation. This is out of the 17th major areas concern with the hosting of the game. This is a huge and enormous task which must be undertaken with every seriousness and all sense of responsibility, he explained.”

While delivering a vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, Mr.Oladimeji Ali Hassan thanked the FCT

Administration for the honour to take part in such a national assignment.

While promising to deliver on the Committee’s mandate.

Other members of the Committee include: the Secretary of Education Secretariat, Secretary, Health and Human Services, Secretary, Transportation, Secretary, of Area Council Services Secretariat Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Director of Information ,Chief Press Secretary to FCT Minister, Director of Treasury, Director of Security, Director of Sports, Director of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Director of Facility Management and Chief of Protocol.

PDP denounces Orji Uzor Kalu’s killing claim Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has distanced itself from claim by former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu on a ststement credited to him at the recent South East rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party has therefore called on Kalu to come out clear on his “we use to kill’ statement apparently referring to his days in the PDP. In a statement on Friday, the party’s spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this is necessary because the PDP do not kill and has never asked or contracted any of its members or anybody for that matter to kill on its behalf, over any matter whatsoever.

He said “the PDP believes that Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu spoke in his personal capacity and probably on issues concerning his activities. Since such a claim came from a person of the status and attainment of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, we hold that he could have certain information that requires explanations to the public.

“The PDP remains a lawabiding political party, whose activities at all levels are guided by strong code of conduct and adherence to the laws of the land.

“We therefore urge Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu to come out clear on his claims and define those he referred to as “we” and the circumstances of the killings he spoke about, so as to put speculations on the matter to an end.”

10 professors conclude review of Edo Agric College curriculum

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun exchanging copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Director-General of African Risk Capacity, Mohammed Beavogui, at the 53rd Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Board of Governors in Busan, South Korea . . .on Thursday.

Community policing will end proliferation of weapons - IGP Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos Community Policing will help to mop up unlicensed firearms in civilian possession; remove suspicious and foster cordial relationship between the Police and the public, says the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris.

The IGP stated this on Friday during the occasion of the Graduation Ceremony of the Tactical Leadership and Command Course, held at the Police Staff College in Jos, the

Plateau State capital.

He said, “the story of Policing the Nigeria State cannot be complete without reference to community Policing which creates platforms for the Police to interface with their host communities and relevant stakeholders to seek collective solutions to security challenges.

“It gives ownership to the citizens and solve a host of problems which includes reconciliation of communities and groups with their difference and also identify criminal elements.

“It builds trust and guarantee free flow of information which assists the Police to have seamless operations, availing the Police the opportunity to educate and sensitize the public on the need to promptly report suspicious movements, strange persons around their localities and respect existing laws”.

Mr Idris said the Police will sustain the proactive measures employed to fight crimes to prevent collateral damages and unnecessary bloodletting in some parts of the country.

“Specialized units and new

Police Formations are being created to handle and check serious crimes in areas where they are prevalent” he said.

Earlier, the Commandant of the institution, AIG Dorothy Gimba, laud the IGP for availing the college the adequate support it requires to thrive.

“Interestingly, the Police Staff College, with the support of the Force management team under the leadership of the IGP Ibrahim Idris has witnessed significant transformations in the area of academic and infrastructure”, Gimba said.

As part of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki’s efforts to restructure and reform the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, a team of top academics drawn from over four tertiary institutions across the country has concluded review and development of a new curriculum for the ongoing restructuring of the institution.

Governor Obaseki had ordered the closure of the school after committees set up to review its operations implicated its management for fraud and mismanagement.

Some of the allegations against management included mismanagement of funds, abuse of office, nonaccreditation of programmes, over-bloated staff, among others.

However, Consultant to the Edo State Government on the restructuring of the college, and former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, (FUNNAB) Professor Oluwafemi Balogun, said that the restructuring of the college is well underway, as the new structure will make room for a multi-campus system, with stations in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Explaining that the development of the new curriculum is part of the advanced stage of the restructuring process, he said that the exercise was carried out by over 10 professors at a workshop held on Thursday, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

Professor Balogun noted, “The workshop was organised for the development and review of the new academic curriculum for the College of Agriculture and Natural

Resources, as part of ongoing efforts by Governor Obaseki to restructure the institution.”

He said, “At the end of the workshop, the dons were able to produce international standard curriculum for the College in compliance with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) provisions for curriculum. This will qualify the restructured college’s programmes for accreditation.

“The new curriculum we have developed is appropriate, relevant and unique for the fresh programmes that will be offered in the college. With the completion of the assignment, in due course other colleges of agriculture will visit Edo State to borrow the template used for the development of this curriculum, which is of international standard.”

Professor Balogun said the team of 10 seasoned professors, who are experts in curriculum development and education administration, are drawn from various tertiary institutions in the country.

According to him, they include Former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA), Professor Adebisi Balogun; Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Professor Adedayo Fasakin; a seasoned Curriculum Development Staff from the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, and five other associate professors from the University of Benin.

He noted, “The scholars’ expertise in curriculum development is relevant for the restructuring of the college.

The new programmes will be run in three campuses spread across the three senatorial districts in the state.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

25 News

Minister inspects, okays venue for UNWTO-CAF meeting Tom Okpe, Abuja Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has inspected venue for the up-coming United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting to be hosted by Nigeria from June 4th to 6th, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparations.

Mohammed, spoke after inspecting the venues of the

event at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja, on Friday saying: “I am very satisfied and I want to take this opportunity to thank the Committee and the various Sub-Committees that have been responsible for this arrangement.

We have been working very closely with the management of Transcorp in the last two and a half months, and we are satisfied with what we have seen.

“What we have come to do is just to ascertain that everything is in place and adjust what is

necessary, and you can see that we have made some adjustments because we looked at how practical the arrangements are,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed used the occasion to highlight the giant strides of the Buhari Administration, especially in the area of fighting insecurity pointing that Nigeria will use the opportunity offered by the meeting to tell the world that the country is at peace and that it is ready to host the world,

particularly having recorded tremendous success in defeating the insurgency, revamping the economy and improving governance.

“It’s a global platform for you to tell your own story and what story are we telling? We are telling the world that in the last couple of years, especially three years, Nigeria has been on the mend. We made tremendous progress in our fight against insecurity. We have made progress in revamping the

economy and in governance. But for the efforts of this government in the area of fighting insecurity, nobody will be hosting this meeting here,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said since culture drives tourism, Nigeria will also use the occasion to showcase its rich and diverse culture.

He listed some of the cultural performances billed to feature at the event as the Seki Dance Drama from the South-South; Bolanle Austen-Peter’s ‘Fela

and the Kalakuta Queens’, the Ikemini drummers from Akwa Ibom State and the Virgin Dance from Ebonyi State.

The Minister, who was accompanied by Deaconess Grace Isu-Gekpe, and some management staff of the ministry, said at least 180 foreign delegates, including 26 Tourism Ministers from Africa and the entire secretariat of the UNWTO, have confirmed their participation at the three-day event.

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle) and members of Buhari Media Support Group during their visit to the President at the State House in Abuja ... on Friday

CBN sells $331.41m forex to banks, BDCs Mathew Dadiya, Abuja In continuation of its push to guarantee foreign exchange liquidity, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sold a total of $331.41million to players in different sectors in the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS).

Friday’s sale of foreign exchange by the CBN came closely on the heels of its intervention in the wholesale segment of the

market on Wednesday, May 30, 2018, when it pumped the sum of $210 million in the inter-bank forex market.

Confirming the development, the CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor said companies in the agricultural, airlines, petroleum products and raw materials and machinery sectors were the beneficiaries of the intervention.

Okorafor explained that the CBN continued to

make interventions in the forex market in order to guard against illiquidity and checkmate actions of speculators that could mount pressure on the country’s reserves.

Reiterating the assurances of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Okorafor said the Bank was buoyant enough to meet the foreign exchange requests of various customers cut across the different segments of the market.

He therefore charged every customer requiring foreign exchange to approach their respective banks with relevant documents to make formal requests, stressing that the authorized dealers had enough supply to meet every legitimate request.

Emefiele had last Monday paid unscheduled visits to some banks in Abuja, to monitor the extent of compliance with the CBN directive to deposit money

banks (DMBs) in the country to buy and sell foreign exchange over-the-counter to travelling customers and non-customers of banks provided they present relevant and valid travel documents.

The CBN in that directive also mandated all Bureau de Change (BDCs) to henceforth access forex from the CBN, at least thrice weekly, failing which the CBN could review their licenses.

The Daily Times recalls that the Bank, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 offered the sum of $100 million to authorized dealers in the wholesale segment of the market, just as the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment and the invisibles window each received $55 million.

Meanwhile, the Naira, on Friday, exchanged at an average of N361/$1 in the BDC segment of the market across major cities in the country.

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Oil bunkering: N’Delta youths demand JTF Commander’s removal A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) from the Niger Delta region yesterday demanded the removal of the Commander of the special task force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Apochi Sulaiman, alleging that he was aiding oil bunkering in the region.

The CSOs comprising, coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society activists and the Niger Delta environmental protection group, took their protest to the Defence Headquarters, after addressing a world press conference on their allegation against Suleiman.

Reacting, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, alleged that an oil magnate is behind the protest to get him out of his job.

He added that the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the energy company was uncomfortable with him because he found him

uncompromising in his job.

Addressing a world press conference in Abuja, the Joint Co-ordinator of the group, Tochukwu Ohazuruike, said their action was informed by the worsening case of economic sabotage, oil bunkering, vandalisation of oil facilities as well as stealing in the region.

Reading the group’s prepared speech to newsmen, Ohazuruike maintained that the Rear Admiral has abandoned his responsibility alleging that information from some oil bunkerers at the group’s disposal implicated the commander of aiding and abating criminalities in the area.

According to him, “today, under the very watchful eyes of Rear Admiral Apochi Sulaiman, more illegal refineries and bunkering hubs have sprang up and continued

to be operated by oil criminals in Bonny, Nembe, Kula and Bille communities in Bayelsa and Rivers states who have continued to unleash economic sabotage and environmental problems in the Niger Delta. ‘’Today, things have worsened in the region and as we address you now, the Igbomorotu corridor in the Southern Ijaw as well as the Akasa flank on the Atlantic fringe of Brass have continued to be a major hub of the illicit operation and is now virtually taken over by crude oil criminals.

“Hundreds of millions of Dollars are now in the hands of criminal non state actors who are currently amasing arms and ammunition with the potential threat to our national security.

“Owing to the ineptitude and gross incompetence of Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, virtually the entire waterway in

Bayelsa and Rivers states have suddenly become porous under his watch and now provides an easy passage route for oil thieves ad their illegal operations.

“In all instances, the Niger Delta environment has become uninhabitable, sordid and despicable, “the text read.

In his reaction, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, fingered an oil magnate as being behind the protest to get him out of his job because he (Suleiman) has refused to compromise in his job.

While dispelling the allegations leveled against him in a telephone interview, the naval officer challenged those accusing him of wrongdoings to show proof.

He said “l’m not bothered about the allegations they have raised because I know the source.

“It’s you people that have been covering that man who

is in Ghana. He’s a fugitive.

He said the STF should guide his line, OML 29. He’s the man whose sponsoring every illegal activity in Nigeria on behalf of some groups of people, he’s the one sponsoring any illegal gathering in Nigeria.

“He’s a fugitive. Recently, he wrote me a letter that he wanted men of the Nigerian Armed Forces to come and guide his line and I told him that ‘why do you want Armed Forces when we have task force on ground?’ I told him ‘you are covering up something and I’m going to expose what you are doing and he told me that I don’t know him, so if I like I should go.’ That he’s telling me he needed Armed Forces to protect him and I’m telling him another thing. I told him you have indicted several people including ex Major Generals, ministers, illegal bunkerers.’’

NAN

Officials of the Debt Management Office, Federal Ministry of Power Works and Housing, Federal Ministry of Finance and Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation inspecting the roads being financed with the Sovereign Sukuk fund raised recently.

