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Aero redundancy notice tears aviation unions apart

Ï jddd Mè M ^&è Mn j&è M ^ Ɨƈ ƏƆƆ Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The redundancy notice issued by Aero Contractors of Nigeria Limited to its staff recently is fueling very serious disagreements amongst major aviation unions in the country. Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest airline, had on March 16, 2017 issued letters of redundancy, which affected about 60 per cent

67.98

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49.09

Continued on page 12

MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 323

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GAINERS AS AT March 17, 2017 GUINNESS

of its total workforce. Reacting to the action of the airline, three aviation labour unions under the auspices of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) in

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LOSERS AS AT March 17, 2017 1.85%

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28.12

28.01

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WAPCO

36.28

34.50

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PDP crisis: State chairmen disown Sheriff, Dickson

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EFCC Chair: Re-present Magu for screening, Ndume urges Presidency

Sam Nzeh, Lagos & Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The

political feud between the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Court of Appeal sanctioned Senator AliContinued on page 6

FG: Whistle blowers will be rewarded, 6 protected NDLEA records 34,499 drug-related arrests in 4 years - Report 12

ASUU demands immediate end to pay cuts by FG 6 &Ƅ ƕƈ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè # ƒƈƗ nƌ ƈ æƾ Ɨ Əçì ƈ ƍè ƇƈƊƍ #ƈ ƅƆ Ɔ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƑƏƅ Ƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ æ Ƌƈƅ ƌƌƑ ƈ çè `Ɛê `Ɔƒê ^ ƑƋ nƗ ƑæƋçì ^Əƈƌ ƐƆ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƅ ƑƏƅ è L Ɛ `Ɔƒê Mƈƅ Ƌ RƊ æƾ Ɨ Ƌçì Əƅ Ƅƈ ƍè & Ƒ Ƒ &ƅƅƋƆ ƈ Ɛƈƅ Ƌ ^Ə ƒƈ ƅƆè L Ɛ `Ɛê `Ɔƒê &ƌƌ ƑƆƋ ƑƊƓƑƌ Ɨ ^Ɔ ƍƋƆ #Ɔƌ ƅƏ Ɛƈƅ ^ ƏƐƕ M Ɛƈ Ƌ yƈƅƆé ƈƏƌ æd ƑƐ é& Ɛçè Ƒ Ɛƈ nƌ ƈ æƏçè ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ƒ ƒƆƈƋƈ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƈƋƈƅ Ƈ 1Ə ƅƆè ƇƈƊƍ #ƈ ƅƆ Ɔ Č dƑ Ɨ ƕê

Buhari is committed to repaying Nigerians 7 - Presidency

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

UNICAL Don killed among others, by suspected cultists

By Edem Edem,Calabar

A lecturer in the department of accounting of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) was among the persons killed by people suspected to be cultists in Calabar, Cross River State capital. The lecturer, Dr Emmanuel Igbo Igbong and others were gunned down over the weekend in Calabar. Dr. Igbong according to our findings was driving home at about 9pm with an unidentified female. He parked in front of his gate and was about opening his gate when he sighted the suspected cultists and attempted to escape in his car when the suspects chased

him and fired three shots and the pellets entered his neck bone and he died on the spot. The lady was allegedly shot on the chest region and is currently receiving treatment at undisclosed health facility, our source hinted. ASP Irene Ugbo, Police Public Relations Officer Cross River has confirmed the shooting; “Yes, the shooting is confirmed, we are currently investigating and no arrests have been made yet” she said. Igbong , a native of Igbo-Ekureku in Abi local government Area was among the PhD graduates in economics at the 30th convocation ceremony of

the University of Calabar held last week Saturday. Family sources said Igbong, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress had received a threat last year that he will be killed before December, 2016. However, on November 16, 2016 he wrote in his face book that; “As the Lord God of Heaven lives, any man who disguises in the name of politics to desecrate the land of Ekureku either through burying of infants humans or animals, burying charms on the land of Ekureku, or causing the death of Ekureku son or daughter, or plotting to kill, harm or mame any Ekureku person such as the one currently being circulated

by the coward politician who claim lordship of politics in Ekureku and beliefs on politics of intimidation, please let me announce to all that the game is over, and this is judgment time”. “Without reservation, I am putting all necessary instruments to resist any form of intimidation, I will also not fail to expose arms and ammunition acquired and all the recruits used to achieve their heinous activities including their cult group would be exposed. Let me also inform all that no amount of stolen wealth that is turning some mad would save them when the revenge would start and I cannot be taken by surprise. So be warned.”

5 News

Delta Police arrest 20 suspected cultists for alleged robbery

. Recover 61 cut to size guns, six stolen cars and several ammunitions Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÎÎÎThe

police detectives attached to the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Delta State Police Command Asaba, have arrested twenty suspected cultists who allegedly had been involved in different robberies across the state in the recent times. The suspects, according to the Police Commissioner, Zanna Ibrahim who confirmed their arrest to Journalists at the weekend, were nabbed at different locations in Asaba, Kwale, Ozoro and Ibusa on tip-off, disclosing that upon interrogation the suspects confessed to the crime. He said that the suspects would be charged to count on completion of investigation, disclosing further that the police recovered six stolen cars, sixty-one cut to size guns and several ammunition. On the alleged death of the kidnapped Divisional

Police Officer (DPO), ‘C’ Division, Sp Valentine Mbalu the police boss said two suspects have been arrested and have confessed to the crime, as it was not true that the corpse of the officer was found in a bush in Umunede as reported by a section of the media. According to him; we have not found the corpse, at present, the search is on, and the IGP has approved the deployment of three sniffer dogs to help locate where the officer is or buried”, disclosing that over 170 officers were deployed as a search party for the kidnapped officer. Amongst other things, the police boss said, were the suspects who also confessed to be members of the kidnap gang that have been terrorizing the people of Ogbara and its environs, and called on members of the public to always provide useful information to the police that will lead to the arrest of criminals.

Lagos Task Force nabs 43 oil bunkers in Lagos Joy Anyim

A cross section of women during the distribution of Delivery kits to Expectant Mothers at Nabayi Village, at Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State… recently.

Striking teachers union, Delta Govt disagreed on call off strike

ÎÎÎOkowa threatens “No work, No pay” approves promotions, inter cadre transfers for teachers. Nosa Akenzua, Asaba. Striking teachers‘ Union, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Delta State has disagreed with the state government’s matching order “for the striking teachers to resume work with effect from March 20, 2017 or be sanctioned for ‘No’ work, No pay”. Noting that the order had no final solutions to the teachers’ current predicaments which culminated the strike action, the leadership of the teachers’ union flayed government’s decision of No

work, No pay” as measures adopted to solving the strike action, adding that the role of teachers in the nation building cannot be overemphasized. Mr. Joe Iyalakhue, Secretary General NUT who spoke to a group of journalists in Asaba contended that the state government steps to ensure no vacuum in the educational sector was in order but faulted the alleged “rash threat” of No work, No pay” in the “bedeviled circumstances” the unpaid teachers had been faced with before embarking on strike action. He however agreed that for the sake of SSCE students, teachers in

charge would be allowed to resume classes, while the teachers’ union and the state government will continue in the talk of peace that would enhance the welfare of the teachers. But the state government through the ministry of intonation in a press statement signed by the Director of Information, Mr. Paul Osahor, on behalf of the state government stated that at the enlarged meeting between the state government and the labour unions that was chaired by the governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was evident that the state government had met all its salary obligations to public

servants (inclusive of teachers in secondary schools/ technical colleges employed under the Post Primary Education Board). The statement emphasized that the continued “sympathy” strike by secondary school teachers in the state in solidarity with the primary school counterparts, was unreasonable and uncalled for as matters concerning promotions and inter cadre transfers have been approved, and implemented by the state government through the Post Primary Education Board, and in line with government avowed commitment to the welfare of teachers in the state.

ÎÎÎMen of the Lagos State Task Force have nabbed 43 oil bunkers and sealed-off a property with 2.5 million litres of adulterated diesel at the Alausa area of Ikeja. It was gathered that the Agency had received a petition from save our soul (SOS) an NGO, on the illegal activities of the oil bunkers at Jlobjin Petroleum Ltd’ of No. 8, Elephant Cement Way, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. The Chairman of the Task Force SP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that the Agency had acted on the information and the suspects caught while mixing original diesel with kerosene and selling at a reduced price to the public. He said “prelimilinary investigation with available documents (receipts) revealed that this illegal business has been on for over 7 years and adulterated diesel were supplied to the public particularly big companies across the state. “Adulterated diesel worth 2.5 million litres were fully loaded inside gallons and 6 different trucks with registration numbers FST 615 XR, EPE 672 XC, DKW 05 XA, KTU 750 XN, BDG 717

XA, FKJ 327 XH and XR 95 LSD”. The Chairman stated further that the newly signed Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Bill by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was out to safe guard against the prevalence of such act. He enjoined members of the public to report any illegal or criminal activities around them to the appropriate authority by calling the Lagos State Emergency Toll-free lines ‘112’ or ‘767’. SP Egbeyemi however confirmed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni has directed that all those arrested in connections with the adulterated diesel business be immediately charged to court. One of the arrested oil bunker Iyiola Adeyinka (40yrs) who hails from Ilero in Oyo State confirmed that the company belonged to one Alhaji Lukumon Ojena. In his confessional statement, Adeyinka said: “We mixed diesel with kerosene on daily basis and supplied in large quantities to the public particularly communication companies and banks at cheaper rates across the State.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè L Əƅ ƾƠè ƾƠơƣ

PDP crisis: State chairmen disown Sheriff, Dickson

Continued from page 1

Modu Sheriff leadership of the party took a new twist on Sunday as some PDP chairmen disowned the former Borno State governor’s leadership of the party. They also denied throwing their weight behind the recommendation of Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson’s reconciliation committee for a political solution to the crisis rocking the party. Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, the Niger State Chairman of the party, Barrister Tanko Beji, said that majority of them have nothing to do with Sheriff ’s leadership of the PDP. The Daily Times recalls that 23 State Chairmen of the party were on Friday night alleged to have endorsed the recommendation of Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson’s reconciliation committee for a political solution to the crisis rocking the party. The state chairmen also supported Gov. Dickson committee’s

reports and recommendation for an all-inclusive unity convention to be held as soon as possible. The 23 PDP State chairmen in a joint communique read to journalists in Abuja by the FCT chairman, Yunusa Suleiman, after their emergency meeting held on Friday night, said Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff, remained the chairman of the party, going by the pronouncement of the Appeal Court. They suggested that every organ of the party, group or individuals that has anything to add to the recommendations should present same to the national chairman for consideration and deliberations, saying it would deepen internal democracy and support an all-inclusive regeneration of the party. The communique was signed by PDP chairmen from Jigawa, Adamawa, Niger, Gombe, Taraba, Zamfara, Yobe, Kebbi, Kwara, Bayelsa, FCT, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Imo, Borno, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Kogi, Benue and Cross Riv-

er states. But the Niger State chairman of the PDP, Barrister Tanko Beji, on Sunday, denied that majority of the chairmen including himself were part of those who attended the meeting, adding that his signature was forged. He said he and majority of the other chairmen never attended the meeting and wondered why their names were included among the participants and threatened to press charges against those saying they attended the meeting. He said: “My attention has just been drawn to a publication in some national dailies (not the Daily Times) concerning a purported meeting of state chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) endorsing Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff as the national chairman. I wish to state that I was not aware of the said meeting and was not in attendance. The signature against my name is equally not mine. For the avoidance of doubt, I remain committed to the

National Caretaker Committee of the party and in support of the appeal at the Supreme Court”. Barrister Beji said in desperation, the Sheriff faction of the party has turned to unwholesome acts as face saving measures. Beji revealed that only four out of the purported 23 state chairmen of the PDP attended the meeting on Friday. The chairmen that were in attendance at the meeting, according to him were that of the Federal Capital Territory, Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Taraba states. He said that 19 chairmen of the party mentioned in the alleged fraudulent communique have concluded arrangement to storm Abuja on Wednesday, March 23, 2017 to register their protest and possibly engage lawyers to press forgery charges against the Sheriff faction. The Niger State PDP chairman’s denial came just as the Borno State chapter of the party at the weekend disowned the

National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and backed the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi. The Borno PDP, which paid a solidarity visit to Makarfi and members of the Caretaker Committee, added that in spite of threat and intimidation from Sheriff, they refused to leave the party. The state PDP, under the aegis of Borno State PDP Concerned Grassroot Stakeholders, led by Usman Danjuma Ibrahim, said the members have passed through various threats, money inducement and intimidation by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. ”He installed state Exco for our members to leave the party, but we stayed firm due to the love we have for the party,” Danjuma said. Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor and Chairman of the PDP standing committee on ReconciliContinued on page 7

ASUU demands immediate end to pay cuts by FG êêL ƕ ƈ ƒ ƊƆ ƐƏƈƊƆ ƅƐƈ Augustine Okezie, ƄƑƉ and Moses Oyediran, & Ƒ Ƒ

ÏÏÏ The Academic Staff

R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè R ƄƆ ƈ ` ƑƇ ƏƆ ƄƆ Ƌ æƌçì ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Mƈ ƆƏƈ 1ƑƈƋƗ Ƈ &ƗƈƐ Ə æM1&çè LƏ ê 0Ƒ ƊƆ & ƄƆƌ ƗƆ æƋç Ɨ Ɛ ƆƏ è ƗƑƏƈ ƒƈ ƈƐ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ M1& Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ é ƈ Ɨ ƅ ƌƍƋƆƐƆƗ Ə Ɨ ƍƏ ƉƆƅƐ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ dƐ ƐƆČ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƓƆƆƊƆ Ɨê

FG: Whistle blowers will be rewarded, protected Tom Okpe Abuja

ÏÏÏ To encourage the exposure

of corrupt practices in the country through the act of whistle blowing, the Federal Government has concluded plans to reward and protect those that will provide information leading to the recovery of stolen funds or assets of the Federal Government. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, reiterated this in a statement issued on Sunday by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Segun Adeyemi, revealing that the Federal Government will protect the identity of all whistleblowers, whether in the public or the private sector and also ensure that the information they provide

is kept secret. ‘’For those who may have suffered any backlash as a result of the information they provide, their cases will be reviewed and appropriate mitigating actions taken”, the statement said. Mohammed said the assurance followed the presentations made to the Presidential Assets Recovery Committee by concerned citizens and groups about the safety of whistle-blowers. ‘’Whistle-blowers have nothing to fear, because the committee has put in place the necessary measures to safeguard those who give useful information. As a matter of fact, whistle-blowers have everything to gain and nothing to lose,’’ he said. The Minister said any whistleblower whose information leads

to the recovery of up to 1 to 5 billion Naira will receive 5% of the amount while any amount above 5 billion Naira will attract 2.5% reward. “If a whistle-blower provides information leading to the recovery of 10 billion Naira, he will receive 5% of the first 1 billion Naira, 4% of the next 4 billion Naira and 2.5% of the remaining 5 billion Naira as the case may be. ‘’What we have done by making this information public is to reassure potential whistle-blowers that the plan to reward is real. We are not just saying we will pay all whistle-blowers, but we are letting them know in advance what they are entitled once the information they provide leads to the recovery of looted funds,” the minister added.

Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja zone, comprising of University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nasarawa State University, Keffi Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai and Federal University, Lafia) have decried what they called ‘’ugly and worrisome unilateral drastic cut by the Federal Government in the personnel costs allocations to Federal Universities across the country’’. Also, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Nsukka zone says it will paralyse academic activities in all federal and state universities if Federal Government fails to address short falls in personnel emoluments of its members. The Abuja Zonal Coordinator of the union, Dr. Theophilus D. Lagi, while addressing newsmen in Lapai at the weekend shortly after the zonal meeting of the association, said the issue of shortfall in salaries payment to members across all Federal Universities which began in December, 2015 has become a pattern employed by the Federal Government to debilitate the workers movement in the country, especially ASUU. He said “salary is sacrosanct and payment of full salary (including all earned allowances) is the lubricant of the wheels of industrial harmony within the uni-

versity establishment. “ASUU insists that her members have rendered their duties in full (100%) and as such, they should have their salaries and allowances paid in full and not in percentages or decimals. ‘’It is on this note that ASUU unequivocally demand an immediate restoration of releases of the full personnel costs (including arrears thereof) to all Federal Universities in Nigeria, in order to forestall the infliction of consequential damage to public university education in Nigeria,’’ he said. Dr. Lagi further blamed the extant authorities like the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Agencies which have no inkling on how the University system works as the most probable reason for the pay-cut. ‘’It does appear that the Finance and Budget and Planning Ministries have failed to realise or refused to accept and correct their mistakes in the figures they project as appropriation for tertiary education, particularly the University education sub-sector’’. The Zonal Coordinator stated further that ’’Government has no reason whatsoever, other than deliberate intent to inflict pains and misery on the University Academics, to hype the gimmick of recession and in that garb, decide to unilaterally cut the earned salaries of the academic staff ’’. In the same vein, the Zonal CoContinued on page 7

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2015

PDP crisis: State chairmen disown Sheriff, Dickson Continued from page 6 ation, Hon. Seriake Dickson, on Sunday, called on the Sen. Ahmed Makarfiled National Caretaker committee (NCC) to step down in the interest of the party. Governor Dickson made the call while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja. The Governor pointed out that the stage was now set for all the chieftains and elders of the party to impress it on the caretaker committee to cede its authority to the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led leadership. He said: “When the idea of making Sheriff the National Chairman of our party was hatched, I personally kicked against it. “I also turned down all the overtures from Sheriff because I did not believe in him and what he did. “So now, my position is that we have to move forward. I am a politician of conviction, I am not a politician of convenience and I am not a typical Nigerian politician’’. He said the party had come to a threshold when the right political decision should be taken to end the prolonged crisis. He added: “The Makarfiled caretaker committee should remember that it was a brain child of the majority of party members including I at a convention in Port Harcourt. “I and up to 80 per cent of the population of the PDP members were for Makarfi but the unfolding events have compelled us to adopt a political resolution instead of embarking on further bickering. “As politicians and democrats, we must first obey the constitution and all other instruments of civil rule and which includes obeying the judiciary”. He also said: “We had expected that the Court of Appeal would give us judgment, but it rather upheld Sheriff as the National Chairman of the party. “Whether anybody likes Sheriff ’s face or not, the Makarfi-led caretaker committee was stripped of its authority to manage the affairs of the party the day the judgment was delivered. “It was in the spirit to honour the court’s pronouncement that the party’s reconciliation committee that I chair submitted its report on how we shall move forward to Sheriff. “In fact, as it stands now, Sheriff has started addressing issues within the party, he is the one sending

names of party members contesting elections in various states. “If there is going to be a by-election in Kaduna today, Makarfi’s home state, INEC would not accept correspondences from Makarfi any longer because his business in the party has ended’’. Dickson noted that Sheriff had always been disposed to political settlement of the crisis, adding that Makarfi had remained adamant. Dickson said the template to ensure the conduct of the party’s National Convention in June was uppermost, adding that Sheriff was positively disposed to it. But the Makarfi-led NCC made it clear that if he (Makarfi) must resign, Sheriff too must resign for any political resolution of the crisis in PDP to be meaningful. The NCC has also vowed to pursue its appeal in the Supreme Court to a logical conclusion in the interest of fairness, justice, equity and the nation’s democracy.

Buhari is committed to repaying Nigerians -Presidency Tony Ailemen Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Presidency on Sunday said President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to repaying Nigerians for their support during his health challenges by working hard to deliver on his promises to the country. Presidential Spokesman and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, stated this while speaking Pyramid Radio, Kano over the weekend. He declared that the President Buhari had walked his talk within the first week of his return with an intense desire to pay back to Nigerians by way of keeping their trust and serving their interests. “His reply to the people for their support and trust is to work much harder for them. The President didn’t have a day off or even a light week at all throughout his

ASUU demands immediate end to pay cuts by FG Continued from page 6 ordinator of Nsukka zone of ASUU, Prof. David Ikoni, says the union will paralyse academic activities in all federal and state universities if Federal Government fails to address short falls in personnel emoluments of its members. Ikoni disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the weekend after2-day executive meeting of zonal officers at the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He urged government to quickly pay the short falls in personnel emolument in federal universities and half payment of salaries, nonpayment of salaries and subventions in state universities or ASUU will be forced to embark on industrial action as this affect their members nationwide. “We came to the embarrassing conclusion that Federal Government has failed to appreciate the enormity of the problems posed by its lack of action on the different components of the short-fall”, he said. He said “the zone comprises Benue State University, Makurdi, Federal

7 News

University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Kogi State University, Anyigba, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Federal University, Lokoja. ASUU noted that the shortfall affects salaries, earned academic allowances, excess workload allowances, funding, etc. ASUU described the trend as unacceptable, adding that if the situation continues, academic activities may be paralysed. “The problem of shortfalls affects both federal and state universities, our union is of the strong view that there is no financial or moral justification for the continued shortfall in personnel emolument of members of the union who are rendering full service in their universities of primary assignment. “ASUU NEC many times have strongly condemned the current practice by this government of deliberately paying fractions of salary to our members such that is no longer possible to know the percentage to receive at the end of each month.

week of resumption,” his spokesman Garba Shehu said in an interview with Pyramid Radio in Kano State. In reaction to a question on the engagement of the President in his first in office, Malam Garba told his interviewer that: “I read those analyses and I believe they were mostly wrong. What they don’t understand is that the President doesn’t follow official working hours because he is on duty all the time. He has another office by his living room so he works from home when most civil servants have closed.” The Presidential spokesman stated that contrary to some of the assumptions, President Buhari had an engaging week devoted mostly to policy issues not ceremonial events. Malam Garba disclosed that on Tuesday the President followed up his meeting with the Vice President getting details from the CBN Governor, Godwin

Emefiele on the liquidity situation of the country, the issue of reserves and the outlook for the rest of the year. He then met with the Presiding officials of the parliament, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara. Those two arms have dealt with the issue of his vacation with great sensitivity. On Wednesday, the President presided at the Federal Executive Council. Shehu told his listeners that the President came well prepared for the meeting, appearing as if he had not been away for over a month. “The noticeable thing about the last meeting was that it dwelled on policy. The meeting didn’t discuss contracts. “On Thursday, the President had a joint sitting with the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, the Ministers of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and that of Budget and Plan-

ning, Udoma Udo-Udoma. They discussed the country’s economic situation, the progress on the 2017 budget and liquidity issues. Efforts to get the nation out of state of misery brought about by economic recession are yielding much results in the area of Agriculture, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu told the Pyramid Radio in Kano. “Because the elite don’t care for ordinary people they are saying that government is doing nothing but we are doing a lot for ordinary people. They don’t want us to talk about the 14 solar power projects that have been licensed to boost electricity supply in the country; the Mambila power project which will soon leave the drawing boards and the many Chinese projects including the standard gauge railway. This country has more important things to talk about instead of dwelling on trivia.”

8 News

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Re-present Magu for screening, Ndume urges Presidency Insists Senate erred using DSS reports to reject him

Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

Senate Committee Chairman on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume has urged President Muhammaadu Buhari to represent the name of Ibrahim Magu for confirmation as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ndume said the President, having earlier cleared Magu of a report by the Attorney

General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami should go ahead to stand by his conviction that the Acting Chairman of EFCC committed no infraction contrary to the allegations leveled against him by the DSS. He recalled that after the initial rejection of Magu by the Senate based by the DSS report, President Buhari re-nominated Magu for confirmation with an advice by Vice President and the Attorney General, believing that the Acting EFCC Chair-

man was not guilty as charged. He said: “Honestly I will be surprised if Mr President does not send Magu’s name again. After we raised an issue that Magu had an issue with the DSS Report, the President submitted Magu’s name again, explaining that he had investigated the allegations and found him not to be guilty of the allegations against him. “The President said in his letter to the Senate that the investigation was done by the

Attorney General of the Federation and the Vice President. Now, if we are in the same party with 65 Senators on our side, why should we be seen to be opposing the President?” The one time Senate Majority Leader said President Buhari should never allow any form of compromise on his commitment to the fight against corruption in Nigeria, a reason he should stick to Magu as the Chairman of the EFCC.

No surrender of weapons, no amnesty, RSG tells Ogoni youths Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÎÎÎ

Following recent violent clashes among the various cult groups in Ogoni, resulting in killings and an atmosphere of insecurity in the affected areas, the Rivers State Government has declared that no amnesty would be granted to repentant cultists without a total surrender of their weapons. This declaration was made by the chairman of the Rivers State Amnesty Committee, Mr. Ken Chinda, at a security stakeholders meeting in Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area, at the weekend. The Chairman appealed to cultists in Ogoni to utilize the second amnesty programme in the interest of peace and security in the area and the state at large. Recall that cultists in Ogoni refused to surrender their weapons during the first phase of the amnesty programme in the state, but the continued killings in Ogoni had forced crit-

ical stakeholders in the area to appeal for extension of the programme. During the destruction of the arms recovered from hoodlums at the Igwurata Shooting Range in Ikwerre Local Government Area after the first amnesty in the state, the Rivers State governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike, directed the amnesty office to organize a second amnesty programme in Ogoni. In fulfillment of the Governor directive, the Amnesty Committee Chairman, Mr. Chinda told the stakeholders meeting that amnesty would be extended to the youths of khana but emphasized the need for sincerity. He said: “This second opportunity for amnesty is gold that Ogoni youths must grab to end the killings in their land. The leaders are meeting with me next week Wednesday. “Cultists should not mess this second window His Excellency has given to them. This opportunity may elude them if they don’t surrender their weapons.

Ooni becomes life global mentor of Nigerians in diaspora Benjamin Omoike

ÎÎÎ L-R: Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu; Deputy Governor of Benue State, Mr. Benson Abounu and Commissioner for Works, Transport and Energy, supervising Ministry of Water Resources in Benue, Mr. Emmanuel Manger, at a dinner organised for the Minister in Makurdi… at the weekend.

Soludo calls for Igbo unity, as Gov Obiano marks three years anniversary John Chinenye, Awka

ÎÎÎ

A Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has advocated for a new Igbo elite cohesion and consensus that will chart the cause for building a common front for the development of states in the South East region. Professor Soludo made the suggestion while delivering a lecture entitled Anambra: An emerging start-up state and our collective challenge as part of activities marking Governor Willie Obiano’s

three years in office at the governor’s lodge, Amawbia. The Economist noted that the Igbo race were people with very high enterprising spirit and if they could pool their resources and knowledge together to initiate an instructive development practice, the South East would in no distant time become one of the most economically viable geopolitical zones in the country. He urged those in the diaspora to adopt the think home philosophy to deploy part of their wealth for the development of their home

states. Professor Soludo while stating that Anambra state despite the challenges faced at the initial stage of the new democratic dispensation has been able to transform to an emerging start-up economy because of the institutionalized governance process initiated by the present administration, called for the change of the narrative of Igbo nations working independently but to learn how to reach out to each other and share ideas on ways to create sustainable wealth in their areas.

