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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2018

Bayelsa flood victims speak

VOL. 3

NO. 783

N100

Our harrowing ordeal at IDP camp g3

Say life in Igbogene IDP camp difficult We’ll ensure their safety – Bayelsa Govt

FG ’ll stand by you, Osinbajo assures victims Akam James, Yenagoa and Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Flood is becoming one of the most common and re-ocurring disaster in Bayelsa State.

Barely six years after the 2012 flood ravaged 95 percent of the state and left terrible memories in the heart of residents, the current impact of the 2018 flood has affected and displaced more humans, farm lands, homes, schools and churches.

The current pattern, which experts predicted earlier in the beginning of the year, has shown

indices of a similar natural disaster of 2012 in many parts of the state.

The impact has also left hundreds of victims with tales of woes, while many others live in fear.

A visit to the Igbogene Central Camp, in Igbogene community of Bayelsa State, by our correspondent, where affected residents of the state capital have been relocated to take refuge at the IDPs camp, revealed the plight of the flood victims.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Suspended NHIS boss dares Governing Council, resumes work

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu alive, sighted in Israel g 5

At last, Ooni of Ife unveils 25-yearold prophetess as new wife g5

Heritage Bank wins Most Supportive Bank of the Year Award

g5

g 16

Being an actress has been favourable – Queeneth Agbor g 11

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

Our harrowing ordeal at IDP camp Continued from page 1 Walking through the premises of the camp and staring at the young lads gathered in a group of 20 due to overcrowding, caused by high population became more worrisome.

It was a piteous sight to behold.

The looks of the elderly tell tales of agony, their eye sockets are seemingly loosened. It appeared the metaphor of lack, the simile of dejection and the apt representation of want.

According to findings, every day, an average of 100 indigenes and non-indigenes alike are relocated to the camp to seek refuge. A quick glance at the children sleeping on bare floor of the spacious but unkempt rooms immediately elicited pity.

A 60-year-old Mrs. Marie Agile, from Ekeremor main town, Ekeremor Local Government Area, with five children, said: “We have been displaced by the flood and the thoughts of all that we have lost has furthermore aggravated our sufferings. How do I cope with five children in this kind of conditions and place?

“Even when we leave here, the property that is lost may never be regained again. This is almost noon and we haven’t had any food. The amount of mosquitoes here can send this children to hospital afterwards even though we have a medical team to administer drugs to them”.

For Mrs. Daniel Malaya and Mrs. Patience Chiboy, from Omoku Local Government Area, both with three children and their husbands, had sent two children out of the camp because of the condition of the camp.

They said: “Life here is difficult. The food we are given here is not good. We are being fed twice a day, the food isn’t nourished especially the soup”.

Madam Esther Makenne, from Ayama Ogbia, but resides with four children in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, confirmed that they’re fed twice a day, but the issue of a comfortable place is quite challenging.

When she spoke, her quavering voice and tearful eyes completed the story of her agonising life experience at the camp.

She said: “Our launch is our breakfast, we don’t have mosquito nets. As you can see, I’m carrying my 4-year-old and 6 month-old baby who is

looking so sickly”.

According to Roseline Andrew, “for the past 10 days in the camp, I have been sleeping with my seven children on bare floor, with the level of the cold at night.

“We know this is not our homes and we don’t expect all the comfort but we see different groups, government and other well-meaning Bayelsans coming to donate food items and other relief material but we don’t get to use them.

“We have monies to buy things to cook and eat but the challenge is where to lay and sleep”.

At the time of our correspondent’s visit, a long convoy of trucks with other buses led by a team from the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, arrived the camp with food items and other relief materials.

The team leader of the Chief Timipre Sylva flood relief materials distribution, Hon. Ibarakumo Otobo, immediately led the team to the management of the camp, explaining that he was sent from the leadership of the party in the state.

He said the gesture was a token to make life more meaningful for those affected by the flood residing in the camp, adding that the team was personally there to ensure the items donated get to the actual beneficiaries.

He also stated that the donations to the refugee camp has no political inclination or sentiment attached, adding that they are all Bayelsans, so they must the feel the pulse of the people in circumstances like this.

The former commissioner, who disclosed that the flood has also taken over his Yenagoa home, hence the reason for his persistence that the items must get to those affected.

He also sent relief materials to other Yenagoa extended camps of Zarama, Biseni, Ikarama and other surrounding communities in the area.

In his reaction, Director for Information, Bayelsa State Emergency Agency, Mr. Aziowei Ayii, commended the team for the show of love and assistance to the displaced persons in the camp, adding that all measures to ensure only the affected persons get the items is been employed and followed.

While taking the team roung the camp, he explained that over a thousand displaced persons have been relocated since the beginning of the camping, adding that every process from donations, distribution, feeding and security is been documented to avoid discrepancies and controversies.

He also gave the records of pregnant women who gave birth at the camp, and said their children are in good conditions.

He noted that the medical teams are working round the clock to ensure the people get adequate health services, adding that all the items are kept in a safe place.

On the issue of uncomfortable place for sleeping by some of the refugees, he said government has made enough provision for the persons but what they do is hide most of the things collected to get more.

He said, “We are doing all to ensure every material received is shared amongst all the camps effectively.

We have a profiling list of every material brought and the number of IDPs in the camp.

“They have coordinators who are in charge of the different groups.

Like you can see people bringing monies. I direct that the monies are given to the nursing mothers directly in order to avoid controversies.

“The state government is doing so much to ensure that their stay here is safe.

We have the medical team around who attends to them all. We also commend other donors for their support in coming to the aid of the flood victims,” he added.

Meanwhile.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has assured the victims of flood disaster in Bayelsa and Rivers states that the Federal Government will stand by them and make sure their needs are provided.

Speaking on what the federal government intend to do, Osinbajo said, “ It is the duty of the Federal Government and State government to ensure that we provide help and succour for you”.

The Vice President gave the assurance in Yenegoa on Friday during his inspection visit of flooded areas in Bayelsa and Rivers State.

He told the flood victims

Continued on page 5

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, during the Vice Presidents’ visit to assess the impact of the flood in Bayelsa State at the IDPs Camp, Igbogene, Yenagoa...on Friday.

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (right) welcoming former Anambra State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, when the latter paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Enugu... on Friday.

Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi (middle) presenting the instrument of accenssion on UN Convention on Road Traffic personally signed by President Mohammadu Buhari to Mr Santiago Villalpando, United Nations Chief Treaty Section Office of Legal Affairs (left). With him is Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, Minister at the Nigeria Mission to UN in New York.

Secretary, Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), Dr Mohammed Dikwa, addressing journalists as leader of Federal Government delegation to assess the ongoing verification exercise of Nigeria Airways Limited ex-workers in Kano centre.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

5 News

Suspended NHIS boss dares Governing Council, resumes work We stand by our decision – Council

Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Suspended Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Prof.

Usman Yusuf, has defied the directive of the Governing Council of the scheme, asking him to proceed on ‘indefinite’ suspension.

Yusuf was suspended by the governing council on Thursday, following his alleged involvement in fraud, insurbodination, criminal breach of Procurement Act, self-aggrandisement, and arbitrariness among other offences.

But the suspended NHIS boss was however driven into his office at the Jabi headquarters of the NHIS at about 10am on Friday. As at the time of filing this report in the evening of Friday, sources said he was still working in the office.

The Daily Times also gathered on Friday that the matter had been taken to the Federal Ministry of Health.

Specifically, the Permanent Secretary, Abdullahi Mashi, was allegedly contacted by the ES over the suspension.

Mashi allegedly told him to interpret the NHIS law if the Governing Council has power to suspend him.

A source at the NHIS, who spoke in confidence, told the Daily Times last night that, “He was told to interpret the NHIS law, if the Governing Council has power to suspend him.

“Prof Yusuf has a lot of petitions against him from the public as noted by the Governing Council on Thursday

before suspending him, which the Council said should be investigated by the administrative panel set up to probe him.

“As a civil servant, he cannot remain in office while he is being probed. He was given only three months to step aside. He should abide by that decision, except his hands are not clean.”

Incidentally, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, had suspended Yusuf in June 2018 over similar allegations while he was being probed over alleged N919 million fraud at the time.

But President Muhammadu Buhari reinstated him in February this year just as the presidential action attracted condemnations from Nigerians who saw his reinstatement as a huge dent on the President’s anti-corruption crusade.

Nothing was later heard of the probe after his reinstatement.

But there were insinuations on Friday that the Presidency might overrule the Governing Council as it did to the Health Minister.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the governing council, Dr. Enyantu Ifenne, told our correspondent on Friday in a text message that the council stood by its decision, insisted that should President Buhari receive just ‘a tenth’ of Yusuf’s alleged misdeeds, he would sack him immediately.

Ifenne stated this while reacting to allegation that the Presidency might overrule the council’s stand.

She said, “Let those who hide under cover of the Presidency to protect corruption know that Nigerians are keenly watching. I am convinced that if President Buhari is fully briefed about a tenth of Yusuf atrocities, he would throw him out! The truth, like health, has no colour, no tribe and no religion and no social class…The council stands by its decision.”

The Governing Council had on Thursday while addressing journalists, announced Yusuf’s suspension.

The NHIS Coucil chairperson had said: “The council has met. We have been inundated with petitions. We also observed some executive infractions that we cannot ignore, especially in administration that is committed to transparency and accountability like Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“So, with detailed examination or review of some of these documents, the council has made some landmark decisions. The first decision is that we have resolved to constitute and administrative panel of investigation immediately to examine the issues at stake.

“This administrative panel has three months to complete its assignment and report back to council to decide on way forward. Also, council resolved that executive-secretary, NHIS, Prof.

Usman Yusuf, is suspended indefinitely.

The reason is to allow the panel unencumbered, unfettered space to do a thorough investigation”.

Our harrowing ordeal at IDP camp Continued from page 3 that the Buhari administration would not only give succour to them now while at the Internally Displaced Persons’ camp, “but more importantly when you have to go back home, because that resettlement is the most important part of it.”

The Vice President further said, “I have already been told that some people still need mattresses, nets and all that. Happily, the Director General of NEMA is here and we will make sure that is provided. As for the cows and the meat, we will also look for a way of providing that because we cannot have rice, garri and beans without meat, there must also be

Some children of the victims at the camp

meat,” Osinbajo further assured.

“You are alive and well here already, at least you have something to eat and drink, but the most important thing is what happens when you leave here and go back home where you have already lost so much, there we hope we would be able to give you as much support as is possible.

“One of my many prayers is that the Lord God Almighty would help and uphold you and even after all of this, you’d be truly blessed in the mighty name of Jesus.

“Let me thank very much, the very Reverend Joseph Okplema, the Vicar General of this parish.

“This is a wonderful thing

you have done; I think you have shown what it is that we as Christian leaders must do, which is to take care of those who need care at any point in time. You have done so without caring where they are from. I think this is commendable indeed, and we thank the Lord for this initiative that you have taken, and I’m sure that the Lord God, who has seen your heart, will bless you and all of the sisters and others supporting you here.

“When we were coming here from Port Harcourt, we flew over many of the areas that have been flooded, and we saw first hand, how bad the damage is, very terrible indeed. Many homes are under water, farmland and businesses, and I was able to see, clearly what had happened, it is a very major disaster indeed.

“This is one of the reasons why I’m here; I’m not here alone, I’m with the Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril and also the DG of NEMA – National Emergency Management Agency, Engr. Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja to assess for ourselves, what exactly is goings on. We want to know how bad it is, how many victims there are, the nature and extent of the disaster, so we can advise properly and give you the kind of comfort and succour you need. So that is why we are here and I am very happy that I have been able to see for myself,” the Vice President added.

Ooni of Ife and his new wife, Morenike

At last, Ooni of Ife unveils 25-year-old prophetess as new wife The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Friday, unveiled his new wife, Queen Morenike Naomi Oluwaseyi.

The new Queen, 25, a prophetess, is the Founder/ President of En-Heralds, an interdenominational ministry based in Akure, Ondo State.

She started public ministry at the age of 18 and became a fulltime evangelist in October 2011.

The monarch, who made the announcement through his social media platforms, praised her for her beauty, uniqueness and royal qualities and most especially, the fear of God she has.

The revered royal father said: “I waited patiently upon the Almighty, the King of kings, he eventually did it in the midst of many trials.

“Shilekunola, Moronke, Naomi; the greatest Arsenal

you can apply on this highly revered throne with many rules and regulations in the midst of undiluted tradition, heritage and culture is the “Fear of God in You”, which is the beginning of your wisdom on this throne of Oduduwa.

“You are welcome home, my beautiful and adorable queen.’’

Oba Ogunwusi was previously married to Queen Zaynab OtitiObanor.

Queen Zaynab confirmed the end of her 17-month-old marriage to the monarch with an official statement on her instagram handle.

Her post partly read: “What I can confirm is that the Ooni and I are no more. I inhale love and exhale gratitude. My journey continues as a humanitarian aiding women and victims of domestic violence & abuse with the United Nations.

IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu is alive, sighted in Israel Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

There are indications that the missing leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is alive and has been reportedly sighted in Israel.

This cheering news was dropped by his younger brother, Emmanuel, who told newsmen last Friday that the family received the news through an online video shared by one Castro Nkume.

Emmanuel Kanu, who spoke through a phone interview from Umuahia, said the Deputy Director of IPOB, Uche Ejiofor, has confirmed and authenticated the video clip that the man seen in the video was the IPOB leader, Kanu.

The whereabouts of Kanu

and his parents had remained unknown since their family house was allegedly invaded by soldiers on September 14, 2017, during the operation Python Dance II in the South East zone that claimed many lives and property.

The entire residents of their Isiama Afaraukwu community, as well as IPOB members entered into wild jubilation when they received the news that Kanu is still alive.

Emma, however, said the family had yet to receive information concerning the whereabouts of Kanu’s parents, stating, “I can confirm to you that the person in the video is Kanu. He was praying in the video that we saw. We are happy that he is still alive and we will try to establish communication with him”.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

2019: Submit unauthorised names, Short News Abia market women, groups support go to jail, PDP warns impostors Gov Ikpeazu’s second term bid Tunde Opalana, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned in strong term that it will take legal action against person or group from any of its state chapters that attempt to submit names of party candidates outside those submitted officially to the Independent National Electoral Commission Thursday night in Abuja.

The party said it has officially submitted names of its candidates for National Assembly elections to INEC ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The party noted with disdain moves by certain individuals to illegally submit authorized names

from some purported primaries by dissident elements, notably in Ogun State.

Apparently referring to the Buruji Kashamu led faction of the PDP in Ogun State, PDP national publicity secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement on Friday said “the PDP is aware that such elements forged and sold various fake nomination forms, and cornered the proceeds for their selfish gains.

“Those who unwittingly bought these fake nomination forms did not pass through the due process of screening and did not participate in primaries as officially conducted by the Electoral Committee set up by the National Working Committee.

“The conduct of primaries and submission of names of candidate remain in the purview of the

National Working Committee. Any other purported primaries by any state chapter or any other level of the party is absolutely illegal and of no consequence.

“The PDP therefore warned, in the strongest possible term, that anybody who attempts to present any name from such illegal primaries as candidate of our party will face arrest and prosecution for forgery and stealing of funds derived from sale of fake nomination forms”.

He said that the National Working Committee therefore urged all PDP members and the general public to be calm as the rule of law shall be strictly adhered to, particularly in all processes in its participation in the 2019 general elections.

Prince Nwankwo, Umuahia Abia state market women and pro groups numbering over 400 women, on Friday, trooped to the Abia state government house to show their support for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s second term bid in 2019 gubernatorial elections.

The women who came from the 17 local government areas of Abia state arrived government house around 12pm in the afternoon in their different buses, carrying placards with inscriptions like: “Okezie Ikpeazu carry go’’, “One good turn deserves another’’, Ikpeazu Chiri Gawa, Ochichi gi di nma’’, etc. They were also chanting “Okezie ka anyi ga-eso, ma o na-ejeje ma o ga-abia ozo, Okezie ka anyi ga-eso’’.