2019: Group demands 50% tickets for young aspirants Tom Okpe, Abuja Ahead the 2019 general election, a group the Not Too Young to Run Movement has asked political parties to set aside 50% tickets for able and upright youths seeking elective positions across the country.

The group, however, expressed appreciation to the President, Senate President, Speaker House of Representatives and many others who ensure the success of its passage.

The demand of the movement is coming following the presidential assent to

the bill passed on Thursday

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, one of the leaders of the group, Samson Itodo, tasked the National Assembly to review its vote on the age qualification for the Senate and Governors, saying the review should be in tandem with the proposal by the movement suggesting; President – 30 years, Governor – 30 years and Senate – 30 years.

The group also demanded an expedite action on assenting to electoral reform bills bordering on limiting

campaign expenditure and cost of securing party nominations.

According to Itodo, political parties should reserve 50% of party tickets for capable, competent, and morally upright youth aspirants across all elections in 2019.

“To celebrate this landmark achievement, the movement will be hosting a Not Too Young to Run Celebration Conference on June 28, 2018 in Abuja. The Celebration Conference is convened to celebrate effective activism and underscore the inestimable value of citizensstate engagement in enhancing the quality of electoral politics in Nigeria.

“The conference is also hosted against the upsurge of new questions on the nature and quality of public leadership Nigeria requires to make sustainable progress.

At the center of this debate is the question on whether young people possess the competencies for public leadership or the economic power to navigate the tide of Nigeria’s expensive political process.

“Leaders from political society, civil society, state institutions, academia, international community and media will converge to shape an agenda for

democracy, governance and political representation in the pre and post 2019 era.

The Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives will be delivering keynote addresses and participate in an intergernerational dialogue for democracy at the conference.”

While assuring that the group will retain its identity as a non-partisan and citizenled movement of citizens dedicated to the defence of democracy and nation building, Itodo added that the movement will not be transiting into a political party.

Education solution to Nigeria’s challenges – Ekweremadu, Okowa Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has described education as solution to the crisis ravaging Nigeria.

The duo spoke on Friday when the Deputy Senate President commissioned a multi-billion naira, ultramodern library complex built by Governor Okowa’s administration in Asaba.

According to Governor Okowa, “it is not enough to have an edifice, it is very important for our people to imbibe reading culture because, an educated people cannot be enslaved.”

Senator Ekweremadu who was enthused that Governor Okowa’s administration could deem it fit to complete such a library complex, observed that Nigeria was colonised in the past because of ignorance, but, with sound education, most of the crisis ravaging the country would be a thing of the past.

“The challenges we have today as a nation, such as armed robbery, kidnapping and other vices can be pushed away through education and I want to appeal to Nigerians to embrace education,” he said, adding, “you (Governor Okowa) have empowered your people today by completing this library complex, you are leading by example.”

While describing the Governor as a manager of time and resources, Senator Ekweremadu emphasised that the Governor has shown commitment as a leader who believes in “modern Nigeria where no one is oppressed.”

“I want to thank you for making it possible for me to witness your accomplishments, we are happy to be associated with you, you have done so much for your people,” the Deputy Senate President who commissioned series of roads before commissioning the Library complex asserted.

Senator Ekweremadu had earlier, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for a multi-billion naira Delta State Central Secretariat complex which when completed, will cater for all the accommodation needs of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government within the state.

He also, inspected multibillion naira storm drainage project embarked on by the Governor Okowa’s administration in the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Interview

27

Democracy better than military rule – ADP Chairman It’s almost 20 years since Nigeria returned to democracy, what’s your assessment of the journey so far?

Well, if you look at the fact that we are coming from the military administration and having been able to choose military before as long as we have been in it, the fact that the democratic governance is taking route, as far as I’m concerned, because elections are taking place, winners are being declared, governments are being formed, and so, for that reason, I will like to believe that so far, as far as democracy is concerned, so far so good, what someone will be happy about is the way the players - the key actors are going about it. It is like a case-dealing, to meaning cable, a matter of live and death.

So, the way we are going about it is what I think is unfortunate because a situation where the three tiers of government are not engaged, they are virtually at each other’s throat and who suffers? Nigerians suffer. For instance, look at the Nigeria’s budget. The budget should have been out of the National Assembly long time ago, economy should have been performing. Why I am bringing it, hinging it on the budget is that, what matters to the people really is the economy.

The key players in the economy need the budget to plan. They have to be able to forecast that, Okay, government has these plans, okay, we can key into that plan, granting the fact that our economy is still the public sector-driven. And for that reason, it is difficult for investors and people who are already in the market to progress. So, it is unfortunate that the leaders have left the issue of governance and are more on the issue of governance, which does not put food on the table for the masses.

So, this is why I am saying, yes, we thank God that we are able to hold on to democracy for twenty years as you said without any interruption.

It is an achievement, yes, but the question you asked is that, how much it has impacted on the people in terms of democracy we are talking about. Since democracy came in, do we have more roads, more hospitals, more schools, has our GDP grown at pace that it should, giving our potentials, giving the fundamental of this economy?

You see, if you look at the value of Naira which is the measure or determiner of productivity up of the economy, If anything, it has gone down, and by the day, it is going down. So, democracy has not really brought much to the people in terms of economy. I am talking in terms of deliverables, in terms on the economic impacts on the people.

You can talk of freedom, that yes, you have freedom of choice, but even that freedom of choice, is also to a very large extent of being hijacked by rigging. So, more often than not, you don’t find the wishes of the people expressed, allow to take routes really, what happens is different from what people want.

Is that why advanced countries and some elite still describe Nigeria’s democracy as nauseating?

It is nauseating to me really. It is medieval not even nauseating because, yes, medieval in the sense that you see, democracy pre-supposes that - what is democracy in the first place?

Government of the people, by the people for the people. Isn’t it? That is not what we have. What we have is the government of few people, who sit down in Abuja in a room and decide that, okay, this is the person that will be governor, that will be President, that will be senator or that. And that’s not what is supposed to be.

As a player in politics today, what do you think should be done to impart positively on our democracy?

For instance, if you look at what has being

National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alhaji Sanni Yabagi, in this interview with selected group of journalists in Abuja, amongst other issues x-rays three years rule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigerians celebrate Democracy Day, noting that much needs to be done with a view to entrenching civil rule in the country. Tom Okpe was there for The Daily Times.

this country. A situation where Nigerians have rejected emphatically, the PDP because of the stealing and corruption that was endemic in that administration, so, the people rejected it emphatically.

And then, Nigerians today also have become so dejected about APC because what they thought was sold to them, was a damage, there was nothing in it. Buhari is not what they thought they were told. It was like they just put Buhari there and then brought another person’s profile.

You guys were at work; you went to work to ensure that Buhari was the best thing that can ever happen to Nigeria. So, this is why we are here we are today. I think coming of ADP, believe me, Nigeria political space is got a way of intervening.

As preparations towards 2019 general election gathers momentum, there have been moves for alignments and realignments, in the midst of these where does the ADP stand?

The true position is that, we are like the beautiful bride, all these big parties you hear, all of them are approaching us. All these pressure groups that brought themselves together are approaching us and talking to us that we should discuss with them. But one thing is that, we will of course, as we are doing, will always sit down and discuss because you don’t reject invitation, it is what is in the invitation you can reject.

We believe that Nigeria needs a positive change in the way we do things and till we change, we can’t get different things out. Nigerians are yearning for something fresh, something new, they are looking for a new vehicle, and they are looking for a new driver, so that the passengers can now be taken to their destinations safely.

Yabagi

our problems as far as democratic development is concerned, believe me, is the issue of rigging, fraud, and the issue of delegate system you have because in our clime, in this environment, delegate system is a fraudulent system, it is a system of fraud, it is a system of denying people their rights of choice. You abridged the people’s franchise by going to delegate system.

Of course you know what I am talking about because delegate system is not the choice of the people in all cases because the few that are collected, put in a hotel or something like, they are so disorientated from the masses they are representing and so, even when they come to cast their votes, or appoint somebody or select the person, some of them do not even know the person they are voting for. All the noise is the amount of money given to them. The question is not who can do it but how much is he bringing. It is a mercantile kind of a thing, which is unfortunate. So, that’s why I am saying, yes, we have been able to wriggle ourselves out of military administration but democracy is not yet there as it is supposed to be.

ADP is one of the youngest political parties

“

in the country and in a matter of days, you will be a year old, how has your party been contributing to development of democracy in the country?

You see, we changed the whole face of democracy in Nigeria when we came on board because hitherto, new parties were registered and at a long time we came on board, any did not register, I am not sure, but apart from APC, I think the merger during Jega’s time, I can’t remember the number of parties that were registered but when we came, when we put a lot of pressure on INEC, they had to register us.

When we were registered, it was like a bank because then, the political space had to be rearranged and as you can see, we are the fastest growing party in Nigeria, if you like you can say in Africa because today we have offices all over the state, we have our structures, and the movement of our party has just started because of the charade happening in both PDP and APC as regards congresses and things like that.

So, we believe that the coming of ADP is a saving grace, something that will save democracy in this country because everybody can see that democracy was facing immediate collapse in

Yes, there is no way in today’s modern ways of doing things, there is no dominance anymore. It is always collaboration; but the fact is that, we are not going to collaborate at the expense of our identity. That is the only thing that we stand for. That has to be there. Our identity has to be there.

”

Are you saying your party will be available for any merger, coalition?

Yes, there is no way in today’s modern ways of doing things, there is no dominance anymore.

It is always collaboration; but the fact is that, we are not going to collaborate at the expense of our identity. That is the only thing that we stand for.

That has to be there. Our identity has to be there.

What should Nigerians be looking for in 2019 general election?

Nigerians should be looking for pleasant surprise, why am I saying so? God has helped us to put this party together. It is the party of the moment, believe it! And we know that, that person whom Nigerians are looking for will come and will emerge from this party. The person that will excite Nigerians, that Nigerians will now say, Oh no! They can have relief now, something meaningful can happen.

Sir, one issue that is still prominent in the polity today is the issue of restructuring.

Recently, the South-South proposed 6-year single term Presidency, what is your view about this?

You see, when people have become hopeless completely, but when there is solution in the sphere or on the land, of course people will be looking for all sorts of solutions. It is like a drumming knife - what is a drumming knife? If you are given a knife, of course, you will hold it.

At that point in time, he’s looking for something to bring out. So, politically, it is like drumming, people are looking for how we get out, how do we safe this country.

The systems we have, even, if you have single term, 6 years, and till the players behave, and till all these dysfunctional elements that we have in the system are removed, and till we have a free and fair election, and till we have units of government - I am talking about the tiers of government or the different arms of government working CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

For the Record 28

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Excitement as Aliko Dangote donates 150 units of GAC motor vehicles to Nigeria Police History was made with the delivery of 150 units of GAC Motor GA3S vehicles werehanded over to the Nigerian Police by the Aliko Dangote Foundation on Wednesday 30th of May 2018.This sends a strong message to the world that the call of manyfor more partnerships between the private sector and the government for the good of all Nigerians has not fallen on deaf ears. According to the Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the donation is the single largest by any private individual in the country.

Apart from the obvious benefits of this gesture to the Nigerian Police as they work hard to deliver on the mandate given to them by the Nigerian people to protect lives and property, the involvement of the GAC Motor brand as a partner in progress is a also a strong indication that the Nigeria-China relationship is finally having a direct impact on wellbeing of Nigerians.

In fact, at the official handover ceremony of the vehicles to the Nigerian police which held at the federal capital territory in Abuja . The Chairman of the Aliko Dangote foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote made it clear that the 150 units handed over was only the first batch of vehicles to be donated by the foundation.

The Vice President of Nigeria Prof Yemi Osinbajo while speaking at the event lauded the foundation for the rare gesture and expressed the Federal Government’s appreciation to the business mogul for his untiring support, adding that the GAC Motor GA3S vehicles would assist the police in combating crimes across the country.

Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo inspecting the GAC Motor GA3S, the Chairman of CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen discusses with Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed as Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris Kpotum , Secretary to the Federal Government Boss Mustapha ,Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Minister of Mines and steel development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi looks on.

In her remarks, the Chairman of CIG Motorsthe franchise owner for the assembling, sales and Aftersales of GAC Motor brand in Nigeria Chief Diana Chen expressed her delight in the opportunity to partner in such a laudable gesture.

She mentioned that upon request from Alhaji Dangote and information of the intention of it

use, she immediately solicited for the best support of the Chinese government in order to offer the highest standard of vehicles for the purpose confirming that the state owned GAC Motor is always willing to work with well-meaning Nigerians to realize the Nigerian dream especially when it comes to security.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, thanked Dangote for the gesture, saying it would greatly assist the force towards fulfilling its mandate.

GAC motor is a world class leading manufacturer of vehicles based in Guangzhou China and it authorized sole distributor in Nigeria is CIG Motors. For more details please contact marketing@cigmotors.com.

‘Democracy better than military rule’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

in unison, independently but in harmony and till the executive is alive to its responsibilities of delivering and till everybody is regarded as Nigeria that can be trusted, it doesn’t matter where you are from, once you are a Nigerian, you should have ability to be whoever you want to be.

So, these are the things that we are still battling with so long they exist. They are like the basic fundamental things. There are five fundamental things that Nigerians must be able to put on the table before any system can take route, you must guarantee those physiological needs; Food and shelter. Nigerians must believe that yes, people must feel save. You must leave them without fear.

Like what we have today, people are afraid, people are angry, you must exhibit love, that is what I am saying, it doesn’t matter whether you are a Yoruba man, Hausa man or Igbo, there has to be that love. We must love each other. Forget about where the man is coming from. Look at Nigeria, as the center as the issue. You must have the space to exert yourself, allow yourself within the law.

If you want to be governor, there should be a space in an enabling environment that can make you achieve that. So, what I am saying is that,

if you have one year, six years or ten years, that is not the issue, there are fundamental issues that we must address. We are coming from parliamentary system, isn’t it? Then, we now adopted presidential system. So, nothing remains the same, it is only change that is constant.

Nobody is saying there should be no change but not under desperate situation. You don’t negotiate under fear. Nigerians are afraid now; they don’t even know what it is, what we do, how we do it, who is it. So, we are under those circumstances now. So, what we are saying is that we must stabilize the situation, let’s stabilize it. Let’s get our bearing, so that we don’t make another bigger mistake. You know we have ourselves in the bigger problem which is what we have now.

The National Assembly passed the 2018 Budget into law seven months after President Muhammadu Buhari, presented it, do you think Nigerians will feel the impact of this budget?

You see, there are fundamental things about our budgeting system and until we wake up to responsibilities. The budget we have is a political budget. It is not anything that is adding anything to the economy, it is not based on the impacts of the economy, it is a political budget. That’s why

we have all these problems. Until we can have an economic budget, something that addresses your needs, something that really focuses on how to improve the economy, how to grow our GDP, things like that, that is time-bound.

What we have today is, National Assembly sitting somewhere, they will do it. Okay, we are going on recess, we will come back, this budget will be attended to, this and that; so, this is the truth of the matter. And till we remove that, we deliberately introduced that. We deliberately made our budget a political budget ourselves by saying that the government can spend up to the limit of last year, who approved it? When you approve budget last year, was it expressly stated that it should be extended to this year? No! It wasn’t! It was 2017 budget you approved, it wasn’t 2018 budget.

What is your assessment of three years of APC in government?

I think what has happened to Nigeria is a tragedy.

Three years of APC is tragedy because you know what I mean, it is a tragedy. Tragedy in the sense that those things government should do to hit the ground running are not been done. Three years alliance, they are still making appointments.

Appointments not to culture the offices - key

political, economic positions! Statutory bodies that are supposed to really guide, manage, advice on how the economy should be run. Still, some of them are not yet on board.

An institution as important as CBN, just few months ago appointed the MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) and they are still organs of that body that are still not appointed. People are still there not appointed. You can see it is a tragedy. While we are going through this good news, it shouldn’t happen to a country like Nigeria. There is no way it shouldn’t happen to us. Is it that we don’t have people? We have people, we have skills, and we have intelligent, very young population with superfluous opportunities you can ever dream of in any other continent.

Europe is aging and that why their population dwindling. Ours is still yet to be tapped. That is why this economy can grow at a faster rate than American economy, even European economy.

We have the capacity, we have the population, it is a young population. Resources are there, the market is there, the share size of resources is enough for us to be big, not to talk of the fact that we can take advantage of our comparative advantage today in oil and gas. So, why can’t we do all those things? That is why I said, it is a tragedy of gargantuan proportion.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

29 Photo Times

Representative of Lagos State Governor and Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan (seated right), condoling with the Widow of Punch Chairman, Mrs. Titilayo Aboderin during a condolence visit at their Lagos residence, on Friday, June 1, 2018. With them are Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Mrs. Kofoworola Awobamise (right); Director, Office of Public Affairs, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Mrs. Toro Oladapo (2nd right) and Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande (3rd right).

Representative of Lagos State Governor and Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan (2nd right); Widow of Punch Chairman, Mrs. Titilayo Aboderin (seated left); Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande (right); Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information & Strategy, Mrs. Kofoworola Awobamise (3rd right); Director, Office of Public Affairs, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Mrs. Toro Oladapo (4th right) during a condolence visit to the Widow of the Punch Chairman at their Lagos residence, on Friday, June 1, 2018.

Representative of Lagos State Governor and Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan (right), commiserating with the Widow of Punch Chairman, Mrs. Titilayo Aboderin during a condolence visit at their Lagos residence, on Friday, June 1, 2018.

30

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Scenes from the hand over of 150 GA3S patrol cars to the Nigeria Police by Aliko Dangote Foundation in Abuja

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

31

Foreign Affairs

World’s oldest woman laments longevity at 129th birthday During her long life, she lost several children Adebisi Oyindamola, with agency In Nigeria the annual Democracy Day celebration was observed across the country on Tuesday, May 29. Expectedly, the Federal Government, state Governors, other political actors as well as key private sector operators glamorised the day with comments of achievements and pledges to do more amongst other messages to mark the day.

On the same day in far away Chechnya, a southern Russian Republic Koku Istambulova, turned 129 years.

Like most Nigerian masses that were full of lamentations and clamour for a better country, the world’s oldest woman said her longevity is nothing but ‘punishment’.

The UK Daily Mail newspaper quoted her as saying that she has not had a single happy day in her entire life, and has no idea how she has managed to live this long.

Istambulova, who shuns meat but loves fermented milk, believes it simply is ‘God’s will’ that she lived to see her 129th birthday.

Istambulova, age is made known by the Russian Government, and is based on her internal passport, which shows her date of birth as 1 June 1889.

If correct, Istambulova was already 27 when the Russian Revolution unseated Tsar Nicholas II, 55 when World War II ended, and 102 when the Soviet Union collapsed a generation ago.

During the war she recalls ‘scary’ Nazi German tanks passing her family home in a village in Chechnya.

She and her family were later deported along with the entire Chechen nation Kazakhstan and Siberia by Stalin who accused them of Nazi collaboration.

Asked how she lived so long, Istambulova told an interviewer: ‘It was God’s will. I did nothing to make it happen. I see people [who live long] going in for sports, eating something special, keeping themselves fit, but I have no idea how I lived until now.’

According to her ‘‘I have not had a single happy day in my life. I have always worked hard, digging in the garden. I am tired. Long life is not at all God’s gift for me - but a punishment.’’

She is articulate and able to feed herself and walk, but her eyesight is failing. During her long life, she lost several children, including a son who died aged six.

Relatives say Istambulova’s only surviving daughter Tamara died five years ago, aged 104. During her long

Koku Istambulova

life, she lost several children. ‘‘I survived through the Russian Civil War [after the Bolshevik revolution], the Second World War, the deportation of our nation in 1944 and through two Chechen wars. And now I am sure that my life was not a happy one. ‘‘I remember tanks with Germans passing our house. It was scary. But I tried not to show this, we were hiding in the house. Life in Kazakhstan was the hardest for us. ‘‘When in exile - we lived in Siberia too - but in Kazakhstan we felt how the Kazakhs hated us. Every day I dreamed of going back home. Working in my garden helped me to get rid of my sad thoughts but my soul always wanted home.’’

She recalled how Muslim restrictions on clothing eased after the end of tsarist times under Soviet rule. ‘‘We were brought up with very strict rules and we were very modest in our clothes,’ she said. ‘I remember my granny beat me and reprimanded because my neck was visible. And then Soviet times came and women quickly began to wear more open clothes.’’ ‘‘Looking back at my unhappy life, I wish I had died when I was young. I worked all my life. I did not have time for rest or entertainment. ‘‘We were either digging the ground, or planting the watermelons. When I was working, my days were running one by one. And now I am not living, I am just dragging through.’’

Officials say all her documents were lost during the Second Chechen War from 1999 to 2009.

The pension fund, a state body, claims there are 37 people over 110 years of age in Russia yet all these claims, including Koku’s, are impossible to verify because of the lack of reliable birth or early childhood written records. Most live, like Koku, in the Caucasus which has a history of longevity among its peoples.

Since the death of 117-year-old Nabi Tajima in Japan last month, the oldest documented woman in the world is regarded as Chiyo Miyako, born on 2 May 1901, also from Japan. The oldest documented human lifespan is Jeanne Calment, from France, who lived 122 years, 164 days, dying in 1997.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

We are building world Fidelity Bank’s Backclass handling firm To-School train storms – SAHCOL primary school, Uromi

FAAN: Over 95 per cent travellers have high fever

SMEDAN Board wants robust database for MSMEs in Nigeria Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Governing Board of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has reiterated the need for the Agency to create a robust centralized database for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that will provide a reliable data and statistics on the formal and informal sectors in the country.

According to the Board, MSMEs is the driving force of socio-economic development in the country, hence the need to bring the MSMEs under the control of SMEDAN.

Chairman of the Board, Otunba Femi Pedro made the call on Friday during the maiden meeting of the 4th Governing Board held at the SMEDAN headquarters in Abuja.

Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos State, said creating the database will give SMEDAN power and make it easier to coordinate the activities of MSMEs in Nigeria in line with global best practices.

He said that the challenges confronting government and SMEDAN include lack of reliable data and statistics in the formal and informal MSMEs; loss of government tax revenue on formal and informal

MSMEs; poor interagency information and resource collaboration as well as poor coordination of social programmes and policies for MSMEs between agencies of government and the private sector.

The board chairman explained that, the board of SMEDAN will endeavour to get an Executive Order that will compel Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the country to come to SMEDAN as a one-stop-shop for MSME development.

“When we train MSMEs, we need to give them a unique identification number that will enable SMEDAN to track their activities and collect up to

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Senior Director, Governance Global Practice, World Bank, Mrs. Debbie Wetzel; Practice Manager, World Bank, Hisham Waly; at a meeting with the governor, at Government House, in Benin City.

date information. According to the SMEDAN/NBS Survey there are over 37 million MSMEs in the country and they are known to have contributed well over 59 million jobs, representing over 84 percent of the total labour force.

“The sub-sector’s contribution to GDP in nominal terms is said to be 48.47 percent, contributing 7.27 percent to export,” Pedro said.

He however, noted that MSMEs sector is fraught with numerous challenges, assuring that the board will work closely with the management of SMEDAN to address the identified challenges.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director General of SMEDAN, Dr Dikko Umaru Radda welcomed the board members and briefed them on the activities of the agency.

Dr. Radda also made a presentation on the status of ongoing projects; the CBN Agric-Business SMEs Cash Disbursement under the Agricbusiness/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) fund.

“While SMEDAN was deliberately established to midwife the sustainable and efficient structure, poor funding of this critical sub-sector, as an institution, is beset with several challenges which have impacted service delivery,” he said.

The DG stressed that repositioning the agency towards realizing setobjectives, required a review of its strategies, systems and processes to reveal weaknesses to be fixed.