The former CBN Governor commended the Governor Willie Obiano’s administration for consolidating on the achievements of the previous governments as well as paving the way for continued growth and development of the state economy through the introduction of the public private partnership initiative. He however harped on the need for the people of the state to come up with a long-term plan that will guide successive governments in the development of the area.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife, in Osun State, has been appointed by Nigerians in Diaspora Mentoring Corp as Its Global Mentor. The decoration was done during the Nigerian Youth at the Diaspora Conference 2017 in London on Saturday. The elated Monarch said he was glad to be given the global mentoring badge by NIDMECORP and said he looked forward to engaging youths in mentoring and other aspects of life. The Ooni was in attendance at the Nigerian Students Union UK event where he spoke with them on the future and plans of his Royalty as well as inviting them to see themselves as indeed leaders of tomor-

row. He spoke extensively on the dreams of Nigeria’s and Africa’s founding fathers and leaders from their early journey and meetings in the 1950s in the same London city. He said the leaders at the time saw the opportunities for independence, came in, studied and went back to Africa. According to the Ooni, the Progressive Leaders were united with one purpose to see their educational gains utilised for the development of Africa as a continent and called on the students to meet the expectations of their parents and sponsors. He used the platform to apologise to them if they felt neglected by their national government and said he was there to boost their moral.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Politics Women tasked on nation building ÏÏÏ

Women in the country have been charged to deploy their potentials as mothers, wives and care givers to take up leadership positions in efforts to promote nation building. This is also as they were enjoined to mobilise support for girl child education in a bid to discourage early marriage. The call was sequel to the International Day for Women recently marked. Speaking at her office, the Director General, Office of Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo maintained that women, following their potentials in managing their homes, career and other endeavours, are vital ingredients in politics, stressing that their efforts in complementing their male counterparts have yielded in many quarters laudable results. “In some states where we have governors their deputies are female and they are very effective and you would agree with me that many of our male leaders are being supported by women.” However while calling that more opportunity should be given to women to play key roles in politics, the DG urged the government at all levels to prioritise women literacy through advocacy for girl child education and abolition of early marriage for young girls. “In education sector there have been a lot of advocacy policies to support women course like we have the girl child education programme, how we have been encouraging a lot of our girls to go to school; campaign against early marriage, how school across the country should monitor girl welfare in schools and how to encourage more of this.

Sani wants APC to penalise El-Rufai for leaking memo to President ÏÏÏ Sen. Shehu Sani a mem-

ber of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Kaduna State has called on the party to penalise the state governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai for allegedly leaking to reporters a memo he wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari. Sani, who is the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, called for the punitive measures in a statement he released in Abuja on Saturday in reaction to the alleged leakage. It will be recalled that media reports had alleged that El-Rufai told Buhari in a memo, that he was losing the vision and the momentum with which APC started the change campaign. The governor was alleged to

have called on the President to communicate constantly with Nigerians, so they would know the plans of his government. The reports also claimed that El-Rufai acknowledged that a cabal was working hard to alienate the President from those who even worked hard to secure his victory during the 2015 election. Sani said it was ironic that while El-Rufai could not stand constructive criticism, he had the audacity to criticise the President. “The governor always recommends that our party should punish me for criticising him. “Now that he has fired a cruise missile at the President through a deliberately leaked memo, he should also be treated the same way.

“He accused me of being disloyal and disrespectful to the President and the party for speaking my mind. “Now he has done his own cunningly by criticising the President and the party, disguised it as a memo and leaked it out to the press. “If our able party chair would give me five strokes of the cane for speaking out, the governor (El Rufai) should be given thrice that for ‘leaking out’. “It’s often said that look at the message and not the messenger, but there are times when you can only decipher the message by looking at the messenger,’’ he said. According to Sani, while Gov. El-Rufai is entitled to his opinion and perception, the con-

tradiction and irony is that he carried out an action he always stood against when criticised. He described the governor as disloyal and disrespectful, saying: “the difference is that while mine is blunt, his is dubious. “Secondly, for all the issues he raised against the President, his own is worst in his space of governance both in the existence of cabal or politics of exclusion, incompetence or public perception. “The difference is that the President is tolerant of criticisms and alternative views.’’ He said the leakage of the memo to newsmen was an evidence that “logically he is leaking memo to rouse popular sympathy and create the image of ‘a competent alternative’ to ‘Baba.’

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan (l) and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, during a courtesy visit on the governor by the President at Government House, Port Harcourt… at the weekend.

Soludo commends Obiano over Anambra economy A former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commended Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State over his achievements in the area of economy within three years in office. Delivering a lecture to mark the third year anniversary of Obiano’s administration in Awka, Soludo rated the state’s economy as the fourth biggest in the

country. He said the economy of Anambra, which was not an oil producing state, had been well managed under Obiano, making it one of the most buoyant states after Lagos, Abuja and Rivers. Soludo, who said the private sector must be encouraged to drive the economy, commended the governor for attracting a sizeable number of investors to the

state. The former CBN boss, who contested for the All Progressives Grand Alliance ticket with Obiano in 2013, said he would not contest the Nov. 18 gubernatorial election. “There is no need for change at the moment. “Anambra is the fourth largest economy in Nigeria behind Lagos, Abuja and Rivers.

“The private sector must play a role to shore up the country’s earnings. “We are in a crisis moment and you don’t change a general in the middle of the war; in Anambra, Obiano is a general. “Many people are calling on me to come and contest, but the point is: if Anambra is not broken, why mend it? “There will only be vacancy in Anambra Govern-

ment House in the next four years,’’ he said. He urged Obiano to plead with the Federal Government to execute the second Niger Bridge and federal highways projects in the state. Soludo also urged the governor to hasten work on the Anambra cargo airport to fast track the state’s move to assuming an international status.

Cleric advocates inclusion of more youth in governance ÏÏÏ

The General Overseer of Ori-Oke Aluyo Prayer Ground, Prophet Ajose Joseph has advocated for inclusion of more youth in government if the nation would realise it’s a full potential Prophet Ajose made this pronouncement at his AlasiaIjanikin settlement while receiving an award of excellence from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Lagos State Chapter and Zone ‘D’ who honoured him as Distinguished Mentor of the Nigerian Youths. The cleric maintained that Nigeria’s greatness is hidden in the hands of present generation of youths, and except the nation realises that fact, the country’s future will remain shaky and turbulent. Meanwhile, presenting the award to the man of God, NANS spokesperson, Comrade Ola Gold said that Nigeria is blessed with great men, and that there are still great men of God such as Prophet Ajose. He said: “in this era where fake prophesies have saturated the public air in Nigeria by many people claiming to be men of God and misleading the public with unholy prophesies just to gain prominence and recognition, we realise that there are real men of God who don’t go to the media to market prophesies, but they are true men of God, and Prophet Ajose is one of them.” Prophet Ajose in his reaction, thanked the students for appreciating his regular supports for them and promised to do more for the younger people because the hope of the nation lies in them. He added that no nation ever attain greatness while relegating the youth to the back seat. He said what he saw concerning the nation indicates that young people in Nigeria are the solution to the present predicament and urged the students to continue to be of good character and integrity so they can deliver the task God has assigned them on revamping Nigerian nation from its abyss of corrupt practices which has eaten deep into its future.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

In Nigeria, followers are more corrupt than those holding public offices -Hom Bernard Hom (SAN), a Benue State born lawyer with over 41 years experience in practice, was Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the state. He is worried about the level of corruption in public service in the country, but says he is even more worried about the followers who encourage those in public offices to be involved in corrupt practice. In this interview with FREDDIE ADAMGBE Hom explains why he refused to be appointed a judge and why he decided to continue his practice in Benue despite its challenges. He also speaks on sundry other issues. There is the saying that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man; do you believe that this is really the case? I have been in this calling for about 41 years now. The judiciary is generally said to be the last hope of the common man. I have had cause to query that, I think the last hope of any human being is God, not the judiciary, because judiciary is man by human being, so they have their own failings too and the fact that there have been of recent some bad news in the sector is my reason for saying that, the last hope for any man is God and not the judiciary. The judiciary plays a vital role in this society and there is one area I don’t want to talk about; for one reason some of these matters are in court and I should not be held commenting on what is already in court. But if I must say something ,you know the judiciary is owned by human beings and these human beings suffer the same temptation like every other human being, they suffer the same failing. I would not subscribe to the method these judges are arrested; certainly not. Now you have to protect an institution, you are not protecting the person, you are protecting the institution, like we saw some of our traditional rulers, they were there, if you want to take on any of them there is a way of doing it, you do not do it in such a way that will destroy or disgrace the institution. Take for example the religious leaders, if you want to take on any or some of them for any failings on their part, you do so in such a way that you are not destroying the religious organisation. The method was not the best that is not to say they are immune from criminal prosecution, no. Back home here, at the stakeholders meeting at the Benue People’s House, the issue of chieftaincy was raised by one of the retired justices of the Supreme Court from the state. It was his view that the issue of chieftaincy should be considered based on royalty and not a matter of legislation. Can you share with us your own view about this? There are two issues in the contributions we made. Justice Ogebe was of the view that the law has taken away the part of traditional rulers. I happen to know Justice Ogebe; he is from Igumale. In fact he is my mentor. I know that Igumale and Agila; they believe and Justice Ogebe said too that they have some people they call royals and others they call non-royals. That is his own view, my own view and contribution is that, if you notice, on the issue of Tor Tiv I did not want to waste anybody’s time, but the Tiv people wherever they came from didn’t come without leaders. We have the chiefs but the Tiv did not have a central chief. That agitation has been on for a number of years. And from

Hom

history, I was not there but I read that in 1937 the elders in Tiv land decided they must have a paramount ruler and it lasted until 1946 when the first one was appointed. He was inaugurated in 1947. So all I am saying is that from that time till now, there was no law establishing the office of the Tor Tiv. There was no law establishing the office of the Och’Idom. That was simply because the people by themselves, by their tradition, by their custom wanted a paramount ruler. You don’t have to come and establish it now by law, all you get to do is some guidelines on appointment. This is because the courts have said that there are some traditional rulers who have evolved by custom, others have been established by law. We shouldn’t give the impression that the office of the Tor Tiv or the office of the Och’Idoma is established by law; it has been there. So what are you now saying is that it has been established by law? Justice Ogebe’s argument was different from mine. He was interested in this

dichotomy of royal and non-royal. As my mentor, I wouldn’t want to take him on. But if you look at the constitution of this country, there should be no discrimination. I can go on but this is not the best forum for it. There was an inquiry in Agila. I represented one of the parties there. I know the history of that place very well. All I am saying is that there is need for law to regulate the conduct of men, but there are limits to which that law can go. And royal, non-royal look at the constitution: The constitution is very clear; there should be no discrimination. I don’t want to go beyond that. There are agitations as to the amendment of the Nigeria Constitution. Do you also share in this? You must have noticed that the National Assembly before now have effected the amendments of the Constitution three times. There is the first alteration, there is the second and third alteration. The Constitution is a document that is not en-

There was this provision in the Constitution that if you have been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, you are banned from contesting election for a long period of time. In that first amendment, the National Assembly removed that. Do you think that is proper? Actually, we were fighting corruption, but the unfortunate thing is that almost everybody is corrupt. Not just the leadership, the followership too

tirely perfect. It is drawn by humans and sometimes certain circumstances occur such that there is a need for amendment. So there is nothing wrong with amending the Constitution. The only problem some of us have is what is being amended. The first amendment that the National Assembly did which was approved by the state assemblies, there was this provision in the Constitution that if you have been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, you are banned from contesting election for a long period of time. In that first amendment, the National Assembly removed that. Do you think that is proper? Actually, we were fighting corruption, but the unfortunate thing is that almost everybody is corrupt. Not just the leadership, the followership too. Some is because of lack of opportunity and others they benefit from it. So this is our problem. So, amendment of Constitution is a proper thing. What is worrisome is what is being amended. From the time of Benue-Plateau and now, would you say there have been much changes in terms of improvement on infrastructure and welfare of the people, what in your view should the government improve on? I was a very young man; a small boy in secondary school when the first coup occurred in 1966. Precisely in January, I was in form 4 at St. Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade. And when I sit now, I laugh. When the coup makers or whatever were accusing our leaders of corruption and nepotism at that time. We began to wonder, they were trying the man we had as the Premier of Northern Nigeria. I saw him face to face in 1963 when he came; he visited the school and he did because of now Cardinal Onaiyekan. Not just Onaiyekan, the whole set scored 100 per cent in examinations and Onaiyekan had the best results in the country. So he came to the school to encourage us and the principal, a reverend father, we lined up by shouting this and that and he was very happy with us. That was the leadership at that time. At the time the man was killed, Tafawa Balewa and others, but can you say anything that those people did to warrant that accusation of tribalism, nepotism and corruption? You see what is happening now. Somebody gets to office and within no time, he has acquired properties. You talk about development; the value of monetary system also has something that has degraded us. I graduated from the university in 1973. We were the first set to report for National Youth Service. We were paid One Hundred and Twenty Naira every month. Believe it or not, the first four months, every month I took Fifty Naira and bought a suite from Esquire. Esquire was a shop CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

11 Politics

In Nigeria, followers are more corrupt than those holding public offices -Hom CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

that had imported materials. I had four brand new suites. When I told my children, they laugh at me; they say Daddy you are not saying the truth. But we were paid One Hundred and Twenty Naira and from this money I was able to take Fifty Naira and buy a suite. I was able to do this because I was a very lucky young man. Somebody who taught me in Government College Keffi was with the Central Bank in Benin where I served. When he discovered that I was there, I was like his son; he was treating me very nice. There were also some officers in the Armed Forces who were around there. This was an experimental thing; we were the first set, so people looked at us as wonderful young people on adventure, so they were ready to help us, to oblige us. Through my old teacher I got a three bedroom flat. I have forgotten how much we were paying but I couldn’t stay there alone. I brought two other corps members who were staying there with me. We had a cook whom we were paying from this One Hundred and Twenty Naira; we were buying food, we were drinking, we were paying for services and that was the value of that money at that time. Now, the Naira doesn’t seem to have any value. So the kind of development we have now cannot be compared to what we had in the past. I always tell people, most of the federal roads we have in this country were built by General Gowon and we don’t give him any respect. If we are to call any father of modern Nigeria it should be Gowon and not Obasanjo or any other person. Gowon did so much for this country. Murtala came in and probed but he never found anything against Gowon, but the governors; all of them except one I think or so. So it is difficult, but it is our system. Once you get to office your friends and relations will start coming to you and before you know it if you don’t oblige it they will now call you the biggest idiot that has ever existed. We don’t have value system anymore for development. People don’t bother, so that even those ones who make effort to develop it are not being appreciated. It is not what you do for the people that they appreciate. It is what they benefit from you personally that they appreciate. That’s the unfortunate thing and this is not just within government, not just between the elites, it goes even to the illit-

Hom

erate people that we have in the villages. Throughout the years I was in government, I did not have money to go and kill a cow for anybody. I did not have the money to buy clothes for women. It was when I decided to be on my own that I had some money. Sometimes when I have a brief somewhere and then I remember that oh! I have some old women; some old people in the village that I buy clothes and go and give them. Now they appreciate but I didn’t have that when I was in government. Our societal values now are different from what they were in the years past. We should not heap our blames on those who are in government offices. The followership is to blame. Believe it or not, the followership in this country is more corrupt than those who are in public offices. Some of them in the public offices are even made corrupt by the followership. Even in the church, if you go there as a governor, commissioner or what have you and you don’t give them money they don’t appreciate you;

they don’t even want to pray for you. They will pray for you when you give them money and they don’t care where this money is coming from. If you take public money and give them they are happy. There are very few people who will reject monetary or material offers. I am sorry to say that we have new generation churches that will be boasting that my God is not a poor God. Are they Christians? What did Jesus preach? So this is the problem we have in this country now. You have some pastors with private jets. So that’s our problem and you praise people of such. Journalists are partly to blame; you don’t condemn these things. Look at the trials that are going against public officers now. I read the other day about one former Chief of Air Staff, how much money he has made. These people ordinarily are not denying these allegations against them, but they are prolonging the trials. Some of them offer to pay back some of the money. Sincerely, if I was in the position of author-

ity I would be more interested in some of the money coming back than prosecuting anybody. If you have stolen One Hundred Billion Naira and you can return even half of the money, it is good for the country. There is the talk about recession and diversification in the country currently. How have you been coping in the face of these? My kind of practice of law is different from many other people. You may not believe it and maybe, that is why you asked why I am practicing here. Actually, I had an office in Abuja, but this idea of everybody moving to Lagos, Abuja and so on is undesirable. I still go there to do one or two cases if I have them, but at a point I had to close that office because I didn’t want to stay in Abuja. Some of my children and my friends are there. I discovered that I was using the little money I was having there to pay rent. Up till now, my books and other things are there. I still want to reopen the office later. But I

Our societal values now are different from what they were in the years past. We should not heap our blames on those who are in government offices. The followership is to blame. Believe it or not, the followership in this country is more corrupt than those who are in public offices. Some of them in the public offices are even made corrupt by the followership. Even in the church, if you go there as a governor, commissioner or what have you and you don’t give them money they don’t appreciate you; they don’t even want to pray for you

have a duty also to bring up the young ones so I stay here even though there is nothing happening here; there is no patronage here. Sometimes when people, particularly, those who know you have no money they come to you saying I don’t have money. This is my problem. You cannot refuse such a thing. Sometimes we handle very serious and intricate cases without payment, simply because the person says he has no money. Even when he has he may not want to pay you because he knows you. But at the end of the day everybody must have something. So the recession is there. It is affecting us tremendously, but God is the only one looking after us. You don’t have to go out to look for money by all means. There are people who do that. Fine, they are working and they are getting it. But one of the reasons I refuse to go into public office; I was appointed a judge, but I refused before my appointment as Attorney General. Eventually, I was also appointed a judge in Abuja and I said I didn’t want to do that. There is this hierarchy and by the time you have people you are older at the bar being judges to go and trail behind them I said no I wasn’t going. So I stayed here and move around. I still do some cases outside. If somebody somewhere calls me, I have heard of so and so, come over I go. There are many categories of lawyers. There are some lawyers, I am not saying am a good man, but there are some lawyers who will take money from both sides. So people are very cautious: Where can I find a lawyer outside my locality that will not come and take money and sell out the case? From time to time I go out and then most of the time of course, I am here. So the recession is here, but that is the problem we have; you still have to do your work. You are a professional first and foremost. The law profession is not a business; it is not a trade and that is why even when I was in government service, I said we were not going to be part of trade union because we are professionals. I feel very sad for example when medical doctors go on strike and they refuse to attend to patients. You are complaining of lack of facilities at the Federal Medical Centre and in your own clinic, there are no facilities but there you are taking money so it’s fine? It’s all part of the Nigerian problem; professionalism is no longer there. Not everybody but most people are pursuing money.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Aero redundancy notice tears aviation unions apart

Continued from page 1

a statement issued at the weekend and jointly signed by the Deputy General Secretary of ATSSSAN, Comrade Frances Akinjole, General Secretary of NUATE, Comrade Olayinka Olu’ Abioye and General Secretary of NAAPE, Comrade Aba Ocheme, expressed extreme displeasure and dismay at the “unilateral and reckless attempt” of disengaging Aero staff with total disregard for the negotiated and agreed terms of redundancy between the unions and Aero Management. The unions in the statement, dated March 17th, 2017 and copied to the Chief Executive Officer, Aero Contractors, Commissioner of Police, Airport Command and all the Branch Chairmen/Secretaries of ATSSSAN, NUATE, and NAAPE stated “we were rudely shocked to learn that your Management carried out the redundancy exercise yesterday Thursday 16th March 2017 outside the purview of the negotiated terms”. “We find it unbelievable that the same Receiver Manager who was unavailable to meet with us on Wednesday 15th March 2017 became available to endorse over 750 Notification of Redundancy letters on Thursday, March 16, 2017. This exercise was carried out without any benefit whatsoever paid to the victims; not even their outstanding salaries. It is even more disturbing that no promise or timeline for payment was stated in the said letter”, the aviation unions added.

The trio, therefore, maintained that they stand by the negotiated redundancy agreements between the parties, adding “and we shall not accept anything less. We therefore reject in totality the objectionable unilateral actions taken on the matter by your Management on Thursday 16th March 2017”. The unions also demanded that Aero immediately withdraw the mentioned Notification of Redundancy letters and avail themselves to meet with the unions on or before the close of business on Wednesday 22nd March 2017 to discuss the way forward on the implementation of the signed redundancy agreements. It equally threatened that Aero’s failure to discuss way forward will leave them with nothing, than to consider other options available to our unions. But Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) has faulted plans by the Air Transport Senior Staff services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) on its plans for a showdown with management of Aero Contractors over the latter’s redundancy declaration of 60% of its workforce. The union stated that the company was well within its rights and has acted in accordance with labour laws without violating any laws especially as the bigger picture is to ensure the airline’s survival in the long run. ”Redundancy” according to Nigeria Labour Laws means an involuntary and permanent loss

of employment caused by an excess of manpower. Secretary General of ANAP, Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu, in a chat with journalists, stated that there was no need for any bravado as the company has done what it needs to as it concerns the Nigeria Labour Laws. Quoting Nigeria labour Laws, Saidu said: “In the event of redundancy: the employer shall inform the trade union or worker’s representative concerned of the reasons for and extent of the anticipated redundancy; the principle of ”last in, first out” shall be adopted in the dis-

charge of the particular category of workers affected, subject to all factors of relative merit, including skill, ability and reliability; and the employer shall use his best endeavours to negotiate redundancy payments to any discharged workers who are not protected by regulations made under subsection (2) of this section.” Meanwhile, impeccable sources have hinted that the notice had become necessary because the airline had been grappling with huge and unrealistic personnel cost as well as other operational challenges

worsened by lack of adequate aircraft to keep all the workers meaningfully engaged. A statement from Aero Contractors stated that the issuance of notification of redundancy is a business decision that will ensure Aero’s survival, stressing that “the current situation where over a thousand people are basically not engaged due to lack of serviceable aircraft is not sustainable for the airline. The huge monthly salary associated with a bloated workforce will eventually kill the airline, which is not the intention of the current government”.

Moroccan Environment Minister, Ms. Halima el Haite (l), presenting PRIX DE LA FOUNDATION 2017 award by the Crans Montana Forum, to the President of the Senate, Dr.Bukola Saraki (2nd l), in recognition of his leadership achievements at the weekend, in Dakhla, Morocco. With them are UN under Secretary General, Mr. Phillipe DousteBlazy and President Crans Montana Forum, Mr. Pienne Emmanuel Quinon.

NDLEA records 34,499 drug-related arrests in 4 years -Report ÏÏÏ

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the last four years arrested 34,499 persons in connection with drug related offences across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, between 2012 and 2015. In the report obtained by the Economic Confidential magazine in Abuja, Kano State in the Northwest geo-political zone is number one among the states in the federation with highest cases of drug-related offences within the period under review, just as the zone is also number one among the six geopolitical zones in the country with 8,939 cases. Katsina State comes second with 2,173 cases of arrests by the NDLEA, while Plateau and Ekiti states are third and fourth respectively with 1,342 and 1,088. Findings by Economic Con-

…Secures 7,317 convictions

fidential magazine reveal that in 2012 alone, 8,052 cases were recorded by the agency, 8,843 in 2013, 8,826 in 2014 and 8,778 in 2015. In the geopolitical zones after Northwest, Southwest is second position with 6,999 cases, North Central came third with 5,574 cases, while the fourth position was grabbed by South-South geopolitical zone with 5,545 cases. The South-East and NorthEast geopolitical zones however had lesser cases and arrests with 4,230 and 3,212 respectively. It is surprising that North East geopolitical zone with years of terrorist attacks and insurgence is the least with cases of drug-related offences meaning that terrorism may not likely be connected with drugs but mindset and coercion. A careful analysis of the report indicates that of the 34, 499

cases of arrests across the country, over 32,000 cases involve men, while a little over 2,000 were of the female category, meaning that men were more involved in drug offences than the women folk within the period under review. Also in the last four years, the quantity of narcotic drugs seized by the agency via the various states and Area Commands were 1,578,723 (One million, five hundred and seventy-eight thousand, seven hundred and twenty-three). Of this number, 233,376 were for 2012; 344,985 for 2013; 165,652 is the number for 2014 while the figure for 2015 is 834,709. More findings by Economic Confidential magazine reveal that NDLEA secured a total number of convictions for drug-related offences put at 7,317 within the period under review. Of this

number, 1,738 convictions were secured in 2012, 1,865 for 2013, 2,054 for 2014 while 1,660 convictions were secured for the year 2015. Meanwhile, the Chairman/ Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd), has assured members of the public of strict narcotic screening at the Kaduna airport. This, according to him, will help in preventing illicit movement of narcotic drugs by drug cartels. Abdallah made the pledge following the interception of two suspected drug traffickers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja few hours to its closure with 2.150kg of heroin from Tanzania and 386 grammes of cocaine to Cambodia. Preliminary investigation revealed that both suspects had

planned to capitalise on the temporary relocation to Kaduna airport in moving narcotics at the Abuja airport but the NDLEA promptly nipped the plan in the bud. The suspects are currently under observation pending their arraignment in court. NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Hamisu Lawan said that both suspects tested positive for narcotic ingestion during routine screening. His words: “Two suspected drug traffickers, Odogwu Augustine Ike, 57, caught with one hundred and ten (110) wraps of heroin weighing 2.150kg from Tanzania on an Ethiopian airline flight and Lekwauwa Mark Otaka, 53, found to have inserted seven wraps of cocaine weighing 386 grammes into his anus on an Egypt airline flight to Cambodia have been arrested. Both suspects are currently under investigation”.