The women were welcomed at the Michael Opara Auditorium, government house by the wife of the state governor, Deconess Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, who addressed them. She thanked them for coming and promised that she will continue to support her husband to make sure that he did not only do well for Abians, but also integrate women in his good governance.

Speaking to Daily Times correspondent, Mrs. Charity Onumeme, leader of one of the pro groups said, that the governor is doing well, so he deserves to continue for the next four years as the governor of the state.

Ooni disowns “Outreach Foundation” The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwunsi Ojaja II, has dissociated himself from the activities of a group called “Ooni Outreach Foundation”.

Ooni distanced himself from the group described as “faceless’’ in a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs his palace, Mr Moses Olafare, on Friday, in Ile-Ife. Olafare said the disclaimer became necessary due to reports the palace received on fraudulent activities of unscrupulous individuals who had been swindling the public under the guise of representing the Arole Oodua.

He said the royal father had no link with “Ooni Outreach Foundation” or any other group claiming to be raising funds to care for the needy.

The palace spokesman listed authentic associations belonging to the Ooni’s palace as “House of Oduduwa Foundation” and “Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI)”.

He advised the public to verify from the palace any claim made by any other outfit beside the listed two before giving out donations.

Olaife gave “Instagram: @ooniadimulaife; Twitter: @ooniadimulaife; Facebook: Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi – Ojaja II (@ooniadimulaife) as social media platforms personal to the Ooni.

Property tussle: Anambra Govt bans church services in public schools R-L: Yetunde Faulkner, Head of Commercial, Renmoney, receiving Renmoney’s ‘Award for Excellence in Microfinance’ from Mohammed Dabai Suleyman, Director, FSS 2020, Central Bank of Nigeria, while Folasade Femi-Lawal, Head, Card Business, First Bank, looks on; at the New Age Banking Summit held in Lagos...on Friday.

Peter Obi, iconic son of Igboland - Gov Ugwuanyi *My VP candidacy about Ndigbo, Nigerians, not me, says Obi

Moses Oyediran, Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State on Friday played host to the Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi, describing him as an iconic son of Igboland, who has distinguished himself creditably in private and public dealings as a successful businessman and twoterm former Governor of Anambra State.

Governor Ugwuanyi, who described the PDP vice Presidential Candidate as a formidable and trusted party man, warmly welcomed him and his entourage to the Government House, Enugu.

The governor noted that Enugu is a PDP state and appreciated the people of the state for the massive support they gave the party in 2015, expressing confidence that with their endorsement, the 2019 election will also end in praise.

He therefore, used the opportunity

to congratulate the entire PDP family on the party’s “very successful and peaceful convention in Port Harcourt”.

Earlier in his speech, Mr. Obi told the governor that he was at the Government House to consult him and seek the usual support of the state, stressing that his candidacy was not about him “as Peter Obi” but the people of the Igbo nation and Nigerians at large.

The PDP Vice Presidential candidate, who was accorded a warm reception at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, by the state government delegation and other teeming supporters of the PDP led by the party’s Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Festus Uzor, expressed delight that “this is the first time in my political life that I am welcomed at the airport”.

While applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for his giant development strides in Enugu State, Obi pointed out that the success of his nomination depends on the leaders of the South East geo-political

zone, pledging to bring meaningful development to the zone such as the Enugu – Onitsha expressway, when elected into office.

His words: “So for me this nomination is about our own area. We can’t continue to say we are not getting this or that or we are marginalized. These are some of the opportunities to re-address whatever we think is not in our positions.

“I have served as governor, so people know a bit of my record. I am here to say to you (Ugwuanyi), I remain one of you. Everybody knows that I believe in Enugu. I believe this is our capital and it remains so.

“Your Excellency, that is why I am here. I need your support and that of all of you. I assure that it is all about us and Nigerians, not about Peter Obi”.

The Vice Presidential candidate later visited the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who welcomed him and noted how “extremely happy” he was to have him in audience at his residence in Enugu.

The Anambra Government, on Friday, banned religious bodies from using either public schools or its facilities, to conduct religious services across the state.

The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Don Adinuba, announced the ban in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha.

Adinuba said the ban became imperative because of the ongoing seeming ownership tussle of Bishop Crowder Memorial School, Onitsha, being contested between the state and the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion.

The Church, through its legal Secretary, Mr Tabugbo Anaeto, is laying ownershipof the school.

Members of the Anglican Church recently staged a peaceful protest and subsequently released a statement, accusing the state government of its alleged refusal from allowing it to assume ownership of its property.

Anaeto, in a statement, alleged that the state government had refused to make public the report of the fact finding committee on the ownership of the school set up by former Gov. Peter Obi. But the commissioner dismissed the allegation, saying that the school, established by government during the colonial era, had been operated since then by the state government till date.

Foundation offers HIV/AIDS care services to 1m Nigerians AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a Non-Governmental Organisation, on Friday said it has achieved a remarkable milestone of providing HIV and AIDS medical care and services to more than 1 million patients globally.

Advocacy and Marketing Manager AHF, Mr Steve Aborisade, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said the foundation is the largest AIDS organisation operating in 41 countries worldwide.

“AHF is honoured to announce that it has surpassed a remarkable milestone in its history from the start of this month.

“AHF is now providing HIV and AIDS medical care and services to 1,004,228 patients worldwide including Africa, United States, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean and Asia.

“AHF Africa, Nigeria inclusive, leads the way, with over 500,000 patients in care in 13 African nations of the 41 countries globally that AHF operates in,’’ he said.

Mr Michael Weinstein, AHF’s President, expressed excitement at the most momentous achievement in the 31 years history of AHF. He added that it was an achievement proudly shared by many dedicated staff, board members, partner organisations, volunteers, families, friends and patients.

“Just three short years ago, we marked 500,000 patients in care, to now reach over twice that number, 1million lives, is simply incredible.

“I congratulate and thank all who helped us reach this remarkable milestone today, also to remind people that there is still much more work to be done.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

7 News

Senate bemoans massive fraud in Hajj Short News residents lament over operation, asks EFCC to probe NAHCON Ilorin electricity blackout Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Senate has bemoaned fraudulent atrocities endemic in the yearly holy pilgrimage hajj operation to Saudi Arabia.

The Senate Ad- Hoc Committee on Accommodation, Logistics, Feeding, Onshore and Offshore of the Nigeria Pilgrims, on Thursday indicted the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for massive frauds in Hajj operation and consequently recommended sanctioning of the Commission by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant agencies for alleged violation of relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and even some provisions of NAHCON establishment Act .

The committee in a report presented by its Chairman, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC Kebbi Central), to the Senate at plenary alleged that annually NAHCON and the State Pilgrims Welfare Board (SPWB) sponsor outrageous number of officials to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from revenue generated from pilgrims

and funds from state governments.

According to the report, the N1.4 million charged for hajj fare this year was inflated to the tune of about N400,000.00 on each pilgrim.

The report stated: “That the National and state officials ‘ roles of Medicals, Media, Ulamas and Guides often overlap with one another.

“That in many cases, relatives and cronies of NAHCON and SPWBs ‘ Executives were sponsored in the name of officials just to enable them perform the Hajj with fees paid by ordinary Nigerians “That NAHCON officials are reluctant to pursue matters that affects the general welfare of the Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as clearly evidence in their failure to pursue the payment of compensation of some families of the victims of the 2015 crane and stampede tragedies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.

Consequently the committee recommended thus: “That NAHCON should immediately constitute proper procurement planning committee in line with Public Procurement Act, 2007.

“That all unnecessary charges by NAHCON and SPWB, such as administrative charge, Hajj

Development Levy (N5,000) , Yellow card, Registration forms, SPWB administrative charges and other charges should be stopped immediately “That the National Assembly should immediately commence amending the NAHCON and Utility charges commission Acts to bring them to be in conformity with present day realities “That number of days for the accommodation in Madina should be reduced from 75 days to only 40 days.

“That number of bed spaces in Madina should also be reduced to 20,000 from 24, 000 as currently and bogusly contracted.

“That the monumental fraud associated with the provision of accommodation in Madina through subletting of bed spaces and other procured services rendered by the commission between 2015 and 2018 should be investigated fully by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“That the 2019 Hajj fare should not be above N1m under whatever circumstances.

However the Senate at the committee of the whole, couldn’t consider the entire report but resolved to revisit it next week.

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Residents in parts of llorin, the kwara capital, on Friday said they were going through undue hardship without electricity since over a month now.

Our correspondent, reports that the affected areas which are in the llorin West Local Government Area of the state include Baboko Alore, Adabata Pakata and Oloje among others.

Their Spokesman, Alhaji Ismail Alada, told our correspondent, that the total blackout had crippled social and economic activities in these areas.

He pleaded with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to replace the damaged electricity power breakers in some areas in order to restore power so that business activities would continue.

Alada said that the situation was becoming unbearable for some residents as a result of power outage.

He alleged that some suspected hoodlums had taken advantage of the power outage to attack some residents and carted away their belongings.

LASTMA deploys special squad to tackle Apapa gridlock The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it has deployed a special squad to tackle the unending gridlock that has locked down Apapa and other areas of Lagos.

The persistent lockdown has made observers to question the ability of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration, to handle the log-jam, which has lingered for years.

The state government has made declarations from time to time on handling the situation but the problem keeps getting worse, compounding the problems of Nigeria’s commercial hub.

The Public Relations Officer of LASTMA, Mr Hassan Mahmoud, told a NAN correspondent on Friday in Lagos that the management of LASTMA deployed the special squad to work with a taskforce already handling the traffic.

Mahmoud said that more officers from other zonal operations of LASTMA had also been deployed to team up with others managing traffic in the Apapa axis.

“We have dedicated more patrol vehicles and also deployed men from other zones to team up with our men working in that axis.

2019: APC chieftain urges women to support female candidates

L-R: State Project Coordinator, ActionAid Nigeria, Charles Durojaye; Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Kingsley Ehigiamusor; Sustainable Mechanism for Improving Livelihood and Household Empowerment (SMILE) Chief of Party, Dr. Emeka Anoje; representative of Edo State Governor and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Stella-Maris Imasuen, cutting the cake at the SMILE project dissemination meeting, in Benin City, Edo State.

Army hands over 680,000 adulterated diesel, kerosene to EFCC The Nigerian Army has seized over 680,000 litres of adulterated diesel, kerosene and “black oil,” an official said.

Brig.-Gen. Sunday Igbinomwahia, Chief of Staff of Nigerian Army 6 Division Port Harcourt, spoke at a formal handover of 17 trucks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Igbinomwahia said that the products, if supplied to the public may have led to explosions and possible deaths.

He explained that the trucks and petroleum products were seized after troops raided an abandoned compound formerly used by Union Dicot Salt Company in Port Harcourt.

According to him, illegal bunkers used the illegal refining facility to store and deliver substandard petroleum products to unsuspecting users.

“The 17 trucks had been in our custody since

Oct. 2 it was seized to enable investigators to determine the authenticity of the petroleum products.

“Our investigators after carrying out thorough preliminary investigation on the matter came to the conclusion that the petroleum products were illegally refined.

Igbinomwanhia said each truck was loaded with about 40,000 litres of adulterated petroleum products awaiting distribution to the public before there seizure.

The officer said the seizure was made by the division’s Special Company that was specifically set up to checkmate activities of illegal bunkers in the state.

“We have concluded our preliminary investigation, and as such, the trucks and other exhibits will be handed over to EFFC for further probe of the case.

“The division is in forefront of fighting

criminals who are hell bent to sabotage the nation’s economy through there illegal bunkering and vandalism of pipelines,” he said.

Igbinomwanhia said the division’s special task force had so far seized over 300 suspected illicit trucks and vehicles that were currently in different stages of investigation.

Receiving the trucks and products, Mr Abdulhamid Bawa, Head of Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Management Directorate of the anti-graft agency, said the commission would conduct speedy investigation into the matter.

“The petroleum products will be sent to the Department of Petroleum Resources to determine if the product is genuine or adulterated.

“If the product is genuine, then there is no case; but if found to be illegally refined then the owners of the trucks would be arraigned in court,” he assured.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader in Enugu State, Mrs Oby Nwofor, has urged women to ensure the success of female candidates irrespective of party affiliations.

Nwofor made the call in an interview with journalists in Enugu on Friday.

The woman leader said that women needed to support their own in the 2019 general elections to increase their number in decision making positions.

Two women in the state chapter of the APC including the Special Adviser to the President on Judicial Reform Sector, Mrs Juliet IbekakuNwagwu won nominations to contest the forthcoming general elections.

According to her, Ibekaku-Nwagwu’s impressive credentials and doggedness should be able to defeat the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu and represent Enugu West Senatorial District in 2019.

She described the successes of Ibekaku-Nwagwu and other female aspirants on the platform of APC as “significant” in the just concluded party primaries, adding that the women wing of the party was proud of their performances.

NAFOWA empowers 100 youths, widows in skills acquisition in Niger The Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA), says it has empowered another batch of 100 youths and widows of deceased personnel through its Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Programme, in Kainji, Niger.

Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Daramola said that the closing ceremony, which took place at the NAF Base Kainji, witnessed the presentation of certificates and provision of starter packs to the 100 beneficiaries who completed the 10-week training.

He said that during the ceremony, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, noted that skills acquisition and vocational training were means to ensure financial independence, self reliance, prosperity and personal development.

Abubakar stated that the empowerment of the youths and widows would make the home stable and enhance the commitment of personnel to the discharge of their duties.

He said the graduating students were now better positioned to start their own businesses and could, hopefully, become job creators.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

Rivers CJ urges FG to improve prison condition Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara, has called on the Federal Government to improve the condition of the nation’s prisons and take steps to create spaces in the corrective centres.

Speaking during a review session of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) at the Port Harcourt Prisons on Friday, Justice IyayeLaminkanra commended the efforts of the Federal Government to decongest the prisons.

She stated that the Rivers State Government had also taken steps to

de-congest prisons in the state and informed that last year, Governor Wike paid fines for over 200 inmates who thereafter regained their freedom.

“Last year, I went on jail delivery to Port Harcourt and other prisons and I released about 80 in-mates who are deserving of the gesture.

This year by November, I intend to embark on prisons delivery in the state,” she said.

Also, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (PACPM) reviewed cases of convicted in-mates at the Port Harcourt Federal Prisons.

The committee conducted the review process in the presence of the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice

Adama Iyaye-Laminkanra and the Solicitor-General of Rivers State, Mrs Florence Fiberesima.

The Committee Leader, Mr. Williams Alo, commended the Rivers State Government and the State Judiciary for the cooperation that made the review process possible.

He lauded the Chief Judge of Rivers State for her outstanding commitment to the administration of justice, which has made Rivers State a national reference point.

According to him, the committee was an administrative panel established to assist the President in the discharge of his responsibility of granting pardon to deserving persons and ex-convicts as provided in the constitution.

Short News Council of Oba in Diaspora warns Gani Adams Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin The Council of Yoruba Oba in a Diaspora, an association of Yoruba traditional rulers on Friday warned the Aare Onokakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams to desist from ridiculing the traditional institution.

The Council in a statement by its secretary, Mr Olukunle Akanbi said that Adams’ unguided utterances were capable of dragging the institutions both in Nigeria and abroad into the mud.

The statement made available to the Daily Times, in Ilorin on Friday said that Gani Adams needed to be educated about the ways and manners the Obas in Diaspora were promoting the images of Yoruba and Nigeria by extension.

The Daily Times, reports that the Council was reacting to Adams’ condemnation of Oba title abroad.

The statement blamed the recently installed Aree Onakakanfo for creating disunity and problem among Yoruba in Nigeria and in Diaspora, wondered when he became the spokesman for the Yoruba traditional council in Nigeria.