He also said that some of the major challenges confronting the organisation are structure and poor funding.

The highlight of the meeting was the establishment of four committees that will drive the re-engineering of the agency in accordance with its mandate.

World Bank meets Gov Obaseki on development strategies Still basking in the euphoria of the success of the Edo-Azura Power project and other World Banksupport projects in Edo State, Senior Director, Governance Global Practice, of the bank, Debbie Wentzel, arrived Benin City, the state capital to consolidate the existing developmentfocused relationship between the bank and the state government.

While receiving the team, Obaseki expressed joy with the series of visits by senior officials of the World Bank and

their desire to be part of the ongoing transformation of the state.

The governor said: “We have gone through a learning curve with the World Bank, a journey which started over nine years ago and we want to drive this down to the local government councils so that every individual in the state will feel the impact of our government at all levels.”

He explained that at the state level, several reforms of key institutions have changed work culture for better

outcomes, and added: “Our institutions are working at the state level and we want to work at strengthening the local councils.”

The governor said that his administration also plans to work with the World Bank in strengthening governance-support structures for optimal performance and deepen the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the state.

He maintained that what the state

needs from the World Bank now is ‘More Knowledge and less Cash’ so that the state will optimise her resources for the benefit of all.

The World Bank Senior Director, Governance Global Practice, who led the bank’s delegation, said: “We are hoping to work with all the states in the country to support them improve their governance structures. We want to see how the states are working and how the World Bank can support them get better results.”

SEC decries poor corporate governance compliance by companies Motolani Oseni, Lagos The Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Mary Uduk has decried the low level of compliance by listed companies in the country with the SEC corporate governance code.

The Acting Director General of the commission, who said this at the Alliance Law Firm’s Maiden Lecture Series, Luncheon and Book Presentation on Thursday in Lagos, noted that provisions relating to independent directors’ roles in companies were also being violated.

Ms Uduk who was represented by Director in the commission, Mr. Edward Okolo, said that access to critical indices by which companies’ compliance with the SEC Code could be measured remained difficult as many companies were either unwilling to comply or lack understanding of the importance of corporate governance to their entities’ survival and profitability.

She said: “We observed that most of the issues covered in the SEC Code 2011 have remained difficult for some entities to observe in terms of fairness, independence, accountability and transparency requirements by their boards.

“The Code of corporate governance talks about how companies are run and managed. Looking at the scorecard as a follow up to the code, we have been able to see areas of weaknesses and strength across companies and these areas are very germane to having strong corporate governance.

“For example, the Boards are expected to have a deep understanding of the business and the environment to which the business is run. They are supposed to understand the blueprint, they are supposed to speak out, they are supposed to be innovative and they are supposed to have a little bit of financial experience so they could be able to interpret financial statements”, the SEC boss added.

The SEC boss stressed the need for business owners in the country to embrace corporate governance as a desirable option to grow their enterprises, improve shareholders’ funds and profitability on a sustainable basis.

According Uduk, experiences globally have demonstrated that enterprises that showed commitment to corporate governance principles perform better and have continued to enjoy investors and other stakeholders’ confidence in building their brands.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

NNPC denies owing federation account money Idu Jude, Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that it has been faithfully remitting all revenues accruing to it to the Federation Account and did not owe a dime.

Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, said that the Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, gave the clarification Thursday to members of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) who were at the corporate Headquarters of the corporation in Abuja on an oversight visit.

According to Dr. Baru, allegations of non-remittance of funds had become a recurrent decimal over the years, occasioned in part, to the nature of the corporation’s operations which involved credit lines requiring constant audit and reconciliation.

“While the process of audit and

reconciliation of accounts is on, a lot of accusations of short payments and non-remittances are usually traded, we endeavour to keep our cool on these allegations because we know that we remit whatever is due to the Federation Account”, he explained.

Further putting the issue in perspective, Dr. Baru stated that such allegations usually arose from disagreements over expenses borne by the corporation on behalf of the Federal Government.

On efforts by the NNPC to ensure that Joint Venture (JV) and Production Sharing Contract (PSC) partners do not run excessive bills at the expense of the nation, the GMD explained that apart from the establishment of an Efficiency Unit in the corporation to ensure value for money across all operations, NNPC had also done a lot in renegotiating contracts as well as benchmarking costs in keeping with international best practices, adding that the effort had yielded significant results in terms of reduction in the cost of crude oil

production per barrel in the Industry.

Also responding to a question on why the PSC agreements had not been reviewed for a long time despite clauses in the agreements that stipulate periodic review, Dr. Baru disclosed that a Presidential approval had been secured and that a committee would be set up soon to carry out the review.

He, however, disclosed that in the absence of a comprehensive review, NNPC had looked at projects on a project-by-project basis and raised observations which some of the partners had taken permission to present before their managements.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Senator Omotayo Alasoadura, who led members of the committee on the oversight visit, said the committee would like to have a month-by-month crude oil production figures for the past two years and crude prices for the period.

He called on NNPC to fully cooperate with the Senate in providing

input on the fiscal component of the Petroleum Industry Reform Bill and the other segments of the Bill coming up for public hearing next week at the National Assembly.

Speaking further on the visit, the committee Chairman said: “We have just come to fulfill another part of our mandate, which is to oversee what NNPC is doing. It’s not a mission to harass anybody, it’s for us to understand each other, give advice, as nobody is a sole repository of knowledge. Everybody knows that Dr. Baru is very knowledgeable in the Industry, but he can’t know everything, even people who don’t know anything about the Industry may have useful ideas that can be of help”.

Other members of the committee who were present at the meeting include: Senators Gershom Bassey (Vice Chairman), Sam Egwu, Victor Umeh, Fatimat Raji Rasaki, Clifford Ordia, Osinakachukwu Ideozu, Stella Oduah and Biodun Olujinmi.

FAAN: Over 95 per cent travellers have high fever The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has said it detected and picked up over 95 per cent of travellers who had high fever as they travelled through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to the Head of Medical, Dr. Adamu Adamu its bid to avoid the re-emergence of the dreaded Ebola virus in the country.

Adamu, disclosed this during a media tour of the Abuja airport, where hundreds of passengers and crew members on-board Emirates Airlines, including the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, were

screened with thermal camera and hand temperature detector.

Adamu said, “In this airport, we have a public health emergency contingency plan that we developed in conjunction with the Port Health Services of the Ministry of Health and our partners, Pro-Health International.

“I am sure you are all aware of the outbreak of Ebola in Congo, which has moved from the rural areas, where it started, towards Kinshasa.

“Because Kinshasa is a hub, it has become a serious concern and the world is probably in trouble.

Right now, the World Health Organisation has not declared public

health emergency of international concern over the case, but Nigeria has to be proactive because of our previous experience.

“What we are doing is not an Ebola scan; we are scanning for high temperature fever so that when we discover any passenger with high temperature, we quickly take that person for proper checks.

“We don’t want to scare people, because there is no cause for alarm. We want people to come to us if they feel sick or if they suspect any one to be sick.

“We are looking at the temperature scan.

“We are also looking at the travel

history of passengers. We have sanitisers that have been positioned in strategic areas so that passengers who are coming into Nigeria will have facilities to clean up their hands.

“I can assure you that over 95 per cent of people that come to this airport with high fever are detected and picked up.”

Also, the Northern Regional Manager, FAAN, Sani Mahmud, stated that surveillance and screening for Ebola virus and other infectious diseases had not stopped in all Nigerian international airports since the virus first entered the country in 2014.

L-R: Technical Manager, Air Solutions, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Vijay Bakshi; Marketing Manager, LG Electronics Nigeria Ltd., Mr Paul Mba; General Manager, Air Conditioning and Energy Solutions, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Cholyong Park; and Sales Manager, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Saheed Adeyemi, during the launch of LG Electronics 2.5HP All New Gencool Air Conditioning unit in Lagos...on Friday Photo: Olatunji Wale

Minimum Wage: NLC expresses disgust over Ngige’s double standard

By Idu Jude, Abuja The leadership of the Nigeria Labour congress, has expressed shock over what it described as ‘hide and seek’ game being played by the Minister of labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige on the readiness of the federal government to pay a new minimum wage to workers.

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ayuba Waba Friday, stated that the union was shocked by a statements credited to the Minister of Labour and Employment; Dr Chris Ngige, that Nigerian workers should wait beyond September 2018 for the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage.

The labour union said Senator Nigie’s action remain a shock to it because it was the same Minister who on February 2018 without prompting or pressure announced to the whole world that the Federal Government would start paying the new national minimum wage by the month of September 2018.

The organized labour speaking through its leadership, observed that the present comment by the Minister of Labour is not only provocative but also insensitive especially in the face of the excruciating suffering being endured

by Nigerian workers particularly as occasioned by the increase in the cost of living.

“Do we need to remind the Minister that he was once a civil servant who always looked forward to his monthly salary? Nigerian workers who are not privileged to earn fat salaries, allowances, estacodes and other perks of political appointment are looking forward to enjoy minimal relief in the form of the new national minimum wage.

The leadership of the NLC regard the double statement as inconsistent with the favour so far demonstrated by the tripartite committee set up by Mr President to review the National Minimum Wage.

The Minister’s stance is also at variance with the declaration made

by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when he represented Mr. President at this year’s May Day Celebrations.

He Yemi Osinbajo promised Nigerian workers that government is committed to ensuring that the issue of the new National Minimum Wage is concluded and delivered.

Comrade Ayuba Waba, further asked ‘who the Minister of Labour speaking for?’ Nigerian workers want to know who has sent Dr. Chris Ngige on this nebulous errand?. On whose side is the Minister of Labour on the upward review of the National Minimum Wage?

“Our position was that we would expedite actions at the level of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage and ensure that discussions and negotiations are concluded by August 2018 so that Nigerian workers can start benefitting as quickly as possible from the New National Minimum Wage.

It also reminded the minister that the issue of the review of the minimum wage is long overdue, as the 2011 Belgore Tripartite Committee set up by government agreed that the review of the Minimum Wage should happen every five years.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

B3 Business News Edo LGAs get N2.97bn as April allocation, clears primary school teachers’ salaries with N1.11bn Titus Akhigbe, Benin

Chairman Governing Board of SMEDAN , Otunba Femi Pedro, left and DG/CEO SMEDAN , Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda at the inaugural board meeting of the Agency held at the Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

Okowa flags off distribution of 220, 000 palm seedlings in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Determined to make the people of Delta State prosperous through the production of palm oil for local consumption and export, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has flagged-off the distribution of 220, 000 palm seedlings to be planted in 1, 517 hectares of land in the state.

The ceremony which was christened ‘flag off of the 2018 small holder oil palm scheme’ took place at the Ejeme-Unor, Aniocha South Local Government area of Delta State on Thursday.

Governor Okowa said, “Prior to the advent of crude oil, oil palm played a leading role in the economic lives of our people, the significance of the commodity manifested in the part it played as a foreign exchange earner in the early years of independence and the Delta area of the former Mid-West State was noted for its leadership in the production of palm oil until attention was shifted from agriculture to crude oil in the mid 70’s.”

He said, “this exercise is part of our effort to provide meaningful assistance to farmers towards boosting the production of palm oil in the State, it is meant to empower participants to key meaningfully into the SMART Agenda and a practical demonstration of my administration’s commitment to the prosperity of all Deltans through the production of palm

oil both for local consumption and export.”

“My administration approved the raising of 220,000 elite seedlings in 2016 through the small holder oil palm scheme to support 250 farmers, the 2018 planting exercise, for which we are here today, has 701 participants to cover about 1,517 hectares; the objective of the scheme is to support each beneficiary farmer to develop a minimum of five hectares of oil palm estate over time,” Governor Okowa said at the occasion which was attended by farmers and stakeholders from different parts of the state.

The governor added, “Successful participants in the scheme would be provided with seedlings, fertilizers and steel collars. Information on best practices and mentoring on oil palm production would be provided by Government through the Delta Agricultural Rural Development Authority (DARDA).