Continued on page 7

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Funding for Small and Medium Enterprises

ecently, the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) called on the Federal Government to adequately fund small businesses in order to achieve price stability and increase aggregate output in the Nigerian economy. According to the chamber, the Federal Government should develop policies that will enhance accessibility of funds to these enterprises in order to leapfrog Nigeria’s industrial development and create much-needed jobs for the teeming unemployed. We are totally in support of this call, even as we advise that the Federal Government embrace it in entirety. It is a fact that small and medium enterprises are the engine of economic growth in any developed and developing society. The major advantage of the sector is its employment potential at low capital cost, even as the labour intensity of the SME sector is much higher than that of the large enterprises. Unarguably, the role of these enterprises in the economic and social development of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. Most importantly, the SME sector is a nursery of entrepreneurship, often driven by individual creativity and innovation. As the engine of economic progress, small and medium enterprises are also the main driving force behind poverty reduction, wealth creation, income distribution and reduction in income disparities. Moreover, in a country like Nigeria with an adverse balance of payment situation, the growing contribution of the small scale industries sector in the export portfolio goes a long way in generating foreign exchange and smoothening out the adverse balance of payment situation. This is important to the economy in that large percentage of their production inputs are sourced locally thus, reducing the pressure on the limited foreign exchange earnings, thereby helping

Publisher/Editor in Chief

to eliminate some of the deficit in the balance of payment. Even at that, it is praiseworthy that successive administrations were not oblivious of the place of SME in the country’s development. Hence, the establishment of micro-finance banks to act as source of funds for them. Such policy is geared towards enhancing the operation of small-scale businesses through fiscal monetary, and export incentives that included tax holidays and tariff concession. In terms of monetary support, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced credit guidelines requiring commercial and merchant banks to allocate a portion of their loanable funds to small businesses. In spite of these efforts, experts have worried that funds for small and medium enterprises had always been misappropriated because majority of the loans were granted in most cases on political rather than on commercial or project viability considerations. In the end, those with little or no political connections are sidelined. Due to this, many SME’s resort to informal sources of finance, which include personal saving and borrowing from friends, families and credit associations? More painful is that formal financial institutions like commercial banks are still very unwilling to grant credits to SMEs. Another inhibiting factor is the improper implementation of policies and inability to recruit trained manpower and adequate equipment to aid the extension services to support the SMEs. Added to this, is the challenge of inadequate infrastructural facilities such as electricity, potable water, feeder roads, that have remained drawbacks to growth of these enterprises. With evidence of success in countries like India, Indonesia and Malaysia where SMEs constitute more than 40 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, those in Nigeria could become models if enabling policies are well implemented.

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L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun; Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, when the minister paid a courtesy visit on the governor in his OkeMosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State… at the weekend.

L-R: chairman, Mubi North Local Government Council of Adamawa, Alhaji Musa Ahmed; Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa; Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmad Sajoh and other dignitaries at the closing ceremony of state qur’anic recitation competition in Mubi, Adamawa… recently.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Deputy General Manager Northern Operations Tony Ailemen 08036073601

President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, addressing guests after being conferred with a honourary degree by the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA), during the 48th convocation ceremony of the institution at the university campus, Ondo State….at the weekend. With him are Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (l) and Vice Chancellor, FUTA, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola.

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Nelson Mandela

Obafemi Awolowo

Nnamdi Azikiwe

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“Behind the ugly terrible mask of misfortune lies the beautiful soothing countenance of prosperity. So, tear the mask!

“There is plenty of room at the top because very few people care to travel beyond the average route”.

14 Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Nigeria: Still an investor’s delight in Africa

Barr. Osita Oparaugo

igeria’s recent offering of $1bn bond at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) was about eight times oversubscribed, according to the London Stock Exchange. The 15 -year bond, offering 7.875% in yield is already trading on the London Stock Exchange. The Exchange stated that the over-subscription is a strong statement of international investors’ interest in building exposure to Nigeria’s economy In addition, analysts at the Abuja-based Institute for Fiscal Studies, Nigeria (NIFS) believe that the issuance, over subscription and listing of Nigeria Eurobond at the London Stock Exchange clearly ‘underscored the confidence and appetite foreign investors have on Nigerian market’ Mr. Rislanudeen Muhammad, the Senior Fellow and Monetary Policy Lead of the Institute, said the investor confidence is “despite initial pessimism that the bond issuance will have challenges due in large part to three consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth rate and rising inflation rate.” “The success also shows that with right policy direction, Nigeria can attract the requisite capital to plug its huge infrastructure gap and budget deficit especially as it relates to capital expenditure where multiplier effects of reflecting the economy that is in recession, job creation and improving our GDP growth rate abound,” observed Mr. Muhammad, who is also an economist and former Acting Managing Director, at the Unity Bank, Nigeria. As the Managing Director of Footprint to Africa,” I can comfortably say that investor confidence in Nigeria and other markets in Africa is on the rise. Investors have shown great interest in the Nigerian economy, especially in three sectors. Indicated interests in Agriculture and Power generation are substantial. The massive inquires and mandates we have received in the mining sector shows greatly that there will be light at the end of the tunnel for Nigeria”. If our reports and findings remain as they are, Nigeria’s economic recovery would begin in 2017. Little wonder the IMF had, in a report titled: ‘World Economic Outlook October 2016: Subdued Demand, Symptoms and Remedies’, projected Nigeria’s GDP to grow by 0.6 percent in 2017 even as global growth averages at 3.4 percent in 2017. The Eurobond may not be the only international borrowing programme by the Mohammadu Buhari-led Nigerian government, as a proposal is currently before the National Assembly to approve yet another $30bn, three-year borrowing plan, to finance Nigeria’s budgets up to 2019. The IMF had fixed Nigeria’s GDP at about $415.08bn in 2016 from its 2015 position of $493.831bn. South Africa came a distant second with a GDP of about $280.367bn, representing a drop from the $314.732bn in 2015. This clearly shows that Nigeria is still an economic powerhouse on the African continent. Several factors give Nigeria an

edge. Some include: A Young Population With a huge population projected at 182m, of which about 91m are under 30 years, according to data from Nigeria’s National Population Commission (NPC), Nigeria is a ready market. The NPC also estimates that Nigeria’s population grows at 3.5 percent annually. This population means huge demands for goods and services. Nigeria also sits in vantage position in West Africa thus can also take a significant slice of the entire West African market. Agriculture and value chain Nigeria has massive arable land for agriculture with over 84 million hectares of arable land, of which only 40% is cultivated, according to statistics from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Official figures also show that Nigeria has over 230 billion cubic meters of water and abundant and reliable rainfall in over two thirds of its territory, the country has some of the richest natural resources for agricultural production in the world. Just about anything grows relatively well in Nigeria – maize, rice, wheat, cereals, vegetables, palm trees, gum arabic, rubber, cocoa, groundnut, sesame seeds, and so on. Prior to the oil boom era in 1960s, Nigeria dominated the rest of the world in the production of many commodities, accounting for 42 percent of the world’s production of groundnut, 27 percent of oil palm, 18 percent of cocoa, 38 percent of cassava and 1.4 percent of cotton according to data from Nigeria’s Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM). The agric value chains are yet another untapped goldmine. Nigeria lost her leading position owing to dearth of investment in agriculture and its value chains over the years to match the pace of population growth. As recent as 2014, Nigeria spent N1.3trillion on 4 products alone (Wheat, Rice, Sugar & Fish), NEXIM Bank data show. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture observed that Nigeria lost about US$10bn (N1.6trillion) annual export opportunities in crops like oil palm, cocoa, groundnut and

cotton. Solid minerals and the value chain Solid minerals remain largely untapped with illegal mining taking the centrestage across the country. According to NEITI/CBN report, total revenue from the solid minerals sector amounted to a pathetic N31.449 billion in 2012 and accounting for just 0.02 percent export earnings. The President of Miners’ Empowerment Association of Nigeria, Mr. Sunny Ekosin, also recently gave chilling statistics of how much Nigeria is losing not only through mining but through its natural resources as well. He had said Nigeria is losing about N50 trillion annually from untapped resources that abound in the nation’s soil. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit report of 2012 shows that there are about 40 different types of solid minerals and precious metals in Nigeria’s’ soils waiting to be tapped. About 70 per cent of these resources are buried in the bowel of North Central (Middle Belt) Nigeria. States like Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger and Plateau are rich in mineral deposits. Considering gold alone, Mr. Ekosin said Nigeria is losing N8 trillion (about $50 billion) annually not exploiting gold. In addition, liquid steel resource is wasting away in Abeokuta, Kogi State, while, Zamfara, Bauchi, Benue, Enugu, Ogun, Zamfara states, etc have large deposits of various solid minerals numbering over 25. Based on all of these and more, Footprint to Africa would strongly advice that Nigeria should diversify her economy with a focus on agriculture and solid minerals. Aviation The Nigerian government has evolved a programme that would see private sector participation in Nigeria’s aviation industry which has capacity of outperforming any African market. Nigerian aviation contributes a meager $0.7 billion or 0.4 percent to the GDP even though it has potential to contribute in excess of 5 percent to the GDP and support in excess of one million jobs, Former

Minister of Aviation, Mr. Osita Chidoka said. For Nigeria to really tap significantly its potentials in aviation business, it must, at least, be the West African regional hub, connecting more destinations across the globe. This will attract huge traffic and investments into the industry. Nigeria has capacity of being a regional hub because of its strategic location. Nigeria connects to Europe, Americas and Asia in relatively short time – in an average of eight hours. In some of the countries, Nigeria connects them in just six hours. The Nigerian government hopes to attract in excess $10 billion to Nigeria’s aviation industry from the concession of the airport terminals, licensing a private sector driven national carrier, establishing a private sector driven MRO, building of perishable cargo terminals and the development of airport cities (aerotropolis) among others as Nigeria air traffic is projected to hit 25 million annually in 2020. Power sector Nigeria projects to generate 40,000mw and more of electricity between now and 2020 in an investment worth over $35bn. The power generation is largely inadequate in Nigeria, currently at less than 4,000mw. Discerning investors are actively seeking ways to invest in the power sector of Nigeria. Nigeria can produce about 40,000 MW of electricity from all of its proven gas reserves, for approximately 60 years, according to greendealnigeria.org. Nigeria’s power sector is out of government total control and is already witnessing significant investments from the private sector. Infrastructure The Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) developed a 30-year roadmap infrastructure development plan for Nigeria and had projected that Nigeria required at least $2 trillion (N398.1 trillion) for infrastructure development over the next three decades. This plan would be largely in roads, rail, bridges, housing etc CEO, IA&CE, Engr. Otis Anyaeji, in a paper entitled, “Engineering Valuation, Cost Engineering and Engineering Economy Perspectives in the Implementation of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan” had said Nigeria needs investments valued over $500 billion for roads, $25 billion for the aviation sector, $30 billion for the maritime sector, $75 billion for ICT infrastructure and over $900 billion for electricity generation in the next 30 years. Nigeria is in excess of 10 million housing deficit. To bridge this gap, Footprint to Africa maintains that Nigeria must build at least 1 million housing units annually consistently for 10 years through investments worth over N40trn. Nigeria’s economy is looking up. The government’s commitment to improving infrastructure gap and fight corruption is already yielding results. Already, about 30 percent (N1.765 trillion) of the about N6.88trn 2017 budget estimate is dedicated to capital projects with a commitment to increasing the percentage going forward.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

15 Opinion

Magu’s cross and “dog eat dog” syndrome of Buhari Government

Friday Ekpo

he first time Ibrahim Magu was rejected in the Senate, I had come out to say through this platform that, it was President Buhari who rejected Magu not Senate. This inference was hinged on the fact that both DSS and EFCC are government agencies that are directly in the Presidency. They are directly goaded into actions by the President. There is no high profile arrest or seizure by these two agencies that does not receive the blessing of the President. Similarly, there is no report that can emanate from the DSS without the approval of the President. I had said then that, the outburst of the wife of the President on the intrigues within the President’s kitchen cabinet had unsettled the President so much into looking into who was availing his wife of such knowledge. This is how this Magu became the sacrificial lamb. The President is well aware of the “love” of people for Magu and so directly removing Magu from EFCC would mean he was not sincere with his fight against corruption. And

so the President decided to play PILATE. While he asks the DSS and the Senate which he has found new synergy and rapport to crucify Magu, he (un)successfully washed his hands off it. But can he come out clean in this? I do not think so. Is it possible for a Daura’s DSS to raise a case against MAGU without the direct knowledge of the President? Could DSS have submitted such a damning security reports against the President’s nominee to the Senate without the full knowledge of the President? I think not still. To agree to this means the President is truly and fully not in charge as the wife had asserted. And if we don’t agree, it therefore means that it is true that the President had decided to ease out Magu from the EFCC using the sister agency- the DSS. Senate had acted rightly by acting on that security report. Magu is aware that to be in such a post, one must like Caeasar’s wife “be above board”. DSS submitted the first report which indicted Magu. Senate, acting upon that report rejected Magu. The Presidency then moved to “clear” Magu and represented him. DSS came back to say “we stand by our report”. This is one of such ugly cycles of intrigues

and drama that characterize the ‘dog eats dog’ nature of this government. In spite of the tremendous good will of the people and the overwhelming majority in both houses of the National assembly, this APC government has never translated these to its advantage. It is so atomistic that, it is perpetually at war with itself. The concept of lobby which is known in advanced democracies has been interpreted to mean “Ghana must go” bag in Nigeria. The inter arms cooperation and synergy are grossly lacking. Even within the Presidency, there are inter- agency rivalries most especially between DSS and EFCC. And the President to whom all of these agencies report, has shown his increasing incapacity to whip them into line. How can a Daura DSS raise a negative report against the Presidents nominee and Daura’s job is still intact? If Daura’s reports against Magu are true, why is MAGU not in detention by now and ready for prosecution? Buhari must find answers to all of these, if he must be believed to be sincere. If DSS reports against Judges could be believed, I see no reason the one against Magu should be disbelieved.

Remarkably, squabbles among government functionaries have become a hallmark of this government. Godwin Emefiele would not agree with Kemi Adeosun; Geoffrey Onyeama would publicly attack Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Babatunde Fashola would resort to personal attack on Akinwunmi Ambode etc. Unfortunately, Magu did not acquit himself creditably well at the screening. He failed to note the Ides of March (March 15) which in Roman calendar was the date Caesar met his death on his way to the Senate having ignored the warning of the soothsayer. This was echoed by Senator Shehu Sani before the screening started. A man who has always been reported of recovering loots in property and money could not be forthcoming when the need arose. He was less than articulate and incoherent in answers to questions posed to him. But he was reported to have come out to boast that his fight against corruption continues. It would be the height of impunity to continue to find Magu parading himself as the Boss of EFCC after March 15. As the Senators said, “he has failed the integrity test” so it’s time to go.

Makarfi , Sheriff rofo- rofo fight

William Bozimo

he late high priest of Afrobeat music, Fela Anikulakpo Kuti, sang a song long ago and what is trending today between two former state Governors, Senator Bunu Sheriff of Borno state and Ahmed Makarfi of Kaduna state seemed poised for a political battle of their lives. After an aborted Port Harcourt PDP Convention in which Sheriff emerged the Chairman, a few leaders of the PDP said an emphatic NO to Sheriff emerging as their national chairman. Two PDP governors who were fingered as initially supportive of Sheriff- Fayose and Wike, reneged and called for his resignation . Smart and Machiavellian Sheriff, reached for the Appeal Court in Rivers state and got a ruling which placed the residential PDP headquarters keys into his hands- Wadata Plaza became open for the first time in many months. Makarfi group also reached for the Supreme Court to see if they would have a favourable judgment which could set aside the Port Harcourt Appeal judgment. Meanwhile, the fight for supremacy is getting dirtier by the day, as both parties are pointing accusing fingers at each other. The Makarfi group claims Sheriff is being sponsored by APC governors to the tune of One Million dollars and an assortment of Jeeps and cars. In self-same manner, Sheriff has claimed that Makarfi is being sustained by PDP Governors who dole out 50 million naira monthly allowance for his upkeep. Can we rightly say all the roof-rofo power show between Makarfi and Sheriff is being driven by ‘MONEY

MATTER’? One would have thought that having been chief executives of states in the recent past, money should not be their driving force? A new twist was echoed again by the Sheriff Camp to the effect that Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi is nursing a Presidential ambition for 2019 and that is why he is fighting to ensure that he controls the levers of the PDP machinery. All the accusations and counter allegations are all part of the political brinkmanship by hardcore politicians, who will never tell the innocent bystanders the truth about their political trajectory or whom they are working for? Most politicians are self- centred. They enjoy moments of ego-tripping to advance their hidden agenda. Power and glory is the end game of politicking. The joke is on all Nigerians who are blindly following the two northerners, who true their drama of the absurd , are dragging along some more intelligent and knowledgeable Southern politicians, who, with all their trumpeted intellectual prowess are equally behaving like Fela Anikulapo’s Zombies, turning right, left and attention in their parade grounds. Makarfi and Sherriff are two sides of a coin- head or tail, they will end up as losers. Is it not instructive to hear that some 86 associations are lining up before INEC to be registered as political parties . Those who have the means in hard currencies should start registering new parties where they can become funder, founder and Presidential candidates of the forthcoming parties. Ideally, one would recommend each state to float a party so that they

could invest heavily in them. But for those who have presidential ambitions, they could also help the state parties so that they could win their votes for the more National parties. The principle of national outlook for the formation prospective parties is counter- productive as the minority states and peoples may not have any chance in wanting to become Presidents or Vice presidents in the near future. Politics and politicians are engaged in doublespeak, and for most of them, they are either scoundrels or scavengers of the polity. Sheriff and Makarfi will come and go but the system will outlive them both, as good riddance to a passing rubbish. For long as the drama of the absurd persists in the Makarfi- Sheriff seemingly endless fight over the soul of the PDP in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, so long will peaceful or political solution elude the PDP power brokers. It was the former President Jonathan who suggested political solution to the PDP crisis but somehow, he did not seem to have the required clout or muscle to bring the two warring Northern big- wig politicians to the table. Former military President intervened when Professor Jerry Gana and Governor Dickson of Bayelsa visited him at his Minna Hilltop residence recently, but it seems, the consultations are still on-going and no clear signal of bringing the two combatants to hold their peace and work for the resuscitation of party badly bruised by the 2015 presidential defeat in which the PDP candidate threw in the presidential towel to avert a possible stalemate that could have caused a crisis of unimaginable dimensions, which may

well have dovetailed into a bloodbath of the Dog and the Baboon. I think it was in keeping with the promise of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan that his political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. Many thought he was afraid to fight while others felt he wanted to save his head from untimely death by blood hounds, who were already jockeying to take to the streets like they did in earlier elections when the almajiris set homes and cars ablaze when they heard that Gen. Buhari, their folk hero, had lost the 2011 presidential elections. Will Makarfi and Sheriff ever come together, shake their hands and make peace for the PDP to move forward? From all indications, they are too ambitious and do not want peace for the country and the party they pretend to lead. If PDP, the self- styled largest party in Africa disintegrates on the whims and caprices of Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Bunu Sheriff in the coming weeks and months, will the party go into oblivion and in its place other mushroom parties would take over and allow the incumbent party in power- APC to turn the polity into a One Party Country? Can Nigerians afford the luxury of a civilian dictatorship in the country when one party tries to remain in power for eternity? I doubt it very much. Let a thousand parties bloom in 2019. To allow one party to dominate the scene will be like going back to Pharoah’s Egypt. Beware Sheriff and Makarfi, do not turn the hand of democracy backwards and deliver the entire house to democratic dictatorship.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION Magu to speak at Transparency International Confab Stories by Anthony Ailemen Abuja Days after the Senate rejected his nomination, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been invited by two leading anticorruption organizations, the Transparency International and Global Witness to speak at an international conference on money laundering and assets recovery in London, today, Monday. Magu will be leading top Nigeria government officials including Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information; Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC; its secretary, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye and Olanrewaju Suraju of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, to the conference. Magu, who is expected to deliver a paper on the topic, “Give Us Our Money Back – Nigeria’s Fight Against Corruption: A Critical Conversation”, is expected to use the opportunity to give account of his experience as Nigeria’s anti- graft Zar. The invitation from the Global Witness and Transparency International is in recognition of the invaluable role the Magu-led EFCC has played in his more

Members of the FCE Eha-Amufu Students Anti-Corruption Vanguard taking their oath of office during their inauguration at the School premises...recently

than one year in office in recovery of stolen funds. It also coincidentally comes a few days after members of the Nigerian Senate chose to overlook the strides achieved by Magu, and instead refused his re-nomination by President Muhammadu Buhari as the substantive chairman of the EFCC. The international conference, which is coming on the heels of the 2016 London

Anti-Corruption Summit, will focus on the progress of Nigeria’s asset recovery and anti-corruption efforts. It will also feature a panel discussions for “critical exchange of views” between officials and non-government experts from Nigeria and the United Kingdom. A few international personalities have been invited along with Magu to participate in the conference.

EFCC arraigns impersonator of Femi Adesina The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Christian Efe Oyovweyho alias Femi Adesina before Justice Z.B Abubakar of the Federal High Court Kano on a two count charge of Obtaining by False Pretence. The defendant allegedly impersonated Mr. Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buharai, and attempted to obtain the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira ) from a professor of Economics at Bayero University Kano, Dalhatu Mohammed Galadanci. According to the complainant, sometime in July 2016, the defendant sent him a text message claiming to be Femi Adesina, S.A to the president on Media and Publicity. The defendant fraudulently claimed to be speaking on behalf of the president and that the name of the professor has been forwarded for appointment in the presidency. The complainant further stated that the defendant claimed to be searching for a better office for him. Subsequently, the

defendant asked the professor to make payment of the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only) to facilitate his appointment to Nigeria Port Authority or Nigerian Railway Cooperation and Rural Electrification. At that point, the professor got suspicious and reported the matter to the commission. One of the charge read that “ You Christian Efe Oyovweyho alias Femi Adesina and another (now at large) on or about 16th day of July, 2016 at Kano, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court Kano with intent to defraud attempted to obtain the sum of N300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira Only) from Professor Dalhatu Mohammed Galadanci through your Zenith Bank Account with Account number: 2173729401, under the false pretence that the money was meant for a juicy appointment in Abuja , which pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act.

After listening to the charge, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel Musa Isah requested a date for trial in view of the plea of defendant. Counsel representing the defendant, T.M Oyedema however brought a motion for bail, praying the court to admit his client to bail pending the hearing and determination of the case. Justice Zainab granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only) and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a State or Federal government official not below grade level 8. The other surety must be a respected member of the society with a landed property within the jurisdiction. Also certificate of Occupancy in respect of the landed property shall be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. The case has been adjourned to 11th April, 2017 for commencement of trial while the defendant remains in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail terms.