APC receives PDP defectors in Bayelsa Akam James, Yenagoa No fewer than four thousand members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Bayelsa state, on Friday, were received by the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The defectors who were largely from various communities from Southern- Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, were received at the Party Headquarters, in Yenagoa.

The former Governor of the state and leader of the APC in the state, Chief, Timipre Sylva, while receiving the defectors, said, after the recent primaries of the party in the state, some persons thought we will never be more united but to their greatest surprise we are moving for victory.

We are ready to show Bayelsans, Nigerians and the entire world that the state belongs to APC, adding that the forth coming election will be different from the last one where the party lost through the handiwork of INEC.

Power tussle grounds Adamawa Polytechnic Tom Garba, Yola

Secretary, Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), Dr Mohammed Dikwa, addressing journalists as leader of federal government delegation to assess the ongoing verification exercise of former Nigerian Airways Limited workers in Kano centre.

2019: Women urged to participate in active politics Yakubu Salisu, Kano A Kano State based Non Governmental Organization, (NGO) Democratic Action Group (DAG), has charged women to actively engage in politics by ensuring that, more women are voted into key-political positions in the forthcoming general elections.

The Executive Director of the Group, Dr Mohammed Mustapha, made the call Yesterday in Kano during a two-day Workshop for Women in Political Parties on Gender, Anti-corruption and Accountability.

According to him, active participation of women in politics would reduce marginalization of women folk in decision making which has always limited their opportunities in the society and country at large.

He said, women make up the largest number of voters when it comes to elections worldwide, but that their continual denial into political offices has become a thing of concern to stakeholders.

Mustapha, called on the women to unite for the development of democracy in the state and the country at large pointing out that no politician in the country ever made it without the support of the women.

Speaking during the occasion, Executive Director, Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF) Mrs Mufuliat Fijabi, stressed the need for women to come out and partake in politics in view of the significant roles they play in the society.

She said women are the backbone of every society as such, more opportunities should be accorded to them to enable them participate in matters of governance and decision making.

The workshop which saw large turnout of various stakeholders was organised by Democratic Action Group (DAG), the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund (NWTF) and funded by MacArthur Foundation.

Academic and administrative activities in the Adamawa state Polytechnic, Yola SPY, is gradually being grounded as the Rector and the Registrar, two principal officers of the institution engaged in power tussle.

Sources within the institution revealed that unless urgent steps are taken by the Adamawa state Government, to resolve the faceoff between the duo, the institution might be forced to be closed down as all ancillary services have virtually stopped.

The Rector, Professor Ibrahim Umar, who was recently appointed by the state Government, was believed to have ran in to troubled waters with the Registrar, Hajia Mariya Adamu Nyako, when , he sought and got approval from the polytechnic governing council to effect a change of the signatories to the institutions account removing the Registrar as one of the signatories.

The source further disclosed that the Rector was forced to streamline the signatories to the various bank accounts of the institution following disclosure in a management meeting that over N28 million was missing from one of the accounts, which holds students departmental fees and charges, and in which only the Registrar and the Bursar are the signatories.

POWA President, Asta Idris, fetes IDPs in Edo, donates relief materials Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ohogua Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, were treated to fun sessions in Benin City by the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), led by the National President and wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris.

Explaining the reason for their visit, Mrs. Ibrahim Idris said: “As responsible wives and mothers who feel the pains and impact of your displacement from your homes, we owe you a duty to visit you and put smiles on your faces.”

The POWA President who donated 100 mattresses’, 100 pillowcases, 100 bags of rice, 100 buckets, 10 cartons of washing soap, 100 cartons of bathing soap, 10 cartons of body cream and two bales of clothes to the IDPs, said the gesture would ameliorate the hardship experienced by the IDPs as a result of the activities of insurgents that displaced families and forced them to seek shelter in the camps.

She commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for ensuring that the displaced persons are catered for, adding, “It is my hope and prayer that more Nigerians and institutions of government will make more commitment towards alleviating the sufferings of people living in IDP camps.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

Minimum Wage: FG cautions Labour ...Insist on ability to pay workers’ salaries

Idu Jude, Abuja The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has again emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford rounds of labour crisis, hence, the imperative for the organized labour to accept a new National Minimum Wage figure based on the capacity and the ability of both the government and the private sector to pay in line with social dialogue and the overall interest of the nation.

Senator Ngige who gave the charge while he received the new Director General (DG) of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Mr. Timothy Olawale and his predecessor, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, appealed to NECA to weigh its influence on the organized labour to accede to the new National Minimum Wage figure mutually agreeable to all the social partners.

“We need to arrive at a figure which the employers can afford to pay as an employee cannot fix a figure for the employer. Rather,

it must be based on collective bargaining and mutual agreement by the tripartite partners. It is not a function of moving motions or voting at the National Tripartite Negotiation committee to insist that the figure must be as the Organized Labour appears to make it look,” Ngige said.

“There is absolutely therefore no need to heat up the polity. The government’s proposed new Minimum Wage figure is clearly based on critical facts and indices incapable of causing disequilibrium in the economy or upturning the national social order,” the Minister argued.

He further charged the new NECA boss to exceed the impressive record of his predecessor.

“You have enormous task ahead of you.

The need for the establishment of more NECA offices across the country cannot be over emphasized so that more employers association can register with you. This is in line with the focus of our labour administration as well as in tandem with the economic policies of the present administration. The numerous private sector employers who are informal need to be brought on board the formalized private sector employers’ body”

The Minister urged him to ensure that numerous private sector employers who are members of NECA as well as those not yet registered but are defaulting in payment of even the existing National Minimum Wage of N18, 000 are made to comply with the law.

Ngige also commended the efforts of the immediate past (DG) Olusegun Oshinowo for contributing immensely to industrial peace and harmony in the private sector and at ensuring that Nigeria was brought back to the Governing Board of the ILO employer section.

Speaking earlier, the immediate past (DG) of NECA, Olusegun Oshinowo said the new (DG) Timothy Olawale was the best man to take over the mantle of leadership, noting that since the formation of the Association, a (DG) was for the first time sourced from the organization. He further commended the Minister for his open door policy despite opposing positions they have had to take on issues in the past.

In his remarks, the new DG thanked the Minister for the privilege of the courtesy visit and promised to match up the feat of his predecessor.

9 News

Short News Court remands 14 female naked dancers in Birnin Kebbi Haruna Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi A magistrate court in Birnin Kebbi has remanded in prison custody 14 female naked dancers.

The court was presided over by magistrate Halima Abubakar.

The suspects were arraigned by Yakubu Goje, who told the court that the naked female dancers were caught by the police under a bridge with some substance suspected to be alcohol or syrup taken by youths.

They were charged with disturbing public peace and exposing immoral conduct at the expense of the public.

The ruling further said that, the suspects smashed the police van therefore will remain in prison custody for further hearing of the case.

1 dies, another sustains injury in Imo Prince Nwankwo, Owerri Luck could not shine on a young man popularly known as “Mba’’, who worked in the day time as tout, at Aguneze junction and Afor Ogbe area, as he was trying to steal a generating set at a welder’s shop.

Mba, was practically loosing the big generator with his tools, around 3am in the morning Thursday, October 18, when the vigilante group on duty saw him. On sighting them, he ran away but they shot him on his legs, and caught him. He was held by the vigilante group till 6am in the morning when the Ahiazu Mbaise police officers came with their hilux van and took him to a nearby hospital.

When Daily Times reporter arrived the scene, many people there, identified the young man as “Mba’’ whose real name is Donald Chikaodi.

The owner of the shop, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwaru said, the machine is the only valuable thing he has in his shop; he thanked the vigilante group for their efforts in apprehending the thief.

In another development, a young man, Julius, was offloading a trailer loaded with cement around 12noon on Thursday October 18, at Umuariam Obowo L.G.A when fainted and collapsed. He was rushed to the nearest hospital, but few hours later, he died. His colleagues said, he had complained of hunger but they didn’t consider it a serious issue.

Non-registration, renewal of licences hamper NAFDAC activities in Taraba Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

Guest lecturer, Prof. Ifeanyi Onyeonoru (left) delivering lecture at a work shop for media practitioners on how to hold government accountable in Lagos…on Friday.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

Abia govt gives EFCC nod to investigate female staff, son over fraud, stealing Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia Following an invitation to some Staff of Abia State Ministry of Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abia State Government says, the invitation to the State Commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku was to shed light on some of the issues raised by the petitioner.

The staff are: Mrs. Charity Ukonu of the Audit Department of the Abia State Civil Service and her son, Mr. Chinenye Victor Ukonu.

In a petition to the EFCC titled “A case of fraud and stealing of State/Public funds by Mrs. Charity N. Ukonu and Mr. Chinenye V. Ukonu; civil servants and staff of State Audit Department and Bureau of Statistics of Abia State Civil Service respectively” by a serving staff of Abia State Civil Service Commission, Barr. Guy Chigoziri Okite, who is a Commissioner in the commission, alleged that Charity Ukonu and her crony and son, Chinenye Ukonu used her office as a member of a purported State Salary Enhancement and Audit Committee to defraud, embezzle and to steal monies from the State/ Public funds designated for salaries.

However, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the state Commissioner for Information, who disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists in Umuahia added that all the staff invited by the EFCC work in the payroll unit of the state ministry of finance.

According to him, “The administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has zero tolerance for corruption and has long been adjudged the most transparent in the country. We therefore welcome scrutiny by relevant agencies of the State into our transactions, within the ambit of the law.

“The thrust of the ongoing investigation is centred on the 2017 annual report of the State audit team with the contentious issue already withdrawn by the same audit unit when presented with relevant facts concerning their observations.

“Governor Ikpeazu expects all employees of the government to carry out their official functions with the highest level of transparency, professionalism and also be prepared to give account to relevant institutions and the people of the state upon demand.

“We expect officials of EFCC to conduct their investigation professionally, in line with their constitutional mandate and those found

culpable punished according to the law”.

Barr Okite had in part written “Sir, having exhausted several means of trying to call Mrs. Charity N. Ukonu to order or check her excesses, like bringing complaints personally to the Commissioner for Finance, officially bringing complaints to the Chairman and fellow members of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, bringing complaints to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, and even complaining to the office of the Auditor General of the State and all of which complaints yielded no positive outcome. All of whom confirm that Charity Ukonu is out of control and this makes me afraid of her boasts.

“I therefore bring this case of stealing and embezzlement to your office knowing that you work with integrity and without fear or favour.

I know also that your office has done everything to show that you cannot be compromised. I crave you therefore, to use your good offices to do a careful and thorough investigation with the facts I have hereinabove presented to you including the documents herein attached and the quoted bank account statements of the duo of Mrs. Charity N. Ukonu and Mr. Chinenye V. Ukonu. Your deep and thorough investigation shall reveal more”.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that its operations in Taraba State were halted as a result of non compliance by business men and women in the State to register their products.

The NAFDAC State Controller, Muyideen Suleiman stated this while briefing the Media in Jalingo, the State capital.

Suleiman who expressed dismay over what he met on ground when he assumed office as the State Controller in 2016 said it took the mercy of series of meetings he had with Stakeholders from the State that NAFDAC was able to attain its feat presently in 2018.

“When I came here towards the end of 2016, I was not happy with what I met on ground”, “A good number of our victims were either not registered, even those who were registered refused to do the mandatory renewal of their Licences”, he said.

He added that Marketers of Agricultural and Industrial Chemicals, Marketers of Animal Medicine (Veterinary Medicine dealers) all fall under the same category.

NAFOWA empowers 151 youths in Bauchi Samuel Luka, Bauchi About 151 youths have been empowered by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA) in Bauchi state through the association’s skills acquisition and vocational training programme in Azare local government area of the state.

The National President of NAFOWA, Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar stated this at the graduation ceremony of the NAFOWA Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Programme in Azare on Tuesday.

Abubakar said the training program was conducted within 12 weeks where women and youth were trained on various skills for them to be self reliant.

According to her, the focus of the training programme was on vocational trades and skills acquisition that could easily be converted into small businesses to create steady means of income for the beneficiaries. ‘’NAFOWA’s effort is also to build capacity amongst youths and women by empowering them with necessary skills to make them self reliant”, she said.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

Alleged N1.2bn fraud: Court fixes Nov 12 for ruling on Dokpesi ‘no case submission’ Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday reserved its ruling on ‘no case submission’ made by Chief Raymond Dokpesi, and his Daar Investment and Holdings Company Limited, owner of Ray Power FM and African Independent Television (AIT) over money laundering and procurement charges involving the sum of N2.1 billion.

Dokpesi and the company are facing seven count charges that arose from the N2.1 billion payment allegedly received by Chief Dokpesi, and his company the Daar Investment and Holdings Company Limited from the office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) between January and March 2015.

Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, fixed the ruling after prosecution and defence lawyers had made their final submissions on the no-casesubmission application filed by Dokpesi.

The prosecution agency - the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on May 28, 2018 closed its case after 14 witnesses testified in Court, but Dokpesi believed the prosecution had not establish any case against him and indicated readiness to file a no-casesubmission.

At a resumed hearing on Friday, defence lawyer, Mr. Kanu Agabi asked the court to discharge Dokpesi and his company because the prosecutor failed woefully to prove any element of the offence levelled against the defendants.

Agabi posited that out of the seven-count charge, counts 1, 2, 3 and 4, bordered on money laundering.

He argued that no offence was committed by the defendants because the proceeds are legitimate.

“I submit that money in the account of National Security Adviser, and Central Bank of Nigeria are not the proceeds of crime and when it is spent for any purpose whatsoever, the NSA is not trying to launder it.

“In what manner did he obtain the money, assuming without conceding that it was proceed of crime, the essential ingredients of money laundering offence have not been established.

“A payment was made by Colonel Dasuki and his name was specifically mentioned, which implies that he was the person laundering the account.

“The accused are not the launderers but Dasuki. If the money launderer is Colonel Dasuki, are we going to condemn him behind his back, and if so, why was he not charged,” Agabi queried.

“If the objective of the prosecution is to adjudge a man guilty when he has not appeared before this court, you are not that kind of judge.

“If a witness who ought to be called by the prosecution is not called, it means that his evidence is detrimental to the prosecution.

“If you uphold these submissions, then, you must dismiss counts 6 and 7 because they are rooted in counts 1 to 4. You cannot build something on nothing” Agabi insisted.

Agabi contended that there was a fundamental inconsistency the judge must not fail to observe and that was the fact that whereas the funds starshed in CBN as stated in counts 1 to 4 are considered illegitimate, in counts 6 and 7, the same funds became legitimate for the procurement of arms.

“So, if the funds are legitimate as stated in counts 6 and 7, then, they should not be regarded as proceeds of crime, the defence lawyer submitted.

“The prosecution called 14 witnesses, and all that the PW1 said was that money was paid into the account of 2nd defendant, he did not incriminate the defendants in any way.

Agabi said the prosecution witness had testified that he made the payment at the instance of the NSA but that “since the purpose was not stated, he put the purpose by himself.

Short News 2019 Elections: IPC organises 2-day workshop for Northern journalists

Tom Garba Chiro, Yola International Press Centre (IPC) organised a two-day capacity building media workshop for political correspondents.

The workshop which drew about 40 journalists from the northern part of the country in an effort to equip them with relevant techniques to give good and balance reports on the forth coming 2019 general elections.

IPC in collaboration with EU-support to Democratic governance in Nigeria under its component 4b- support to media in making sure they give fair and good coverage to all political parties in 2019.

One of the resources persons, Prof Umaru Pate from the department of Mass communication, Bayero University, Kano talked extensively on conflicts sensitivity and avoiding hate speech as major imperatives in reporting elections ahead 2019.

He enjoined Journalists to shun all form of gratification or inducement that can tempt them to distort fact and figures during and after the 2019 elections.

According to him, journalists should develop themselves to a level that their report can be trusted by all Nigeria irrespective of where they are reporting from.