Such assistance is intended to stimulate the production of oil palm through the Tree Crops Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to bring Delta State to its prime position as a leader in the industry.”

While urging farmers to utilize

the opportunity provided by the scheme to start planting to enable them reap the benefits, Okowa assured them that “all the support with regard to input, seedlings, steel collars and fertilizers are soft loans, which would be paid back under generous terms and conditions.”

Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Hon. Austin Chikezie had in an address, said, “this year, the three nurseries located at Ejeme-Unor, Oleh and Aragba Okpe have raised a total of 550, 000 seedlings,” adding that the farmers were also, supported financially by the Delta State government.

The Edo State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), has disclosed that a total of N2.97 billion accrued to the 18 Local Government Councils in the state from the Federation Account for the month of April.

Chairman, Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Jenkins Osunde, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists after the JAAC meeting presided over by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at Government House, in Benin City.

Osunde said that from the allocation, salaries for primary school teachers gulped N1.11 billion; N100 million was deducted for pension arrears while N264 million was set aside as Pension Fund for the Local Government Councils.

According to him, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the 18 local government councils increased from N187 million recorded in April to N206 million generated in May. Meanwhile, new executives of the Edo State Chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), has been constituted, with Hon. Osunde, as chairman.

Other members of the new ALGON executives include Comrade John Akhigbe, Chairman, Etsako Central Local Council, as Vice Chairman; Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon, Chairman,Esan South East Local Council, as Secretary; while the Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Council, Hon. Waziri Edokpa, serves as the body’s Treasurer.

Mrs Amaechi: FAAN denies assault allegations at Port Harcourt Airport Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, Lagos

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN has dispelled allegations of assault credited to Mrs Judith Amaechi, wife of the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi at Port Harcourt Airport on Saturday.

An online media platform had on Friday reported that “Mrs Amaechi, was at the centre of a melee last Saturday at the Port

Harcourt International Airport.”

According to the report “the incident occurred when she and her entourage arrived late for boarding an Abuja bound Air Peace Airline flight, thereafter attempted to force it from taking off without them.”

The report claimed Mrs Amaechi’s entourage formed a human barricade to prevent the fully boarded aircraft from taking off while her armed security aides beat up two of the airline’s ground staff for not

allowing their principal board the flight.

But in a swift reaction, FAAN on Friday refuted the claims, saying that the incident has nothing to do with the minister’s wife.

An official statement issued and signed by the Authority’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, FAAN stated; “our attention has been drawn to a trending story to the effect that the wife of the Honourable Minister

of Transportation, Mrs Judith Amaechi supervised the assault and manhandling of some airport officials on the 26th May 2018, because she was refused boarding an Air Peace flight from Port Harcourt to Abuja”.

Mr Yakubu further stated “the Authority will like to state emphatically that the incident has nothing to do with the Honourable Minister’s wife, it was between some security personnel at the airport and airline officials”.

Business Interview B 4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

We are building world class handling firm – SAHCOL build the industry. We will continue to do our best, take the right step and initiative to ensure that what can give us the kind of aviation that we desire in the future is done. there must come to a point whereby we will definitely need ourselves.

In other parts of the world, ground handling companies are pooling resources together, it is for us to get to that maturity stage. Even, airlines are cooperating now. When you have airlines in various parts of the world, they complement each other in passenger and cargo operations. We will have better aviation industry once we begin to look at the industry from that perspective.

SAHCOL has been in business for years, what are those things that have kept the company floating?

For companies to do business with you, they would have checked your books to know if you have the capacity and the technical know-how to give them the services they require.

It doesn’t mean that because of this, as a company, we have allowed price to enter us. We still need opportunities to do better. We know we are growing and closing the gaps. For example, before SAHCOL was privatised in 2009, we maintained about 21 per cent of the market share, but today to the glory of God, we have grown to about 48 per cent and we are not stopping there. We are still growing. Part of what we need to do is to train our staff and get modern and state-of-the-art equipment into the system and that is what we are doing and closing the gap even as we are stepping up on our services.

How much is SAHCOL projecting for business expansion and training in 2018?

As you are aware, the Nigeria budget just came out from the National Assembly in May, so, we are planning in line with that. Companies have budgets in order to plan. We have submitted our proposals to the board of directors and until they sit, we can’t know what they will approve.

As the Acting Managing Director of SAHCOL, what will be the focus of your management?

One thing we need to know is that it is not about me, but about SAHCOL as a company. One thing I can tell you now we have going for us is that we are a very solid team, driving the affairs of SAHCOL. One thing we are trying together is to build people, consolidate on the company we have now and become better. That is exactly what we are doing and that is our focus and we are not distracted from it because we are pushing it. We are building a company where by people that have the right ideas are allowed to express themselves without shutting them down. We knew we have the best of minds in the industry, we knew we have best of people in the industry and we are tapping into that talent to build a global company.

What is your assessment of the Nigerian aviation industry, generally?

I said earlier that SAHCOL can’t leave in isolation of the industry, there is a chain that connects all of us together and whatever that affects one aspect, it affects every other. When you look at 2017 globally, the summary of the industry was that it was good for the industry and I want to believe that

Agboarumi

Acting Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), Basil Agboarumi is optimistic that the company’s profile has risen from 21percent market shares in 2009 to 48 percent in 2018, has potentials for growth. He spoke on several issues affecting the performance of handling companies in the aviation industry. CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO was there for The Daily Times 2018 is already consolidating on that.

We believe that the industry is moving forward and things are happening very fast. We have a minister that has the courage to want to do certain things.

Now, we are talking of having a national carrier, which we believe will be good for our aviation industry. We have come to a point where we have to realise that there is no Nigeria aviation, but global standards. That is why you see regulators that visit us regularly to determine our level of compliance. It means that we must do things in line with international best practices.

‘ ,

Where the world is going in aviation is cooperation, you can’t stand alone.

As long as you have something to offer in aviation, the time has come whereby stakeholders in the industry must begin to relate with one and other and jointly take decisions that can move the industry forward.

There is a rivalry between the two ground handling companies in the sector, how can this be resolved for the growth of the industry?

Cooperation is for the best of the industry, we as a company we have identified cooperation as the tonic to

SAHCOL still has the best of staff in the system with the best of training. We are consistently training our workers and as much as possible, we are retaining our staff

You spoke about price war earlier and you said it was necessary for NCAA to intervene in it, how exactly do you want the agency to come in?

Let’s look at the banking industry for instance; there is a regulator that regulates their activities. For instance, the handling rates we pay in Nigeria has not changed over the years despite the fall in naira to dollars and other major currencies. The airlines have consistently change their fares, but we have not done that for so many years.

We still operate with the same tariff that we have been operating up to the time naira was N165 to a dollar and regrettably today, the rate has grown more than double. What it costs us to buy a ground handling equipment today has grown astronomically. It is not that the cost has changed, but whereby we were spending one naira to buy a ground handling equipment before, by the time we source for foreign exchange, you will see that it has gone to about N3. That’s the situation we have found ourselves.

But, the airlines still pay the same amount of money they have been paying us even before then.

What is SAHCOL doing to retain its good hands that are leaving in droves?

When it comes to life, you can’t stop anyone from aspiring further. Men are not created to be stagnant and that is why you have migration. Workers in companies too do that. As much as possible as a company, we will try to keep our goods hands and we don’t want anyone to leave after joining us, but you can’t stop people from moving.

If we do that, it becomes an anti-labour practice that you spoke about earlier.

We are doing a lot to retain our staff as long as we can. People have plans for their lives and careers and people will move from time to time.

SAHCOL still has the best of staff in the system with the best of training.

We are consistently training our workers and as much as possible, we are retaining our staff.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

B5 Business News

Fidelity Bank’s Back-To-School train storms primary school at Uromi Motolani Oseni It was indeed celebration galore for staff and pupils of Egwuare Primary School, Uromi in Edo State as Fidelity Bank Plc provided them with educational supplies, including computer systems, branded school bags, sandals, books and other writing materials to support learning.

The Bank’s decision to embark on this initiative was borne out of the need to make life easier for students.

The project tagged ‘Back to School’, was initiated and implemented by staff of Uromi Branch under the auspices of the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme

(FHHP).

The Bank’s intervention in the education sector particularly its BackTo-School project has received glowing commendations from various quarters.

His Royal Highness, Solomon Izuware Ojeaga, The Onogie of Ujiogba Kingdom, in his remarks commended the Bank for implementing projects that enhance the quality and standard of education in the country.

“Our Back-to-School initiative has indeed touched the lives of Nigerian students across the country, particularly in the Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) Camps in Benin, Yola and Maiduguri respectively”.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Regional Bank Head, (RBH) Midwest 1, Ovie Mukoro, who stressed the importance of education as a veritable tool for national development, stated that the Bank is a staunch advocate of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Receiving the materials, Head Teacher, Egwuare Primary School, Uromi, Philomena Okojie expressed utmost happiness at the gesture while urging other private organisation to borrow a leaf from the Bank. Okojie noted that the initiative will bring some measure of relief to parents who cannot afford to purchase necessary educational materials for their wards.

L-R:, Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Almakura,one of Beneficiary, Founder/Chairman, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote, Trustee , Aliko Dangote Foundation, Halima Aliko Dangote, Managing Director/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, at the launching/disbursement of N130M to 13,000 vulnerable women in Nasarawa State.

How globalisation affects income distribution – Report Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

A report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed that while globalization is generally good for economic growth, the benefits are subject to diminishing marginal returns.

The report released on Thursday, studied 147 countries from 1970 to 2014 looked at how globalization affects the distribution of incomes across and within countries.

The Distribution of Gains from Globalization, by Marina Mendes Tavares and Valentin F. Lang, reveals that in rich economies, globalization still represents a source of economic growth, but the expected gains are lower than in poor and emerging market economies, where globalization increases economic well-being and reduces poverty.

Our Chart of the Week shows that globalization’s effects on a country’s growth depend crucially on how much a nation is already integrated into the global economy. Most low-income and emerging market nations are still far from the levels of integration that advanced economies have already reached. The less wired a country is into the global economy, the greater the positive impact of increasing globalization.

The black line shows the effects on a country’s five-year growth rate from a one-point increase in economic globalization. Low-income countries such as Ethiopia, indicated by the flag on the far left, have more to gain than advanced economies such as the United States, whose flag is on the far right. The chart also shows the level of globalization and potential growth

gains of countries that are as globalized as India, Brazil, China, and Russia.

The study also evaluates how income gains are distributed within countries.

It finds that globalization is often associated with widening economic inequality, putting more money into the pockets of the rich than into those of the poor. While in the average developing economy the poor as well as the wealthy benefit from globalization, in many advanced economies globalization often has little effect on the incomes of the poor.

But government policies matter in making the benefits of globalization more inclusive. Investments in education that raise skill levels, as well as taxes and transfers that spread the benefits more broadly, can help globalization fulfil its promise of generating gains for all.

G7 meeting sidelines US as tariffs prompt US President Donald Trump told Canada and the European Union on Friday to do more to bring down their trade surpluses, a day after hitting them and Mexico with import tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Trump castigated Canada, a top U.S. trade partner and ally, in a tweet on Friday morning, saying it had treated U.S. farmers “very poorly for a very long period of time.”

“Highly restrictive on Trade! They must open their markets and take down their trade barriers! They report a really high surplus on trade with us,” he wrote.

Trump also told French President Emmanuel Macron of the need to “rebalance trade with Europe,” the White House said.

The strong words followed swift responses to the tariffs by Canada, Mexico and the EU, which all plan to retaliate with levies on billions of dollars of U.S. goods, including orange juice, whiskey, blue jeans and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Harley-Davidson’s stock dropped 1.5 percent on Friday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 index rebounded from losses on Thursday to trade about 1 percent higher.

Among the gainers, shares of AK Steel rose 3.8 percent while U.S. Steel added 3.4 percent.

Brussels has lodged an eight-page list at the World Trade Organization of goods it would hit with retaliatory measures.