ICPC trains Abia LG Council members on ethics, integrity

The Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), recently organized a two-day workshop on Anti-Corruption, Ethics and Integrity for members of the Abia State Local Government Councils at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. The main objective of the workshop was to promote zero tolerance for corruption in the workplace for the Local Government officials. Declaring the workshop open, the Chairman ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta, said that the essence of the workshop was to showcase the new anti-corruption paradigm of ICPC. According to him, “corruption like cancer adapts itself to the host and kills off healthy cells as it has to feed on them for survival” and therefore needed to be surgically removed through holistic strategies. Nta added that early detection and prevention helps to prevent the spread of corruption, and therefore commended the step taken by the Abia State Government to curb corruption at the local government level. Mr. Nta noted that the local government is the closest tier of government to the people, so ICPC and Abia State must join hands together to work towards prevention of corruption. He said the training was organized to help show the local government council members the right steps to take by exposing the participants to various anti-corruption tools, such as principles of good governance, transparency and accountability; proper procurement processes; and how to handle corrupt demands; etc. Mr. Nta added that ICPC would want to see all the participants go home with clean records at the end of their tenure. According to him, “The best way to fight corruption or corrupt demand is by good governance and the provision of basic infrastructure for the people. With these the stress of ‘stomach infrastructure’ will be reduced.” The Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Sam Hart, reaffirmed the commitment of Abia State to backing the anti-corruption fight, stating that corruption was common with officials at the local government level, which was why the state sent all its Chairmen, Deputy Chairmen, Heads of Service and Treasurers to undergo such training at ICPC. He expressed the hope that as they leave office they would not have cause to be called back to ICPC as suspects. Mr. Sam urged the participants to take the training seriously for it would help the fight against corruption and used the opportunity to thank ICPC for keeping to its word’s in promoting as well as using “Made in Aba” products as training materials. In his remark, ACAN Provost, Professor Sola Akinrinade, called on the participants to contribute their own quota to the process of tackling the problem of corruption at the level of government closest to the people.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Times Against Corruption 19

Magu’s response to AGF over DSS allegations RE: REPORT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SERVICES I most respectfully refer to your letter referenced HAGF/EFCC/2016/Vol.1/23 dated 19th December, 2016, asking me to respond within 48 hours to the allegations contained in a report written by the Department of State Service, DSS, and which provided the basis for the non-consideration of my confirmation on December 15, 2016, by the Senate. 2. Having carefully considered all the issues, I hereby present a point-by-point response as follows: i. Missing EFCC Files It is true that my residence was searched on the orders of Mrs. Farida Waziri, shortly after she succeeded Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as Chairman of the EFCC and some documents relating to cases under investigation were found in my house. At the time of the raid, I was yet to formally hand over to my successor, Umar Sanda, as head of the Economic Governance Unit. My schedule at the time warranted that I work round the clock and it was impossible to conclude all assignments without working at home. The documents found in my house were actually found in my office bag where I kept documents relating to investigations. I was in the process of handing over and it would be wrong to suggest that I willfully kept the Commission’s files at home. Nevertheless, the incident was thoroughly investigated by the police as I was placed on suspension without pay for 20 months. But in the end, I was reprimanded, recalled and promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police. It is important sir, to draw your attention to the fact that some of us that worked closely with Ribadu were victimized after his exit. And my ordeal was orchestrated as punishment for being the chief investigative officer for most of the high profile cases involving politically exposed persons some of whom became very influential in government at the time. ii. Return to EFCC under Lamorde I was Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations at the Anambra State Police Command when I was recalled to the EFCC in 2012. I did not lobby to return to the EFCC. It is preposterous for anyone to suggest that I was recalled to do a hatchet job for Lamorde as alleged in the DSS Report. My job schedule as Deputy Director, Department of Internal Affairs, under Lamorde, was simply handling issues of professional responsibility in the Commission. I had no inputs in core operations duties of the Commission. iii. Tenancy of My Official Residence I live in the official residence of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This accommodation, contrary to the report of the DSS is not my private home, neither was it rented and furnished for me by Commodore Umar Mohammed (rtd). It was rented and furnished by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory through the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, under the safe house scheme. It is also false that the house was rented for N20million per annum and furnished for N43million. The entire cost for both two-year rent and the furnishing of the house is N39.628million. Details of the transaction are contained in the contract award letter and

Magu

payment schedule which are attached to this letter. iv. Expensive Air Travels Honourable Minister, the claim that I have a penchant for expensive air travels in a private jet belonging to Commodore Mohammed is baseless The two times I can recall travelling in Commodore Umar’s aircraft, were on a trip from Kano to Abuja, and Abuja to Maiduguri. In the first instance, I had gone to Kano on an official assignment with two of my directors, and Mohammed who was on his way back to Abuja offered us a ride in his jet. The second occasion was when I was going to see my sick mother in Maiduguri. These, for me, were harmless gesture as we were both members of the presidential investigative committee on arms procurement. At the time I had no knowledge that he was under investigation for any alleged crimes. Claims that I flew in Mohammed’s jet to Maiduguri in company of the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo is false. I have never flown in a private aircraft with any managing director of any bank let alone one that was under investigation by my agency. I have no personal relationship whatsoever with him. v. High Profile/Dual Lifestyle The allegation that I live a flamboyant lifestyle is also surprising to me. While it is true that I did travel first class on Emirates Airline to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, this action to the best of my knowledge, did not contravene the directive of Mr. President on First Class travels as suggested by the DSS Report. My trip to Saudi Arabia was a private journey to perform my religious obligation and it was not financed with public funds. More importantly, my decision to fly first class was not borne out of quest for luxury but compelled by necessity. The trip was made during the last ten days of the Ramadan and other classes of ticket were not availbale.I had no other choice That I flew first class in one instance is not enough evidence to suggest an extravagant lifestyle as alleged by the DSS Report. It is also not enough to suggest a dual personality. Any one that has associated closely with me will attest to the fact that I am not known for ostentatious living. And my new office as acting chairman of the EFCC has not changed this. vi. Mutually Beneficial Relationship

with Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd) Sir, it is important to situate my relationship with Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd), in proper perspective. Our paths crossed when we became members of the Presidential Committee on the investigation on arms procurement. He was instrumental in getting some of the information that helped the committee to make significant breakthrough in its assignment. Beyond that, the relationship between Umar and myself is one of professional acquaintance, devoid of issues of conflict of interest. So, it comes to me with shock, the imputation by the DSS that we have a “mutually beneficial relationship”. This appears suggestive that Mohammed and I were involved in activities that could be said to be untoward. I certainly have no knowledge of such activities. The claim that EFCC documents, including EFCC letters addressed to the Vice President and being investigation reports on the activities of Emmanuel Kachikwu and his brother Demebi Kachikwu, were found in his home during a search by the DSS came to me as a surprise. If that is correct, he should be made to disclose how he came by such documents. I never discussed my official duties with him let alone give him documents pertaining to investigations being conducted by the Commission. Interestingly, Mohammed was detained for several months by the DSS. In all those months, did he claim that I mandated him to commit any crime or that I was an accomplice to any crime? If there is any such claim, I will wholeheartedly like to be confronted with the allegation. It is interesting to note that when Mohammed was eventually charged to court, the charges against him were money laundering and illegal possession of firearms, and nothing related to my purported “shady” relationship with him. vii. Perceived Reluctance to Arraign Vice Marshall Adesola Amosun The DSS Report that the reason EFCC delayed the arraignment of a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Adesola Amosun, was because Mohammed never wanted Amosun to be prosecuted is astonishing. Anyone familiar with the EFCC under my watch knows that I perform my duties with the highest sense of responsibility. The reason Amosun was not arraigned when the likes of Alex Badeh and Umar were arraigned was because he cooperated with the Commission in terms of assisting the process of recovering the proceeds of crime. Indeed, among the suspects arrested over the arms procurement scandal, he was most cooperative. The Commission recovered N2.835billion cash from him, aside from property worth One Billion Five Hundred and Eighty One Million Naira (N1,581, 000, 000), Two Million One Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars ($2,150, 000) and One Million Pounds Sterling (£1, 000, 000). Since a key focus of the investigation was to recover as much proceeds of crime as possible, the Commission took its time to ensure it had recovered what was possible before arraigning the suspect in court. This had nothing to do with the wish of any individual. Moreover, the suspect has since been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction. viii. Alleged Vendetta Against Stanley Lawson The suggestion by the DSS Report that Stanley Lawson, a former Group Execu-

tive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was placed on a watch list, to settle scores with him is strange. It may interest you to know that I do not know Stanley Lawson personally and could not be settling personal scores by framing somebody that I do not know. Lawson’s encounter with the EFCC is in relation to the investigation into the mismanagement of $118million public funds for electioneering campaign involving former petroleum resources minister, Diezani Alison Madueke. It was discovered that he made payment of $25million into Fidelity Bank and also facilitated the purchase of Ogeyi Place Le Meridien Hotel in Port Harcourt for Mrs. Alison Madueke, for which he collected Ninety Four Million Five Hundred and Sixteen Thousand Naira (N94, 516,000) as commission. Lawson was arrested and he made a refund of the N94.5million traced to him. He was never placed on any watch list. ix. Work through Police Cronies in EFCC I do not understand what the report meant by working with cronies. If what was implied is that I have preferred officers that I work with and who go about their work in unethical manner, my response is that nothing of such exists in the EFCC. Officers who work with me know that the easiest way to lose your job is to be found to be involved in unethical or corrupt activities. Indeed, when I assumed office as acting chairman, my first action was to return police officers with integrity issues back to the Nigeria Police Force. If the DSS finds that there are police officers in the EFCC who are working closely with me and have properties that their incomes cannot support, the Service is at liberty to expose them. 3. Conclusion Honourable Minister, Sir, I invite you to take notice of the fact that the DSS authored two separate vetting reports on me, one referenced SV.114/3 addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly and the other referenced SV.114/3 addressed to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate). Both letters were dated 3rd October, 2016, and signed by the same Officer, Folashade Bello, on behalf of the Director General. While one of the reports advised the senate against my confirmation, the other asked it to favourably consider my confirmation. The two reports emanating from the same agency raises questions of sincerity and motive. You will want to find out why they came up with two conflicting reports on the same subject on the same day. It is important to note that in all this, I was not given the opportunity of fair hearing. Above all sir, I am persuaded by my conviction in my innocence that in all the issues supposedly raised against me, no one has accused me of receiving gratification to act against my conscience or the interest of the country. I have attached to this letter all supporting documents and materials that would enable you arrive at fair position on all the issues raised. 4. Be assured of my usual respect and highest consideration. Ibrahim Magu Ag. Executive Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Niger Delta people deserve fair deal - Osinbajo ÎSays, FG will keep its promise of a new vision ÎÎÎWhile past leadership and governance failures explain the worrying conditions of Nigerians in the oil-producing communities, the people still deserve a fair deal, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Prof. Osinbajo said this was the position of President Muhammadu Buhari and it is the reason the administration is now advocating a New Vision for the people of the Niger Delta. He spoke at the Presidential Villa while chairing an inter-ministerial followup meeting with relevant

government ministries, departments and agencies involved in the Niger Delta on Friday. “The President believes the people of the Niger Delta deserve justice, and for me also it is a very important point,” the Vice President stated, adding that the state of the region and the suffering of the people does not reflect the fact that “it is the resource base of the country.” Continuing he said “inspite of the past leadership failure, the Niger Delta people deserved a fair deal.” The Vice President told

the inter-ministerial team that includes ministers and others MDA heads that the meeting is to ensure that “we are faithful to the promises and the spirit of the presidential engagements with the people of the Niger Delta.” In attendance at the meeting were the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, Petroleum Resources Minister of State, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the Environment Minister of State, Alhaji Ibrahim Jubril. Others include the Presidential Adviser on Am-

nesty Programme, MajorGeneral Paul Boroh, and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Nsima U. Ekere. All the ministers and officials made presentations about the next steps in the process, especially on how to effectively meet the commitments and deliver the promises made by the Federal Government during the interactive engagement tours led by the Vice President. In his presentation, the Minister of State for Environment disclosed that

the ministry has now fully engaged the Ogoni CleanUp Project Coordinator, Dr. Marvin Dekil, himself an indigene of Ogoni. Besides, he also revealed that potential contractors have been visiting the site to demonstrate available and suitable technology to be used for the Clean-Up. Later, the Vice President also received a delegation of western diplomats from countries involved in the oil industry in Nigeria. The delegation was led by the Dutch Envoy in Nigeria, Ambassador John C.M. Groffen, and included

Magu’s confirmation: Court hears suit seeking to commit Saraki to prison today Andrew Orolua, Abuja ÎÎÎThe Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will today hear the contempt charge filed by an Abuja based lawyer, Oluwatosin Ojaomo, who is praying the court to commit the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki to prison for initiating and presiding over the confirmation process of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, in the Senate in violation of court order. Ojaomo, a plaintiff, had on January 24 this year filed a legal action against the screening of Ibrahim Magu at the Senate by some senators, wherein he prayed for an order stopping the Senate confirmation pending the determination of the originating summons.

Anglican Church members demand removal of Bishop in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba ÎÎÎThe crisis rocking Sapele Diocese, Anglican Communion, has deepened as members of the church have taken to the streets demanding for the removal of the presiding Bishop, Rev B.A. Erifeta in the early hours of yesterday. The members, who stormed the streets as early as 10am with banners and inscriptions, chanted “Erifeta must go”. Bye Bye Erifeta” Primate take you bishop away”, “you can’t force yourself on us”. Some of the members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, they were fed up with Bishop Erifeta’s alleged style of leadership. They alleged that House of Bishops has already voted him out with a resolution to the Primate, His Grace, Nicholas Okoh, to remove him hence the need for the protest to bid him farewell. According to Evangelist Okunoma, the People’s Warden of All Saints Anglican Church, Sapele. Sunny Akpobasa, the Diocese Secretary, also said “this protest will not end until the Primate carriers out the resolution of the Bishops to remove Erifeta. As for Mrs. Deborah Oyibo, a member of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Sapele”, we do not need those who left the church because of his tyrannical style of leadership have since returned, so why do we need him?”, she asked.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners or their deputies from United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, United States and the European Union.

MRS. NANCY YUSUF BUBA

Plateau State co-ordinator, Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), Jessica Vonkat (left), presenting farming tools to representative of governor of Plateau State, Alice Asaije, during the Rural Women Day celebration in Keran village, Plateau... recently.

APC will re-rewrite Enugu political history in 2019, says Party Chairman Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎThe Enugu state chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has expressed optimism that going by the solid structures it has put in place in the 260 political wards of the state, as well as the calibre of heavyweights politicians that have joined its fold, the party would sack the ruling People’s Democratic Party led government come 2019. It declared: “PDP will be history in the next general election, because APC is going to re-write and redefine Enugu political history. Speaking at the weekend in Ngwo, Enugu North Local Government Area of the

State while receiving a PDP chieftain and financier of the party, Chief Uchenna Ozokwor, who joined the APC, the state chairman, Dr.

MRS OWONLA MUTIYAT ENIOLA I Formerly known and addressed MISS ADETOLA MUTIYAT ENIOLA now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS OWONLA MUTIYAT ENIOLA. my former names remain valid. Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

Ben Nwoye, said there is no gain saying the fact that APC would capture Enugu state in the next general poll. He said: “you will agree UCHE-CHIKWEM OLUCHI LOVEJANE

I formerly known and addressed as CHIKWEM OLUCHI LOVEJANE, now wish to be known as UCHECHIKWEM OLUCHI LOVEJANE All former documents remain valid general public should please take note.

EDEKO FAITH UNUS

EGBULEM NGOZI FAITH

I formerly known and address as Ese Faith Edeko now wish to be known as Edeko Faith Unus all former documents remain valid general public should take note.

I, formerly known as Omeje Ngozi Faith now wish to be known and addressed as Egbulem Ngozi Faith All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

with me that APC now has presence in every nook and crannies of Enugu state, including all the 260 political wards.

MRS. AKACHUKWU GODGIFT ONYINYE FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS IBEH GODGIFT ONYINYE NOW KNOWN AS MRS. AKACHUKWU GODGIFT ONYINYE ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

MRS EZENWORAH NDIDIAMAKA VIVIAN. I formerly known and addressed as MISS ISHIEZE CHINONSO VIVIAN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZENWORAH NDIDIAMAKA VIVIAN. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Mrs Nancy Wycliff Yusuf now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nancy Yusuf Buba All former documents remain valid The general public should please take note

EDIME OJOCHOR BONIFACE I formerly known and addressed as Edime Gabriel Thaudaeus now I wish to be known and addressed as Edime Ojochor Boniface. All former documents remain valid general public take note

ADEYEMI FOLAKE AJOKE. I, formerly known and addressed as OJO SHAIT AJOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI FOLAKE AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EZEUGWU PAULINA IFEOMA I formerly known and addressed as EZEMA PAULINA PERPETUAL IFEOMA now wish to be known and addressed as EZEUGWU PAULINA IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

HELP AN AFRICAN CHILD READ INITIATIVE THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. MR. SODIPO BANKOLE 2. MRS SODIPO UHUNOMA 3. MRS KAREN NWULU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO POSITIVELY TRANSFORM THE UPCOMING GENERATION OF AFRICAN THROUGH CHILDREN’S LITERACY 2. TO PROVIDE STIMULATING LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN TO READ AND TO ORGANIZE AGE APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES 3. TO FOSTER AN INTEREST IN READING ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

21 Public Notice

BLESSED CLUB OF MBOSHI, AJI

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

TRUSTEES: 1. KENNETH OGBAJE, 2. SIMON OSSAI, 3. JOHN ALI, 4. MATTHIAS ALI 5. SUNDAY ABUGU.

TRUSTEES 1. NWABUEZE JOEL IBENECHE. 2. IBENECHE ODIONYENRE JOEL 3. IBENECHE JOEL SANTOMA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO REACH OUT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED & HARNESS TALENT IN THE INTERIORS AND REMOTE VILLAGES.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROMOTE MEMBER’S WELFARE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: BARR. UCHE NWAGU SOLICITOR

SIGNED: UDEOGU OBINNA ESQ. 08065657274

UMU OBA IN DIASPORA CLUB

ST. BENEDICT SOCIAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OJUKWU PRINCE CHINWENDU 2. EJIOFOR CHUKWUDI CHUKWUNONSO 3. UZOR EKENE CHRISTIAN 4. IBURU ANAYO MICHAEL 5. OBIAPUNA TOCHUKWU

-FOUNDER - CHAIRMAN - SECRETARY. - TREASURER. - FINANCIAL SECRETARY

AIMS: 1. TO BRING SUCCOR TO THE NEEDY AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED. 2. TO PROVIDE CARE AND SUPPORT FOR INDIGENT PEOPLE AND FOR THE OBA COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

SPARKLE FOR SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION The General Public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. Trustees: 1. Dr Mrs Oluranti Ekpo (MD, PhD) 2. Amokeye Hatoma Ogar 3. Israel Chiabolaegwuatu nwangene Aims and objectives: 1. To help people living with sickle cell 2. To educate and help people living with sickle cell Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. Signed: Barr. Tamara jombai

ONE YOUTH FOR EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

DONAMECHE EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

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

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF NAME AND ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 CHANGE OF NAME AND ALTERATION OF THE CONSTITUTION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

BRIGHTER MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH FOUNDATION

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. Trustees: 1. Adegoke Opeoluwa Hope 2. Yau Bawa Muhammad

3. Dr Taofik G Yekeen 4. Bawa-Muhammad Taiwo Hassanat

OLD NAME - ST. BENEDICT SOCIAL ECONOMIC RESEARCH FOUNDATION TO: NEW NAME - OFURE INTEGRAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Aims and Objectives: 1. Health educating vulnerable slum communities through home visits, community meetings, and formation of community health committees, engages pregnant mothers and their families to promote utilization of public health services for mothers and newborns and improve their knowledge of antenatal and postnatal services, danger signs associated with pregnancy and after delivery, maternal nutrition, appropriate child feeding practice, and family planning methods

THAT THE CONSTITUTION BE ALTERED TO REFLECT THE CHANGES

2 To provide free medical services to under-privileged patients especially pregnant mothers, newborn and children in rural village communities.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE AND ALTERATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET, PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

CLASS OF EXCELLENCE 2008 ASSOCIATION OF FACULTY OF LAW MADONNA UNIVERSTY The General Public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. Trustees 1. DAVID ONOCHIE 2. LASBERY CHIOMA OLUDIMU 3. CLEMENT UGONNA EWULUM 4. EBOSIE CHARLES CHIJIOKE 5. NDUKWE IKENNA ONYEKACHI

6. AGUOLU OGOCHUKWU CHINWE 7. OLUIGBO PRECIOUS CHISOM 8. ONYEKA ONWUEKWU IROH 9. KINGLSEY JEPHTER 10. CYNTHIA OKAFOR

Aims and objectives: 1. To promote excellence and foster unity among members 2. To promote the prestige of the school as an educational institution 3. To promote and support education Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. Signed: Secretary

SHEKINAH GLORY CHRISTIAN INT’L MINISTRY

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. Signed: Emegha & Associates - 08036579844

GOD OF MINISTERING CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS The General Public is hereby notified that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. Trustees 1. EMEREONYE SAMUEL CHUKWUDI 2. SAMUEL JNR. AMAWURU EBUBECHUKWA EMEREONYE 3. WINNERS IRUCHUWKU EKWUSIGO EMEREONYE 4. ABBA JUSTICE CHUKWUDI EMEREONYE 5. BENITA AKUABIA CHISOM EMEREONYE 6. SAQUEEN CHINEDU EMEREONYE Aim and objective: 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. Signed: Secretary

BLAZING WORD OF REVELATION INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

Trustees 1. AHAMUSI DELE 2. EMMANUEL IROLE 3. NANCY NDUCHE

Trustees 1. COLLINS MICHAEL. - CHAIRMAN 2. MRS. GLORIA COLLINS. - VICE CHAIRMAN 3 OKITI MICHAEL 4. ADENIYI SHEYI OLUWAFUNMI 5. FAVOUR OLUSHEYI. - SECRETARY 6. ONOUROKE ROSE 7. EWOMAOGHENE NATHAN WAKPO 8. ELIZABETH AMMUDAM SHILOH

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.SHAIBU, OKE TIMOTHY-President 2.ADEMOLA TOYOSI ADERONKE-Vice President 3.ARANSIOLA SESAN ABIODUN-Treasurer 4.JAMES SUNDAY PETER-Secretary 5.AJIBOLA AMOS DANIEL -Auditor

Aim and objective 1. To provide for the wellbeing of members as well as the general public Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Aim and objective: 1 to preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

Signed: NANCY NDUCHE

Signed: Secretary

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARY

POST TO POST SPORTS INITIATIVE

DORCAS SOCIETY OF THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. PETERS, AREMO, IBADAN

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Osazee Happiness Aduwa 2. Oladeinde Babatunde 3. Medayese Oluwatomi Ayorinde

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIEF JACOB OLABODE AMAO 2. PROFESSOR BOLANLE AWE 3. MRS. COMFORT IDOWU FOLUKE ADERONMU

AIMS 1. To cater for the welfare of members 2. To promote technical work in all ramification

Aims and Objectives: 1. To promote competitive participation in sports at the grassroots. 2. To develop the skill level and mental awareness of young people interested in a career in sport. 3. To provide a robust recreational platform for adults and young people of different age categories and gender in Nigeria. 4. To build structures that will sustain the development of local content in sport administration.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote the development and maintenance of Christian principles and ideals 2. To promote physical and spiritual growth and development of the church and Christianity in general

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

BLACKSMITHS, WELDERS, IRON BENDERS AND TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990. TRUSTEE 1. Alhaji Ola Suleman (Fagba) 2. Alhaji Ganiyu Aranse 3. Alhaji Alimi Okunloye 4. Alhaji Hassan T. Aderonmu 5. Pastor Oluwatosin Owoseni 6. Alhaji Isiaka Salako 7. Prince Sunday A. Ogunyebi

SIGNED: Secretary

Signed: Aduwa Victor

- chairman - secretary

Any objection to these Changes should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: BARR. ADEWALE ADESINA - 08097318957

Public Notice 22 REMOVAL/ADDITION OF TRUSTEES; OIL OF GRACE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby inform that the above named Ministry has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for “REMOVAL/ADDITION OF TRUSTEES” under Part ‘C’ of Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEE REMOVED: 1. Pastor Korede Ginusa

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

CHRISTIAN ELDERS & FATHERS FORUM OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby inform that the above named Forum has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Dr. Patrick Jerome - President 4. Apostle Dr. Ime Edet Uyire 5. Apostle Prof. Essien Daniel Udosen 6. Prelate Isaiah Alfred Issong

THE TRUSTEE ADDED: 1. Udosen, Samuel Sunday Any objection to this “REMOVAL/ADDITION OF TRUSTEES” should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this Publication.

1. To bring peace and unity among members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication. Signed: Apostle Dr. Patrick Jerome (President)

Signed: Chairman

PUBLIC NOTICE

IGBINEDION EDUCATION CENTRE FOUNDATION Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for Registration under Part C of the Companies and allied Matters Act, 2004. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Sir Chief Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion - Chairman 2. Lady Cherry Igbinedion - Deputy Chairman 4. Miss Ivie Igbinedion 5. Miss Amenze Igbinedion 6. Mrs Orobosa Sophia Mantu

IME EDUOK FOUNDATION FOR SPECIAL CHILDREN The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990.

2. Mbelu Amaka Priscilla

privileged. 2. To help discover and develop the potentials of the orphans and the neglected street children. Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

DIVINE FAVOUR OF GOD PRAYER MINISTRY, ABA applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Mrs. Kelechi Charity Ifeanyi 2.Mr. Ifeanyi Nweke Okpo 3.Mr. Nathaniel Azubuike Eluwa 4.Miss. Ugonma Miracle Ifeanyi

- Member - Member - Member

1. To assist the orphans and the less privileged in their education from nursery, primary, 2. To coordinate charitable activities to help the less privilege by providing sustainable

Any objections to this application must reach the Registrar General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

crèche to tertiary level at an affordable cost. Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

SIGNED

PUBLIC NOTICE

PAULINA-JIAKPONNA-IROEGBU MEMORIAL SKILLS ACQUISITION & EMPOWERMENT CENTRE

ONAJITE ADESUA OTIOTIO-ONOME FOUNDATIO This is to inform the general public that the above named “Foundation” has applied for registration to the corporate affairs commission under part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990

the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

1. Mrs. Tiro Ovakporie. President 2. Mrs. Eseyoma Akhere. Secretary

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Iroegbu Adolphus Chinwe 2.Iroegbu Leonard Chukwunonyerem 3.Iroegbu Romanus Ifeanyichukwu 4.Asoguh Paulinus Ikechukwu 5.Ogbonna Mark Nelson 6.Enyimiri Eugenia Clarinda

1. To give assistance to women and children. 2. Give help to the needy. Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off from the date of this publication.

Any objections to this application must reach the Registrar General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Secretary.

SIGNED:PRESIDENT

OSILANGOR PEACE FOUNDATION applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE:

OGUGU HUMAN RIGHTS ASSOCIATION This to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATIONhas applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

MOREGRACE GLORIOUS WORSHIP CENTER ( A.K.A HOME OF GRACE INT’L)

This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. TRUSTEES÷ 1. PASTOR HOPE SUNDAY ESSIET 2. PASTOR MRS. HAPPINESS HOPE SUNDAY

High Chief George Okolie

2.Mbombo Osaromube 3.Moses Mube Obele 4.Abigail Ejii Obe

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Dr. Theophillus Udeani John Ugachime Ferdinand Udekanu Mrs. Chioma Okonkwo Mrs. Dorathy Nwonye

Any objections to this application must reach the Registrar General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

1. To protect the members and other people’s rights and enforce same through partnership with relevant Government Agencies. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporation Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

AUCTION SALES! AUCTION SALES!!

ANSARUL ISLAMIYYAH MOSQUE GBAGADA

AIM: WINNING SOUL AND EVANGELISM EXPANSION OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ON EVERY SIDE.

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

KA ESI ALU AFRICA CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Engr. Arinze Arinzechi Obasi 2. Michael Ifeoma Anthonia 3. Mrs. Obasi Esther Nneka

TRICYCLES, SCRAP MOTORCYCLES AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AT THE NIGERIA

2. One scrap Passat Wagon with Reg. N0. EA 350 KRD.

(President) (Secretary) 6. One scrap Mitsubishi L300 without Reg. Number. 7. One scrap Mazda with Reg. N0. 622 RM.

1. Render charitable services to the needy. 2. To encourage youths involvement and participation in agriculture for food security and sustainable environment. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporation Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi-Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED TRUSTEES

SIGNED: PASTOR HOPE SUNDAY ESSIET

FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Ameen Sikiru Kayode 2. Sanusi Suleiman Oyewole 3. Ogundele Ashim Oladimeji 4. Hassan Amidat Folaranmi

9. One scrap Tricycle without Reg. Number.

1. To call to the path of Allah through Islamic teaching and practice

11. One scrap Lady Motorcycle without reg. Number. 12. Four scrap wheel barrow truck

REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420,

AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. SIGNED: AUCTIONEER

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

ANIH JOSEPHINE UKAMAKA. I formerly known and addressed as MBA JOSEPHINE UKAMAKAnow wish to be known and addressed as ANIH JOSEPHINE UKAMAKA. My correct date of birth is 3rd March, 1980. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and addressed as OMEKE JULIANA that I now wish to add NWAMAKA to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as OMEKE JULIANA NWAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

MRS AGUBOSI AMUCHE LOVELYN I formerly known and addressed as MISS OHA AMUCHE LOVELYN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGUBOSI AMUCHE LOVELYN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ORIE UCHENNA JOSEPH JOSEPH: I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH MELVIN, now wish to be known and addressed as ORIE UCHENNA JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ETHNIC UNITY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. Trustees: 1) Dr (Barr) Theophilus I. Ogune 2) Ibikunle Yusuf Ololade. Aim and Objective: 1. To promote equality and unity amongst all ethnicity. Any objection to these Changes should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: SECRETARY

PEACE IS POSSIBLE INITIATIVE

23 Public Notice

MRS OKECHI CHARITY CHINONSO

OBIDIKE ALOYSIUS.