Police move to ban tinted glasses, check hidden number plates Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The Nigeria Police in a move to curb imposters, impersonators, who takes advantage of having their vehicles tinted and covering of their plate numbers to defraud the public and commit other heinous crimes, have taken a stand to ban and arrest offenders.

“The Plateau State Police Command has observed with dismay a negative trend in recent times where some individuals, politicians, government functionaries, among others cover their plate vehicle number while driving on the highway and is also rampantly abused by some misguided youths.

“Some people are also in the habit of using vehicles with tinted glasses without any authorization from the Police.

This was communicated through a press statement signed by the Plateau Police spokesman, DSP Tyopev Mathias and a copy made available to our correspondent in Jos on Friday, the Police said, the trend pose security threats especially at check points as kidnappers, armed bandits and other criminals can disguise using the above antics to beat security at any point.

The statement stated that as from Monday, adequate measures will be taken in ensuring that the directives are adhered to.

Taraba NULGE disburses N8m to 192 beneficiaries

Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

L-R: Former Secretary General, Organization of African Trade Union Unity, Mr. Owei Lakemfa; Project Manager, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Nigeria office, Mrs. Remi Ihejirika; Guest lecturer, Prof. Ifeanyi Onyeonoru; Lagos NUJ chairman, Dr. Quasim Akinreti; and Director International Press Center, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, during a work shop orgainised for the media practitioners by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Lagos...on Friday.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

No work no pay: Policy grandstanding, mark of insensitivity - COEASU Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The Colleges of Education Academic staff Union (COEASU) has described the no work no pay policy of the Federal government as grandstanding, a mark of insensitivity and irresponsibility towards the law abiding labour force of the country.

National President of COEASU, Nuhu Ogirima urge it members no to be distracted but should rather brace up for the challenges ahead, stressing that the Union would not be intimidated by the policy.

He said, “The threat should rather

strengthen our resolve that enough is enough of exploitative work. It’s no pay no work!

“So, do brace up for a prolonged battle - it is a no retreat no surrender action, for if we refused to stand for COE system now, we may not get it right again.”

This was contained in a statement released in Abuja on Friday.

Ogrima said “as we conclude the first phase of the national strike, we urge you all to be not distracted by the intimidation and threat of no work no pay.

According to him, lecturers in colleges of education have been receiving fractional and mutilated salaries for years in all federal colleges of education, especially because of the

non-inclusion of PAA. “Where salaries are paid, it is the cooperative societies’ membership subscriptions and Unions’ dues that are being used to service/ augment government allocation for salaries.

“So, if we didn’t threaten government no pay no work, why would government threaten us with no work no pay because we’re now requesting government to pay us full salary, by the strike,” he questioned.

The union said government’s disposition has only vindicated its perception that the current federal government does not care for the less privileged, whose children constitute over 90 per cent of colleges of education student population.

The Taraba State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has disbursed about N8 million welfare package to its retired and deceased members.

The ceremony, held yesterday at NULGE House, Jalingo, had in attendance the National President, Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel who lauded the efforts of the State leadership for the initiative.

Khaleel described Unionism as a way of cooperation, solidarity and sacrifice adding that members’ welfare is the top priority.

While calling on the leadership of NULGE in Taraba to keep the flag flying, Khaleel further enjoined members to remain committed at all times.

“What you have displayed today is the three components that put Unionism together” Earlier, in his address of welcome, NULGE State President, Comrade Musa Mahmood said the Scheme was in line with the Union’s provision, aimed at providing relief and succour to lessen the sufferings of its members.

Why FG is engaging foreign media, think tanks – Lai Mohammed The Federal Government says it is engaging foreign media organisations, networks and think tanks to shape their opinions on the true position of things and correct the negative narratives about the country and President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in London after an engagement with the Royal African Society, a body founded in 1990 to promote relations between the UK and Africa.

Specifically, the minister said that the engagement was to shape their minds and opinions on the true position of insurgency in the North East, farmers/herdsmen clash and the achievements recorded by the Buhari administration which were being downplayed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister arrived in London on Sunday and delivered a lecture in Chatham House, the UK-based Royal Institute of International Affairs.

He also interacted with foreign and Commonwealth Office officials, All Party Parliamentary Group and featured on Aljazeera television news hour.

The minister also met with the largest global news agency, Reuters, New African and African Business Magazines and African Report.

Mohammed said that the whole essence of the engagements was to correct the negative narratives about the country and place on the table the giant strides of the Buhari government.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Life & Times

11

Being an actress has been favourable - Queeneth Agbor Calabar born actress and media personality, Queeneth Agbor, is one of Nollywood beautiful actress whose acting prowess is commendable. Having made appearances in quite a number of movies, the Microbiology graduate from the University of Calabar is sure not leaving any stone unturned as she looks forward to producing her own movie. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, she spoke about her ideal man, journey into acting, and growing up amongst others. Enjoy…

How has the year 2018 been?

Wonderful. It’s been God all the way. I give him all the praises. I have been very busy with work. Back to back.

Which of the movie you have featured in do you consider most challenging?

I think, it should be Hooked. I had to use Ghana accent. Namaste too was quite challenging because I had to use Indian accent. I had to dedicate my time to watching zee world. Just to get their accent right. I even had to make lots of Indian friends.

What is your most memorable moment as an actress?

I have a lot oh. The recent one was I went to the gym; the receptionist stopped me and said I had a package.

Then Samsung s7 just came out. She gave it to me and said a Fan dropped this for me and asked to be anonymous.

I was scared at first but took it. However it is important to state here that been a celeb has been very favorable for me as I has open several doors of opportunities.

Any embarrassing moment?

I can’t recall any now. But sure, I know I have encountered one or two.

You added another year few weeks ago, do you worry about marriage?

Marriage ke? Far from it. For now, I’m still thinking of building my empire.

Are you in any serious relationship?

No. But I’m not searching. I am happily in love and in a serious relationship with myself. That is the best kind of relationship.

when we get to that bridge we shall cross it.

Does the size and strength of his prowess matter?

Yes it does oh. I really matters.

Have you produced a movie? Or have plans to produce any time soon?

Yes o. pretty soon. But for now, let me just keep focusing on acting.

What were the challenges you faced as a green horn in the industry?

Well, I didn’t really pass through any challenge because I started on a right foundation. I attended Royal Arts Academy which helped in putting me in the right track.

Nollywood is gradually going places, what do you think should be done to rub shoulders with the likes of Hollywood and Bollywood?

I strongly believe that very soon things will fall in place. We all can see where Genevieve Nnaji is already leading the industry to. So applauding! With time I’m sure lots of collaboration will take place between our industry and theirs.

Aside movies what else do u do?

Nothing for now but I am currently working on a project when it ripe you all will know.

How supportive were your parents when you ventured into movies?

Of course, my mum God rest her soul was my number 1 fan. She supported me all through.

What’s your kind of man?

Wow. I want a man with huge pocket, not necessarily fine boy or 6packs, but not ugly though. I want a giver; a man that surprises me always and above all a God fearing person.

Can you recall some memorable moments of your growing up days?

I was a very dramatic child. When my grand mum (God rest her soul) saw me in a movie for the first time, she was so excited. She said ‘Finally, my drama Queen is where she truly belongs’.

And when do you think is the right time to walk down the aisle?

Marriage to be honest scares me. But

I am the first amongst 5 siblings. I lost my mother, my one in all in one last year. She was my mum, my dad, my best

Queeneth

friend. I could tell her anything. She was the most important person to me, the world can go against me but she’s always on my side. You can threatened me with worst stuffs as long as my mum was okay with me, then the whole world can go to hell.

What Lessons have you learned about life?

God has been faithful to me. I believe that in everything you do, you should know your worth. Pray, don’t be in a haste, and things will fall in place at the right time. It is God that has helped me this far; it isn’t by my talent. I believe that you should be quick to listen; doesn’t be a talkative. If you listen more than you talk, you’ll gain more. You should also be humble and submissive, because it can take you even further than you expect. You should endeavour to have good working relationships with your colleagues. That way, people would recommend you to other producers.

Pride cannot take you anywhere; it has

never helped anyone, so be submissive.

Your educational background?

My late mum wanted me to become a reverend sister, so most of the schools I attended were Catholic institutions.

For my elementary education, I attended Kerel Primary School, Calabar. For my post-elementary education, I attended a convent, Mary Immaculate Girls Juniorette, in Cross River, where girls are groomed to become reverend sisters. For my tertiary education, I initially attended Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State, where I studied Medicine. But I had to leave in my second year because Medicine was not accredited in the school. I moved to the University of Calabar where I studied Microbiology.

I didn’t want to become a reverend sister because I felt it wasn’t my calling. I believe you don’t have to be a reverend sister before you can worship God. I have always wanted to get married and have children.

Gist12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

Sefiya DaDiva releases muchanticipated single, ‘Your Money’ featuring Sugarbana Budding afro-pop songstress, Sefiya DaDiva latest effort sees her teaming up with the King of new school dancehall Sugarbana on an exhilarating song titled ‘Your Money’, produced by Richie.

The titillating song sees Sefiya exert her vocals with dexterity, as she sings about an unidentified lover whom she adores wholeheartedly, but only due to his heavy pockets and the luxurious items he possesses. She sings “I’m in love with your body, no be my fault, na your money.”

Her collaborator Sugarbana brings his usual highly-spirited delivery to the song, singing every bar in Patois which effortlessly compliments Sefiya’s vocals and the instrumental considerably.

Directed by The Alien and WG Films of Capital Dreams, the visuals to ‘Your Money’; also released along with the audio, vividly captures the chemistry between Sefiya and Sugarbana, which is quite commendable; making ‘Your Money’ a definite TV and radio smash

nse-ikpe-etim-2-

AMAA awards hold today in Kigali All roads lead to Kigali, Rwanda today for another edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) as top African stars will be rewarded for their resilience and contribution towards the growth of the creative industry.

For the second time in a row, delectable Nollywood screen diva, Nse Ikpe-Etim will be hosting the award; Etim will be joined by Arthur Nkusi

as the co-host for the movie awards ceremony scheduled to hold at the Intare Conference Arena in Kigali today.

Other movie stars nominated alongside RMD and OC Ukeje for the category of Best Actor are Vuyo Dabula for ‘Five Fingers For Marseille,’ Sam Dede for ‘In My Country,’ Sani Bouajla for ‘The Blessed Vost,’ Chris Attoh for ‘Esohe,’ Oros Mampofu for

‘Lucky Specials’ and Frank Donga for ‘Hakkunde.’

Battling the female category with Kate Henshaw are Reine Swart for ‘Siembamba,’ Okawa Shaznay for ‘In My Country,’ Dakore Egbuson for ‘Isoken,’ Nana Ama McBrown, Lydia Forson and Sika Osei for ‘Sidechic Gang,’ Mariam Phiri for ‘The Road To Sunrise,’ Tunde Aladese for ‘Lost Café’, Joselyn Dumas for ‘Potato Potahto.’

The Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA) in active partnership with the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) on the special occasion of its 22nd Musical Festival, presents “Music Meets Art” a 3-part programme, to celebrate the unique interrelations between art and music.

Starting from October 17th to October 28th, the event will feature an Art Exhibition, Awards Dinner and Art Auction at the MUSON Centre Lagos.

The Art Exhibition which

commenced with a nation-wide call for entries is set to feature portraits of celebrated musical composers and artists (living and deceased), as well as works inspired by dance, festivals and music. The highlight of this exhibition will be a 7-year compilation showcase by renowned artist, Diseye Tantua about artists living in Ghana and Nigeria; their working lives, thinking processes and inspiration as well as artworks done by Sickle Cell patients to support the fight against Sickle Cell Anaemia.

An Awards dinner will be held in honour of celebrated artist, Kolade Oshinowo to mark his 70th birthday

anniversary. The Dinner will recognise and honour individuals who have promoted the visual arts in the past year. It will also serve as a launching pad to unveil the SNA’s Hall of Fame, a memorial to celebrated musicians and artists.

The Art Auction of select pieces from the exhibition will raise funds towards achieving the SNA’s objectives including a new secretariat and an academic journal.

The 10-day celebration is expected to play host to eminent personalities from the African Arts Industry, Embassies, High commissions, arts enthusiasts, students and the general public at large.

Sefiya

Singer Annjay to launch new beauty product Nigerian singer, actress and entrepreneur, Angela Chioma John, a.k.a Annjay, who recently bagged the ambassadorial deal of a Chinese tech company, Ja Solar Energy Equipment, has added more feathers to her hat.

The ‘Man No Be God’ crooner is set to launch her customized Mink eyelashes which just got into Nigeria from China.

Speaking on why she went into beauty business, Annjay stated that her love to good look is inborn.

“I went into beauty business because I like it since childhood. It’s also part of my profession as a singer and a model. I have been doing this business before I went into journalism but not as

Society of Nigerian Artists joins MUSON to celebrate 22nd Music Festival Stories by Mutiat Alli

hit.

‘Your Money’ marks Sefiya’s second musical effort of the year, following the release of her EP ‘Antidote’, which was released earlier in January.

Sefiya has since promised hankering fans more exciting materials before the year runs out.

Annjay

big as it is now. Annjay products are international now. We have our clients globally. Some USA U.K., SA, Ghana and many more. People order our goods products from there and we ship to them.”

On the affordability of her products, the light skinned entertainer maintained that its for all and sundry.

“All our products is affordable.

From our Brazilian virgin human hair, Annjay 3D Mink Lashes, Hair wash and many more, anybody can afford it. I want to also use this opportunity to say that we sell top quality products.

Quality assurance is our watch word,” she added.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

13 Society Gist

Why I featured D’banj on Lemonade - Cheekychizzy Stories by Isaac Oguntoye Nigerian pop singer, Chisom Ifeachor, popularly known as Cheekychizzy, has revealed why he featured D’banj on his latest single ‘Lemonade’.

In an interview with The Daily Times, Cheekychizzy said the ‘Emergency’ crooner was the first to hear the song while it was in the making and after completion of production works.

According to Cheekychizzy, the multi-award winning pop star connected to the song while they were in the studio. He said, “ D’banj happened to be in the studio with me and to my amusement, after listening to the song, it wasn’t difficult to get him to jump on it because he loves it.”

On what inspired ‘Lemonade’, Cheekychizzy said at the time he made the song, he was enjoying a lot of facilities. Hence, the vibe came like an inspiration to do something musically

Cheekychizzy creative.

“Lemonade happens to be my favourite drink. So in this context, I was saying the girl is my lemonade.

And there was a part I said -’Wakanda

na for there they make her’. That was me saying she’s an African. You know the traditional lemonade? Homemade lemonade that’s the exact lemonade I meant.” Cheekychizzy said of his song’s storyline.

Cheekychizzy disclosed what he’s been up to in recent times. He said he’s been working and tying loose ends after working on Dbanj’s latest album which was the major project he worked on from 2016-2017. He added that after the project, he started working on his projects, dropped a couple of songs, which are ‘Confess’, ‘International Local’.

In the course of the interview, Cheekychizzy disclosed that all is set to drop the visuals for Lemonade. He said, “I am dropping the music video of Lemonade soon and all I will say is that it is electrified.”

The DB Records artiste, songwriter and music producer, charged Nigerians and his fans at large to stay alert as he has a lot of songs to drop for their delights.

Scouting Africa berths in Lagos Scouting Africa is a fresh and vibrant online portal that aims to bring budding talented individuals opportunity to be seen, sponsored and managed. The company that is run by young, vibrant and dynamic team with vision and mission to discover new talent and showcase them to the world is leaving no stone unturned as they promised to cut-across all spheres of life in their quest for talent discovery.

According to the team “We have fast established ourselves as a reputable and reliable company that is able to stand tall and produce world class and home based professionals.”

“We understand that the key to our success is being happy and satisfied when new talents are discovered and utilized to their potential. This is why we focus on delivering a simple to use yet exciting web interface, whilst offering a fun and competitive environment. Unlike many other talent competitions, we do more than just gather people. We point you

in the right direction

throughout c l a s s structure.