At a meeting of the Group of Seven top world economic powers in Canada, France’s Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire castigated the United States for its tariffs, saying Washington was isolated.

“Unfortunately we are going to have a G6 plus one with the United States alone against everyone and running the risk of economic destabilization,” Le Maire told reporters in Whistler, British Columbia.

Trump imposed the tariffs in March as part of an effort to protect U.S. industry and workers from what he described as unfair international competition, a key theme of his “America First” agenda.

Temporary exemptions were granted to a number of nations including Canada and Mexico as well as the EU. The United States on Thursday decided to let those exemptions lapse.

Canada and Mexico, who are in stalled talks with the United States to redraw the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), responded swiftly.

Canada, the largest supplier of steel to the United States, said it will impose tariffs covering C$16.6 billion ($12.8 billion) on U.S. imports, including whiskey, orange juice, steel, aluminum and other products.

Mexico announced what it described as “equivalent” measures on a wide range of U.S. farm and industrial products, including pork legs, apples, grapes, cheese, steel and other goods.

The EU’s planned measures hit U.S. exports running the gamut from big motorcycles like the Harleys, built on the home turf of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, to “canoes”, “manicure or pedicure preparations” and even “sinks and washbasins, of stainless steel” - the proverbial kitchen sink.

“We are determined to protect the multilateral system,” EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said of the WTO challenge.

“We are expecting everybody to play by the rules.

Trump’s tariffs on Washington’s closest allies also drew condemnation at home from Republican lawmakers and the country’s main business lobbying group and sent a chill through financial markets.

The steel and aluminum tariffs were imposed on the EU, Canada and Mexico from midnight EDT.

Business Features B6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

African leaders demonstrate capacity to building digital economy Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, Jose Irigoyen and Atul Mehta We only have to look at the way we communicate, shop, travel, work and entertain ourselves to understand how technology has drastically changed every aspect of life and business in the last 10 years.

Technology-driven changes are radically transforming the world and enabling developing countries to leapfrog decades of “traditional” industrial development. But disruptive technology also increases the stakes for countries, which cannot afford to be left behind.

Sub-Saharan Africa demonstrated its capacity to harness technology when it embraced the mobile telecom revolution in the 2000s. Now again, there is huge potential for digital impact in Africa. But to achieve that, the five foundations of a digital economy need to be in place digital infrastructure, literacy and skills, financial services, platforms, and digital entrepreneurship and innovation.

During the Spring Meetings in April, the World Bank Group launched the Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A) initiative, which brought together African finance and ICT ministers, central bank governors, global tech and telecom giants, as well as local and regional internet platforms, think tanks and thought leaders, digital entrepreneurs and development partners. The event underlined the role of the digital economy as a new driver of growth, discussed how to build its foundations, and looked at the risks of being left behind.

DE4A is now working with a group of countries on a Digital Economy Country Assessment (DECA), which will form the basis for digital economy country strategies. One of the goals of DE4A is to increase connectivity across the region and connect the rural and urban poor to digital financial and government services, markets and information. This will build the base for vibrant digital entrepreneurship and raise the level of digital literacy and skills.

Many countries have already started on the path toward a digital economy.

Senegal has set a target of generating 10 percent of its GDP from the digital economy by 2025. Rwanda has rolled out 4G and fiber connectivity to deliver online e-government and other services across the country. Kenya has been a pioneer in mobile money and is exporting its model.

Available and affordable internet is a prerequisite for sub-Saharan Africa to participate in the digital economy.

However, the region is not fully connected to broadband infrastructure.

Twenty-one of the 25 least-connected countries in the world are in Africa and only 22 percent of the population has access to the internet. The region would benefit from focusing on putting in place innovative business models for connectivity, leveraging alternative infrastructure under a “dig once” principle and improving the policy and regulatory environment to boost private sector investment.

African Union building

Besides connecting people to the digital world, making it easy for people to prove who they are through digital IDs is critical. However, 29 percent of adults in sub-Saharan Africa have no way of identifying themselves. This percentage is much higher among women, youth, and the very poor.

Digital ID programs could allow people to access essential governmental services, much like Rwanda is already doing.

Bringing people online also helps increase access to formal financial services, including mobile money. The good news is that sub-Saharan Africa has the highest level of mobile money use in the world. For instance, when the government of Côte d’Ivoire issued multiple mobile network operator licenses, the market opened and the new Global Findex data. shows a tremendous increase in financial access.

‘

The challenge, however, is to expand this access. Fifty-seven percent of adults still don’t have a transaction account, and only one in five adults has a mobile money account. To improve financial access, countries are starting to look into harmonizing regional frameworks for payment systems, cross-border data flows, data privacy, cyber security and consumer protection. These are also critical to creating economies of scale and driving regional integration, both of which are necessary for subSaharan Africa to become competitive in the global digital economy.

Establishing the platform for mobile payments and transactions opens the door to the “platform economy” of e-commerce and online markets and the “shared economy,” which have become drivers of growth in digital economies. For the platform and shared economies to take off, the region needs

At the most basic level, people need digital literacy to interact with the digital world. Most workers need digital skills to use technology in daily work. And digital entrepreneurs need specialised coding and programming skills to build online businesses

,

vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems to help local firms turn their creativity and energy into value-creating online businesses. Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the most entrepreneurial and youngest populations in the world, according to Total Early-stage Entrepreneurial Index, but elements of the entrepreneurial ecosystem – mentoring, seed funding, office facilities – are lacking in most countries.

While Africa has many examples of excellence, we need to build more techenabled businesses that create jobs and open new markets.

Better digital literacy and skills are another must. At the most basic level, people need digital literacy to interact with the digital world. Most workers need digital skills to use technology in daily work. And digital entrepreneurs need specialized coding and programming skills to build online businesses. Big tech companies and specialized education companies such as Andela are already building these skills in key African markets.

We need to work together across the public and private sectors, regional organizations and development partners to support Africa’s efforts to take advantage of the technologies of the digital transformation to accelerate sustainable development.

We are committed to helping Africa build its Digital Economy, and look forward to working with governments and the private sector to make it happen.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

B 7 Business Feature

Creating better global trade system

By Christine Lagarde

Recent news on global trade has tended to focus on protectionist measures and diplomatic tensions.

These challenges have raised concerns over growth and jobs across the world.

Yet what is often lost in the current discussions is that we are entering a new era of trade—an era in which data flows are becoming more important than physical trade.

The new era Think about it: between 1986-2008, global trade in goods and services grew at more than twice the rate of the global economy. In recent years, however, growth in this more traditional type of trade has barely exceeded global GDP growth.

At the same time, digital flows have been booming. According to Cisco, the amount of cross-border bandwidth used grew 90-fold between 2005 and 2016, and is expected to grow an additional 13-fold by 2023.

This is not just about video streaming, Skype calls, and social media posts. It is about the role of data in boosting other flows, especially by making services more tradable—from engineering, to communications, to transportation.

So in many ways, the future of trade is the future of data.

This is a huge opportunity for policymakers to build new economic bridges between countries, and to create a better global trade system.

Let me highlight 4 building blocks of better trade: More trade in services The good news is that global trade in services has been growing relatively fast. It now accounts for one-fifth of global exports. And according to some estimates, half of the global trade in services is already driven by digital technology.

But this is an area where trade barriers are still extremely high, equivalent to tariffs of some 30 to 50 percent.

I believe that by reducing these barriers and making trade more digital, services could become the main driver of global trade. Who would benefit most?

Advanced economies, because they are globally competitive in many service sectors, especially financial, legal, and consulting.

Developing economies such as Colombia, Ghana, and the Philippines, because they are promoting growth in tradable services, such as communications and business services.

Millions of small businesses and individuals who can use digital tools to leverage their expertise in the global marketplace.

But that is just the beginning. I believe that we can build the Wealth of Nations in the 21st-century on trade in services.

More productive We can achieve this goal by making trade more productive. How? By encouraging a further shift in the composition of trade flows—from “physical” to more data-driven trade.

For example, increasing automation is making it easier for companies to repatriate, or “reshore”, some of their operations—effectively, reversing some of the “outsourcing” of the past two decades.

This could help rejuvenate manufacturing industries in many advanced economies, holding out the promise of more domestically-based factories with higher-paying jobs.

3-D printing could also prompt companies to move production closer to their customers. One large shoe brand, for instance, is bringing bespoke shoemaking to the mass-market by printing customized soles in their highstreet shops.

If these trends were to continue, many supply chains would become shorter, more productive, and less carbon-intensive.

At the same time, digitalization will intensify competition in global trade, pushing companies to boost their investment in new technologies and more efficient business practices.

New IMF analysis shows that greater competition accelerates the diffusion of technology across countries and even the rate of innovation itself.

This, in turn, helps lower prices for companies and consumers. It is estimated that the poorest 10 percent

‘ ,

of consumers gain almost two thirds of their purchasing power from trade.

More inclusive Gains like that show the enormous benefits of building economic bridges between countries. And yet, too many people have continued to live in the shadow of these bridges.

The digital revolution in trade will bring its own challenges, putting further pressure on those workers who are less well-equipped to compete.

That is why we need greater inclusiveness. Consider the benefits of scaling up investment in training and social safety nets, so that workers can upgrade their skills and transition to higher-quality jobs.

For instance, experiences in Canada and Sweden show that on-thejob training is more effective than classroom learning.

In these and many other areas, the IMF is helping countries gear up for the new era of trade.

At the global level, we analyze exchange rates and monitor global economic imbalances.

At the country-level, we work with all our 189 members on policies to help remove trade and investment barriers, encouraging more open economies where the private sector can thrive and create jobs.

I believe that by reducing these barriers and making trade more digital, services could become the main driver of global trade

In short, we believe that for trade to improve, it needs to be more servicesbased, more productive, and more inclusive—so that everyone can benefit.

To achieve these objectives, trade also needs to be more internationally cooperative.

More international cooperation Over the past 70 years, countries have worked together to create a multilateral trade system that has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, while boosting incomes and living standards in all countries.

But this system needs improvement as it adapts to the new era of trade.

For example, many governments are struggling with major issues that do not fall squarely within WTO rules.

These include various state subsidies, restrictions on data flows, and the protection of intellectual property.

To address these issues, we could use “plurilateral” trade agreements— that is, deals among like-minded countries that agree to work within the WTO framework. There is also room to negotiate new WTO agreements on e-commerce and digital services.

On these issues, one can take encouragement from the new TransPacific Partnership, or TPP-11. For the first time in a broader trade agreement, TPP-11 countries will guarantee the free flow of data across borders for service suppliers and investors.

Now is the time to push for further trade reforms in a multilateral setting where rules are respected, where countries work in partnership, and where everyone is committed to fairness.

I believe that by building new economic bridges, by shaping a new era of trade, we can foster more prosperous and more peaceful communities across the world.

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Why govt needs to build more cinemas

L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Life & Times

I’m not a stereotyped actor - Chinedu Ikedieze (a.k.a Aki) With over a decade in the acting game, Chinedu Ikedieze is one of the popular faces on your TV who has featured in well over 100 movies and still counting. He is best known for playing alongside his screen twin, Osita Iheme, in most movies after their breakthrough in the movie “Aki na Ukwa” which earned them the popular names “Aki” and “Pawpaw”. With passion for his art, Chinedu has distinguished himself with not just playing his popular stereotyped roles but his appearing on bigger platforms. Cornered at the trailer screening of Lara and the Beat, Chinedu spoke with MUTIAT ALLI on playing Big Chi, an acclaimed record label CEO, why government needs to support the industry with the creation of more cinemas across the 36 states, and Hollywood plan amongst others. Enjoy...

From the moment when you were not an actor to when you began to act; how do you feel?

Off course I feel grateful and happy that I am living my dreams so to say; of course growing up everyone had one major thing he/she wants to become in the future. Growing up, I had always wanted to be in the limelight because I did not just want to make money; I equally wanted to be known as well. I can say it openly that I am living my life as renowned actor and I am making my cool money.

18years down the line; would you say the journey has been smooth?