ABDUL-RASHEED OLUWASEGUN

FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS BABATOPE BOLAJI OLUWAYEMISI NOW KNOWN AS MRS ADETUNJI BOLAJI OLUWAYEMISI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWUOKE CHARITY CHINONSO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKECHI CHARITY CHINONSO. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Idah, NYSC and General public should please take note.

PAUL: Formerly Known As EMMANUEL PAUL now known as OBIDIKE ALOYSIUS. All Former Documents Remain Valid General Public Note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AS ABDULRASEED RASHEED ADEDIMEJI. NOW KNOWN AS ADEYEMI ABDUL-RASHEED OLUWASEGUN ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALUD. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

SALAMI OLASUBOMI IBRAHIM.

MRS CHUKWUMA-NWEKE CHINENYE JOYCE.

. I formerly Frank Aina, now wish to be known as Salami Olasubomi Ibrahim. All former documents remain valid. General public Note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWUMELU CHINENYE JOYCE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWUMANWEKE CHINENYE JOYCE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

MRS ADETUNJI BOLAJI

HEALTH FUTURES SOLUTIONS INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. YAHAYA NDANUSA ABDULLAHI 2. HALILU GIDADO MUHAMMAD

- PRESIDENT

The aims and objectives: 1. To provide community pathway to health and health equity 2. To advance equitable approaches to childhood obesity prevention 3. To achieve health, wellbeing and equity in malaria specific control and elimination issues Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

SADIQ HEALTH SOLUTIONS INITIATIVE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UNOGWU ENE CHARITY 2. AMEH ALADI MARY 3. UNOGWU OCHE MATTHEW 4. OLLO ADAKOLE STEPHEN

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. YAHAYA NDANUSA ABDULLAHI 2. IBRAHIM BABAMININ SULE

The aim and objectives: 1. TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS 2. TO ENCOURAGE YOUTHS TO BE PEACE BUILDERS. 3. TO PREACH THE MESSAGE OF PEACE IN HOMES, SCHOOLS, AND THE SOCIETY AT LARGE. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

PROFESSOR AYO OGUNYE TRUST FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Amendment of its constitution under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. To reflect the names of the newly appointed trustees in place of the Old Trustees The New Trustees are: 1. Dr. (Mrs) Taiwo Flashade Ipaye 2. Dr. Lateef Alani Odekunle 3. Prof. Omotayo Abayomi Fakindele THAT THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES ARE HEREBY ALTERED 1. ARTICLE 1, ARTICLE 2, CLAUSE B ARTICLE 5, ARTICLE 18, CLAUSE 1, LINE 4 ARTICLE 18, CLAUSE 4 LINE 6. ARTICLE 19 ARTICLE 20 Any objection to this Changes should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

CREATOR OF ALL SANCTUARY This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act , 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. YISHRAYL STELLA UTAH –President 2. URE ANDREA UTAH–Secretary 3. TELEDE ONITIRI 4. BRIDGET ADA CHEYSED THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. For the service of prayer and spiritual empowerment and knowledge of the power of God through Word , that bring physical and spiritual healing to body and soul 2. To run and operate schools on educational services ,both circular and

- PRESIDENT - SECRETARY

The aim and objective: 1. To educate the people for adoption of the good norms of good health practices 2. To work for uplifting the status of women health in the society 3. To propagate the need for communicable and non- communicable health control and awareness Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication

AMAHKALU AMARACHI ROSEANN.

I formerly known and addressed as AMAH ROSE AMARA now wish to be known and addressed as AMAHKALU AMARACHI ROSEANN. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UZODIGWE PERPETUA CHINENYE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AROH PERPETUA CHINENYE (NEE UZODIGWE). All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

That I was formerly known and addressed as ONYEABO COMFORT ALAOMA that I now wish to add ALAONA to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEABO COMFORT ALAOMA ALAONA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as ANYAEHIE CLARA that I now wish to add ANN .N. to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as ANYAEHIE CLARA ANN .N. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

GARUBA SAMUSON

UCHECHUKWU CHIJIOKE LIVINUS

FORMERLY KNOWN AS GARUBA SAMUSEEDIN NOW KNOWN AS GARUBA SAMUSON. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AS ABUGU JAMES CHIJIOKE NOW KNOWN AS UCHECHUKWU CHIJIOKE LIVINUS ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENETAL PUBLIC NOTE.

FREEDOM APOSTOLIC CHURCH INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Ebe, Uduak Emmanson 2. Rev. Udofa, Aniekeme Thomas 3. Elder Ebe, Emmanson Jonah 4. Deaconess Jonah, Ekaette Emmanson 5. Brother Ebe, Saviour Emmanson The aim and objective: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ASSOCIATION OF GOSPEL EVANGELISTS PASTORS & EDUCATORS NIGERIA

MRS AROH PERPETUA CHINENYE (NEE UZODIGWE)

KATCHA EMIGUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) PASTOR AGUAH BEKCHI TEMPLE - Chairman 2) PASTOR ONYEDIRE EXCELL CHIDIEBERE - Secretary 3) SISTER ONUABUCHI NICHOLAS CAROLINE 4) BROTHER AGUNWA CYRIL MADUABUCHI 5) SISTER FIDELIA CHINYEAKA UGWUNNA 6) EVANGELIST ANNE OZOEMENA EXCELL 7) SISTER AGUAH BEKCHI ONYINYECHI.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MUHAMMAD USMAN 2. MOHAMMED YABAGI USMAN 3. MUHAMMAD ABDULLAHI 4. SANUSI ABDUL 5. MUHAMMAD ALHASSAN GAMBO. 6. KUDU NDAMAN. 7. SABA SAKIWA. 8. TIJANI NDALIMAN KATCHA. 9. NDAYAHAYA SULAIMAN.

The aim and objective: 1. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF GOSPEL PREACHERS AND EDUCATORS.

The aim and objective: 1. To foster unity among its members

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ROULEAUX FOUNDATION This is to inform the General Public that the above named FOUNDATION has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act, 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Dr. Faniran Damilare Emmanuel. (2) Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olatomi Faniran THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1)To use informal methods of Science Communications to improve Science literacy in the

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

about the impact of Science on society. (5) To formulate through consultation policy in science advocacy with the Government and relevant stakeholders. (6) To practice effective Science communication to widen engagement with the academia, government, industry and public. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication

SIGNED BY : SECRETARY

ARCHBISHOP AGGEY MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Adesanya Shamsideen Ibikunle (2) Abumere Sunday Okeigbeme (3) Odesola Isaac Babatunde (4) Oloye Modupe Oludayo (5) Alade Bosede Olufunmilayo (6) Oseni Olanrewaju (7) Bello Issa Olajide THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To established social interaction between old students. (2) To seek and uphold high academic standards among current students. (3) To seek and secure restoration of academic activities in the school. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY : SECRETARY

Public Notice 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20,2017

MRS.STEVE MANG NANCY ONU

AKUJOBI PRINCEWILL CHIGOZIE

ZAKARIYAU MALEEK OPEYEMI

OLURANTI ADENEKAN JOSEPH

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ONUOHA NANCY IDENYI, now wish to be known as MRS.STEVE MANG NANCY ONU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SAMPSON PRINCEWILL CHIGOZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKUJOBI PRINCEWILL CHIGOZIE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SAKA TUNDE MALEEK, now wish to be known and addressed as ZAKARIYAU MALEEK OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MARTINS OLURANTI JOSEPH, now wish to be known and addressed as OLURANTI ADENEKAN JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EMEKA CALEB EMEKA

DONATUS EMENADIKE AKUBUENYI

NNABUAKU ANTHONIA IFY.

CORRECTION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as NWANKWO CALEB EMEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as EMEKA CALEB EMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as DONATUS EME AKUBUENYI, now wish to be known and addressed as DONATUS EMENADIKE AKUBUENYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

Formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO ANTHONIA AUGUSTINA, now wish to be known and addressed as NNABUAKU ANTHONIA IFY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

my name was wrongly written as TOGNEGBE ADJOWA MARY instead of TOGNEGBE ADJOWA on my Personal Account Details. That my correct name is TOGNEGBE ADJOWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MAHMUD SULEIMAN, now wish to be known and addressed as AMADOU SOULEMANE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS. ADEWALE ABOSEDE MONSURAT

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ECHIGBUETOBI FREDRICK CHUKUNALU.

DR. (MRS.) ADORA CHERRIE OKOGBULE-NWONODI

TITILOYE SHAKIRAT AJOSE

that ADEOSUN YISAU, YISAU ADEOSUN and ADEOSUN YISAU ADEWALE are one and same person and now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOSUN YISAU ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ECHIGBUE FREDRICK, now wish to be known and addressed as ECHIGBUETOBI FREDRICK CHUKUNALU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ADORA CHERRIE OGBUKAGU or MISS ADORAH OGBUKAGU or MISS ADAORAH OGBUKAGU or MISS ADORAH NWANATA OKAGU, now wish to be known and addressed as DR. (MRS.) ADORA CHERRIE OKOGBULE-NWONODI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OBINNA BENARD Formerly known and addressed as IGWE OBIOMA PROPHET, now wish to be known and addressed as OBINNA BENARD. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEBAYO TEMIDAYO OMOLAYO Formerly known and addressed as ADEBAYO DAYO PAUL, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO TEMIDAYO OMOLAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLATUNDE EMMANUEL OLUWADAMILARE Formerly known and addressed as ABASS BABATUNDE OLALEKAN OLUWADAMILARE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLATUNDE EMMANUEL OLUWADAMILARE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM ADEWALE MONSURAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEWALE ABOSEDE MONSURAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

TEMITOPE ELIZABETH AILERU.

MRS ARINOLA ELIZABETH MCFADIPE

Formerly known and addressed as TEMITOPE ELIZABETH OGUNSANYA, now wish to be known and addressed as TEMITOPE ELIZABETH AILERU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS ARINOLA ELIZABETH AKINSIKU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ARINOLA ELIZABETH MCFADIPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BASANYA VICTORIA I, formerly known and addressed as FEYINTOLA ADENIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as BASANYA VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MISTURA ABIODUN OPERE.

UNUKPO ANTHONY as well as FORTUNE UNUKPO AKPOFURE. That I want to maintain FORTUNE UNUKPO ANTHONY in my Skye Bank account. All documents bearing the above names are mine and remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS IBRAHIM MISTURA ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MISTURA ABIODUN OPERE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to inform the general public that l was mistakenly addressed as DANIEL DANIEL GODDEY and CHUKUJI GODDEY ONUIYI, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKUJI DANIEL GODDEY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AMADOU SOULEMANE

Formerly known and addressed as TITILOYE AJOSE OLUWATOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as TITILOYE SHAKIRAT AJOSE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEBISI MONSURAT ADEWUNMI Formerly known and addressed as ADEBISI MONSURAT ELIZABETH ADEWUNMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBISI MONSURAT ADEWUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AGADA BRIGHT STEVEN

JATTO MEMUNAT

Formerly known and addressed as NMEZI CHINENYE IRENE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONWUNEME CHINENYE IRENE. All former documents remain valid. General public take not

MRS. LAWAL NIHINLOLA LYDIA Formerly known and addressed as LAWAL LOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LAWAL NIHINLOLA LYDIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AGADA BRIGHT EMEKA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGADA BRIGHT STEVEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ABOGUNDE MEMUNAT, now wish to be known and addressed as JATTO MEMUNAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

ADEBIYI ABIDEMI TALIFAT

MRS. LOLADE ADEYEMI FOLORUNSHO

KAYODE ADEFILA OPEYEMI OMOLAYO

Formerly known and addressed as HELEN ODO BASSEY, now wish to be known and addressed as HELEN ISO OLAYISADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

my name was wrongly written as ALHASSAN ILEMONA instead of ALHASAN ILEMONA STEVEN. That my correct name is ALHASAN ILEMONA STEVEN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as AKINTOLA ABIDEMI TALIFAT, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBIYI ABIDEMI TALIFAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as MISS LOLADE FOLADE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LOLADE ADEYEMI FOLORUNSHO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as KAYODE OPEYEMI OMOLAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as KAYODE ADEFILA OPEYEMI OMOLAYO. My correct date of birth is 15/2/1977 as against 15/2/1976. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

that SUNDAY AWO ISOYIP and SUNDAY ISOYIP ETIM is one and same person and now wish to be known and addressed as ISOYIP SUNDAY AWO . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALIU ADIOKU ALEX on my Bank Account at Access Bank and BVN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADIKOLU ALIOU which I used on my bank account at Eco Bank and GTBank. . That my correct date of birth is 31st day of December, 1986 and not 30th day of December, 1986. All former documents remain valid. ACCESS BANK, ECO BANK, GTBANK and general public should please take note.

JIMOH RUFAI TUNDE

ADIKE CHRISTOPHER CHUKWUWEIKE

MRS. SANNI HALIMAT

AYINDE DEBORAH OLUBUKOLA.

AMETEPE DEBORA BOSE

JIMOH ADEOLA AINA

I, formerly known and addressed as AHMED TUNDE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as JIMOH RUFAI TUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADIKE IKECHUKWU .C. , now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADIKE CHRISTOPHER CHUKWUWEIKE All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. YAKUBU HALIMA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. SANNI HALIMAT. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known as ODUNIYI DEBORAH OLUBUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AYINDE DEBORAH OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AGBAGLO DEBORA BOSE now wish to be known and addressed as AMETEPE DEBORA BOSE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as TIJANI ADEOLA HAWAWU now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH ADEOLA AINA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

MRS. EVA OBHAJAJE ABU

ADEPOJU WAHAB OLAIDE

I, formerly known and addressed as AZEEZ MORUFF OLADIMEJI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as BOLANLE MORUFF OLAYIDE. That my correct date of birth is 27th day of July, 1990 and not 27th day of July, 1986. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known as MISS EVA OBHAJAJE EDONOJIE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EVA OBHAJAJE ABU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEBOWALE OPEYEMI TEMITAYO

On my Bank Document, my name was wrongly written as ONYIA CHUCKS NAZ insted of ONYIA CHUCKS JOSHUA. General Public and Authority Concerned should take note.

I, formerly known as SALAUDEEN WAHAB ADEPOJU, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEPOJU WAHAB OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

GABRIEL KELECHI BLESSING

MBALASO, DOMINIC IKENNA

BABATUNDE EMMANUEL OLAJIGA

IMO DONATUS

I, formerly known and addressed as ELEZIANYA IKENNA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MBALASO, DOMINIC IKENNA. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE EMMANUEL ASIGBONLUSI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as BABATUNDE EMMANUEL OLAJIGA All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known as IMO DONATUS OKPARA, now wish to be known and addressed as IMO DONATUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

ONWUNEME CHINENYE IRENE

that OBINKA VALENTINE and OBINKA DANIEL CHEKWUBE is one and same person and now wish to be known and addressed as OBINKA CHEKWUBE VALENTINE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

my name was wrongly written on my BVN and Account as AFAOMA NGOZI GLADYS and AFOAMA NGOZI instead of AFOAMA NGOZI GLADYS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

HELEN ISO OLAYISADE

BOLANLE MORUFF OLAYIDE

EGBODO SAMUEL ADOGA I, formerly known and addressed as EGBODO SAMSON ADOGA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as EGBODO SAMUEL ADOGA. That my correct date of birth is 10th day of December, 1985. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

GANIU MORUFAT ARIKE I formerly known and addressed as GANIYU MORUFAT JUMOKE now wish to be known and addressed as GANIU MORUFAT ARIKE. My date of birth was wrongly written as 7/6/1976 instead of 29/3/1978 All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ABDULLAHI LABARAN MUHAMMAD I formerly known and addressed as MUHAMMAD UMAR now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULLAHI LABARAN MUHAMMAD. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OLAMIPOSI ALALE MICHEAL Formerly known and addressed as MICHEAL OLAMIPOSI SAMUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAMIPOSI ALALE MICHEAL. My correct date of birth is 5/9/1982 as against 15/9/1982. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ABIDOYE OLUWADAMILOLA FOLUKE I formerly known and addressed as ABIDOYE OLUWADAMILOLA OLUWABUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as ABIDOYE OLUWADAMILOLA FOLUKE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as IBEANUSI KELECHI BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as GABRIEL KELECHI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MAKANJUOLA OPEYEMI TEMITAYO now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBOWALE OPEYEMI TEMITAYO All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS. OMORODION ANNE AGATHA.

OROBIYI FUNMILAYO FUNKE

TAIWO-FATUNBI KEHINDE BUNMI

I, formerly known as MISS BAKUAYE ANNE AGATHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OMORODION ANNE AGATHA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as TAIWO FUNMILAYO FUNKE now wish to be known and addressed as OROBIYI FUNMILAYO FUNKE All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as KEHINDE OLUWAFUNMILEBI BUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO-FATUNBI KEHINDE BUNMI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

OJIEFULU JENNIFER.

OKEKE TITUS ONYEOZURU.

25 Public Notice

MRS JONAH CHISARA COMFORT

BALOGUN OLASUMBO RASHIDAT

LEO IWUANYANWU.

DONATUS VINCENT CHUKWUDI

I formerly known and addressed as AGBONTAEN SUSAN now wish to be known and addressed as OJIEFULU JENNIFER. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OTUM TITUS now wish to be known and addressed as OKEKE TITUS ONYEOZURU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UGURU CHISARA COMFORT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JONAH CHISARA COMFORT All former documents remain valid.

I formerly known and addressed as OKE OLASUMBO RASHIDAT now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN OLASUMBO RASHIDAT. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as LEO IWU now wish to be known and addressed as LEO IWUANYANWU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ALONGE OLAYINKA KELVIN

BALOGUN FLORENCE RONKE

NWABUASO PRINCE RAYMOND

LAWAN USMAN

AJAYI ABIODUN KAFAYAT

I formerly known and addressed as NWABUASO RAYMOND now wish to be known and addressed as NWABUASO PRINCE RAYMOND. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

SALAU TAIWO OYINDAMOLA.

I formerly known and addressed as ABUDULLAHI LAWAL now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAN USMAN All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AREGBESOLA TAIWO OYINDAMOLA now wish to be known and addressed as SALAU TAIWO OYINDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN ABIODUN KAFAYAT now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI ABIODUN KAFAYAT. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

CORRECTION OF NAME:

In some of my documents my name was written as ADISA AYODELE SULE and AYODELE SULE ADISA while in some other documents it was written as ALHAJI AYODELE SULIAMON ADISA-ADEOGUN and ALHAJI ADISA SULIAMON. I am the one bearing all the names. All documents bearing all the names are valid. General public to take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as INYAMA JACOB NNANNA while in some other documents it was written as NNANNA PRINCE INYAMA. I am the one bearing all the names. All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to take note.

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as OLUBODUN APINKE FUNMILAYO instead of OLUBODUN FUNMILAYO All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ALONGE OLAYINKA OLUWATOSIN now wish to be known and addressed as ALONGE OLAYINKA KELVIN. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ABRAHAM FEYISAYO JOSEPHINE I formerly known and addressed as AKINMOLAYAN FEYISAYO JOSEPHINE now wish to be known and addressed as ABRAHAM FEYISAYO JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

WILFRED OSITA EKENE I, formerly known and addressed as ONWUEGBUCHU OSITADINMA EKELEDIRICHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as WILFRED OSITA EKENE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

AKPADO CHIZOBA EDITH I formerly known and addressed as MARK CHIZOBA EDITH now wish to be known and addressed as AKPADO CHIZOBA EDITH. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

MRS. NNAEKEZIE IFEOMA LUCY I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Orachusi Ifeoma Lucy now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnaekezie Ifeoma Lucy. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

I formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN KASALI FLORENCE and BALOGUN KASALI FLORENCE RONKE now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN FLORENCE RONKE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS. WILFRED CHINONYEREM JOAN

MRS. ONYEAHIALAM LOVETH OBIAGERI.

OLUTAYO BETTY OMOWUNMI

CHANGE OF SIGNATURE

SULAIMON HAMMED KOLAWOLE OLASUNKANMI.

AKINBOBOLA SEYI

Formerly known and addressed as Alade Kolawole Hammed Olasunkanmi now wish to be known and addressed as Sulaimon Hammed Kolawole Olasunkanmi. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SARAH OLUWAFUNMILAYO JOHNSON.

Formerly known and addressed as AKINTADE SEYI now wish to be known and addressed as AKINBOBOLA SEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known as Sarah Ayomide Hassan now wish to be known as Sarah Oluwafunmilayo Johnson. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

I formerly known and addressed as BETTY OLUTAYO ADEWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUTAYO BETTY OMOWUNMI. ONWANUO EBERE ONYINYE I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Onwanuo Ebere Onyi, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS Onwanuo Ebere Onyinye. All former documents remain valid. General public to please note.

I formerly known as OGUNYEMI MUTIU wish to be known and addressed as OGUNYEMI-AKINRANTI MUTIU. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

That I operate GTB Idumota Branch Account name as YUSSUF KAFILAT ATINUKE. That i request to delete ATINUKE from my names as appear in my Account and BVN with your BRANCH and henceforth be taking as YUSUFF KAFILAT. And my date of birth on my BVN should be corrected to 20th April, 1997 instead of 20th April, 1987.

EGBERHANMWEN ISIBOR ROSE I formerly known as EGBERHANMWEN ISIBOR wish to be known and addressed as EGBERHANMWEN ISIBOR ROSE .All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

NDUBUISI ADA NKIRUKA I formerly known as KINGSLEY ALICE ADAMMA wish to be known and addressed as NDUBUISI ADA NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

TEMILOLUWA OLUWATAYO ADEJUWON

ADELAJA OLUWAFUNMILAYO TEMITOPE.

I formerly known as SULAIMAN MOJEED OLUWASHINA wish to be known and addressed as SULEMAN MOJIDI ADESINA. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEGBITE TEMILOLUWA OLUWATAYO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TEMILOLUWA OLUWATAYO ADEJUWON.All documents remain valid general public take note.

I formerly known and address as Ogunfowote Funmilayo Yemi. Now wish to be known and address as Adelaja Oluwafunmilayo Temitope. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note

HARRISON ZOE UWEM

MRS. TERNGU DORCAS SELUMUN

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. UBILE NEWTON ADAH, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. UBILE NGERI .H. DIGBANI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BEN ABA, HENCEFORTH WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BERNARD ONWUKWE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC, PLEASE TAKE NOTE

LEONARD EBOH CHINEDU

I,Formerly called and addressed as GBADEGESIN ABIMBOLA IYUN, now wish to be known and addressed as TAYO-AMAKA ABIMBOLA to

That I Daniel Calista Chizoma my name was wrongly written as Nwagwu/ Nwankpa Calista Chizoma wish to be known and addressed as Daniel Calista Chizoma. and corrected Date of Birth 5/11/1970. All Documents/ Credentials remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS. UBILE NGERI .H. DIGBANI

BERNARD ONWUKWE.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. OKEZIE MATILDA NGOZI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EGBOH MATILDA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNABU LOVETH OBIAGERI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONYEAHIALAM LOVETH OBIAGERI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNYEMI-AKINRANTI MUTIU

I, formerly known and addressed as, HARRISON OKON UWEM, now wish to be known and addressed as, HARRISON ZOE UWEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as ANENE HARRISON ONYECHI instead of HARRISON ONYEBUCHI ANENE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS. EGBOH MATILDA NGOZI.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NNADOZIE CHINONYEREM JOAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. WILFRED CHINONYEREM JOAN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH.

SULEMAN MOJIDI ADESINA

TAYO-AMAKA ABIMBOLA

CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as DONATUS OZOMMA CHUKWUDI now wish to be known and addressed as DONATUS VINCENT CHUKWUDI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. IGBALAGH DORCAS SELUMUN, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. TERNGU DORCAS SELUMUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

MRS. ASOKA YERISO HARRY I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. ASOKA OLOYEBAKATEINME, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ASOKA YERISO HARRY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS. STEPHEN GLORIA PHILIP I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. GLORIA OTAIGBE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. STEPHEN GLORIA PHILIP. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS. IBITAMUNO OMATSEYE. I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. IBITAMUNO JUMBO, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. IBITAMUNO OMATSEYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

status. All documents still valid. The general public please take note.

UMEH AFAMEFUNA FAMZY I formerly known as UMEH AFAMEFUNA wish to be known and addressed as UMEH AFAMEFUNA FAMZY .All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

DUROJAIYE TITILAYO MUSILI. I formerly known as DUROJAIYE IBITOYE TITILAYO wish to be known and addressed as DUROJAIYE TITILAYO MUSILI. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as LEONARD OKPOEBO CHINEDU, now wish to be known and addressed as LEONARD EBOH CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS.TOBI ADEWUNMI OBAULA I formerly known as MISS TOBI ADEWUNMI ADEBAYO wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.TOBI ADEWUNMI OBAULA. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

IBRAHIM FOLUKE IMOLEAYO

MBAM RAGA MANJARI

I formerly known as FABUSIWA FOLUKE IMOLEAYO wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM FOLUKE IMOLEAYO. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

OWULADE TEMITOPE RANTI.

I formerly known as OZIOMA NWEKE GRACE wish to be known and addressed as MBAM RAGA MANJARI. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

I formerly known as OYEWUMI TEMITOPE RANTI wish to be known and addressed as OWULADE TEMITOPE RANTI. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

MR.DAMISA DANIEL DAUDA

KUDE BARRY CHARLES.

I formerly known and address as Daniel Damisa Saka,now wish to be known and address as Mr.Damisa Daniel Dauda. All former document remain valid. General should please note.