W i t h new talent competitions coming up, we aim have a vast

interested i n

our world managerial

t

their talent.

showcasing God giving

o

Scouting Africa source of talents in different sector.”

Meanwhile, the company website www.scoutingafrica.com is open for youths and individuals who are

Adebiyi Taiwo’s giant stride Without mincing words, women in a man’s world are still breaking barriers every day and talking about few women who lives in a man’s world; then Adebiyi Taiwo comes to your mind.

The ever dynamic young, industrious personality is not only breaking grounds in the information dissemination industry but also filling a vacuum in a highly competitive industry.

The graduate of Banking and Finance from Ekiti State University never ceases to surprise to her detractors with her astronomic success.

For her unwary love for tourism and African culture, on Sunday the 14th of October, at the highbrow area of Alausa, Ikeja Pearls worth Hotel, the Nigeria Institute of Journalism trained Public relations and advert expert, gathered top Lagos socialite, music

and movie celebrities, media enthusiast and scholars to the launch of her new publication, De’ Spotlight Africa Magazine.

The well attended magazine launch soirée, launched amidst pomp and pageantry, played host top guest who were treated to sumptuous meal laced with high cost drinks.

The radiant former staff of National Identity management commission, fitted in a glamorous well-tailored blue flowing gown, sauntered the podium with her glamorous gait to appreciate the audience and promised to keep doing everything within her capacity to keep promoting the African tourism, entertainment and culture vaues.

Guest spotted at the event were; Charles Inojie, Mr. Gbenga Ogunsakin, Dr. Jide Johnson, Artquake and a host of other.

Adebiyi

Gani Adams

2018 Olokun Festival: Why we are promoting Yoruba language - Gani Adams Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Tuesday, gave reasons for promoting Yoruba language, saying his struggle to promote the language has started in earnest.

Speaking in Lagos during the Yoruba Quiz Competition organised as part of activities for the ongoing Olokun Festival, Aare Adams, said the platform is designed to educate the pupils and the guests for them to be proficient in Yoruba language.

“Yoruba Language is not vernacular, therefore, anybody that loses his or her language and tradition is in bondage and it is dangerous for the future. We have done a lot of injustice to the Yoruba Language, and that has affected us seriously, particularly, in the way we relate with the rest of the world.

I am always worried by the way we handle the Language, however, we need to encourage the use of Yoruba Language in our homes and the schools, especially, from the primary, secondary and to the tertiary institutions. We can easily catch them young when their brain is still young.

I am a living witness to the struggle involving cultural evangelism. The glory we are celebrating today is the gain of what we did more than 15 years ago. “ Aare Adams noted also that it is sad that government has been reluctant in sponsoring cultural events and festivals, adding that all the cultural activities, including festivals are being funded by the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), adding that his new status has helped the various organisations under his leadership.

“Apart from Osun Osogbo festival and Eyo, Olokun Festival remains the most celebrated festival in the country. The just concluded Twins Festival in Igbo Ora, Oyo state, where about 2000 twins were celebrated was a good development which must be encouraged,” he said. ”In China, 75 percent of their programme is on cultural promotion, with population of about 1.6billion people promoting their cultural

identity. The British, French, Arabs, Dutch and the Portuguese will never toy with their languages and heritage .They spend a lot of money in promoting their Languages. I am happy with the initiative as promoted by our foundation and I pray that the children will be good ambassadors of the Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole”.

In her remarks, Chairman of the Akomolede Yoruba in Lagos state, Mrs. Zainab Olaitan, expressed appreciation to Olokun Festival Foundation, saying efforts are on to change the wrong perception people have about the Yoruba Language.

“It is our responsibility to promote our Language as it is done in the developed world. Let us promote our language by the way we talk and dress. Let us promote our culture and tradition by all means that is possible, “ She said.

Deputy Director, education District 6,Lagos Ministry of Education, Mr. Legbeti Paul, said the state government is doing everything to promote indigenous Languages, adding that platform like this will complement government efforts in making Yoruba Language a globally acceptable language in the world.

About 21 secondary schools participated in this year Yoruba Quiz competition, including, Isolo Junior Secondary School, Ojota, Mushin, Atunrase, Ilupeju, Army Children school, AUD Junior secondary School, Ikeja Junior College, Unity Junior High School, Gbagada Girls High School, and several others.

Prominent guests present at the event include Professor Kolawole Raheem of the University of Education, Wine, Ghana,Chairman of the event, Alhaji Akeem Olanrewaju, Olokun Festival ambassadors, Yomi Fash Lanso, Muyiwa Oshinaike, Chairman Lagos state,TAMPAN Elders Council , Alhaji Olanrewaju Adisa, Mr. Akeem Babs, Chief Mrs. Iyabo Adeyemi, Mrs. Ajimuda,and Mrs. Okuniyi and teachers representing the various secondary schools in Lagos state as well as members of Akomolede Yoruba.

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Beauty Tips 5 skincare tips to start off your day after 50 Stories by Mutiat Alli Some beauty tips are ageless.

Whether you’re 18 or 80, you should heed the wise advice of drinking plenty of water, always wearing sunscreen, not smoking and exercising regularly if you want to keep your skin’s appearance healthy and youthful. However, not every piece of advice is as evergreen because as women enter their 50s they face a new set of skin concerns such as more facial age lines, age spots, deeper wrinkles, an increase in pigmentation and less firm skin due to a loss in collagen. So just as your face and body change with aging, your skincare regimen must follow suit.

The following skin care tips will restore the youthfulness of your skin, leaving it healthy and radiant, just like you were in your 20s!

Don’t soak too long in the tub A hot bath can be relaxing but spending too long in the bathtub means your skin is stripped of its natural oils – drying it out. If you must

spend a long time, use lukewarm water. When you get out of the bath, pat yourself dry and apply Murad’s Firming Peptide Body Treatment all over your body. The lotion contains pentapeptides that help prompt skin cells to produce more collagen, which is the support structure that gives the skin a firm look.

Nourish Your Skin After toning, target signs of aging and protect the skin from free radicals that speed along the aging process. Feed your skin with the Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil as it penetrates deeply to deliver active ingredients the skin needs to rejuvenate. It’s feather-

light formula absorbs quickly into the skin giving an instant dose of radiance.

Protect Your Skin Sun damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkled spotted skin; try to limit your sun exposure, wear hats and use sunblock.

After nourishing your skin with the Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil, moisturize with the Murad Age-Balancing Moisture. Not only does it deeply moisturize the skin, it also protects it with powerful broad-spectrum UV sunscreen leaving you with a more radiant and even complexion.

Cleanse Your Skin As aging progresses, our skin gets drier. There is a slowdown in oil production and cell turnover especially after menopause. So if your naturally oily skin has turned as dry as the Sahara Desert, do not panic.

In the morning, purify your skin with the Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream. It’s non-drying formula gently washes away impurities leaving the skin hydrated all day.

Renew Your Skin Use a toner to balance your skin’s PH after cleansing. Get a product that not only works as a toner, but gently exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells. Murad’s Hydrating Toner scores highly on this with unique hydrating properties that give the skin an irresistible glow.

Afrobeat is the new music culture in Europe – D-Large Damilola Aina is a super Nigerian model who has been in the industry for over a decade, and has indeed paid her dues. In this interview with MUTIAT ALLI, the light skinned diva opened up on her challenges at an early stage as well as new plans and projects to get back to the society. Enjoy…

Can you give us a sneak peek into your journey as a Musician?

It’s been a tough journey with lots of hard work being put in place so far. I have dropped a couple of songs and videos in the past such as Obuchukwu, Meet Up, Dance For Me, Turn Me On in the past but here I am now with afresh one for my fans titled “Badda” and it’s been blowing up the airwaves like a cyclone.

When did you start doing music professionally?

I can’t say precisely when it actually started; music has been part of my life. It’s just like a lifestyle to me. Have been rolling with musicians right from childhood, the likes of 2much (who manages Duncan Mighty at the moment), Roughhouse Crew to mention a few. I started out back in Rivers State Polytechnic campus mimicking Wyclef Jean; I studied Auto-Mechanical Engineering.

You studied Auto-Mechanical Engineering, why music over what you are trained for in the polytechnic?

Music like I said earlier is a lifestyle thing to me so my love for it supersedes any other field of human endeavors, to be honest, I took this music thing more serious when I got to Europe and I was really doing fine flying the Afrobeat flag high in the beautiful city of Belgium but it was

necessary I come back home for me to break into the bigger market and to reach out to my roots. Like they say, charity begins at home.

How big is Afrobeat there in Europe?

Afrobeat right now is topping the charts, there used to be major focus on American sounds but there is a paradigm shift at the moment, people like me have been spreading the gospel of Afrobeat and they love us for it. For now, I can say Afrobeat is the new music culture in Europe.

So how far you have gone doing music in Nigeria and overseas?

I have been performing all over Europe and have won several awards that I can’t even remember all. I have been the opening acts for many African Artist that came to perform in Amsterdam such as Patoranking, Duncan Mighty and so many other ones.

How would you describe your sound?

I used to be a fulltime hip hop head but right now, I do more of Afro pop with a fusion of hi-life and western sound.

What advice do you have for young ones out there who wish to become a part of the music industry?

First of all, you need to focus on your studies, get that basic education because it is very important when it comes to navigating the turbulent waters of this music industry. The entertainment industry is not like a tea party, many young ones out there only see the glamorous side of the industry. You need to be very humble, master your craft, learn from those before you and respect them. Above all, you need to develop a very large heart and a thick skin because many people are going to use you, betray you, take advantage of you but you just have to learn how to take things in your stride. Put up a proper team (You can start with friends and family who are passionate about your craft and the music industry) then try get yourself where things are happening and showcase your talent. You never know who is watching. If you are lucky, a well-connected music manager might develop interest in you and help you get signed to a record label.

Study the industry deeply otherwise, you will just keep running in circles.

It’s obvious you are talking from experience.

Yes o! (Giggles deeply) Dem don show me pepper for this industry!! It’s not easy being an independent artiste.

That is one of the reasons I have been off and on in the music industry, I have been duped many times but it’s a lifestyle, I just can’t let go.

Is there an album or a mixtape in the pipeline?

I have got so many songs recorded so far and am still recording but I am yet to put a timeline to dropping an album

yet, let the industry feel more of my vibe then I and my team will decide when to drop an album. If we are talking about songs, I have got a whole lot of them that are yet to be released.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

15

Abuja teacher emerges 2018 Maltina Teacher of the Year Godwin Anyebe

L-R: Technical Adviser to the MD, Mr Ayeni Tunji; Special Assistant to the MD, Ms Eseosa Ekeng; Managing Director/CEO, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, Mr Basil Agboarumi; Assistant Inspector General of Police, Airport Command, Aminchi Baraya; SAHCOL Chief Security Officer, Mr Adebowale Okunlola and Special Assistant to the Chairman, Ms Farida Mohamed, during a courtesy visit by SAHCOL Managing Director to the AIG.

Banks, tech community inseparable partners in progress – Awosika Ladesope Ladelokun Chairman of FirstBank Nigeria Limited, Dr. Ibukun Awosika, has expressed the need for banks and the tech community to collaborate to build a virile financial ecosystem where all can enjoy a symbiotic relationship.

Awosika disclosed this at the grand finale of the three-day Fintech summit held recently in Lagos.

While addressing the audience at the summit, she explained that FirstBank was an organization with history, competencies, knowledge and specific skills unique to it in its over 124 years of banking, adding that the skills and ability of the tech community were needed to create new ways of doing things.

On the need for the bank and the tech community to continue to have fruitful

engagements, the FirstBank Chairman said, “ You need something we have. We need something we are bringing on, and we need a combined force between the present and the skills we have gained over time to create a future that will sustain others. Think about it. Most of the major tech companies have great ideas. They worked it out. But at a time, they came to institutionalize them and worked out economic models that were sustainable to them. They went back to the principles of business.’’

She added, “Many skilled, established business managers were then brought in beyond the talent of tech itself. So, when we are bold, we know what we know. We know that we know what we know. We have history. We have track record. We have performance that can show that. We believe if we create a niche between us and you, we can only all win together. We are good at what we do. We know what we

know, but we respect what you know, and we have enough wisdom to know that there’s value in what you know, and there is a need to create a bridge.’’

In a related development, Deputy Director , Payment Processes, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Musa Itopa, opined that the CBN was not averse to the incursion of Fintech into the financial space, noting that the CBN was only concerned about the risks that come with the innovations and creativity put into the banking sector. The CBN Deputy Director said there were ongoing conversations among stakeholders as to how the bank can create a financial ecosystem where the banks, the start ups, the innovators, the Fintechs and everyone that is involved in providing financial services can live together in a symbiotic way .

Commenting on why certain financial services cannot be rendered,the Managing

Director, Mines Nigeria, Sowho Adia, lamented the lack infrastructure to provide certain financial services in her keynote address. She says infrastructure has not been developed enough to give credit facility and at a reasonable cost. Adia harped on the need to embrace single addressing system and identity as a corrective measure.

On the future of banking, she urged stakeholders to continue to push initiatives like BVN, adding that tech can be used, especially AI and big data to start to provide that infrastructure digitally rather than with brick and mortar which is no longer relevant.

Meanwhile, one of the highlights of the summit was the announcement of winners of the Hackathon -- a coding competition among techies which was conducted in the first two days of the summit. Team Cashflow won the coveted N3 million prize money after it defeated nine other

NSE: Dangote Cement, Access Bank, 3 others top price gainers’ Motolani Oseni Dangote Cement, Access Bank; Guinness; Unilever and Zenith Bank led the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), price gainers’ table on the last trading of the week.

For instance, Dangote Cement stock appreciated further on Friday by N4 to close at N210 per share, Access Bank followed with a gain of 50k to close at N8.30, while Guinness also gained 50k to close at N79.50 per share.

Unilever rose by 40k to close at N43.90, while Zenith Bank added 35k to close at N22.90 per share.

The market indices rebounded by 0.54 per cent.

The All-Share Index inched higher by 177.06 points or 0.54 per cent to close at 32,841.89 against 32,664.63 achieved on Thursday.

Also, the market capitalisation, which opened at N11.925 trillion, rose by N64 billion or 0.54 per cent to close at N11.989 trillion.

Conversely, Nestle recorded the highest price loss of N30 to close at N1,370 per share.

Forte Oil trailed with a loss of N2.05 to close at N20.15, while CAP was down by 95k to close at N30.05 per share.

GlaxoSmithKline dropped 80k to close at N12.70, while PZ declined by 20k to close at N12.40 per share.

The financial services sector dominated trading activities with Hallmark Insurance trading 91.22 million shares worth N25.54 million.

Fidelity Bank followed with 14.53 million

shares valued at N27.34 million, while Acess Bank sold 10.49 million shares worth N84.13 million.

FCMB Group exchanged 9.25 million shares valued at N14.47 million, while Zenith Bank accounted for 8.55 million shares worth N194.12 million.

In all, a total of 212.65 million shares valued at N1.46 billion were exchanged by investors in 2,385 deals.

This was in contrast to the 173.63 million shares worth N3.66 billion exchanged in 2,974 deals on Thursday.

Olasunkanmi Samuel Opeifa, a teacher from Government Day Secondary School, Karu, Abuja emerged as the 2018 Maltina Teacher of the Year.

For the feat, Opeifa was rewarded with One Million Naira in addition to Five Hundred Thousand Naira he received as state champion from Abuja. He will also get One Million Naira every year for the next five years and a block of six classrooms built at his school.

The winner, an English language teacher, commended Nigerian Breweries for the gesture and enjoined other corporate organisations to follow the worthy example. “Today, I am pleased and proud that Nigerian Breweries has shown that teachers’ rewards are both in heaven and on earth,” he said.