I think I have paid my dues and also deserve some accolades for all that I have done since my journey into Nollywood.

What downside of been actor can you recall?

The only challenge I have which I would not know if it’s a challenge is that the kind of life I want to live, I can’t live it because of my celebrity status. I have always crave for a life where I can move freely and interact with people but been who I today; it’s difficult to go around alone so that you don’t get mobbed.

So what has been a celebrity taken away from you?

Honestly, it has ripped me off my privacy How has been married been with you?

We thank God, it’s everything as you can see me I am looking chubby and well-fed You played the role of Big Chi in the coming movie ‘Lara and the Beat’; how big are you in the movie?

Big Chi is larger than live character, when I first saw the script I was amazed and I told myself this is it because I have always looked forward to when I will get a script different from the usual character I am used to playing where we wear tattered clothes and running round the bush and bush path. Already you know I am a part of the popular sitcom ‘The Johnson’ a professionally made production.

When I got on set and discovered that all crew members are professionals, I was excited because you don’t need to do much as all you are required of is to bring live to character.

So who is Big Chi? Big Chi is a young man and the CEO of a popular record label, a talent manager and you can see through the trailer the kind of clients I have. Big Chi is the real deal. With playing the role, it will further open the eyes of my viewers that I can fit into any role rather than the ones I am used to.

A times working with a first-timer on set can be hectic; how was the process for you working with singer, Seyi Shay?

Seyi is a professional; she tried and put

whole lots of efforts in interpreting her character. Initially when we met for the first time on set, she was a little bit naïve but as time goes on she became the ‘Lara’ in the movie and I must say she nailed it.

Movie roles usually expose actors to other things; with playing Big Chi you have been exposed to the running of a music label; do you see Chinedu owning a record label soon?

Well I won’t write It off because I am an entrepreneur and a confirm Igbo man; so we will make sure we maximize profit because whatever that will bring more income, I invest in it. Don’t be surprised if the Big Chi in the movie translates to the real life in terms of owning a record label.

Have you also considered producing your own movies?

I have already started that as I have a short film and a feature film that was shot in Dallas connecting Nollywood to Hollywood.

There is still more coming from me in terms production but one fact is that I love to take my step one at a time.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 2, 2018

L3 Life & Times

The cinema culture at the time you joined the industry was poor and now lots of improvement has emerged; with Lara and the Beat hitting the cinema soon, how do you feel?

I am happy that at the time of the growing transition process in the industry, I count myself lucky to have been a part of the train. From the Enugu/Asaba movies to doing a sitcom that have been running for over four years now. However, this is not my first cinema job, I did one of recent which I appeared in just one scene of the movie and others that includes Rita Dominic’s ‘ The Meeting’, Omoni Oboli’s Wives on strikes and a couple of others and now Lara and the Beats.

Do you sometimes miss those kinds of stereotyped roles you are used to playing?

The truth is those are the kind of movies people want because people want to laugh and have fun; a lot of my guys outside the country usually tell me that those are the kinds of movies they want to watch because they want a movie that will remind them of where they are coming from. When you begin to do contemporary movies, you want to become more American than the Americans they don’t like it but at the end of the day it still boils down to what the audience want.

While growing up, what was that ambition you had in mind?

It’s funny that while growing up I wanted to be so many things from Lawyer to Doctor and an Engineer because that was how hot the brain was because my uncle is a Medical Doctor and I have always wanted to be like him Are there other new sides of Chinedu that the world is yet to see?

As you know I am an actor, producer and successful business man; probably the new aspect of me the world is yet to see will be seeing me delving into directing because I want to be a total filmmaker because it’s my passion.

Any plan to go to Hollywood?

Definitely!! We have already started that as you can see in this production about three of the camera guys are from America and what that implies is that we have brought Hollywood to Nigeria What is your advice to the government in the area of imbibing the cinema culture to the populace?

For me I think the government needs to more by creating more cinemas and maintain it; for instance they can build this cinemas and allow private investors to manage it because with this the amount of money we pay to screen our movies in cinemas will be lower so that people in my village would be able to go the cinema. I want to charge the government of the need to put in place six cinemas at least in each state across the federation When was the last time you visited home?

Oh girl!!! I dey go home oo steady because I just came back to Lagos; my families live in Aba, most time when I am around I visit the village to have quality palm-wine, bush meat and most importantly to take care of my projects.

What is the most humbling reaction you’ve gotten from a fan?

We went to a hospice in Uganda where they keep children affected with HIV. There was this section where they keep people who have lost all hope, people who are just living by the minutes so we (Osita and I) went there and when one of the kids saw us, she stood up. The people told us that for months, the girl hadn’t stood up but she did when she saw us. Even my President, the day I received the National award in 2010, I could see that he was tired after standing to give so many people their awards but when they called my name, I saw the transition on his face. The way the smile came to his face was so clear. That is to tell you that we are created for a purpose.

‘I may be owning a record label soon’

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Society Circle Another joy in Osinbajo’s family Just like the holy book says, be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, the former attorney general of Ogun State welcome a bouncing baby boy from his second wife, Arike Osinbajo after the demise of his first wife, Oluwatoyin.

This is coming as a sweet reward for the family after the younger sibling of the

Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), loss his first wife to the cold hand of death.

As a modest and quiet person, who loves to keep his family affairs private, Akin and Arike opted for a lowkey naming ceremony celebration at their Ogba, Lagos home. The Child christening was held on 27th of May, as only few guest

attend.

The child was named Ayokunmi Osinbajo amidst splendor and modest palour and compound celebration.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was unavoidably absent due to the children’s day celebration held today in Abuja but was represented by his wife Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, who came to share in their pot full of joy.

Former CBN deputy governor, Adebayo Adelabu’s next move Stories by Isaac Oguntoye

That Adebayo Adelabu, the former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, resigned from his position is no longer news. The gist here is that, the young but vibrant big boy who was an Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First Bank of Nigeria Plc before moving to CBN resigned to pursuit his long time dream. Before now, the First Class graduate in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe has been nursing the ambition of delving into

politics as soon as he gets to the peak of his career.

Now, it was learnt that Adebayo resigned from the CBN to contest Oyo State governorship election. He is a member of Ikoyi Club 1938, Jericho Businessmen Club and Ibadan Golf Club.

In case you don’t know, he is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria. He had his professional training with PriceWaterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), an international firm of

Chartered Accountants and Management Consultants where he worked for seven years. While with the firm, he led and managed various audit and consultancy engagements for large banks and non-bank financial institutions within and outside Nigeria. Mr. Adelabu had attended various local and International trainings, seminars and conferences including the University Of London School Of Management Development and the United States Institute of Internal Auditors in Orlando, Florida. He is married with children.

Canadabased

artiste veers into Nigerian music scene

Canada, Toronto-based Nigerian artiste, Kelly Anthony, real names, Kelly Anthony Osaretin Osifo, born in Benin City, Edo State Nigeria. Kelly Anthony started his music career at 11 yearold, and he has been greatly influenced by top musicians like R. Kelly, Akon, Mavin Gaye and Jay Z. He recently dropped the audio and visuals of his new single, which he titled, “Unstoppable.”

The song Unstoppable is a rhythm we can all relate to, because we all have been through the struggles and hustles of life.

Kelly Anthony attended

Michael Power Saint Joseph Catholic, Toronto, Canada, where he honed his musical skills with all dexterity. As a child, Anthony thought he wanted to be a doctor, because his father always used to call him Doctor Kelly, but later in life, he realized that was his dream not his.

As a musician, his greatest challenge is the blatant dishonesty from producers, who tend to take you for a ride, at the expense of your talent. ‘I want to however see the world gravitate towards my music. It basically shows that my hard work is starting to pay off. My goal for my image is to be a great

role model to all my young Africans and others across the world. I want to teach them to never give up on their dreams and to stand tall and work hard for what they believe in.’ For the record, Kelly Anthony can boast of many released projects, and is now detouring into the Nigerian music industry with a bang, and intends to achieve this ultimate goal by doing what he is fond of doing and he is also frantically looking forward to working with star artiste, R. Kelly and Akon in the near future; and this has nothing to the likelihood of Kenny in the name of his idol, R. Kelly.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Indeed, life is a series of beginnings, not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements.

Creation is an ongoing process, and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, Kayode Abraham Ajulo strongly feels suffering will cease.

To say the founder of Kayode Ajulo &Co. Castle of Law, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo does it better than the rest legal practitioners who are not just about recording financial achievement but believe law as a tool should also be engaged in seeking the liberation of the oppressed, will be immodest and uncharitable.

However, what has distinguished this light skinned and slim built barrister at law is that he’s genuinely passionate about fighting for the oppressed that he his gestures indicated his penchant for human right activism from inception of his career.

His interest for activism so early in his career could have easily been termed a result of exuberance as Dr. Kayode was relatively very young when he was called to bar, but it is however amazing that many years down the line and inspite of the enviable successes he has recorded, both as top politician of high repute and lawyer who handles briefs for big wigs, he’s remain committed to his passion even as he’s taken it from just committing intellectual assistance but equally offering financial aid. These gestures of his, explain why he’s been tagged as one who manages the rich and defend the poor.

With his popularity that announces his steps, only cynics will deny knowledge of his compassionate advocacy as well as his innovations to the law practice. Frontline Niger Delta elder statesman, Chief E. K. Clark, at different times had openly spoke glowingly of this brilliant and intelligent lawyer so much he often submitted his ways are worthy of emulation.

It is also on record that the spokesperson to former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, Kazeem Afegbua eulogized Ajulo for rendering free services to him during his infamous trial with The Nigeria Police, that declared him wanted following dispensing his professional duties as the mouth piece the former military ruler.

And most recently, controversial personality, Kemi Olunloyo, in her tweet testified Ajulo provided the one million naira for her when she was detained in prison facility as a result of her alleged libelous moves against a Port Harcourt based man of God, Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries.

On another note however, the Ondo state born founder of a Non-governmental organization, Egalitarian Mission of Africa, Ajulo, in his usual manner is up to something new that is entirely out of his law practice. Information about this is still sketchy but the point is that he’s planning to host an investment submit that is expected to revolutionize investment in the Africa.

The compassionate advocate, Kayode Ajulo

Dr. Kayode Fayemi steps down

Lawmaker, Femi Gbajabiamila’s gift If you have been following the happenings on social media lately, you must have come across one of the trending news of Nigeria Lawmaker, Femi Gbajabiamila who gave his wife a new G-wagon with “Assurance” license plates for her 50th birthday.

The House of Reps Majority leader may have regretted flaunting such gift on social media as it generated some buzzes with trolls of curses from Nigerians.

Many condemned this judging by the hunger and poverty among the people, and at a time the image of the National Assembly is very poorlyrated; how can a lawmaker, who is very stingy to his constituents, be flaunting a whopping N100million worth of SUV to his wife, while his constituents are wallowing in poverty?

Now, many of his constituency members are waiting for him as they promise to frustrate his 5th term ticket agenda.

L5 Society Circle

After winning the primary election in Ekiti State to contest as the next governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development stepped down from his the post.

Fayemi made the announcement last Wednesday at a valedictory briefing in Abuja, in order to pursue his governorship ambition in Ekiti State.

The former minister had earlier

Chief Derin Adebiyi’s focus As the 2019 Ogun governorship election approaches, every party in the state have started strategizing on how to come out triumph. Prior to that, the new Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State chapter, Chief Derin Adebiyi, who emerged the new state chairman at the recent state congress of the party have resigned his appointment as the Senior Special Adviser on Political Affairs to Governor Ibikunle Amosun so as to enable him focus and map out strategies needed for the election.

Adebiyi has been described as an experienced politician, very intelligent, reliable, tested and trusted in the field of politics.

emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ekiti State in the party’s rescheduled primary election, which held on May 12.

Now, the question on the lips of everyone is how Fayemi will regain his long loss seat from Ayodele Fayose who promised to do everything within his capacity to install his deputy as the new governor of the state.