MRS. UKACHUKWU CYNTHIA I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. EGA GINIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. UKACHUKWU CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

APOLUS IBEABUCHI JESSE. I, formerly known and addressed as, OGAN APOLUS IBEABUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as, APOLUS IBEABUCHI JESSE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, BARRY CHARLES AKOR, now wish to be known and addressed as, KUDE BARRY CHARLES. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS CYNTHIA CHISOM DONATUS I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AKUJOBI CHISOM CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS CYNTHIA CHISOM DONATUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

EZE BRIDGET TOOCHUKWU

I, JOSIAH-DANIELS EKELE, EKELE JOSIAH, AND DANIELS JOSIAH E., refer to one and same person but now wish to be known and addressed as, JOSIAH-DANIELS EKELE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UGWU BRIDGET now wish to be known and addressed as EZE BRIDGET TOOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

DIUGU SAMUEL IDU. I formerly known and addressed as UTAZI SAMUEL IDU now wish to be known and addressed as DIUGU SAMUEL IDU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NEJI BRIGHT MAJESTY I formerly known and addressed as UKAYAH BRIGHT MAJESTY now wish to be known and addressed as NEJI BRIGHT MAJESTY. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Features

De-Real: Bottom-up approach, local initiative A Non-Governmental Organisation, De-Real Community Self-Help Project, has, despite challenges, come to impact hitherto neglected communities in Ogun and Lagos States, through road rehabilitation, among other value added initiatives, writes Femi Ganiyu For the people of Oke-Aro, Matogun, Adiyan, in Ogun State, linking Toyin Street, their Lagos State neighbours, De-Real Community Self-Help Project, has become real. Their tractors, graders, and other expensive equipment used in road rehabilitation, among other development efforts, are familiar and visible to be ignored by passers-bye and the people of the areas. Daily, they roared like a hungry lion, who bared out its canine, ready to devour its prey. And the people yelled and applauded when their engineers and drivers swung into action, mowing grasses, uprooting trees and reshaping the roads. This is, especially so because in the last few months, this Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, has begun showing them how to impact lives in a positive way. For too long, the serene communities had suffered what they called, criminal neglect by successive governments in both states, particularly Ogun State, where the organization is focusing on now. For them, and other communities like,Orudu,Olambe, Abule Osho, De-Real has become a common feature in their communities. Excavation of rugged terrains, gutters; tarring/ asphalt laying of roads; grading/excavation, concrete grading of water ways, among several construction works have been singularly undertaken by the NGO to the relief of the people of the area. These effort, according to analysts, akin to a ‘bottom-up’ approach system in development, which the nation desires currently. Before the intervention of this organization, residents of these fast-growing communities, located in Ifo Local Government Areas of Ogun State, had been going through pains due to bad roads, armed robbery attacks and sometimes motor/ motorcycle (Okada) accidents, leading to maiming and, in some fatal cases, deaths. Yet, no help was forthcoming, except a few occasion, according to Mr. Wasiu Saheed, a resident of the area, “When some local government officials come around to do patchworks on the roads, but which are easily washed away flood, when the rainy season sets in, like we are in now,” Indeed, since nature abhors a vacuum, and the organization has come handy to fill the seeming vacuum, as typified by findings in these communities, t is amazing how the young man has been forging ahead with his dreams, in spite of the current economic recession The young man behind the project, Mr. Oyebowale Oladayo said he has single handedly financed the projects, although with some support from good-spirited people and firms, who have also aligned with his and his colleague, Mr. Victor Anomie’s good vision and ideas.

Oladayo, told The Daily Times that, “I was moved by the plight of the communities, that’s why I decided to use the little fund I have to embark on the project.” He said, some critical portions of the Matogun Oke-Aro Roads in the area were in bad shape, such that when the major river in the area overflew its banks, the people were usually at God’s mercy. He said many people had been “badly affected by the poor conditions of the roads; these people pay their taxes to the government, but got little in return for their commitments.” He said he and his team was just doing their own bit to change lives, in their desire to create a lasting legacy for the people and themselves.

Amosun

some critical portions of the Matogun Oke-Aro Roads in the area were in bad shape, such that when the major river in the area overflew its banks, the people were usually at God’s mercy.

Investigations showed that these communities, which link Mowe-Ibafo, on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, host companies like, Energo, a Nigerian Integrated Power Project which has potential to add 33 KVA to the National Grid; Security Control of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, among others, and with modern infrastructure like, roads, educational institutions and hospital, the area could grow to stardom beyond their current rustic nature. Though faced with huge financial challenge and initial resistance to his activities by some people who were cynical of his aim in the area, the young Chief Executive/ President of the organisation said, “It is not easy to hire earth moving equipment like, graders, tractors, excavators needed to carry out these onerous responsibility.” But, he remains undaunted. “I will continue to forge ahead, but I need financial assistance to do so. After these projects here in these two neighbouring Ogun and Lagos States, I will consider it extending to some other states of the federation.” Applauding this initiative, Alhaji Afeez Ejalonibu, a youth leader in the area describes the projects as encouraging, adding that the organization needed support of all to add more value to Nigerians. He decried the neglect the communities had suffered, especially due to poor roads and lack of other social infrastructure. The Chairman, Road Transport Employers’ Association, RTEAN, in the area, Mr. Sanusi Isiaka, who also commended the organization for coming to the aid of the communities, however sought support for the NGO saying that, despite many challenges facing the organization, especially funds, there are clear evidences on the ground that the area will never be the same again. He said it was gratifying that where government had failed some individuals like De-Real, are succeeding. The Daily Times gathered that although the Community Development Councils, CDC and Community Development Associations, CDAs, in the area, such as, Matogun-Lambe, had been trying their best to change the face of the area to no avail, as critical things like, earthmoving equipment needed to kick-start the projects were clearly beyond their powers to enable them to do so. It was also gathered that for many years, traditional rulers have visited the council and state government for help, but such help when they came at all, did not go far enough to assuage their feelings. For De-Real Community Self-Help Project, the real beginning of sustainable development initiative, has started in the communities.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

27 Features

Communities torn apart over land dispute There is an uneasy calm in Ketu–Oluyomi Community in Ogun State, as the judgment of a State High Court has thrown the peace of the community into disarray. This development has prompted residents to cry out to the governor of the state to intervene in the case to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the community. Babajide Okeowo reports

A typical land dispute

For several decades, the communities of Ketu –Oluyomi and Onigbongbo, both in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have lived in peace and harmony without rancour and acrimonies. Unfortunately, however, the story has changed, at least for now. The people are currently at one another’s throats. In fact, that peace and camaraderie that were their hallmarks then, were, however shattered about 25 years ago. The bone of contention is the ownership of over 1,000 acres of land (KetuOluyomi), which had been in existence for over 400 years. Interestingly, there had been claims and counter-claims by the warring communities. The indigenes of Ketu-Oluyomi claimed to be the rightful owners of the land, which they have been residing on for over 400 years ago. The narrative however, changed 25 years ago, when The Bala-Banjoko family of neighboring Onigbongbo Community turned and laid claims to the vast expanse of land. Thus, began a long tortuous battle in court. On the 4th of May, 2016, a State High Court, presided over by Justice A. A. Akinyemi ruled in favour of Bala-Banjoko family. The Ketu Oluyomi family promptly appealed the judgment. But, as soon as the Bala Banjoko Family secured the court judgment, the family allegedly unleashed mayhem on the residents of Ketu-Oluyomi, chasing them away from the land thereafter.

This has prompted the Overseer of the Ketu-Oluyomi Family, Elder Ade Oluyomi, to petition the Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun, FCA, to come to their aid pending the outcome of the case in the Appeal Court. According to Elder Oluyomi, the action of the Bala Banjoko family is a threat to their existence. “There is a threat to our existence from the Bala Banjoko Family of Onigbongbo; they claim that we are not the real owners of Ketu-Oluyomi that we should leave the town after the judgment. Where do we go after 400 years on the land? We have appealed the judgment and the case is in the Appeal Court”. “Touts and hoodlums, acting on their instructions, are still stationed in the village, they have driven all our farmers away from their farms; and all our means of livelihood have been taken

Amosun

“There is a threat to our existence from the Bala Banjoko Family of Onigbongbo; they claim that we are not the real owners of Ketu-Oluyomi that we should leave the town after the judgment. Where do we go after 400 years on the land? We have appealed the judgment and the case is in the Appeal Court”.

from us,” he lamented. Another elder in the Ketu Oluyomi Family; Alfa Bisiriyu said the KetuOluyomi family is being oppressed and terrorized, while also calling for the intervention of the state government. “Despite the fact that the case is still in court, The Bala Banjoko Family has been terrorizing us, selling our lands. They have been using the court injunctions to take possession of our land. “Our village has suffered oppression and intimidation in the hands of these people, they have been selling our lands, they have stopped us from farming. That is why we are crying for justice. We pray that God will use Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the Appeal Court to save us from the hands of our oppressors. Tracing the genesis of the imbroglio, Elder Oluyomi said, “They felt since our forefathers were no more they can sit on the truth. The family also expressed their disappointment over the ruling of Justice Akinyemi, in spite of all the evidences submitted to the court. He however expressed optimism that the Appeal Court will rule in their favour.” It is left to be seen what will become of the people of Ketu-Oluyomi, while the case is being ruled on at the appeal court. However, all efforts made to reach the other warring party by The Daily Times was not successful, as at the time of going to the press.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Interview

How we nurture entrepreneurs at incubator centre -Dr. Momah

In this interview with the Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre, Lagos, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Julie Momah, she bares her mind to FEMI GANIYU about her agency’s activities and other national issues. Excerpts

Dr. Momah(middle)

How long have you been managing the Technology Incubation Centre, TIC? For over 13 years, I’ve been the Centre Manager for Benin and Zonal Coordinator, South-South of the centre. I was at the Benin Centre before assuming office as the Lagos Centre Manager and the Zonal Coordinator, South –West. Here, in the Lagos TIC, the experience has been wonderful because, I see Lagos as a land of opportunity; and I turn every challenge to opportunities. TIC Lagos happens to be the pioneer centre under the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI). TIC Lagos needs to be the centre of excellence where the other and intending operators of incubation need to come and learn; and because of that, we have put many structures in place. What are the structures you have put in place? We make sure that our incubation management system is revo-

lutionized to meet the needs of our entrepreneurs and by doing that, we initiated programs like, desk officers being attached to each of the entrepreneurs. The idea is to help in close monitoring of each of the entrepreneurs in the area of their challenges, intervention and outcomes; and each of the desk officers in turn reports this in their weekly report, so, that by the second week, we are able to proffer solutions you know and by the third week, the centre manager together with the team visit to make sure that there is compliance you know, based on their challenge; based on the standard operating practice, based on the production process, based on the cleanliness, we try to make sure that we monitor all these. In other words, you adhere strictly to total quality management? When we discovered that each of the entrepreneurs have different challenges, such as, challeng-

es of accounting, many of them don’t know how to keep their books, many don’t keep records, the account department see to it that they have a template, that their expenses are not more than their income, the accounts department also visits regularly(weekly) to make sure that there is adherence to it, if we also have ICT when we discovered that entrepreneurs have issues with not having a website, business cards, not having anything that has to do with all that, we come in. The world is now a global village, so, you are keeping pace with modern way of doing business? Yes, because the world is a global village, we need to make them to be ICT responsive; so, areas where they are still using monologue and analogue systems, we upgrade them to digital system with the help of the ICT to make sure they are in tune with what is going on. So, they too do monitoring weekly to make sure they learn how

things are being done. For example, if they open a website for them, they have to update it regularly upload information, this makes them accessible to the world and beyond doing indigenous marketing, the world has n own opened to digital marketing, online marketing, social media marketing, you know, all those other opportunities that you can use to make your products more visible we link them to it. How has it been working for you? Oh! It has been working for us. We have got so many things, which ordinarily, you would not get when you go one-on-one. Like the issue of NAFDAC and that’s from the commercial department, they received issues that their products were not able to enter major supermarkets because the product do not have NAFDAC’s certifications, and because the products are not registered, supermarkets are not able to take the products.

NAFDAC has their own challenges too, as, for example, the process of getting registrations takes a long time to materialize? NAFDAC has been easy for us, we have collaborated with that agency that many entrepreneurs have challenges with, and by collaborating and visiting them, we now have a better deal, we’ve got 50% reduction in d NAFDAC’s fee. NAFDAC will now come to our centre, to certify our units. Our units have now been accredited as having good Standard Operating Practices, S.O.P. We have over 40 people who are about to get NAFDAC’s registration number. So, that is the power of incubation coming together to work; and then, we are already doing what we call incubation without borders. What about Standard Organisation of Nigeria? I was coming to that. We have been able to create standard for

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20 2017

29 Interview

How we nurture entrepreneurs at incubator centre -Dr. Momah SON. Some of the products are results of R&D, which SON does not have standard for yet so we created standards for them. The DG Standards Organisation of Nigeria was also here, the world’s Standards day was celebrated here last year identifying with us. Also, SON comes here for quarterly checks free of charge which ordinarily should be paid for, but because they are here in incubation, it’s free. And that’s our mandate, every state where we have entrepreneurs; we want to create a level playing ground reducing the risks of doing business and also training the trainers. We also work hand in Hand with Nigerian Export Promotion Council. it’s a network which the power of TIC can attract so having known the mandate of these agencies, we also help them to fulfill their mandate here. So, many people have benefited from the export promotion window of having fairs (trade fairs) outside the country; and it has gone there, sponsored by export promotion council to Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, many countries, even as far as America, to showcase our proudly Nigerian products. What is your Corporate Social Responsibility like? We offer free trainings for startups; we also go to the radio to create awareness about what we do. We take attachments from secondary schools; we also take people from universities. Because apart from what you learn in school, you now need to come here to learn the practicality of doing the job and that is the beauty. There’s a lot of technological gap in this part of the globe, what is your role in bridging this gap? Talking about the technology gap, we are talking about the triple helix formula. By Triple Helix Formula: you’re talking about the government, the industry and the private sector. We are also working on bringing the gown to town. The universities are very critical in the knowledge, so what we do is we bring the universities around us to the industry. So, there’s synchronization among you? Oh yes, we also collaborate universities on a very powerful level. Even the Vice Chancellors know incubation like water. What we do is we find out: what are the challenges of the industry, we meet them, and they have a department of research and innovation, so they are able to provide a better solution. We also work with them so that students that have their final year projects relevant to industries; that is projects that can give them jobs, projects that can make them CEOs. So, instead of doing research that will just be gathering dust, you are doing research that PZ needs, you are doing research that someone needs and will be will-

Dr. Momah

ing to pay for. We also have a lab and the equipment are available. We work with the state government (Lagos) and have seen our value. So, every year, we celebrate industrialization week. The state government gives awards to industries (SMEs) that have done well, the state government gives them awards. How how do you combine the home front, because this is a question we always ask women of your status and we’ve received varied responses and opinions? The Key point for everything whether family, business or career is passion. Once you have passion for what you’re doing, everything will key like a Chesnutt. Your home is like a business too that you must not fail. If you see your business like a business that must not fail, you’ll put the basic structures in place. The same thing with your job as a career; it is also a business, the business part of it is that it must not fail. And for me as a person, I never take no as an answer; by the grace of God, there’s nothing like impossibility in my dictionary. What’s the effect of recession on your entrepreneurs? If you want to be frank, ask if there’s any day they don’t produce or take their product to the market and they didn’t have sales. So, if their products are still selling and you are producing, the recession has not killed you, but has helped you to move to the limelight. Recession is an opportunity for them to thrive. You probably need to get more funding, be more disciplined, change your system of business and be financially disciplined with yourself, also improve your marketing strategy and then, you remain in business. But a major problem is that the cost of raw materials has increased which automatically means the price of your product to will increase. There’s a low percentage of women in the public and private sectors. What’s your take about it? The sincere truth is that the government has been working to include women in governance, politics. Women are showing that when given responsibilities they excel. Even at home, it is said if you need to keep your money, just give it to your wife, she knows how to keep it. There’s a low percentage of women in the public and private sectors. What’s your take about it? The sincere truth is that the government has been working to include women in governance, politics. Women are showing that when given responsibilities they excel. Even at home, it is said if you need to keep your money, just give it to your wife, she knows how to keep it. Are you a religious person? Oh yes, I’m a Pastor, so I derive my strength from it.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Monday, March 20, 2017

EXTRATIME

EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO… EURO…

Offor: National League Still Work in Progress C

hairman of the Nigeria National League, Chidi Okenwa Offor, has revealed the Nigerian second tier domestic football league is still awork in progresa despite the huge improvement during Saturday’s opening games of the new season which witnessed some away wins. “We’ve not gotten it right, but I assure you, by the time we succeed in taking this league to its rightful owners, people will come to appreciate and love it more,” Offor told reporters. “If we appreciate the fact that change begins with us all, I can assure you that all those things that bedeviled the league in the past that tended to give it a bad name will be uprooted. “We are moving forward. We have worked out the rules and framework which we have given to the clubs.

“We must play by the rules, and if we do this, it becomes a good league for us all. “We may not be moving as fast as Usain Bolt, but at the same time, we are like Johnny Walker, so we are not static. “As professional clubs, we have given them the rules, so it is either you fall in line or you are out of it. “We are not going to tell you to brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning. But if you fail to bruah your teeth, you certainly will be called to order. So we urge all the stakwholders in the NNL to cue into this ‘change agenda’ of the NNL which is obedience to the rules and framework of the NNL.

Ebuehi Set For Nigeria Debut T

here is no going back as regards to ADO Den Haag right wing-back Tyronne Ebuehi making his international debut for the Nigerian national team in March. The Haarlem-born Ebuehi has given his word that he will join the Super Eagles squad in London on Monday. For the first time in his career, the 21-year-old defender will participate in a training session with a national side at the Hive Stadium training ground tomorrow, as it is. Ebuehi first gave Super Eagles coach Rohr the cold shoulder when he was called up for the World Cup qualifier against Algeria in November, but has had a change of heart and has chosen to represent Nigeria ahead of the Netherlands. This season, he has started the last 19 games contested by ADO Den Haag in the Eredivisie.

14th Sanusi NeCts Belgium areer Goal

was on teamer Ryan Sanusi ormer Belgium youth3-1 on les rac tterdam beat He target to help Sparta Ro night. ay urd Sat on tch Eredivisie game week 27 in the Du days fit be to ling ugg str was The defensive midfielder after l tee Kas at Sparta-Stadion Het . leading up to the clash him ind beh s put his injury worrie tch suffering a knee injury but Du the in l goa t scored his firs On 29 minutes, Sanusi a and beat lected off Justin Hoogm def t sho his top-flight when Castro. Belgian goalkeeper Bram tterdam uld have given Sparta Ro wo In the second half, he go in. not did t sho but his dangerous a three-goal advantage rlands, the Ne the in ut deb sional Since making his profes from 101 (11 assists) to his name ls goa eer car 14 Sanusi has league matches.

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Etebo in Visa Hitch Ahead Senegal Friendly C the traveling document sometime last week which didn’t happen, having made the trip to Madrid, Spain to apply for an endorsement on his passport. Etebo is hoping that he will be sent the visa the first working day after the weekend, and if that is not the case he is cer-

I’m targeting 14 goals this season, says - Mathias

l Kanemi Warriors’ Samuel Mathias says he is targeting 14 goals for this season. The midfielder has already bagged seven goals in the Nigeria Professional Football League and plans on doubling that figure. “This isn’t where I want to be, my target is to score more goals, I mean goals aplenty,” Mathias told. “Being an attacking midfielder, I have set a target of 14 goals for myself and I am hopeful that I will reach that target and even surpass it. “I am not disappointed not to have received an invite to the Super Eagles for the friendly match this month because there’s always a time for everyone. “I have no regret not to have been invited to the national team yet, I know we as human beings are destined to be where ever we found ourselves so when my time is ripe I will get a call-up

Etebo

D Feirense star Oghenekaro Etebo has been hit by a visa hitch ahead of his proposed trip to London for the national team’s international friendly games with Senegal and Burkina Faso. The Nigeria U23 poster boy was hoping to be issued

Offor: National P 31 League Still Work works in Progress

tain to miss the Super Eagles first workout at the Hive Stadium training ground. Regarding Chippa United netminder Daniel Akpeyi, there is still no good news as he wasn’t granted a visa at the close of business on Friday, March 17. The goalie has been invited again to the national team after deputizing for Carl Ikeme against Algeria in November 2016.

Samuel Mathias

to the national team.” “I think this season we have a deep understanding of ourselves, experience and youth, mixed, and as the season progresses the understanding continues to grow. “The coach (Bosso) is a very disciplined, principled and experienced coach. His father role mixed with fun creates the right environment for understanding in the team.

The Anambra Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Obiano restates commitment to development partnership AT 2

Restoring peace to markets: The Building Materials International

AT 4

Buhari counsels Graduates on entrepreneurship

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (middle in Black suit) with Igwe Kelly and others during the commissioning of a modern poultry farm at Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area...recently

Nov. guber poll: Soludo endorses Obiano Stories by Alphonsus Nweze, Onitsha

ÏÏÏ Former

The

Anambra

T E A M

Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has joined in the band of people who have endorsed the incumbent Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, for a second term. Soludo, who endorsed Obiano on Friday in a lecture to mark the governor’s third anniversary in office at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, said that the economy of Anambra State was the fourth largest. Soludo said the economy of Anambra which is not an oil producing state had been well managed under Obiano making it one of the most buoyant states behind Lagos, Abuja and Rivers. He said the private sector must be encouraged to help drive the economy and commended the governor for attracting sizable investors to invest in various sectors of Anambra economy. The former CBN governor described the present economic situation in the country as crisis moment and said there was no was no need to change the gover-

nor who was like a general in the war front. Soludo, who contested for All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket with Obiano in 2013, said he was not going to contest the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election because there was no need for change at the moment. “Anambra is the fourth largest economy in Nigeria behind Lagos, Abuja and Rivers State. “If Nigeria’s annual budget is divided among the nation’s popu-

lation, it will just leave the people with N34, 000 per capita, so private sector must play a role to shore up the country’s earning. “We are in crisis moment and you don’t change a general in the middle of the war, Anambra, Obiano is a general. “Many people are calling me to come and contest, but the point is: if Anambra is not broken, why mend it. There will only be vacancy in Anambra Government House in the next four years,” he said.

The erudite Economist called on Obiano to get the Federal Government to execute the second River Niger Bridge project and all federal highways in the state. He said Obiano should jumpstart the Anambra cargo airport which should be accessible through air, land and sea to quicken the journey of the state to international city status. He urged those planning to spend their money contesting against Obiano to rather invest them in preferred sectors of the state economy.

ÏÏÏ Graduates of Nigerian universities have been urged to utilise their energy for entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. President Muhamadu Buhari gave the advice in his address at the 11th Convocation ceremony of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State at the weekend. He said Government was striving hard to put in place enabling environment for the sustenance of the entrepreneurial spirit and challenged the graduands to key into the engaging opportunities. The President, who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, described education as the “fulcrum through which the socio-economic development of any society could be leveraged”. He said world economies were not sustained by public sector jobs alone but by entrepreneurial driven small and medium scale enterprises. The President assured that the Federal Government will continue to give priority to education, particularly, the University education. “University education and other tiers of education should indeed go beyond the transition of knowledge and skills. Universities should also strive to inculcate values, tolerance, respect for the rights of others, respect for constituted authority and the rule of law and order, patriotism and the need not only for competition but for collaboration and team work, among others,” he said. Buhari charged the graduands to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired for the advancement of the country.

…as APGA backs Gov. . Appoints 5 new national officers

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) passed a vote of confidence on Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, saying he had recorded landmark achievements in several areas. The party made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, in Awka on Friday. The APGA NWC also said that the achievements of Obiano included prompt and regular payment of workers’ salaries and

Special Projects Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

pension. The committee said the governor had also made the state one of the most secure in the country as well as the agricultural hub of West Africa. It also commended Obiano for his efforts in road construction, rural electrification and for giving N20 million to each community in the state to execute projects of its choice. “The NWC reaffirms and reiterates its unequivocal commitment to the re-election of Obiano, who has won several outstanding awards, for a second term in office in the November 18, 2017 governorship election in the state,” he said. Meanwhile, the NWC also set up three committees as part of

the party’s preparation for the Nov. 18 gubernatorial election in Anambra State. The committees are: Election Strategy Committee, headed by Chief Mike Kwentoh; APGA Electoral Guidelines for Primary Election Committee, headed by Mr. Ifeanyi Mbaeri and Party Membership Review Committee headed by Mr. Ibrahim Carefor. The NWC also dispatched a delegation led by the National Chairman, Dr. Victor Oye to Abia State and another delegation led by Mr. Samson Olalere to Lagos to resolve the party’s leadership crisis in both states. The NWC also appointed five new national officers to replace those expelled in December 2016. An APGA NEC meeting had,

on December 21, 2016, expelled seven members. They were Mr. Campbell Nzekwe, Chief Ozo Nwabueze (late), Mr. Jerry Obasi, Mrs. Ezinne Agbagwu, Mr. Chucks Nwoga, Mr. Terry Godfrey and Okey Okoloagwu. Mr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, National Publicity Secretary of APGA who read the communiqué, said that the five new officers were appointed in acting capacity pending their ratification by the National Executive Committee. “Since nature abhors vacuum, the former members of the NWC that were expelled by the NEC meeting of Dec. 21, 2016, should be replaced.

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Obiano restates commitment to development partnership Stories by Alphonsus Nweze, Onitsha

ÏÏÏ

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to pay counterpart cash contribution to ensure that development partnership programmes thrive in the state. Governor Obiano made this known recently in the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, while receiving in audience the outgoing Chief of UNICEF- A- Field Office, Enugu, Mr. Charles Nzuki, who was recently sent on a mission to Pakistan. Governor Obiano commended UNICEF for the strategic relationship the agency has maintained with the state government since his assumption of duty. He said through UNICEF, the state govern-

ment has done tremendously well in child education, water supply and the health sector particularly in the area of maternal and child health. Gov. Obiano said that for improved healthcare coverage, the state government recently procured motorbike ambulances in addition to earlier provision of speed boats and water ambulances to ensure adequate access to the rural communities particularly the riverine areas. Government, he said, is currently working on roads in the state especially those that lead to agrarian communities of the state in order to boost food production in the state. He also said that his administration is currently rehabilitating 421 health Centres across the state and providing decent accommodation for doctors and nurses to ensure

quality healthcare services to Ndi Anambra. Gov. Obiano further said that to ensure constant supply of electricity, government has, as a pilot programme, installed solar powered facilities at the Anaku health centre in Ayamelum Local Government council, adding that government intends to replicate the programme in other health centres in the state. Gov. Obiano called on the agency to check the possibility of revamping some of its water facilities in the state which, he noted, had since stopped functioning. He also called on the agency to always inform government authorities before final payment is made to their vendors to enable government ensure that contracts awarded to them were properly executed before final payment is executed.