The 32-year-old teacher maintained that teaching is not about earning a living, but about having a strong passion for humanity and emotional stability to impart knowledge regardless of the challenges.

On the same night, Olalekan Adeeko, a Computer studies teacher from Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, Ogun State emerged the first runner-up, while Mr. Samuel Temitope Popoola, a Physics teacher with Deeper Life High School, Akure, Ondo State clinched the second runner-up position.

Apart from the N500,000 reward as State Champion, the first and second runners-up got an additional One Million Naira (N1, 000, 000) and Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750, 000) respectively.

In total, the ceremony also produced 26 State Champions with each one of them receiving five hundred thousand Naira (N500, 000).

The Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel explained that in line with its philosophy of Winning with Nigeria, the company resolved in 1994, to play a more active role in the development of education in Nigeria when it established the Nigerian Breweries – Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund with a commencement capital of N100 million naira.

He added that in 2015, the company’s intervention in education was expanded to include teachers when the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative was launched.

Sterling Bank sponsors Ake Arts, Books Festival Sterling Bank Plc has thrown its weight behind the sixth edition of the Ake Arts & Books Festival scheduled to hold from October 25 to 28, 2018 at the highbrow Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The annual literary, cultural and arts event which had previously held in Abeokuta, Ogun State for the past

five editions will feature stimulating panel discussions, book chats, art exhibitions, interviews, school visits, film & documentary screenings, a stage play, a musical concert and a night of poetry performance. Book-lovers and visitors will also have access to a range of affordable books at the Ake Festival

Bookstore.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Dapo Martins, Chief Marketing Officer of Sterling Bank, said the Ake Arts & Books Festival is a 4-day event that will showcase the best of contemporary African literature, poetry, music, art, film, and theatre.

“Our decision to support this year’s edition of Ake Festival is borne from our commitment to develop, promote and celebrate creativity on the African continent at Sterling Bank. This is also in line with Ake Festival’s goal to promote and celebrate creativity across different genres in Africa,” Mr. Martins informs.

The theme for this year’s edition is Fantastical Futures and will feature conversations focused mainly on a reimagined African future and existing challenges along the following lines: Governance, Gender, and Sexuality, Literacy, and Education, Health and Wellbeing, among others.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

NNPC donates relief materials to Osisioma pipeline fire victims Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia The management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC yesterday handed over to osisioma Ngwa youths various items for the NNPC pipeline fire recently that killed more than 200 people.

Speaking during the occasion, the leader of the delegation form Abuja headquarters of NNPC and former Depot Manager of the Aba depot, simply called Dr. Alex informed the youths that the donations is not compensation, but “NNPC widows might” to cushion the effects of the incident in the area.

Dr. Alex said NNPC does not normally give relief materials “under this condition”, but chose to do it “due to the relationship with the (host) community.”

He charged the youths to ensure that the materials get to the victims or their relatives “in order for then to get a little comfort”, warning them that “this is a dead body money that must get to the intended.”

Speaking during the occasion, the president General of Osisioma Ngwa Youth Congress, Elder Emma Nduagu assured the NNPC Abuja team that the materials will be conveyed to those it was intended for, pointing out that the distribution of the items will afford the youths the opportunity to get the actual count of the victims.

Speaking with newsmen later, Elder Emma maintained that the fire was not because of vandalism but due to the negligence of the NNPC Aba depot staff, regretting that as at date, the mandate by the youths that NNPC Public Relations Department should recant their statements that it was an act of vandalism is yet to come forth.

He advised the corporation to do so, stating “We are still waiting to hear them say so.”

Information indicated that the Aba depot pumped fuel through an old pipeline to Enugu, hence the pipeline bursts in many areas, especially in Umuaduru and Umuimo communities.

Two chiefs, Super High Chief Francis Enyoh of Uratta Autonomous Community and Hon. Chief Sunny C. Ezeaku of Njikoumunna Autonomous Communty, as well as the Lawyer to the Osisioma Ngwa Youths Congress, Barr Young Ngwaziem were with the youths during the occasion.

The relief materials include 200 bags of rice, bags of garri and beans, tins of vegetable oil, cartons of tomatoes, as well as bags of salt.

All villages in the area were represented by their chairman and secretary or their representatives during the occasion.

NSE approves Staco Insurance Q3 unaudited results extension Motolani Oseni The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has approved Staco Insurance Plc extension of time to file its third quarter unaudited financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2018.

The company in a statement to the NSE, said the extension becomes necessary as the company is yet to file its audited financial statement for December 31, 2017.

The Company has been taking steps to resolve the uncertainty raised by NAICOM and is in the process of finalizing the 2017 Audited Financial Statements with its External Auditor.

Staco Insurance is expected to file its third quarter unaudited financial statements to the NSE before October 30, 2018.

The statement signed by Acting Managing Director, Staco Insurance, Mr. Bayo Fakorede, said “we wish to notify The NSE, our esteem shareholders and other stakeholders that the company has obtained the approval of The Exchange for extension of time to file its third quarter unaudited financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2018.

According to him, “The extension to file the 2018 Q3 becomes imperative as the company is yet to file its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 with the Exchange.

“The company is yet to receive approval of the 2017 audited financial statement from National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), its primary regulator.

“NAICOM had raised certain queries after reviewing the same for the company’s attention. Upon finalizing the 2017 audited financial statement and obtain NAICOM’s approval, the company shall immediately proceed to the file the 2017 audited financial statement with The Exchange.

“We hereby reaffirm our commitment to the submission and publication of the quarterly financial statements on or before November 30, 2018,” the statement signed by Fakorede added.

STACO Insurance Plc is a Nigeria-based company engaged in the provision of non-life insurance business. The Company operates through eight segments: Fire, General Accident, Motor Vehicle, Oil and Gas, Marine, Aviation, Bond and Engineering.

The Company’s portfolio serves Nigeria’s public and private sectors, including oil and gas, engineering/construction, manufacturing, trade, aviation and marine. The Company is also developing its micro insurance arm.

The Company provides non-life insurance services to both retail and corporate clients all over Nigeria. The Company provides insurance for accidental death, permanent disability or hospitalization.

L-R: Executive Secretary, Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Mr Dele Balogun; Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Fola Adeyemi; Chief Co-ordinator, Nigeria Beer Festival Group, Mr Akinola Oluwaleimu and Member, Nigeria Beer Festival Group, Miss Tolu Adediran, at the media interactive session on the festival in Lagos.

Heritage Bank wins Most Supportive Bank of the Year Award Mathew Dadiya Heritage Bank Plc. has been adjudged the “Most Supportive Bank of the Year,” barely two weeks it grossed home three awards for its outstanding performance.

The current award was conferred on Heritage Bank at the fourth edition of Green October Event 2018, an event organized by Alamode Magazine.

Only recently, Heritage Bank was adjudged “Best SME Bank Nigeria 2018” by Capital Finance International (CFI.co) and “Agriculture Bank of the Year 2018” by the Nigeria Agriculture Awards (MAA). Also, the bank was honoured for being the Best CIBN Chapter of the Year 2018 in terms of members’ mobilization and participation as well as sponsorship of the Institute programmes.

Speaking about the current award, Ifie Sekibo,

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Heritage Bank, who was represented at the event held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos by Mrs. Ozena Utulu, Head, Brand Management and Sustainability; commended the organizers for the recognition and honour.

He explained that his management at Heritage Bank Plc. is usually excited when indigenous entrepreneurs show high level of creativity in their daily routine. “At Heritage Bank, such creativity and determination to standout in the midst of competition by any promoter of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises is given due financial support’, he stated.

Sekibo therefore encouraged the audience present at the occasion to partronise Heritage Bank and benefit from the varied financial services products and services available to meet the diverging needs of investors According to him, any SME promoter who may approach Heritage Bank for financial support would

not regret doing so; as the bank is endowed with experienced staff whose professional prowess is equal to none.

In her remarks about the award, Mrs. Sandra Odige, Chief Executive Officer/Publisher, LaMode Magazine as well as the organizer of the annual awards; said the good works the management and staff of Heritage Bank are doing are well noticeable.

She said the testimonies from beneficiaries of the products and services of Heritage Bank too show the commitment of Heritage Bank to its values and promises. Odige therefore charged Heritage Bank not to relent on its oars as posterity is taking note of the contribution it is currently making to lead the nation’s economy to a higher level.

Among other personnel and institutions hounoured with awards at the event is Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State and Ejiro Sharon Okotie, founder of the Hope Inspired Foundation.

Edo N-Power, Google train 3000 beneficiaries on digital skills Ladesope Ladelokun Over 3000 beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme (SIP) have undergone digital skills training to broaden their skill set and equip them with expertise to exploit opportunities in Nigeria’s booming digital economy.

The Focal Person, Edo State Social Investment Programme, Miss. Osayuwamen Aladeshelu, disclosed that the training is in line with the objective of the programme to equip N-Power beneficiaries with entrepreneurial skills.

She added that the training is in partnership with Google Digital Skills for Africa and is to help the participants gain skills to explore opportunities in the digital economy.

“Our focus today is on the Seven Local

Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial District. We have about 3,000 participants present here. Edo Central and North Senatorial Districts will take their turns as we target to train the entire 10,000 N-power beneficiaries in Edo State,” she said.

Aladeshelu further said that the programme will also provide the participants with critical digital literacy skills to become entrepreneurs, so that they can meaningfully contribute to national development.

The facilitator and leader of the Google Team, Chunu Tejiri Jerry, urged the participants to leverage the skills to grow businesses, advance their careers and tap from the various opportunities available on the Internet to create wealth.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries of SIP programme under the N-Agro scheme in Edo South Senatorial zone, organised a seminar for farmers in the state, to mark the World Food Day celebration.

Addressing the participants, the Programme Manager, Edo Agricultural Development Programme (Edo-ADP), Mr Peter Aikhiomobhogbe, noted that farmers are crucial to Nigeria’s economic advancement, urging famers in Edo State to take advantage of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s agricultural initiatives.

Speaking on the theme, Sustaining AgricCulture for Economic Development: Our Action, Our Future, he charged youth to take to agribusiness, as the future of the state depends on a sustainable growth path in agriculture.

In his remark, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture, Comrade B.S. Kadiri, explained that no sustainable economic growth can be achieved if food is not available.

Kadiri further commended the state governor for repurposing agriculture in the state, urging farmers to develop interest in acquiring knowledge that will enable them improve their farm yields.

POLITICS TIMES g

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

2019: Obasanjo, other politicians making scapegoats of Nigerian electorates – Ukah Stories by Patrick Okohue Humanitarian enthusiast and radical priest of the Catholic Liturgy, The Very Reverend Monsignor Livinus Ukah has reacted to the political storm in the country forcing past and present actors into making sharp moves to sustain their ambitions.

Speaking at a parley with journalists at his parish house, St. Alphonsus, Aboru, Ipaja in Lagos, the clergy man berated former President Olusegun Obasanjo and others for making scapegoats of the Nigerian electorate.

“With the level of rhetoric going on in the world politics today, politicians can pigeonhole God into our own way of thinking to create chaotic indecision among mobs at political rallies, campaigns and other public functions,” he began, stating that morality is allergic to politics worldwide.

“Politicians quote God as they use butter on their bread at breakfast - just to sound righteous in their speeches and win their audience; this is the way they make scapegoats of the electorate.

“We all remember Obasanjo’s regime; he had many young politicians who were not on the same page with him and as a result he put them in his black book.”

Sighting Orji Uzor Kalu, Wabara,

Professor Osuji, Ken Nnamani among others who did not support Obasanjo’s third term agenda, the clergy man said some of these men are still in political limbo and may not have voice again in Nigeria.

Hear him: “Obasanjo had no good relationship with the media - especially during his media chats; like President Trump of America, he rubbished gentlemen of the press when they asked him questions he didn’t like.

“Every Nigerian knows that he and his former Vice; Atiku Abubakar who is the current Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential flag bearer were like cats and dogs. This relationship reached a point of no forgiveness and it created a political road block for Atiku to reach his peak in politics.

“This same Obasanjo did not hide his feelings and told everyone his political grievances with Atiku. Maybe Atiku didn’t play his game well and became a victim - just like Ambode wasn’t a political “nice boy” to his Master, Bola Ahmed Tinubu: We all know what Ambode is facing now.”

Ukah recalled vividly that Obasanjo proclaimed he will never support Atiku’s political career again, but that tune has changed.

“It got to a point where Obasanjo told Nigerians that God will not forgive him

if he supports Atiku in his political career. Since that time, Atiku has been in a political limbo. He migrated from PDP to APC. The same master, Obasanjo dropped PDP by publicly tearing his Membership card.

“We saw his vendetta over PDP and only God knows what made him drop the party that brought him into the political limelight. His name is in the annals of history, so what does he need again? He had several times shown Nigerians the party he supported. He had written an open letter to Jonathan, endorsing Buhari’s political status and demeaning Jonathan who failed to recognise him as a godfather. His stance and opposition contributed to the loss of PDP’s power to APC.” The cleric recalled Obasanjo’s open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari discrediting his administration after he again fell out with Buhari’s APC government which he had earlier convinced the whole world was Nigeria’s messiah.

“That is not all, as a smart politician, he tried to form a Coalition that would truncate the party that seems not to deliver. When party primaries took place, his former vice migrated back to PDP and won their Presidential ticket after a keen contest.

“Now the die is cast and we have

Buhari squaring up against Atiku in 2019. Because the Buhari government failed to implement the elusive Change, restructuring and unity have become the new song of many Nigerians - a melody that has landed Atiku at the epicentre of political attraction. Whether the electorate believes him or not, 2019 will be the umpire.”

On Atiku’s recent visit to Obasanjo, Ukah wondered aloud if the master is using this “forgiveness” to regain political relevance.

“Atiku and the PDP discovered a need for political fence mending. The former needed a political nod from his ex boss to free him from political nuances of the past, hence the widely publicised meeting with Obasanjo at Abeokuta with many delegates to beg for “forgiveness” to appease the Master who felt wounded without telling Nigerians Atiku’s real sins till date. He showered heavy endorsement encomiums on him against the incumbent President, Buhari.

“But is this forgiveness an unfinished business?

Because politicians are into business and that is why Nigerians are in trouble. They mind their businesses and forget us.

If politicians have Nigeria at heart they would have stopped the influx of

generators into our country, causing climate change and sabotaging efforts to stabilise power. If politicians have the interest of Nigerians at heart they would have rallied to save Hauwa Leman, the ICRC worker executed a few days ago by Boko Haram because ransom was not paid at the stipulated time.

“Will the master galvanise people to vote for Atiku? Will this forgiveness convert the master to PDP and cease to be a political obstacle to him?

“Is the forgiveness merely political?

Is the master using this forgiveness to regain political relevance? What becomes of his political Coalitions and Third force? Will this forgiveness continue to entrench the menace of godfatherism in Nigerian politics?

Has it only a placebo effect? Time will tell! It will unfold as the elections approach.”

Asked if he is comfortable with the army of contestants for the 2019 presidential election, Monsgr Ukah said cautiously: “We are watching if a Moses will emerge to take Nigeria to the Promised Land. With over 30 presidential aspirants aside Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari, nobody can predict 2019 election, it is shrouded in mystery. Let Nigerians decide,” he enthused.

Restructuring, condition for supporting any presidential candidate in 2019, Gani Adams The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has said that restructuring of Nigeria remains the ultimate manifesto that will drive his support and that of the Yorubaland in 2019 for any candidate.

Aare Gani Adams disclosed this at his Lagos residence when playing host to one of Nigeria’s leading presidential candidates for the 2019 election, Mentoring Commandant Ali Soyode.

While receiving the YES Party Presidential candidate and the party leaders, Aare Gani Adams stated that Nigeria will only move forward when the country is restructured and the country is led by people who have the best interest of Nigeria at heart.