Gist L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Lekan Babalola features Dr. Olu Taiwo on Yoruba Sonnets UK cities tour Stories By Mutiat Alli Acclaimed Grammy Awards-winning percussionist, Lekan Babalola is bringing his music to a wider audience alongside his co-travelling Sacred Funk Sextet in a new concert series tagged Yoruba Sonnets.

The multi-city gig will take place across major United Kingdom cities featuring Babalola’s kindred spirit, the accomplished spoken word poet and scholar, Dr Olu.Taiwo. Their artistic chemistry on stage will pick up from the successful Ebo Tour which held last year.

Together, Lekan who is releasing a new album soon and Olu will bring to the stage the Yoruba Sonnets – a unique experience, presented by two very talented, very different

individuals. The Yoruba Sonnets pair spoken word poetry and mime from Dr Olu Taiwo with live music from Lekan Babalola’s Sacred Funk Sextet. The result is a unique performance of ancient Nigerian verse incorporating Afro-beat music and the contemporary sound of Western Funk.

Yoruba Sonnets will serve its first instalment in full doze on Saturday, July 28 at the Birchfield Jazz Festival, St Mary’s Church Hamstead and continues on Saturday, October 13 at The Performance Gym, University of Winchester, Hampshire. The music train continues at Cheese and Grain, Frome on Sunday, October 21 while curtains fall at Charney Manor, Wantage.

Twice Grammy award winning Nigerian percussionist, Lekan Babalola, is well known

for his innovative musical style, using his native Yoruba tongue infused with traditional music, Afrobeat and funky dance overtones.

In addition to being a talented musician, Lekan has also undertaken education work as part of his artistic programme and has on-going relationships both in the UK, USA, Europe, Caribbean and Africa as a percussionist, art curator tutor, band leader / composer and producer.

Dr Olu Taiwo is Senior Lecturer in Performing Arts at the University of Winchester.

He has worked on identity and performance and is a wellestablished performer using digital technologies. He is engaged with critical debates around the interaction of body, technology and the environment.

Super Balat features Reminisce in new song, ‘Local’ Next rated star singer, Balogun Lateef who is popularly called Super Balat has featured Reminisce on his new song.

According to him the song is titled ‘Local’. The song illustrates how Nigerians don’t appreciate indigenous materials and talents.

But Nigerian materials are now taking over the world.

“The brain behind this song is that Nigerians don’t celebrate their own talents, and what they have.

They will later appreciate when the whole world is celebrating the talent. Like Anthony Joshua, the great boxer who is carrying Nigeria flag at the moment as far as Boxing is concerned at the world level, people initially didn’t

appreciate his talent, until he gets to the top. That is the reason I featured Reminisce in this song.

Reminisce is an artiste I respect so much. He sings with our indigenous language; which a lot people would say is local. So that is what brought the idea of the song. Nigerians must appreciate and celebrate what they have. The song, Local is produced by Puffy T”, Super Balat said.

The rising star singer, songwriter, and performing artiste have also dropped his new video, Mama.

The video is trending on television stations within Nigeria and out of our shores as you are reading this.

Super Balat is an independent artiste signed to Super Worldclass label in Lagos.

Chigurl, Lolo 1, others attend Rule Number One movie premiere The premiere of the highly anticipated movie; “Rule Number One”, took place on Tuesday, May 29th, 2018, at Genesis Cinemas, The Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki, Lagos.

The dress code for the night was “Formal Glam” and guests did not disappoint as they showed up in gorgeous outfits, striking poses on the red carpet.

The premiere had some of Nigeria’s most celebrated and influential individuals in business and entertainment in attendance, including Okey Bakassi, Chigurl, Lolo1 of Wazobia FM, Wofai Fada,

Mel Rouge, Delphinator, Wole Ojo and Matthew Gbinije who is also the executive director of the movie.

The highlight of the evening was the screening of the hilarious romantic comedy, Rule Number One. It raised smiles, bursts of laughter and excited rounds of applause from guests.

Produced by Lulu Afurobi and directed by Lindsey Efejuku; Rule Number One features stars like Bucci Franklin, Chinonso Young, Keira Hewatch and Omalicha of Rythm 97.3 FM. It is currently showing in cinemas nationwide.

Antilia Heights Production plans big for Davido, Bovi US tour Popular Nigerian entertainers including Davido and Bovi have concluded plans to partner US-based event and TV production firm, Antilia Heights Production Company for their shows in the US.The company which is piloted by Nigerian-born showbiz impresario, Steve Egboro has ramped-up promotions to stage the soaraway Man On Fire comedy gig hosted by Bovi on June 22 at the expansive Infinite Energy Theatre, Georgia, Atlanta.

Similarly, Antilia Heights Production is also joining forces with popularly Nigerian singer, Davido to extend his highly soughtafter 30 Billion Gang Concert to ‘God’s Own Country’.

Registered in Georgia, Atlanta as a limited liability company, the company operates in key areas such as arts, entertainment, and recreation. In a short time, the firm is establishing a niche for itself among the blacks and non-black US communities.

Under its production arm, Antilia Heights TV, the company is on the movie set filming a feature length Nollywood flick entitled The Heir Apparent.’ Directed by veteran filmmaker, Robert

Peters, the movie is stars Nollywood hunks, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Joseph Benjamin in leading roles among an array of tested thespians. Antilia Heights’ modest effort is already getting noticed as it was not long ago awarded a Certificate of Honors by organizers of the Nollywood Travel Film Festival.

Speaking on its plans, Steve Egboro, who spearheads the organization, noted that American fans are prepped for summer just as anticipation is high for entertainment and unique content from Nigeria among American.

He said, “we are quite excited to be working with very talented entertainers who also understand the business. This is important for the reputation Antilia Heights Production is building I’m the industry and we plan to raise the bar high and continue to push the frontiers of Nigerian music.”

“The dynamics of the industry is on another level and Nigerian talents own their fair share of the fan base. Our music and comedy transcend racial barriers in an interracial community like America,” explained Egboro.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, June 2, 2018

L7 Men’s Fashion

ROCK TO WEAR Mutiat Alli A man always looks good in a suit, every time.

Especially if it’s tailored to fit and worn stylishly by pairing colors, shoes, ties and accessories properly.

Celebrity stylist for Jim Iyke, D’banj, Desmond Elliot, Ramsey Noah and Yul Edochie, shows us why a man can never go wrong when dressed in a suit especially if he follows these ten tips on rocking the suit with suave.

Here are ten tips to get the best look when rocking a suit.

1. Fit is everything. Even the world’s most expensive suit will look bad if it isn’t tailored to the contours of your body. To judge true fit, put your fist between your suit and your chest. That’s the only distance your suit should have.

2. When you go without a tie, it’s best to keep your shirt collar on the smaller side. The suit collar should be able to cover whatever’s left of the shirt. Also, it’s fine to flip up the collar of a casual cotton jacket, but when you’re dressed more formally (say, in a black suit), you should always leave the collar down.

3. Patterns always work with single shades, either as the suit or as the shirt. Find the pattern that contracts stylishly without appearing gaudy. Burberry, Checks and Polka dots always make wonderful patterns.

4. Always unfasten your jacket buttons when you sit.

No exceptions. Also, never fasten the bottom button of a double-breasted jacket (unless it has only a single row of buttons).

5. A dark, patterned pocket square provides a welcome visual anchor to a light-colored suit. If you’re wearing a peach suit, a dark green and cream or navy blue and white patterned pocket square will give your suit the welcome visual it deserves. It’s all about using a darker patterned shade on cream suits. Two variations of the same color always look good together too.

6. A suit jacket should come down to the first knuckle on your thumb. Too many people are cutting short jackets now, and they just make men look too heavy in the middle. Your jacket sleeves should reveal about half an inch of shirt cuff. If they don’t, try a short size instead.

7. Undoing the button on your cuff looks kind of incomplete with the suit. It doesn’t signify quality anymore because there are plenty of working buttonholes done by machines. Keep your cuff buttons buttoned.

8. Choose fabric according to how often you’ll wear the suit jacket. The most versatile option is a soft but durable wool. Show some personality by mixing and matching patterns and shades between suits, shirts and ties —the contrast is what you’re after.

9. Your pants should sit at your waist (not your hips).

You should be able to fit one finger into the waistband comfortably.

10. You MUST own a black, brown and/or burgundy red shoe. MUST. No excuse

L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Relationship Have you ever heard the old saying that “Relationships take work?” How does that make you feel when you hear that? Tired? A little frustrated? Do your eyeballs roll back in your head when you think of “working” on your relationship after a long day at the office?

Relationships can be a lot of work.

Sometimes, they can just be plain hard. Many of us have been through relationships, or are in struggling ones. But even if we have given up once, we absolutely need to give ourselves a second chance at love.

Here are a few things that could help you stay happy in your relationship and make it work.

Never Assume, Always Ask: I do not care if you have been together for over 20 years and believe you know what the other person’s response is going to be to everything. More feelings are hurt and more communications misunderstood because of a simple assumption. Cut it out. Do not assume that you know what your significant other wants or doesn’t want, what they need or how they are going to react to a situation. Respect them enough to be upfront and ask them. You may be surprised at their response.

Make sure to keep yourself happy: We often forget that keeping ourselves happy and healthy is imperative – if we even want a shot at making anyone else happy. Whether its grabbing coffee with your friends, or going to the gym post a long day at work – if there is something you’d rather do than what your partner suggests, do it!

Practice Active Listening: Yes, this goes together with never assume, always ask. If you are going to ask, you must really listen to your partner’s response. When someone else is talking, let them finish talking completely. Do not interrupt them to insert your own response – when you are already thinking about what you are going to say next, before they have even finished talking, you cannot

Tips on how to create a lasting relationship

be present and fully aware of what they are saying. Think about how it feels to you when your partner actually hears what you are trying to communicate and give them the gift of listening actively.

Be willing to adjust: Sure, if your partner really wants to do something with you, or has somewhere important to go to and asks you to come along, you should.

But remember that there is no point doing what they want and resenting them for “making” you do it. Do it because you love them and want them to be happy too.

Leave the Skeletons in the Closet: You know exactly what I’m talking about.

Those controversial moments in time you had long forgotten and thought you would never hear about again until that one disagreement or argument when any past hurt or misdeed rises up from the depths of the past as ammunition for the current moment. Stop holding on to past hurt, or do what you must to heal if you are using the past as an excuse for present situations. Keep current disagreements about current events. You will have more credibility and get more respect from your

significant other.

Confront compassionately: If you attack someone, their natural instinct will be to immediately jump to their defense. This gets you nowhere except to a point where two people are having a rather loud conversation about who’s right and who’s wrong. The situation however, is rarely black and white. You both have valid points in all probability, but are being too stubborn to meet on a middle ground.

Celebrate Each Other: Male or female, we all want similar things in our relationships. To be appreciated, acknowledged, nurtured, supported, respected and loved. So, do one small thing each day to celebrate each other.

Tell him he looks handsome in that new blue shirt, that she is beautiful and you’re the luckiest man in the world. Thank him for taking the trash out or putting the kids to bed. Tell her you appreciate everything she does for you. Leave love notes or send your significant other a card in the mail. It really is the little things that make such a big difference. Make the time to celebrate each other so you build a solid foundation

of connection that will last the test of time.

Give them the benefit of doubt: It’s easy to believe that people may do things intentionally or doubt their honestly- to believe that your boyfriend was trying to hurt you by not inviting you out with his friends or that he double booked a date with you and a night with the guys. If you’re with someone who loves you, they want you to be happy. So whether it was calling you back or the movie plans you had, if they say it just slipped their mind, try and believe them.

Tell them you trust them, and mean it: As easy as it is to get upset in certain situations, if you trust your partner there is very little room for negativity. Trust your gut, but if you’re trying to do a relationship right, trusting the person you’re with is everything.

Don’t jump to conclusions: Very often, we react before we think. Whether it is based on our past experiences of our partner’s behavior or the fact that we have never seen them behave a certain way before, understand the situation before you come up with your own theory.