Speed limiter: FRSC impounds 20 vehicles in Onitsha ÏÏÏ The

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday impounded no fewer than 20 commercial vehicles during a special operation in Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State, for failure to install speed limiting device. The operation was tagged in Igbo language as “Operation Anyi Ekwerego na Speed Limiting Device”, meaning: “We have accepted Speed Limiting Device”. The FRSC Unit Commander in Onitsha, Mr. Paulinus Akpotobo, said the exercise was part of activities of the command to reduce speeding by drivers in the state. Akpotobo said that the command apprehended a total of 30 persons for 32 offences, including number plate violation, seat belt violation, dangerous driving and operating with forged documents. The unit commander, who enlightened some passengers

and drivers of the impounded vehicles, said the FRSC was concerned about the safety of lives on Nigerian roads. “We have recorded appreciable compliance in the speed limiter campaign as transport companies are complying to install the device. “Our duty is to ensure your safety any time you are on the road and to continue to enlighten you to do the needful.” Akpotobo expressed worry that some drivers uninstall the speed limiters. He, therefore, warned that the FRSC would not hesitate to prosecute such offenders. Responding, a commercial driver, Mr. John Emecheta, who spoke on behalf of other drivers, commended the FRSC for their good works. He promised that the drivers would ensure compliance by installing the device in their vehicles.

Nov. guber poll: Aspirant pledges to harness oil, gas potential to develop Anambra ÏÏÏ An

President-General of Household Utensils Dealers Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited (HUDMCS) market Onitsha, Stanly Anikwa, in handshake with Anambra State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, Market and Wealth Creation, Mrs. Amaka Ilobi, receiving award for Gov. Obiano during the 20th anniversary celebration of the market...recently

ANSG gives N2b to small businesses ÏÏÏ The Anambra State Gov-

ernment has provided N2 billion loan to small businesses in the past two years. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Nnacheta made this known to newsmen during tour of some facilities as part of the three years anniversary of Governor Willie Obiano. He said this was done through the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA), providing funds for artisans and small businesses. Nnacheta said ASBA was working with various cooperative societies in the area of trade, artisans and even farm-

ers at reduced interest rates. “That is why we are not so much aware of the recession in the country. ASBA gives loan at nine per cent, the lowest you can get and over N2 billion has been provided for them since this agency came on board two years ago”, he said. Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Leo Imoka, said the state had been able to set up an electronic directory of all the farmers in the state for easy distribution of inputs and effective output management. Imoka said there were no fewer than 101,000 registered farmers in 2464 cooperatives in

the state. He said the gender distribution indicated that 56.6 per cent of the farmers where females whole 43.6 per cent were males, adding that ages 41 to 60 made up over 70 per of farmers in the state. Director of Technical Services in the Anambra Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Emeka Okoli, said the state was now producing cucumber, onions, green pepper, and sweet maize in commercial quantity. He said the government had provided technical and marketing support for vegetable farmers which made it one of the best rated in the world.

aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Anambra State governorship election, Mr. Barth Nwibe, has promised to harness the potential in the oil and gas sector to develop the state. Nwibe said at a news conference in Awka on Saturday that gas could be used to produce power for industrial development. He expressed regret that since Anambra State was pronounced an oil producing state in 2012, no investment or value

He said the state was emphasising organic farming. “We have so many destinations, Europe, China and across the country, weekly, 60 tons of vegetables are moved within and outside the state. “Thirty metric tonnes go to China, 20 metric tons go to Europe on monthly basis and 25 tons are moved to Aba, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos by local off takers”, he said. Some of the sites visited included the 1000 lockup shops under construction at Nkwelle Ezunaka junction, 280 meters Omambala River and the Iyiowa bridges under construction.

had been added to the Orient Petroleum Project in the state. He commended Governor Willie Obiano for his achievements in the security sector but added that his performance in office had been exaggerated as local productive capacity had not been maximised because infrastructure deficit, especially power. “The major roads in Anambra are lit up, but what meaning is it if they are run with generators, we must provide the power ourselves,” he said. Nwibe said the defection of politicians in the state to APC and the large number of governorship aspirants on the party’s platform was a welcome development. He said that the Southeast geo-political zone could not afford to be politically away from the centre considering that APC had begun to fulfil its promises to Nigerians. He said no governorship aspirant had been endorsed by either the Presidency or the party hierarchy as being peddled by some members of the party. He expressed the hope that the party leaders would provide a level playing ground for all contenders.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Monarch decries communal crises, promises to work for peace with neighbours

ÏÏÏThe

traditional ruler of Umuleri, Anambra East Council Area of Anambra State, Igwe Ben Emeka, says he will ensure peace within the community during his reign. Emeka made the promise while addressing newsmen in his palace recently. The monarch was unanimously elected and crowned on February 28, after 21 years without a monarch in the town. He expressed regret over the communal crises between Umuleri and Aguleri, UmuobaAnam in the 1990s. While describing it as bad experience, Emeka said it would have been avoided if the matter that led to crises was approached with dialogue. The monarch, who expressed gratitude to the people for making him their king, said he would use the position to work for lasting peace among the people. He also promised to ensure that they coexisted amicably with their neighbours. He noted that boundary demarcation and land tussle were

the major causes of the crisis and wars and promised to set up a peace committee that would negotiate when the need arose. “Some of the challenges first and foremost is lack of unity among the people; lack of unity and peaceful coexistence among Umuleri people and their neighbours. “I intend to use my position as Igwe of Umuleri to unify my people and also foster peace between Umuleri people and their neighbours. “We have neighbours like Aguleri people, Nando and Nsugbe; these are our neighbours, most of the problem we have is the issue of boundary adjustment, dragging of land issues at every given time. Emeka lauded the Governor Willie Obiano administration for its developmental strides in the state and urged the people to support the government. He said this would enable Obiano to complete some of his programmes in agriculture, infrastructure and other sector.

The Anambra Times 3

ANSG commissions multimillion Naira rice mill

Alphonsus Nweze, Onitsha

ÏÏÏThe

Anambra State Government has commissioned an ultra-modern integrated Rice Mills and farm in the state in furtherance of its efforts to promote agricultural revolution and ensure food sufficiency in the State. The rice mills and farm which is one of the biggest in the South East region, sits on a 15,000 hectares of land at Enugwu –Abo Ufuma, in Orumba North Local Government Area. Commissioning the project, Governor Obiano said the farm would embark on three plant-

ing season, to produce 90,000 metric tons annually, to add to the state’s consumption capacity of 300,000, making the state sufficient enough to export rice to other countries. Governor Obiano noted that the project would further strengthen the state’s socio economic activities and create sufficient employment opportunities, especially for the people of the community. The Governor, who explained that the farm’s irrigation system was connected to a nearby river, pointed out that a special specie of rice known as Farrow 44 was introduced to spread

across the state and boost rice sufficiency. Recall that the Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of JOSAN integrated Rice Farms and Mills was signed in September, 2014 between the company and Anambra State Government. The MoU geared towards resuscitation of the former moribund and abandoned World Bank rice project in Ufuma as well as the dilapidated Omor Rice Mill and turn them into pilot project and develop 15,000 hectares of land into paddy rice field.

Nov. guber poll: APGA not taking opposition for granted – Emecheta

ÏÏÏ The Chairman of

Obiano Support Group, Chief Jude Emecheta, has said that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is not leaving anything to chance ahead of the November 18, 2017 governorship elections in Anambra State. Emecheta made this known at the inauguration of Njikoka council chapter of the group in Abagana on Thursday. He said though APGA, which was the party in power, remains the beautiful bride because of the performance of Gov. Willie Obiano. According to him, it is not unmindful of other political parties who are working so hard to take over the state. He urged the people of Njikoka to be free with their brothers in PDP, APC and other parties because there were those of them who were willing to work for Obiano’s re-election “This election is for us to win, everyone knows that Anambra is in best hand but other parties are scheming, the PDP is still here and they are not push over, the APC is also working hard. “That is why we must not relent in our efforts; we have

to go and spread the message of Obiano’s good work to our people and tell them to support Obiano for second term. “Some of these people are ready to work with us, they are just waiting for you to talk to them. I have many of them in my area; so, your task is to ensure that all such people are brought in to the fold. “I encourage you not to be afraid of these people, just be careful about them, I can assure you we shall monitor our votes and I assure you our votes must count, that is why we are here,” he said. Emecheta advised them to be loyal to the party as the group was not an alternative to the party but grand mobilisers for the party. The member representing Njikoka 1 in the Anambra House of Assembly, Dr Timothy Ifedioranma, admitted that APGA enjoyed some advantages, but the election was not going to be an easy one. Ifedioranma tasked the newly inaugurated team to be consistent, committed and ensure they discharge their mandate effectively.

R-L: Former Commissioner of Information in Anambra State, Chief Maja Umeh; APGA BoT member, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, and others during the commissioning of a modern poultry farm at Igbariam, Anambra East Local Government Area by Governor Willie Obiano... recently

Obiano inspects on-going roads, bridges ahead rains ÏÏÏ Anambra State Governor,

Chief Willie Obiano, has continued the inspection of various road projects awarded by his administration to ensure quality work and compliance to establish specification. The Governor inspected the pace of work on the 11km Mmiata Anam-Nzam Road in Anambra West Council Area, and the 7.5km road linking Iyiora Anam and the Orient Petroleum facility at Enugu Otu Aguleri in Anamnra East council area. So far, excavation and sand filling have been achieved on about 5km on the road with major culverts at strategic points to dispel flood. Addressing the people who thronged him during the visit, Chief Obiano stated that his administration was executing these challenging roads be-

cause they led to agrarian communities and remain the only direct link to Kogi State. He acknowledged that lack of good access road had made transportation of food produce difficult to urban centres and had made farmers record huge loss from poor sales, patronage and storage. Go. Obiano expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far and promised that if the state government would complete the project in the nearest future. The governor was excited that the Iyiora Bridge has been completed with the best standard. He also expressed satisfaction for the height of the road that has been raised reasonably to ensure that no amount of flooding can submerge it. He assured the people of

Anambra West Local Government Area that the road will be executed according to satisfaction to withstand heavy duty vehicles carrying petroleum products to and fro the Oil facility, urging them to remain supportive of his administration to enable it fully realise its lofty vision for the development of the area. Mr. Victor Jideofor, member representing Anambra West Constituency in the State Assembly, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Science & Technology, Prince Chinedu Emeka and Mr. Michael Nwofia, chairman Akpokuodike Action Group for continuity in their respective remarks commended the governor for this kind gesture done to the people of the area and reaffirmed the people’s unalloyed support to the governor.

The Anambra Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Feature

Restoring peace to markets: The Building Materials International market Ogidi example Peace, which has been defined as freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility; or the cessation of war or violence is essential to promote the progress and success of any human endeavour. Without peace, it is difficult for an individual, family, organisation, group, community, state or even a country and the entire world to make any meaningful progress. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ himself emphasised the importance of peace that he declared in the scripture that “peace I bring to you, peace not of the world, but from God”. St Paul in his epistle to the Romans charged Christians to pursue peace with all men; yet peace is a scarce commodity in the world. Nations, individuals and organisations have spent fortunes in pursuit of peace all to no avail, hence the world has been thrown into turmoil with violence and wars ravaging different communities and regions of the world. In Anambra markets, where traders struggle to earn a living and sometimes strive for leadership positions, peace has not been in abundance as expected to help traders thrive in a very conducive atmosphere. Many, if not virtually all the markets have one litigation or the other over one leadership tussle or the other. In fact, some markets were said to have as many as over 20 cases pending in various Courts in the state, including Appeal Court. A typical example is the Building Material International Market, Ogidi in Idemili Local Government Area of state, a sprawling suburb near Onitsha. Faced with this myriads of challenges and conscious of the negative consequences of absence of peace, the new President-General of the market, Chief Jude Nwankwo, barely elected one month ago, started peace moves in the market which has yielded tremendous result. Nwanko, who said he inherited over 20 cases, had declared from the onset he was elected his determination to reconcile various interests in

the market to bring permanent peace to the market, although he quickly pointed out that Court was the last hope of the common man and therefore anybody who felt aggrieved was entitled to seek redress in the court of law. He said: “As I said immediately after the election, the court is the last hope of the common man. I subscribe that people who are aggrieved should go to Court, but I need the market to be peaceful and move on. Even, opposition, I need them to stand firm. So I moved on like I told you after my election that I will extend hand of fellowship to the opposition. That I did and offered them the peace deal which they accepted”. The peace building effort, he said, has been yielding result as most cases have been withdrawn from Courts and the market is now writing a new constitution that will usher in permanent peace in the market. Essential parts of the peace process, said Chief Nwankwo, is the writing of the new Constitution which will carry

along every interest in the market and choose a new name which they will eventually register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Abuja. “We are writing a new consti-

“We are writing a new constitution that will help the Judge deliver his judgment. The constitution will carry everybody along, the builders of the market, the oppositions. In the terms of agreement, we agreed on who will get what, who will be members of trustees, patrons, who and who will sign allocation papers and even the new name of the market”

tution that will help the Judge deliver his judgment. The constitution will carry everybody along, the builders of the market, the oppositions. In the terms of agreement, we agreed on who will get what, who will be members of trustees, patrons, who and who will sign allocation papers and even the new name of the market,” the President-General said. He said that Sir Mark Aguiyi, who was the founding chairman of the Building Committee, will be the chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), while the Secretary of the Building Committee, Emeka Okafor, has been agreed upon to become the Secretary of BoT. “This was agreed on in our general meeting. I expected people to raise objection but surprisingly, nobody raised objection. It was unanimous. We will now take the new constitution and terms of agreement to court to help them deliver judgment and after that we proceed to Abuja to re-register the market, since the current name is in dispute,” he said. He also said the sub-com-

mittees have been shared equitably to various lines and interests in the market, stressing that absolute peace has returned to the market since they struck this agreement. “Personally, I am now happier. I thought I was happy before now until we brokered this peace accord, I now became happier. People are now happy. Many are now registering to become members of the market union. With this peace deal, there is no doubt that we can make more progress and sell more goods in the market. We can now greet ourselves freely. If you enter into the market as the place of your source of income, you will now be happy. And this will generally impact and improve the fortunes of the market and the traders”. The President-General poured encomium on Governor Willie Obiano, attributing the restoration of peace in the market to his commitment to peace in the entire state. He said that the Governor has at every slightest opportunity stressed the need for peace and it was against that backdrop that they pursued this peace within one month they were elected. “There is no doubt that it will increase the revenue base of the government in the market with everybody now happy and those who have not registered before are now registering. If the Governor is not sincere, there will be no peace in Anambra State. So there is peace because the Governor wants peace,” said Chief Nwankwo. He pledged the unalloyed support of the traders of the market to Governor Obiano’s second term ambition, emphasising “anybody who does not support Governor Willie Obiano is not Anambrarian, in fact, an Igbo man. He has provided security; I don’t know the magic wand he used. “He has done well in agriculture. We have now Anambra rice. He pays workers their salary promptly. So there is peace because of Obiano and the credible leadership we have in Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Associations (AMATAS),” the President-General said.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Medview Airline begins flight on Kano route Page B2

Lending rate eases as Naira gains 12 points in one week Page B3

Four insurance companies yet to file Q1 2016 results Page B7

NNPC moves to recover over N11bn missing petrol from Capital Oil …MRS returns own portion of missing product

…Reports case to DSS, EFCC, NASS

L-R: State Officer, Lagos, Bank of Industry, Mr Emmanuel Chike Egbuta; Chief Executive Officer, PRINSULT Global Consulting Ltd.,Mrs Raliat Oyetunde; President/CEO, ROFENIK Associates and Investment Ltd., Mr. Femi Ogunje ; Regional Head, Lagos, Bank of Industry, Mr. Adetokunbo Akinsola, and Founder/ CEO,W-Holistic Business Solutions, Mrs Olanrewaju Oniyitan, during the Bank of Industry Lagos regional Customers’ Forum held in Lagos, at the weekend.

OpeOluwani Akintayo Following last week report on missing petrol, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Sunday, announced measures to achieve full recovery of over 130 million litres of the product stored in the facilities of two indigenous downstream operators, MRS Limited and

Capital Oil & Gas Limited, under a throughput arrangement to ensure a robust strategic reserve. Providing details of the act by the companies, Henry Ikem-Obih, NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Downstream, replied the Daily Times’ questions on the controversy, saying that the infraction was discovered earlier in the year when the Corporation had need to access the over

100 million litres of petrol stored at the Capital Oil & Gas depot for NNPC Retail and just over 30 million litres in MRS Limited depot all in Apapa area of Lagos. “We instructed the Nigerian Products Marketing Company (NPMC), a subsidiary of NNPC, to send additional trucks to those locations to move products for distribution aimed at meeting a supply shortfall we

discovered in the market, but after days of not being able to access the terminals, we had to take a decision as NNPC Management to invite auditors and inspectors to go and do a physical check on the inventories,” he said. The COO said the visit revealed that there was no molecule of product for the NNPC to evacuate. Ikem-Obih said the infraction by the two downstream companies was a clear violation of existing throughput contract which prohibits the owners of the facilities from tempering with the volumes in their custody without express permission of the Corporation. “Armed with this information we promptly called them in to explain to us what happened to our product in their custody. After the meeting with them, we issued them with letters and told them in clear terms to do either of two things: return to us the full volume of what has been stored in their depots litre- forlitre or pay the full value of the products they took without our approval,” he explained. Ikem-Obih disclosed that the Corporation alerted the Department of State Service, the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) as well as the relevant committees of the National Assembly with oversight function on the corporation’s

downstream operation to help recover the assets contrary to the insinuation that NNPC kept mute over the infraction until the Senate uncovered it. He said so far, MRS has fully complied by returning the 30 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) that it expropriated while the Corporation had not achieved much progress with Capital Oil & Gas which was yet to return 82 million litres of petrol, valued at N11b, out of over 100 million litres which it took. The COO further disclosed that NNPC had set up two committees to evaluate the roles played by some of its staff in the illegal product evacuation and review its entire throughput policy in order to align it with global best practices. According to the COO Downstream, as part of efforts to forestall a repeat of similar occurrence in the future, a disciplinary committee was already investigating the level of involvement of its staff with a view to applying appropriate sanctions as a deterrence measure. The second committee, he said, was reviewing the Corporation’s policy and guidelines for engaging in throughput arrangements with third parties to establish control measures that could help avert a similar incident in the future.

Unsolicited SMS: Telcos to pay N16bn Pensioners call for review of pension scheme fine annually to subscribers Tony Nwakaegho

Respite seems to have come the way of Nigerian telecom subscribers over the challenges of unsolicited text messages as the Nigerian Com-

BUSINESS TIMES Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

munications Commission (NCC) has declared that telecom firms in the country may pay over N16 billion in fines annually to subscribers as compensation for sending unsolicited SMS or calls to them. Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC, stated this during the World Consumer Right Day (WCRD) 2017 in Abuja, stressing that any telecom firm that breaches the rules of ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND) operations by way of sending unsolicited messages or calls to subscribers stands the risk of being fined to the tune of N5 million per incidence and such compensation goes to the affected subscriber.

Danbatta clarified that before the breach could be established to enable the commission sanction any telecom operator, a subscriber must have sent a message, ‘STOP’, to a short code ‘2442’ to opt out of the service. “If the messages keep coming into your phone, send a message of complaint to NCC to a short code ‘622’ or call the short code. If that continues, necessary sanction will be undertaken,” Danbatta said. He further explained that there is the need to enlighten Nigerians of their rights on the use of the ‘622’ short code across the 774 local government areas of the country.

Joy Ekeke

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) is calling for a review of the current pension scheme in the country in accordance with the constitution. According to Dr Abel Afolayan, the National President of NUP, pension has not been reviewed by the government even when workers’ salaries were reviewed which is in disobedience to Section 173(3) and Section 210 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 15 of 2014 Pension Reform act (as amended). “These sections stipulate that pension shall be reviewed after ev-

ery five years or whenever workers’ salaries are reviewed,” he said. Afolayan also lamented that the non-payment of the accrued right by the Federal Government may derail the contributory pension scheme. Speaking in Abuja at a meeting with pensioners in the contributory pension scheme (CPS), said it was imperative that the pensioners were organised and unionised. He said: “There is no doubt that since the inception of the scheme, there was no single case of fraud in the last 10 years of its existence and many pensioners have been able to access their retirement benefits as and when due.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

FG mulls replication of backward integration for cement self-sufficiency

... Commends Dangote Cement on self-sufficiency feat The Federal government has officially confirmed that Nigeria has attained selfsufficiency in the production of cement and indeed now an ex porter of the commodity, ascribing the feat to Dangote Cement which spare headed the backward integration policy introduced by the government. Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who lead a team of the federal government to the Dangote Cement plants in Ibese, Ogun State at the weekend said the government was happy with the leadership roles played by Dangote Cement in executing the backward integration policy in the cement industry. It would be recalled that the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Onne Van der Weijde had last month whole

Dangote

presenting the financial results of the company for 2016 declared that the Company had commenced exportation of Cement to Nigeria’s neighbouring countries He said: “We exported nearly 0.4Mt into neighbouring countries and in doing so, we achieved a great milestone by transforming Nigeria into a net exporter of cement. “This is a remarkable achievement, given that only five years ago, in 2011, Nigeria was one of the world’s largest importers, buying 5.1Mt of foreign cement at huge expense to our balance of payments. We will increase our exports substantially in 2017.” Meanwhile, the Minister said it is a success story that Nigeria which few years ago imported over 60 per cent of her cement needs now can produce to meet local demands and still export to other nations, this is highly commendable. The Minister stated: “As you all know, as the Federal government moves to diversify the economy away from oil, two areas the government is focusing on are agriculture and solid minerals, this is why we are embarking on tour of mining operations across the country to know the challenges they face and what could be done to tackle

Professor Bolanle Awe (Middle) with Stock brokers, after delivering a lecture to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) recently. those challenges. “What Dangote is doing is marvellous. We need to commend them. The way they led the backward integration policy to turn around our fortunes in the cement industry. I am delighted to see the development here bigger that what I saw the

last time. And we are looking at how we can replicate the successes in the cement industry in other non-oil sectors of our economy.” Dr. Fayemi said besides the mining operations, government was also trying to see how the big plants are being in an envi-

ronmentally friendly manner as observed in Dangote Cement. We need to collaborate and partner in these areas at this time that government is trying to reduce the dependence on oil. We need to tun around our mineral resources just as what obtained in cement sector.

ICT can sustain economy, says Medview Airline begins flight on Kano route minister The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, says Information and Communication Technology (ICT) could grow and sustain the Nigerian economy. He spoke in Ibadan at the Eminent Person Business Lecture organised by University of Ibadan School of Business (UISB). Shittu had delivered a lecture entitled: “Maximising the Potentials of the Telecommunications Industry for Reversing Recession and the Economic Growth of Nigeria.’’ The minister said that the diversification of the Nigerian economy would not be enough to take the country out of recession except the process was done by leveraging on ICT in an effective and efficient manner “The country is presently in a recession, but it is not because we are in it that we are concerned. “We are concerned because

each time there is a sharp drop in prices, we enter into a recession and we want to make sure that this cycle does not continue. “And the only way we can do so is to diversify the economy by leveraging on ICT and moving the economy from being resource-based which it has been since independence,” he said. Shittu stated that the role of ICT and telecommunications was very significant and critical in any society, particularly in Nigeria, which was striving to be a new nation by leveraging on ICT. He said that the telecom sector alone contributed over 60 million dollars to the nation’s economy in the last 17 years of its existence. “Given its immense contributions to economic growth, we are working assiduously with the National Assembly to declare all telecom infrastructure across Nigeria ‘s critical Na-

tional Assets,’’ he said. The minister said that the there was compelling need for policy intervention in the form of a digital service strategy. Shittu also said that the high cost of governance in comparison with digital service delivery, low level transparency, accountability and considerable resource leakages must not continue. “The policy concept rests on a vision which envisaged the development of a sound digital infrastructure. “This is pivotal to effective, efficient, transparent and accountable service delivery for improved quality of the social and economic life for the citizenry,” he said. He said that the industry currently provides more employment than the oil and gas sector, adding that the industry contributed about 10 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo As part of its expansion drive, Medview Airline will commence flight operations to Kano Wednesday this week with an inaugural flight from Lagos. In a press statement, Medview Airline said the importance of Kano as a centre of commerce and religion cannot be ignored hence its decision to provide air services to the ancient city to link it with Lagos and Kaduna. According to the statement, the airline will operate two daily flights to Kano Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and one flight on Sundays. The morning flight leaves Lagos at 6.50 and arrive 8.10 am while the return journey will be routed through Kaduna International Airport. The afternoon flight at 12.30

PM from Lagos will be routed via Kaduna to give passengers transiting Kano the opportunity to connect their flights to foreign destinations such as Jeddah and Dubai. The two daily flights scheduled in such a way that one operate direct from Lagos to Kano while the other is routed Kaduna.

Alhaji Muneer Bankole

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni As Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) anticipate fresh inflows from state governments next week, the overnight lending rate eased to 12 percent, just as the nation’s currency, the Naira gained a total of 12 points in one week of trading at the parallel segment of the foreign exchange market. The overnight rate is generally the interest rate that commercial banks use to borrow and lend from one another in the overnight market, and at the beginning of the week it was opened at 15 per cent but eased by three percent to close at 12 per cent on Friday. However, the naira on Monday 13th March, 2017, traded at 460 to a dollar but strengthened day by day to close at 448 at the end of the week. Checks by our correspondent showed that the local currency on Tuesday remained unchanged at 460 per US dollar but gained slightly the next day to close at 459, but appreciated by four points on Thursday, exchanged at 455 against the Greenback at the unofficial rate. And as at Friday, 17th March, when the markets closed officially, the naira had gained not less than the total N12. The naira, also appreciated on the official market on Friday, traded at 306.50 to the dollar against 306.75

B3 Money Market

Lending rate eases as Naira gains 12 points in one week exchanged on Thursday. Although, forex dealers noted that the market opened on Friday with a cash balance of 21.28 billion naira ($69.60 million) against a deficit of about 9 billion naira last week. This showed that the naira was boosted by increased dollar sales by the central bank to meet both corporate and individual hard currency needs via the official window, which has gained in importance since the central bank devalued the retail rate last month. This is just as the country’s external reserves defied fluctuations in prices of crude oil in the international market and continued on the path of growth. The latest figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the country’s external reserve was at $30.304 billion as at Thursday. At its current value, the external reserve has grown by $4.461 billion year-to-date. The CBN had on Thursday said it had offered and received bids for $100 million from authorised dealers in the interbank market to meet the requests of genuine customers.

L-R: Chairman, Payment & Systems, Executive Committee of the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN), Bolaji Ajao; Ex-Officio I, Felix Igbinosa; Second Vice Chairman, Uduak N. Udoh; Chairperson Research & Publication, Chinwe Basil-Ezegbu; First Vice Chairman, Yinka Tiamiyu; Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, Akinyemi Ashade; Chairman ACAEBIN, Abiodun Aderoju; Auditor, Gboyega Sadiq; Director of Audit, Central Bank of Nigeria, Vivian Agu and Treasurer, ACAEBIN, Azeez Bello during the association’s 9th Annual Retreat/General Meeting held at Epe Resort & Spa, Epe Lagos…at the weekend.