Mr. Soyode is the YES Presidential Candidate, a party which was recently registered by INEC in August 2018 to contest for elective positions and offices. In his remarks, he said he was there to pay his respect to the Aare as one of the leaders of the Yoruba Land and to share with him the journey into politics. “I am here to see the leader who has been playing major roles in the unity of Nigeria and her regional developments. This political path is our contribution to making our

country better and greater, in the best ways we have seen and learnt across the world“.

Commending the bold step of Mr Soyode, Aare Gani said “as a Nigerian who believes that we should encourage most of our people in the Diaspora to partake in political atmosphere in Nigeria, it is time we encouraged our people in diaspora based on their experience and international connection to come and partake in politics in Nigeria.”

Acknowledging, the role of Nigerian diaspora in nation building and national development, Aare Adams noted “most of the great countries in the world, even in Europe have been changed by their citizens. I believe that somebody that is young like Mr. Soyode should be encouraged to partake in our political process.”

Aare Gani Adams praised the vast knowledge of Mr Soyode and his commitment to Nigeria’s interest and development.

Speaking about the YES Party Presidential candidate, Soyode, he said “the last time we met was at a reception in London. He spoke for a period of 10 minutes and I saw a lot of intellectual potential in him. He was so articulate that Mr Soyode’s

passion for Nigeria was quickly noticed in his words which were all about developing Nigeria.”

He commended Mr Soyode’s laudable efforts in promoting African culture and values via his BEN TV network across Europe and beyond.

He said it was a show of respect not only to him as Gani Adams, but also to his office as Aare Ona Kakanfo. He regretted that others in the struggle of Yoruba empowerment and activism across the country are yet to share in the advancement of the region’s collective goal.

Speaking about his political preference for 2019 general elections, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland said that he will naturally encourage any Yoruba person venturing into politics and vying for elective positions.

He said “if they are committed and ready to face and combat the enormous challenges facing Nigeria and proffer achievable solution, I will encourage them”.

While wishing Mr Soyode well and praying for his success, Aare Gani Adams urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to partake in Nigerian politics for good governance, better and greater Nigeria.

Gani Adams

Politics Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, Ocotober 20, 2018

Sanwo-Olu’ll make huge difference as Lagos governor – Ayinde Tayo Ayinde is former chief security detail to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos State. Today he is the Director General of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation (BOSCO). Sanwo-Olu is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State. Ayinde recently spoke with a group of journalists after a thank you meeting with party secretaries of the 57 local governments and local council development areas in Lagos State, following the success of the party primary. OLAWALE ROTIMI was there for The Daily Times How has it been so far in the campaign for Sanwo-Olu? We have just started the program today as you can see. After the just concluded primary, we are meeting with all our structures as we met them before the primary. We are sensitising them on how to canvass the electorate in the coming elections.

We are aware of the challenges ahead so we are grooming every party member in the needed requirement to achieve our desired result, and today is the first day. Today we have met with all the 57 local government party secretaries, simultaneously with all the ward secretaries. We brainstormed together. We ate, we drank, and they are all happy and willing to work.

How has the journey been so far as the Director General of this powerful campaign?

Well, it is not an easy task, but I thank God I have people and seasoned politicians around me. Some of them are directors heading all the 32 directorates that we have under BOSCO. BOSCO means Babajide Olusola SanwoOlu Campaign Organisation. Each directorate has a director and the director is the head of the directorate, looking after the affairs of designated areas.

You have been tagged as a man of credibility and integrity and class. You are mostly careful of the choice of people you work with, what can you say about SanwoOlu, especially out of many party aspirants?

Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a man of integrity that I respect so much. He has been in government with us for 17 years, he came into government when Mr. Femi Pedro became the deputy governor to Asiwaju. He was his special adviser. So, he has been with us since then. After that, he was a commissioner under Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, and also before he joined the gubernatorial race, he was the MD of LSDPC. So he is a grounded politician in Lagos State and we believe that he has the capacity to take the state to the next level. That’s

why I am happy to be his DG in this campaign, because I believe in him and all the politicians in Lagos State believe in him as candidate that can deliver the expectations of the party and Lagosians at large.

People of Lagos believe in you as a person, and believe your candidate should reflect your personality in deeds and words. Are you sure about Sanwo-Olu’s delivery after election?

For me to have chosen to be his campaign director-general, you should know that I so much believe in him. We have other aspirant outside there, and the question is why would Tayo take up the DGship of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. That means there are more to that, because I see him as an upright man, he is a man of integrity.

Come 2019, what do you think Sanwo-Olu will do differently, other than what we have in Lagos at the moment?

Jide is going to improve on our health sector in Lagos State, he will improve on the construction of roads in Lagos State. We will have good road construction of international standard and he will also improve the educational sector in Lagos State.

He will work on the social benefits of the nation, then the area of youths and sports. He will improve on a lot of things for the people of Lagos State, we have a blueprint that all the governors of Lagos State follow and he is going to follow it to the latter.

One of the issues against the currently administration is based on his team playing skills, how are we confident about Sanwo-Olu in this aspect?

A lot of people know Sanwo-Olu very well. He is a nice man. He is man of the people and he has touched so many lives; directly or indirectly in Lagos State. You can imagine I took him to visit a leader in Ikeja for consultation and the leader said, “Sanwo-Olu, you don’t need to come to me. You see the paving stone in my compound, you did it for me. But you have forgotten. I am going to support you and I am going to tell all my

Ayinde

leaders and followers to support your administration because we know that you can do it. SanwoOlu is going to carry everybody along.

You know, Sanwo-Olu is a party man to the core. Look at what we did today. It has not happened in the history of Lagos State that a flag bearer after winning the primary, will call all the party functionaries to thank them. That shows the kind of person that we have as our candidate.

How do you intend to go about your campaign this time?

I assure you it’s not going to be the regular kind of campaign, it will not be a jamboree type that we will be moving around, dancing and going about with vehicles in

Jide is going to improve on our health sector in Lagos State, he will improve on the construction of roads in Lagos State. We will have good road construction of international standard and he will also improve the educational sector in Lagos State. He will work on the social benefits of the nation, then the area of youths and sports. He will improve on a lot of things for the people of Lagos State, we have a blueprint that all the governors of Lagos State follow and he is going to follow it to the latter.

circle. We shall be working from the grassroots. Instead of paying for mobility, logistics, security and all we will use the fund to mobilise the people so they will have enough logistics to canvass the people.

From 1999 till now, if you notice, every successive government in Lagos comes with a slogan that seems to give us a hint of what the government intends to achieve?

We have Eko onibaje, then Itesiwaju Eko Lojewa logun. Now we have Igbega ipinle Eko oti di ajumose?

Yes. You see, it is implied. When you say ajumose, it means it is a collective effort for everybody to take the state to next level. So, that is our slogan, and we have made it to be a unique one, and it symbolises what the governor intends to do in Lagos.

What prepared you for this task?

I joined politics in 2009. But before then I was chief security detail to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. For eight years I was his chief security detail. That was when I was in SSS. When I retired from SSS in 2009, I joined politics and since then I have been very active in politics and I am a modest person; man of dignity and integrity. I am a straightforward person. That is why you see a lot f people around me. I am not the kind of politician

that will ask you to go and bring money because you are looking for a position. I will rather help you. Provided you are qualified; provided you are capable and have the capacity to hold that position.

That is what I look out for. I am not the type that will say go and bring money before you get any position.

And that’s why I was made the Director-General for Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Considering the number of years you have worked with Asiwaju, what kind of person will you say he is?

Asiwaju is a very transparent man. If you noticed, some people have been giving wrong signals about his person, misinforming the public about his person, but they are not true, if you meet him personally. It is because of the wrong impression of imposition that made him insist that a direct primary be done.

Direct primary is the situation where all our political party members line up behind their preferred candidate and vote for him accordingly. And it was this system that produced Babajide Sanwo-Olu as APC gubernatorial aspirant.

Asiwaju is a man who listens.

He will listen to you attentively no matter how small you are. He believes no idea or suggestion is meaningless. He will listen.

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Half of all mental illness begins by age 14 Stories: Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Research by the World Health Organisation showed that half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. Worldwide, it is estimated that 10 – 20% of teens experience mental health conditions.

According to WHO Sergey Volkov, ’’Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. ’’The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness’’.

While half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, most cases go undetected and untreated. In terms of the burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents is a major issue in many countries and can lead to risky behaviours such as unsafe sex or dangerous driving. Eating disorders are also of concern.

Fortunately, there is a growing recognition of the importance of helping young people build mental resilience, from the earliest ages, in order to cope with the challenges of today’s world. Evidence is growing that promoting and protecting

The dry drum pit latrine

adolescent health brings benefits not just to adolescents’ health, both in the shortand the long-term, but also to economies and society, with healthy young adults able to make greater contributions to the workforce, their families and communities and society as a whole.

Every year on October 10, the world observes World Mental Health Day to draw attention to the importance of mental health. The theme of this year celebration is, “Young people and mental health in a changing world”.

The WHO had revealed that it has developed tools to support parents, caregivers and teachers to build life skills of children and adolescents, to help them cope with everyday challenges. According to the WHO, ’’We recommend continuous training for primary health-care workers to enable them detect and manage common mental health problems in community settings. Integration of mental health into primary health care is a priority for WHO’’.

The WHO called upon governments to develop and strengthen evidence-based

Disease control: WHO, AUC strengthen ties to improve on health security in Africa In its bid to curb the spread disease in Africa, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the African Union Commission (AUC) are strengthening their ties to tackle the health challenges facing the continent.

Speaking during a two-day meeting earlier this month in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, the two organizations through its Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) agreed to build better synergies through a joint task force and action plan.

Lamenting the enormous health challenges confronting African countries, the WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti said that the collaboration between WHO and Africa CDC will support Member States in saving lives.

The draft action plan according to the organisations identifies key areas for cooperation with particular emphasis on emergency preparedness and response, health security in the overall context of health systems strengthening and operational Framework of Collaboration between

WHOM and the Africa Union Commission on the establishment of the Africa CDC agreed in 2016.

“A joint task force with five technical working groups will guide the efforts in the areas of partnerships and resource mobilization; monitoring the progress in implementing international health regulations; addressing the African Union Agenda 2063; public health emergency preparedness and response; strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacities; and antimicrobial resistance’’.

Also, the African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, Amira Elfadil said that strengthening health systems and moving towards health coverage for all remain top priorities for African nations.

“The African Union Commission is promoting health strategies and policies to reach these goals. But this requires solid partnerships and collaboration. WHO’s technical expertise complements AUC’s ability to mobilize political support’’, she said.

WHO and Africa CDC also agreed on

the creation of a joint work plan for 20192020, which identifies in detail how the two organizations will collaborate in implementing priority activities in the African region.

For his part, Dr John Nkengasong, the Director of Africa CDC said, “Africa is at a tipping point as it moves aggressively towards its integration agenda including free movement of people, open skies, and continental free trade agreements. As such, we need to re-imagine our public health approaches to ensure efficiencies and harness all our assets. By working as one rather than duplicating our efforts we can more effectively respond to Member States’ needs.

“Ultimately, the main objective of Africa CDC is to build the capacity of Member States’’.

WHO and Africa CDC stressed the importance of having core values to aspire to and good communications for working closely together, and agreed on regular meetings and teleconferences at multiple levels within the organizations.

programmes for young people, with the support of national policy-makers and programme managers. ’’We invite governments, interested partners and civil society to continue collaborating with WHO to improve the response to adolescents’ health needs.

Together, we can support the mental well-being of all people, because there is no health without mental health’’, the WHO added.

Prevention begins with better understanding Much can be done to help build mental resilience from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults, and to manage and recover from mental illness.

Prevention begins with being aware of and understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of mental illness. Parents and teachers can help build life skills of children and adolescents to help them cope with everyday challenges at home and at school.

Psychosocial support can be provided in schools and other community settings and of course training for health workers to enable them to detect and manage mental health disorders can be put in place, improved or expanded.

Investment by governments and the involvement of the social, health and education sectors in comprehensive, integrated, evidence-based programmes for the mental health of young people is essential. This investment should be linked to programmes to raise awareness among adolescents and young adults of ways to look after their mental health and to help peers, parents and teachers know how to support their friends, children and students.

This is the focus for this year’s World Mental Health Day.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

Dozens killed as train runs over crowd in India

Dozens of people have been killed after a train ran into a crowd in northern India.

The incident on Friday took place on the outskirts of Amritsar city, Punjab state, where hundreds of people had assembled near a railway track to watch a religious festival.

“We have 59 confirmed dead.

The toll can rise,” state police chief Suresh Arora told Reuters news agency.

Emergency officials were still trying to ascertain the extent of the disaster, he said.

Police Commissioner S. S.

Srivastava said the police have found 58 bodies so far.

Pratap Singh Bajwa, a Congress party leader in Punjab state, told the Associated Press news agency that the crowd did not see the speeding train approaching and that the train did not stop after the accident.

An unnamed witness said the train did not even sound its whistle as it sped past the site, where hundreds were watching the burning of an effigy of demon Ravana during the Hindu festival of Dussehra.

“Why did authorities allow the fireworks display so close to the railroad track?” he asked, telling the

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Republic television channel that he lost two brothers.

Another witness said the victims did not realise that a train was coming their way because the fireworks were too loud.

Shatrughan Das, an injured 35-year-old factory worker, said he was sitting close to the railroad track watching the fireworks.

“I didn’t see the train coming. I fell unconscious. I saw the police taking me to a hospital as I regained consciousness.

“I am feeling a strong headache and pain in my back and legs,” Das said from his hospital bed. “But I don’t

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A crowd shouts slogans beside the body of a victim of the train accident

have serious injuries.”

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said relief and rescue operations were ongoing at the site on a “war footing”.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet he was “extremely saddened” by the accident and that he had asked officials to provide “immediate assistance”.

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to the site and shouted angrily at railway officials for not taking precautions in view of the festival, AP news agency reported.

While accidents are relatively common on India’s sprawling rail network, Friday’s was among the deadliest in recent years.

In 2016, 146 people were killed when a train slid off railway tracks in eastern India.

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FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

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The power of Ethiopia’s gender-balanced cabinet Awol K Allo Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is drawing admiration from all corners for his transformative leadership. Since coming to power six months ago, he has released political prisoners, widened the democratic space, ended the military stalemate with Eritrea, and averted a looming financial crisis.

In short, his dynamic leadership, energy, and enthusiasm have pulled off what a Washington Post editorial described as an “astonishing turnaround” for the country.

Ahmed’s latest decision to fill 50 percent of his cabinet with female ministers is an integral part of the transformative agenda he has set out during his inaugural speech on April 2. It is easy to dismiss this move as a token gesture or a mere publicity stunt, but in a highly patriarchal society such as Ethiopia where public discourse about gender equality is non-existent or confined to the margins, the mere existence of a gender-balanced cabinet can have a transformative effect.

Ethiopia’s prime minister brought youthful vigour and bold confidence to the masculine, patriarchal, and archaic traditions of the Ethiopian state. During his inaugural address, he broke with tradition and acknowledged his mother and wife. Towards the end of his speech, he said, “in a manner that is not customary in this house, ... I would like to politely ask you to thank one Ethiopian mother who ... planted this distant and deep and elaborate vision in me, who raised me, and brought me to fruition.” He went on to say that “My mother is counted among the many kind, innocent, and hardworking Ethiopian mothers ...

In thanking my mother, I consider it equivalent to extending thanks to all Ethiopian mothers.” Given his numerous policy statements and his commitment to liberal ideas of equality, fairness, and representation visible in these policies, there is no reason to believe that these announcements had ulterior motives.

‘Women Can’t Lead’ In announcing the line-up of his new cabinet, Prime Minister Ahmed told the Ethiopian Parliament: “Our women ministers will disprove the old aphorism that women can’t lead.” Contrary to this old aphorism, he argued, women can help fight

Ethiopia’s gender balanced cabinet is sending women around the country a clear m essage: the patriarchy can be beaten.

Abiy Ahmed’s gender balanced cabinet has a tremendous transformative potential to end Ethiopian women’s experience of invisibility and the silencing of their voice and capacity

corruption, reduce inefficiency, and bring accountability and fairness to government - and that is leadership.

Linguists define aphorisms as cultural heritages that capture society’s “gravest concerns and strongest commitments”.

Aphorisms condense within themselves some of the most defining values and perspectives of a given society on a range of social and cultural issues. In Ethiopia, there are a significant number of widely and openly used sexist and dehumanizing expressions that illustrate the place of women in Ethiopian society.

Recent scholarly work that reviewed the representation of woman in Afaan Oromo and Amharic aphorisms, two of the most widely spoken languages in Ethiopia, depict a shocking portrait of a deeply rotten culture that casts women in a degrading and dehumanising light. A widely used Oromo proverb states “A woman can be tall but not knowledgeable”.

An Amharic proverb stays: “A woman does not know anything, but gives birth to a knowledgeable child.”

The patriarchal tradition that establishes the basic background narrative about the place of women in society and the incorrigibly masculine standards that shape our emotional and cognitive structures subordinate women while relentlessly upholding male privilege. Indeed, the entire cognitive, emotional, and linguistic landscape is permeated with languages, ideas, and perceptions that belittle, dehumanise, and marginalise women while at the same time presenting men as capable, competent, credible, authoritative, and knowledgeable.

Unexamined Prejudice These unexamined prejudices distort society’s perceptions and judgements about women. They enable various forms of violence against women, from domestic violence to sexual harassment, and rape. They impose what Miranda Fricker, presidential professor of philosophy at the City University of New York, calls “pre-emptive silences” that prevent women from having a voice, and from sharing her experiences, rendering

her a political subject whose perspectives and experiences are deemed irrelevant to public policy.

In Ethiopia, women’s knowledge, expertise or opinions are rarely, if at all, solicited, both in private and public realms.

If we are to change these practices, we have to go beyond enshrining principles of equality in the constitution and deal with the structural dimensions of gender inequality that are stubborn, resistant, and unyielding. We must understand how these structural inequalities impede the race for equality by preventing women from entering the race in the first place, let alone win it. We have to acknowledge the invisible brick walls, barriers, debris, and roadblocks a woman must pass through to enter the race.

However, while it is important to understand the basic background narrative and the cultural norms that pre-emptively silence women and deprive them of voice and visibility in the public sphere, it is critical that we also start building pathways through our institutions to genuinely and visibly recognise

the contribution of women to society.

That is why these appointments, rather than being token gestures, have a tremendous transformative potential to end Ethiopian women’s experience of invisibility and the silencing of their voice and capacity. By intervening in this way, at the highest level, and increasing the visibility of women in public life, these appointments will disrupt Ethiopian society’s highly problematic beliefs about women’s capacity to lead.

In a culture where gender inequality is so deeply entrenched and public discourse on gender equality is almost non-existent or confined to the margins, these appointments send a powerful message to young girls that the status quo is not inevitable, that things could be and should be different and that they too, could one day, assume a position of influence, or even become a Minister.

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

AWCON: CAF picks two Nigerian referees

Nigeria’s Madu Patience and Mimisen Iyorhe were listed when the Confederation of African Football released the list of referees that will officiate at the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

The Nigerian duo were among the 32 referees and assistant referees shortlisted to embark on a preparatory course to fine-tune their readiness for the women’s tournament in Ghana next month.

The course is scheduled for October 17-21, 2018 in Cape Coast, one of the venues for this year’s biennial championship scheduled to hold November 17 to December 1, 2018.

During the course, the selected 16 referees and 16 assistant referees will go through medical screening, theoretical and physical drills in their quest to make the list for the final tournament.

They will also undergo a theory part, involving technical and tactical analysis of the game, reviewing of video clips of matches plus a special session on integrity and match manipulation.

According to CAF Refereeing Manager, Eddy Maillet, the course is the key step towards preparations for the final tournament. It provides the platform to assess and evaluate the match officials, and to select

the best and well-conditioned ones for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2018, also the continental qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.

The five-day training will be supervised by CAF Instructors Lim Kee Chong (Mauritius), Hadqa Yahya (Morocco), Lawson Hogban Latre-Kayi (Togo), Mademba Mbacke (Senegal) and Marwa Hannachi (Tunisia).

16 Referees 1 Maria Packuita Cynquela Rivet – Mauritius 2 Ganouati Dorsaf – Tunisia 3 Lengwe Gladys – Zambia 4 Jonesia Rukyaa KABAKAMA – Tanzania 5 Lidya Tafesse ABEBE – Ethiopia 6 Fatou Thioune – Senegal 7 Stellah Ruvinga – Zimbabwe 8 Aurore Christelle M. Ligan – Benin

9 Zomadre Sonia KORE – Cote d’Ivoire 10 Salma Mukansanga – Rwanda 11 Amedome Vincentia Enyonam – Togo 12 Viana Letticia – Eswatini 13 Suavis Irantunga – Burundi 14 Karboubi Bouchra – Morocco 15 MADU Ndidi Patience – Nigeria 16 APPIAH Juliet – Ghana 16 Assistant Referees 1 Rakotozafinoro Lidwine Pelagie – Madagascar 2 Mona Mahmoud Atallah – Egypt 3 Kanjinga Mireille MUJANAYI – DR Congo 4 Chikotesha Diana – Zambia 5 Denis Kassonoux Akoua – Cote d’Ivoire 6 Josiane Mbakop Nfongan – Cameroon 7 Carolyne Wanjala – Kenya 8 Adia Cisse – Senegal

g22

9 Fanta Idrissa Kone – Mali 10 Njoroge Mary- Kenya 11 Mimisen Agatha IYORHE – Nigeria 12 Nantabo Lydia WANYAMA – Uganda 13 Kwimbira Bernadettar – Malawi 14 Bielignin Elodie Sophie SOME – Burkina Faso 15 Queency Victoire – Mauritius 16 Jermoumi Fatiha – Morocco

Nigerian football officials charged with $9.5m fraud

Three Nigerian football officials have been charged with fraud after allegedly diverting $9.5m in FIFA grants for personal use, the country’s anticorruption unit said on Thursday.

Christopher Andekin, Jafaru Fadanari Mamza and Rajan Zaka allegedly committed the crime in 2015, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said in a statement.

“The money was a grant given by the Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, for the development of football in Nigeria,” it added.

EFCC lawyer Steve Odiase told reporters outside the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the case had been adjourned to a further hearing on November 28.

The body’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, told AFP separately that the defendants pleaded not guilty, and were given bail on condition they surrendered their passports and paid a $13 755 surety.

Andekin is the director of administration and finance at the NFF while Mamza heads the finance and accounts department. Zaka is a cashier.

The court case is the latest to hit the embattled NFF, which has been embroiled in a leadership struggle for control that has brought Nigeria to the brink of FIFA sanctions.

Football’s governing body and its equivalent in Africa, CAF, have called for calm and reforms to heal the rifts in the running of the sport in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Henry Onyekuru out for six weeks with hamstring injury

Obafemi Martins partners Asisat Oshoala for charity China-based female soccer star, Asisat Oshoala, has disclosed that she and former Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins, have come together to enact a new wave of charity support in Lagos.

Both strikers are from Lagos State and have foundations that devote lots of funding and sponsorship to charity projects on a regular basis, which Oshoala says they will now intensify through their new partnership.

Oshoala was speaking after their respective foundations combined to donate sports and

Super Eagles star Henry Onyekuru will be out of action for six weeks following a hamstring injury and this will therefore rule him out of next month’s 2019 AFCON qualifier in South Africa.

Onyekuru was a late sub in both the qualifiers against Libya in Uyo and Sfax.

He assisted for the Eagles fourth goal scored

by Samuel Kalu in Uyo. According to Turkish football, he now has a hamstring injury and this will mean he will miss Galatasaray’s three UEFA Champions League matches as well as the Istanbul derby against Fenerbache.

Onyekuru is on loan to Turkish champions Galatasaray from Premier League club Everton.

educational materials to various schools in Lagos State ahead of the Lagos camp, tagged: “#football4girls.”

Oshoala, who has scored 11 goals in 13 matches this season for Dalian Quanjian in the Chinese Women’s Super League, is a threetime Africa Women Footballer of The Year and current star of the national team, Super Falcons.

She said the forthcoming Oshoala School Girls Football Clinic would be an intensive five-day coaching for aspiring women

footballers, from which exceptional talents will stand a chance of playing in China and the UK as well as further their education.

Oshoala further revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation and Lagos State Football Association have endorsed the clinic.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode, and Esther Ajayi Foundation also supports it.

About 5,000 girls from different secondary schools are expected to take part in the competition.

Balls, pair of boots, jerseys, school bags and other educational and sports equipment will be distributed to all participants.

Oshoala added: “We have decided to partner with two more foundations: Obagol, my brother, and the Esther Ajayi foundation.

“This is the fourth edition and we hope to make it good and it keeps getting bigger.

“I can’t do it alone, so I have decided to donate some sports materials to some schools in Lagos ahead of the tourney.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, October 20, 2018

23 Sports Times

FIVB: Nigeria to participate in World U-19 boys The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) on Friday approved the qualification of Nigeria’s U-19 boys national team to the World Championship in Tunisia in 2019.

The FIVB Vice-President, Dr Amr Elwani, confirmed the participation in a letter to the President, Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Musa Nimrod.

He felicitated with Nigeria over its qualification at the 2018 African Youth Games in Algiers, Algeria in July.

“On behalf of African volleyball family, we have great pleasure to inform you that the FIVB has approved the qualification of your U-19 boys national team to the FIVB 2019 U-19 Boys World Volleyball Championship.

“The competition comes up in Tunisia in 2019.

“This follows the team’s participation in the 2018 African Youth Games that held in Algiers, Algeria, from July 19 to July 23, 2018, and in which Nigeria emerged in position one.

“Kindly accept our sincere congratulations for the team’s qualification and well-wishes in their

preparations to represent Africa in the 2019 World Championship,” Elwani said.

Nimrod said: “We promise to make Africa proud at the World

Championship in Tunisia.

“The federation will support the players and ensure they are camped early to understand themselves better,’’ the NVBF chief said.

Arsenal’s Unai Emery backs TV schedule as club face three games in seven days Arsenal coach Unai Emery has said he has no issue with having to play on the Monday night of a European week because televising matches “is important.”

Arsenal face Leicester in the Premier League at the Emirates on Monday before travelling to Portugal to play Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday.

It means they will play three games in seven days as they travel to Crystal Palace for an early kickoff the following Sunday.

But Emery rejected calls for the Premier League to help clubs out by stopping broadcasters from moving games ahead of European matches.

“The TV is very important. The TV is [free] to choose the matches Friday,

Sunday, Monday,” he said.

“If they decide we are going to play Monday, we don’t stop to think if it is better or not to play Monday. We’re going to play. In Spain, it is the same.”

Emery added that his players would be able to handle the workload.

“Every player needs to feel [he is ready] to play every match,” he said. “If I decide to play with the same players Monday, Thursday, Sunday, these players can do that.

“The mentality is to think like this.

We want to play a lot of matches. We want to continue doing our way with different possibilities tactically and with the players, but if we need [to play] a lot of matches with the players, we can do that.”

Ballon d’Or no distraction for Griezmann, insists Atletico boss Simeone Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is confident Antoine Griezmann will not be distracted by his desire to win the Ballon d’Or. Griezmann is among the favourites, alongside Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, to win football’s most prestigious individual honour.

The forward has enjoyed a stellar year that included Europa League and UEFA Super Cup glory with Atleti, as well as a World Cup triumph with France at Russia 2018.

Griezmann has made little secret of his wish to win the prize and Simeone believes the Frenchman deserves to be recognised for his achievements, but does not foresee a dip in standards from his star player.

“I don’t think [there will be a lack of focus], what he did in the recent past is already there, he won the Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and the World Cup,” Simeone said ahead of Atleti’s trip to Villarreal on Saturday.

“He was also runner-up in La Liga, facing the best teams in the world Barcelona and Real Madrid. Last season Griezmann was the best player in the world, for sure.”

Atleti are just one point adrift of La Liga leaders Sevilla in the table having taken 15 from eight matches this season.

That is the same amount as champions Barcelona and one more than Real Madrid, whose respective bosses Ernesto Valverde and Julen Lopetegui have faced questions over their futures.

It was put to Simeone that he avoids the same sort of criticism aimed at his rival bosses but the Argentine coach disagreed with that theory, stating that he came under fire after losing to Celta Vigo in September and that many claimed there was disharmony in his squad at times during the last campaign.

“You’re the ones who write, I don’t agree with your statement, we’re all exposed, we depend on the results,” he replied.

“The teams you named are big ones and the coach is a key piece if it gets results, we live to get good results, when we don’t get them we’re criticised.

“After the Celta game we were criticised, and also last season they said the team wasn’t on the same page as me.

“Criticism always happens when you don’t win, even if you control the game, if you don’t win you will be criticised.”

Jose Mourinho given until Wednesday LeBron James delivers 26 but Trail Blazers spoil his Lakers debut by FA to respond to charge

Blazers spoiled his Lakers debut with a 128-119 victory at the Moda Center arena.

The basketball world has been waiting months to see the 33-year-old James in the purple and gold jersey and when the moment arrived he delivered.

James electrified the Portland crowd with back-to-back monster slams for his first points as a Laker, but ultimately he couldn’t prevent them from dropping their 16th straight game to Portland dating back to March 2014.

“It’s not instant oatmeal. It’s not that fast,” James said. “It takes some time to get that chemistry where you can just close your eyes and know exactly where guys are.”

The Lakers will play their first home LeBron James began his Los Angeles game on Saturday against the Houston Lakers era with two rim-rattling dunks on Thursday, but the 14-time all-star couldn’t Rockets at Staples Center. reverse a string of losing debut games with James opted out of his contract with Cleveland in the offseason and agreed to a new NBA teams.

James scored a game-high 26 points and four-year deal worth $154 million with the had 12 rebounds but the Portland Trail Lakers.

Against Portland, James shot nine-of-16 from the field in 37 minutes of playing time.

Josh Hart added 20 points for the Lakers.

“I liked our fight to get back into the game when we were down double digits. I liked the way we competed at times. I liked the way we shared the ball as well,” James said. “Those were all positive.

“There are some things that we could do better. We can rebound a lot better, we had some turnovers, which I expected. Us just trying to get a feel for one another.”

Said Lakers coach Luke Walton, “Glad he’s on our team. He’s pretty good at the game of basketball.”

Damian Lillard had 28 points and Nik Stauskas scored 24 points off the bench for Portland, which won its NBA record 18th straight home opener.

With the Lakers up 6-2 after baskets by Rajon Rondo, JaVale McGee and Brandon Ingram, James stole the ball from Portland forward Jake Layman and raced to the other end for a dunk.

Jose Mourinho has been granted an extension by the Football Association until Wednesday at 6pm to respond to his charge for alleged abusive language.

The Manchester United manager faces disciplinary action for comments he made toward television cameras following the 3-2 comeback win against Newcastle before the international break.

Mourinho was originally due to respond to the charges on Friday at 6pm, which led to speculation he could be banned for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, but he will now be free to be on the touchline at Stamford Bridge.

Asked if he had responded to the FA, Mourinho said: “Yes I did, but I don’t comment.”

Before the game a newspaper report said Mourinho would be sacked regardless of the outcome against Newcastle, leading the Portuguese to claim there was a “manhunt”.

Pressed on whether he felt victimised by the charge, he said: “If I answer to your question I probably have another process, because I cannot imply bias, so my answer is no answer.”

In their original statement, the FA said: “It is alleged that his language at the end of the fixture, as captured by the broadcast footage, was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper.”

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FLASHBACK in Times: October 13, 1948

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