Consequently, forex traders expect further crash this week as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plans to inject more FOREX into the market to meet the requests of genuine customers. The CBN has so far kept to its earlier assurance to continue

to supply enough forex to guarantee liquidity in the FOREX market. The bank’s spokesman, Isaac Okorafor, gave the assurance at the weekend, noting that the CBN was committed to ensuring that the authorized dealers got sufficient supply to meet

the demands of authentic customers of banks. While disclosing that the bank had since February 2017 offered over $1 billion to the interbank market, he expressed optimism that stability had been restored to the market, with individuals now being able to eas-

ily access forex to address personal and business allowances. A cursory view of the summary of the CBN intervention in the interbank market over the past two months, shows the highest bid rate was N360/$1, while the lowest was N315/$1.

Ambode tasks auditors on economic recovery

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has urged auditors to always uphold ethics of the profession which must guide their conduct in the performance of their professional responsibilities, so as to promote sound financial institutions that support and facilitate economic recovery. Speaking at the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN), a sub-committee of the Bankers’ Committee of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) 9th Annual Retreat/General Meeting held at Epe Resort & Spa, Epe Lagos at the weekend, Ambode called on auditors to always ensure that rules and standards of the profession are observed. The Governor who declared the three-day retreat open, was represented by Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, Akinyemi Ashade, pointed out that the roles performed as auditors are no doubt critical

to the achievement of the overall goal of charting a new and sustainable direction for the economy. Speaking on the theme: Overcoming the challenges of economic recession, he said the retreat, coming shortly after the release of the Economic Recovery and Growth Programme (ERGP) by the Federal Government would provide participants insights into the plans and strategies being adopted to ensure that the economy regains its strength. “The factors responsible for the current economic challenges are well known to us, as they have been analysed and explained from diverse perspectives. These factors can be narrowed down to gross mismanagement of resources and failure to do what is right in terms of ensuring strict compliance to rules and best practices,” he said. Continuing, he said: “This situation provided opportunity for people to

take undue advantage of the system which gradually and systematically resulted in the current economic recession. While the drastic fall in oil prices could be rightly identified as the immediate factor which triggered the chain of immediate events that led us into recession, the truth however remains that the shock would have been minimal if the earned or accumulated funds had been judiciously utilized to lay a foundation for sustainable economic growth”.

Ambode called on the auditors to support reinvestment in the economy and turning current challenges to opportunities. “This can only be achieved if we learn from past mistakes and resolve to do things differently. We must create and expand opportunities, taking full advantage of our potentials, particularly in agriculture and non-oil sectors of the economy including tour-

ism, entertainment among others. “We must also create the right environment through the instrument of policies and incentives for business to thrive and also unlock the creative abilities of our youths in all sectors of the

economy,” he stated. He said that government has in the past 22 months, committed to achieving its goal of building a Lagos economy that works for all and globally competitive. “The massive investments we have continued

to make in all sectors of the economy especially the physical and social infrastructure is driven by the recognition of the strategic importance of the Lagos economy in facilitating the nation’s economic recovery process,” he said.

As part of efforts in curbing incessant insider abuse in the Nigerian financial system, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has reaffirmed its readiness in ensuring professional accountants that are of high ethical standard. The acting, Country Director of ACCA, Mr. Olatunji Adeleye, told our correspondent at the sideline of its maiden event tagged ‘Connecting Futures, that one of the things “we pride in is ethics because we have very high ethical standard.”

Adeleye explained that before anyone can have membership of the ACCA, such person must have qualified and go through its ethical module that will attest to the fact that they comply with the institute ethical standard. Reacting to an enquiry about high rate of inside abuse by accountants in the country, he said: “One of the things we would say is that the ACCA qualified accountant in Nigeria will not perpetrate any unethical behavior.” According to him, “If you look at the ACCA qualification before you can

become an ACCA member, you will go through exams, so we have what is called the three Es: ‘Exams, Experience and Ethics.” Adeleye, who is also Head of Customer Service for Africa explained that ACCA Connecting Future is all about connecting ACCA customers, whether he is a prospect, whether he is a student or an affiliate. He added that having just university first degree is not enough because we are in the era where we are building professional graduates and building people for future.

Insider abuse: ACCA instills ethics, skills in new accountants

Capital Market B4 Afolabi Adesola Earning opportunities and increased transparency in the Nigerian capital market has been alluded as driving force for increased performances of the market measuring indices. Experts disclosed to Daily Times that Nigeria that prospects of earring form price appreciation and dividend declaration as well as increased policing of the market by the regulators, will continue to boost market vibrancy and dept. These manifested in the week ended Friday March 17th 2017 , when the Equities market closed upbeat for the second week in a row, as key market indices appreciated 1.64 percent. The NSE All Share Index (ASI) thus gained a total of 415.15 points last week to settle at 25,653.16 basis points, from 25,238.01 basis points recorded at week ended 10th March 2017. Market Capitalisation of the NSE increased by N143.7 billion from N8.734 trillion recorded previous

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Positive sentiments drive capital market vibrancy …As market value garners N143.7bn in one week week to N8.878 trillion inching closer to the N9 trillion mark. Similarly, all other Indices finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSE Consumer Goods Index that depreciated by 0.02 percent while the ASEM Index closed flat. The premium Index had the highest WtD growth of 3.86 percent, followed by the Pension Index that rose 2.51 percent while the Banking Index soared 2.36 percent. Weekly report from the NSE further showed that a total turnover of 1.029 billion shares worth N7.980 billion in 13,441 deals were traded by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.024 billion shares valued at N12.464 billion that exchanged hands previous week in 16,400 deals.

The Financial Services Industry retained its topmost position by volume on the activity chart with 853.414 million shares valued at N4.269 billion and traded in 7,904 deals; contributing 82.91 percent and 53.50 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Oil and Gas Industry followed with 80.250 million shares worth N1.151 billion in 1,443 deals, while

the third place was occupied by Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 45.770 million shares worth N83.469 million in 596 deals. Market breadth was positive, with 31 gainers (24 previous week) topped by Diamond Bank that appreciated 16.05 percent to close at 94 kobo as against 20 losers (28 previous week) led by NEM Insurance which declined 10.99 percent in the course of the week to

close at 81 kobo per share. Meanwhile, 124 equities remained unchanged higher than 122 equities recorded in the previous week. On outlook for the equities market this week, analysts are projecting a further appreciation of the equities market, following the past week’s strong performance across sectors and a positive market breadth which suggests strengthened appetite.

Also traded in 2 deals during the week, were a total of 20 units of the VETBANK and VETGOODS Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) with a total value of N90.90. 8,390 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N8.203 million were also traded in 4 deals, compared with a total of 6,686 units valued at N5.583 million transacted previous week in 7 deals.

FG’s N160bn bond auction elicits surge in OBB, OVN rates

…..As long term bond yields contract Bonny Amadi The last trading week ended March 17th 2017 experienced contraption on long term bond yields as more investors tilt to long term securities , leading to decline on yields. However, the repurchase order (Open buy back (OBB) and the overnight rate (OVN) surged as liquidity constrain moved deposit money banks to secure their bids via the windows. Through the OBB and OVN, the lenders funded their account with the central bank to participate in last Friday’s currency forward auction. OBB entails borrowing or funding transaction whereby the first party borrows money from the second party, using the asset as “collateral” and at the end of the agreed period, the first party repays the second party, the OBB interest and repurchases the asset. Meanwhile, following the debit for the N160bn

FG bond auction, which took place on Wednesday last week, the OVN and OBB rates surged 267bps and 333bps to 15.00 per cent and 14.33 per cent Investors were largely bullish during the week in the bond market as demand filtered in on long dated maturities. Consequently, yields on the March 2036 and July 2034 declined by 7bps and 4bps to 16.21 per cent and 15.77 per cent respectively. While the yield on the 7yr and 10yr benchmark bonds remained flat at 15.80% and 16.21% respectively, yield on the 5yr benchmark bond inched up 1bp to 15.84 per cent. As there are no Open Market Operation (OMO) maturities this week, it is expected the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will keep system liquidity tight in defense of the local currency. As such, analysts said that money market rates will remain high and yields range bound in the bond market, in the deficiency of new offshore fund.

L – R Shows, Tinuade Awe, General Counsel & Head, Regulation, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications Department, NSE; Boluwatiwi Omidiji, CSR Analysts, NSE; Godstime Iwenekhai, Acting Head, Listings Regulation, NSE; Pai Gamde, Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE and Douglas Kativu, Director GRI Africa at the Governance and Sustainability Disclosure Seminar in Lagos today.

Finance sector sustains positive returns on Investments ytd

Bonny Amadi

The banking subsector of finance sector as at the close of trade on te Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday March 17th 2017 closed the week with highest returns on investment, followed by the insurance sector. The sector sustained investments appetite of investors by retaining returning highest earnings to investors for the year’s period (YTD). Driver of the finance sector, the NSE Banking index closed the week on a year’s return of 3.12 per cent to investors and a week to date returns of 2.36 per cent, while it gave investors 6.53 per cent, for the week ended March 17th 2017. The NSE banking index opened the week at 276.36 and closed at 282, 89, recording 2.01 per cent returns over a month’s pe-

riod (MTD). Aside from the NSE ASeM index known for its inactivity yet recorded a year and quarter to date returns of 0.32 per cent, but with 0.00 per cent returns on weekly, week to date and monthly basis, the Insurance sector emerged next to the banking sector with -0.11 per cent returns on year to date basis. The Insurance sector returned 2.64 per cent over a month’s period, 2.11 per cent week to date and 2.61

per cent over the week ended March 17th. The sector opened last week at 123.54 and closed at 126.15. Analysis of the NSE’s weekly report on sectorial performances showed that the NSE Pension index ranked third on returns with -1.06 returns YTD and QTD, the sector has also returned 2.89 per cent and 2.51 per cent respectively, over a month’s period and week to date respectively. However, the NSE finance sector topped the

price gainers table by achieving 70 per cent of the top ten gainers recorded in the week. The performance during the week was lifted by activities in the shares of Diamond Bank, United Capital, Continental Re Insurance and African Prudential Registrars. Others are United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank and Fidelity Bank that recorded equity price growth of between 16.05 per cent and 6.17 per cent during the trading week.

GTBANK lauds DMD’s Cathy Echeozo on retirement Bonny Amadi Guaranty Trust Bank Plc has lauded the contributions of the bank’s Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Mrs. Cathy Echeozo for her immense contributions to the bank’s development and growth, as she retires from

the bank. Secretary, GTBank, Erhi Obebeduo in a letter made available to Daily Times, as released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) lauded the accomplishment of the retiring DMD and her numerous contribution to the growth and development of the bank

gave te financial institution a mileage, while wishing her well in her future endeavors. Mrs. Echeozo joined te bank in 1993 and was appointed Executive Director of the bank in March 2005, and subsequently appointed Deputy Managing Director in October 2011.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday March 20, 2017

IEI shareholders petition to NA spurs board action on results … Retail shareholders call for transparency The action taken by shareholders of Internal Energy Insurance by forwarding a petition to the House of Representatives against the interim board and management of the insurance company appointed by National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in 2015. The interim board and management team were accused of breaching corporate governance by reneging to audit the company’s 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 accounts and to publish and implement the audit report before conducting an Annual General Meeting, AGM. However, International Energy Insurance (IEI) Plc has said the submission of its full year 2016 audited results to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), due for filing on the 31st of March 2017 will be delayed till the end of second quarter, 30th of June 2017. The company in a statement filed with the NSE recently, explained that the volume of reviews to be undertaken by its newly appointed auditors will make it impossible to meet the scheduled deadline. IEI recently appointed EY following the issue of elapsed tenure of the former Auditors (BDO Professional Services) that was brought to the notice of the company’s interim board. BDO professional services had served the company for five years and in compliance with the NAICOM Code of corporate Governance the Interim Board of Directors deemed it fit to change the Company’s auditors. Consequently, the firm of Ernst and Young was duly selected by the interim Board and as required by law, their appointment and approval for fixing their remuneration was done by the Shareholders at the recently concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kano on the 23rd February 2017, IEI also stated. The statement signed by IEI’s Chief Financial Officer, Emmanuel Bassey and Interim managing Director and CEO, Peter Irene respectively, noted that interim Board appointed by NAICOM met the company in a dire shape and since their appointment in May 2015 took steps to ensure that the outstanding accounts of 2012-2015 were audited, approved and filed with the various regulators. The company expressed confidence that its application to the NSE for an extension of time till the 30th of June 2017, would be met with receipt of approval of the company’s audited accounts from its primary regulator (NAICOM),adding that it regrets any inconvenience the delay may have cost its stakeholders and investors.

B5 Insurance

Why Linkage Assurance 2016 audited result will be delayed Stories by Bonny Amadi Linkage Assurance, one of Nigeria’s leading insurance solution providers recently informed the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the investing public that its 2016 audited financial statement will be filled later than the prescribed March 31, 2017. Daily Times Nigeria recalls that the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in February 2017 confirmed the appointment of Pius Apere as the substantive Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Linkage Assurance Plc. Apere was appointed acting managing director on January 1, 2017 following the exit of former managing director of the company. Meanwhile, the delay, Linkage Assurance explained is as a result of challenges encoun-

Mr. Pius Apere MD/CEO, Linkage Assurance Plc.

tered during the 2015 audit exercise following delay in the approval of the annual account of a private company where Linkage has unquoted shares accounting for 75 per cent of its investments portfolio. Statement released to the NSE, signed by Mrs. Kehinde Ayodele, the company’s Secretary further revealed that delayed approval

and publishing of its 2015 accounts and also prolonged the holding of Annual general meeting which eventually held on Tuesday 7th February 2017. Consequently, our newly appointed external auditors, KPMG following the completion of the statutory five years tenure of Aknintola Williams Deloitte (AWD) could not commence work until the ratification of their appointments at the referred AGM “February 2017 AGM. Linkage said that the delay in the commencement of commencement of audit exercise for 2016 necessitated the company’s application to the exchange seeking an extension of one month beyond the regulatory due date of March 31st 2017 within which to file the 2016 audited accounts. Accordingly, having received approval from the NSE, the company expressed determination to file the accounts by April 30th 2017. While the company is working diligently to meet up with statutory deadline , the decision to seek an extension is solely to avoid putting the company in a dire situation in the unlikely event that the account is not ready for filling by the regulatory due date. “In this regard, we urge all our esteemed shareholders and the general public to remain confident as there is no cause for alarm” while re-iterating the company’s commitment to operational excellence, due diligence and best-in-class financial services.

Cornerstone risks another sanction on result filing default …. Notifies NSE on resignation of Director Cornerstone Insurance Plc may risk another regime of fine by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) over inability to deliver its audited result on or before the due date, with barely 10 days to deadline for submission of 2016 audited result. Under schedules 6 of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) XCompliance report, Cornerstone Insurance was fined N700, 000, 00 by the NSE in 2016, for default filling of audited account for the year ended December 31st, 2015. Companies fined under the xcompliance schedule filed their Audited and or interim financial statements after the regulatory due date. The Exchange said, sanctions are applied in accor-

dance with the provisions of Section 14 of Appendix iii of the Listing Rules. Meanwhile, Cornerstone Insurance Plc had notified the general public and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on the resignation of its non-executive independent Directors Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, from the company’s board. A release signed by PAC solicitors that doubles as the company’s secretary company’s solicitor, Cornerstone expressed its gratitude to Nwuneli and wishes her wee in her future endeavors. Cornerstone Insurance, early in April appointed, MS, Elizabeth Amadiume and Mr. Tony Egbuna as directors of the company. Ms. Elizabeth Amadiume,

prior to her appointment was a member of the Board of Directors of the African Reinsurance Corporation (South Africa) Limited. With over 32 years working experience in the insurance industry, Amadiume has also served as the Director, Central Operations and Special Risks, African Reinsurance Corporation and its Regional Director of Mauritius. She has Masters in French Language and Literature from the Voronezeh State University, then UUSR and a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute. Mr. Tony Egbuna has worked in R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Winston-Salem NC, USA, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and FSB International Bank re-

spectively in various managerial capacities. He was a consultant on Risk Management and Internal Controls at Jefferson Wells, Charlotte, NC, USA. Egbuna is a chartered Accountant and holds a Masters’ in Business Administration from Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, North Carolina (NC), USA. He has over 28 years varied experience in Financial Management, Banking, Auditing, Process Improvement, Strategic Planning and Enterprise Risk Management. A timely delivery of its 2016 audited result will spare the company form another regime of sanction on breach of post listing rules of the bourse.

Four insurance companies yet to file Q1 2016 results

Just barely 10 days to the end of the first quarter of 2017 financial year, four insurance companies were yet to deliver on their 2016 first quarter results. This scenario Daily Times Nigeria findings show, eats into the companies’ shareholders’ funds as greater chunk is deployed to validate perception of the firms through settlement of heavy monetary sanctions. The affected companies having failed to file their quarterly results as at when due,

Mohammed Kari, Commissioner for Insurance

are branded by the Exchange as below listing standard, which serves as a warning to investors into the firms to be ware. Reports show that African Alliance Insurance, Great Nigeria Insurance and Universal Insurance Company missed filing their first Quarter Interim Report 2016, as at the time of filling this report. Quoted companies

on The Exchange are required to file their quarterly accounts within 30days after the end of the quarter in accordance with Appendix iii of the Listing Rules of the NSE. Also, the same four companies , African Alliance Insurance, Great Nigeria Insurance and Universal Insurance Company, also faces sanctions for failing to file their second quarter interim 2016 result as at when due.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

NSE All Share Index

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(1,000) 17-Mar

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

B7 CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility in a Digital World

Godwin Anyebe

There is no gainsaying the fact that, in today’s digital world, information marketing and content development has proved to be necessary for companies. Before now, blog writing was only thought of as personal diaries published to the Internet. However, checks by the Daily Times shows that today, almost forty percent of companies use blogs for marketing purposes, and more than forty six percent of people read blogs more than once a day. To this end, digital marketing campaigns are critical for every business these days. Like everything when it comes to business, the more thought you put into your content and your media, the better results you will get. The elements above are ones that should not be left out of any digital marketing campaign and they are ones that you can’t afford to miss. The right time to take a good look at your marketing strategy is right now. Ask yourself if you could be doing better in one of these areas. If the answer is yes, be sure to address that issue right now. Analysts are of the view that, regardless of the industry – whether you are running a bakeshop, law firm, or technology start-up – creating content should be a top goal in order to increase more inbound traffic to your website and become a trusted advisor. For these analysts, Identify a handful of employees who could provide quality content about corporate social responsibility and keep your website updated. Commenting on this issue, a corporate social responsibility Analyst, Inès Seddiki said; “companies using big data are now able to predict with more efficiency how much stock they need to supply to their factories and when they need to ship them for example. They reduce their carbon emissions by reducing transportation and by ordering the exact amount of product they need they diminish their energy consumption implied by stocks and their waste as well. In other words these tools help them both save money and reduce their impact on the environment. The consulting firm Accenture, has released a report on this topic, explaining in

details all the ways Big Data is changing the supply chain and making it greener. Their work shows for example that Big Data seem to increase the efficiency of their supply chain by ten to thirty six percent! Big Data has impacts on every pillar of a CSR strategy, even topics such as wellbeing at work or equality in the workplace. Some implementation of Big Data in CSR strategies have become case studies in the universities around the world. According to him, the scope of possibilities has become so wide the UN has launched an international competition called “Data for Climate Action”. One of last year’s winner was a project called “Aclimate Colombia”. They came up with a tool, a decision support system, based on data sets related to the weather, the market and many other topics to help rice cultivators manage their crops and avoid shortages. Big Data can be ground-breaking in so many ways and on so many levels. Commenting on the importance of data to CSR, an information technology expert, George Kleru, told Daily Times that; “a new and relatively unused term — Corporate Data Responsibility — is a bit different, yet very much a part of CSR. The twenty first century is riddled with big data, analytics, machine learning, and millennial stereotypes. Increasingly, all companies are recognizing or reimagining themselves as technology companies. They understand that they are datadriven enterprises, even if they aren’t typically part of the tech sector. Putting aside traditional types of trade secrets and proprietary data, the most valuable commodity upon which to base business decisions is consumer data: personal information, behavioral histories, and customer intent. Indeed, there is an abundance of information and innovation hubs that are leveraging data to provide services for finance management, healthcare, retail, and shifts in our daily habits and lifestyles. For example, Apple’s new Wake Alarm is designed to help improve your sleep schedule through data monitoring and reminders — an artifact of the quantified self movement.” According to him, sometime ago, Accenture published

“Guarding and Growing Personal Data Value,” identifying five principles to guide responsible data management: stewardship, transparency, empowerment, equity, and inclusion. While Accenture does a good job of combining each of these ideas into a single framework, it does not go far enough. Creating an organizational culture of data ethics and responsibility requires that the right stakeholders be empowered with the correct mission. Specifically, the Chief Information Officer function — or the top-level executive responsible for information governance — must be integrated into the organization’s CSR function, and the business must identify that Corporate Data Responsibility is really, in fact, a CSR issue. “Without trust, people share less information, bad information, or no information at all. They become anxious, bewildered, and suspicious. They lie or self-censor otherwise beneficial information. If people don’t trust a company, they are more likely to switch to a competitor or resist or fail to become fully invested in the commercial relationship.” He said While talking about transparency, he pointed out that, “it only comes with good stewardship. It is incredibly difficult to provide transparency to consumers about internal business processes and information governance when the data life

cycle of different products and marketing strategies is either poorly understood or undocumented. Consumers should have full access to clear data collection policies and data use, and the visibility should be easily accessible. The goal is to inure consumer trust to the benefit of the company’s bottom line. More consumer trust means access to more relevant data, leading to more revenue opportunities.” “In such an abundance of data, what responsibilities go along with the feast? If businesses are stewards to their communities and ecology, they are also stewards of the data they collected.” He stated On her part, a web designer and a content developer, Oluwabun Awolusi said; “I’ve been mentioning how blogs should really be a stream of educational content, but how exactly this benefit company? Regardless of the industry, being considered a thought leader creates a sense of trust from current and prospective customers. If you are an engineering product company specializing in electrical outlets, being a trusted source on all things electric – from electricity conducts to electric cars and the latest innovation – will set your company aside from others in the industry. This educational content lets your potential consumers know the wealth of knowledge you have on your product and service,

creating a trust.” According to her, “just because you have a website, that doesn’t mean that you can stop right there. You need to engage your audience through multiple outlets. Which ones, though? When you are first doing this, know that more is much better than one. You have quite a bit of freedom in choosing the outlets that you will use for your marketing campaign. Places like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube are all great ones right now. The chances are good that regardless of your niche, your business will benefit from engaging prospective customers on these fronts. The best thing that you can do is to try them all and after you have gotten some results, hone in on the one that brought you the best results.” “Consumers get the information they want online by using a variety of methods. One of those methods is by using search engines. If you want to get your website to show up within the first page of search results, you will need to optimize the website. This will aide in the search engines by identifying what your site is about as well as how it is relatable to the user and what they are looking for. Implementing a strategy for a solid organic search will increase the visibility of your website, which then increases the potential for a wide variety of opportunities that can be positive.”

Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 20, 2017

Nigerian innovators need structure, policy to compete globally –Okeremi What really is local content and its outlook in 2017? Basically local content refers to the quantum/percentage of locally produced materials, personnel, financing, goods and services rendered to the oil or other industries and which can be measured in monetary terms. Local participation on the other hand refers to the level of Equity Ownership in the oil and gas or other industry. So we are looking for Nigeria’s created content consumed in Nigeria. That in a nutshell is the matrix called local content. So you look at it from the services stand point, information stand point, and product stand point. Can we say we don’t have enough local content here? The same thing the women went to do in Beijing when they said they were being marginalized, the same thing when Nigeria seems not to give sufficient attention to Nigerian products, Nigerian solutions and Nigerian content. What is your take as regards local content technology wise in Nigeria? Technology wise is not the problem, and that is just talking about the capability to innovate. Nigerians are innovative people. But the challenges we have are more in the society and more in the environment because you see it is one thing to be creative and another thing to scale. When you are discussing these issues you need reasonable scale in order to become imparted. There are many possibilities of getting smart people who can get things done, but do we have the structure, an environment, the people, policies and the trust to be able to get these innovators to scale to become able to compete globally? These are the issues. In the financial sector where you have carved a niche for yourself, what has Precise Financial Systems (PFS) done in the technology space? Yes PFS is clearly at the vanguard of local content, not just in the sense of just creating awareness but in the sense of doing things. One of the challenges like I said we have is how many success stories we have and we are very proud to say that PFS is really one of those success stories who have created applications that are run pervasively pretty much in every bank in Nigeria and PFS having clients today in about 37 countries coming out of Nigeria. That is one of those things that actually get me out of my bed every day to be able to change the narrative of the black man to let him declare that we are black but not stupid, we can compete.

Mr Yele Okeremi is Chief Executive Officer, Precise Financial Systems (PFS) Ltd; base d in Yaba, Lagos. He spoke with TONY NWAKAEGHO in this interview about the daunting issues with respect to local content and other ancillary IT business challenges in Nigeria. Excerpts:

Yele

Is it possible for us to get a harmonized data bank in Nigeria, since we see organisations, governments, others gather their own data when the need arises? First of all these are the issues when you talk about local content. Some countries are talking data sovereignty; although the cloud is pervasive everybody is talking about cloud today and what is the cloud and where is the data sitting? So you have many people talking about data in Nigerian soil particularly government data. Look at what hap-

pened in the US the allegation that their elections which the United State holds sacred were hacked by Russian. How could that have happened? It means that clearly the data was not sitting within their jurisdiction. These are some of the challenges. We cannot ignore the cloud, but we can decide how much of the cloud that we want localized then talking about local content. So Microsoft is building data centres all over the world how many of such is coming to Nigeria? Now if Microsoft is not able to justify the business scale because

of the volume of traffic why don’t we use Rack Centre, MainOne to be able to host our own data? As far as I am concerned there is absolutely no reason to try to have one central data base. The important thing for us to be able to have the data, which may be distributed in several data bases but we just tend to have a standard that allows data to be exchanged from one platform to the other. For example today we are NIMC and they are asking for BVN they are probably not on the same data base but they have to be able to check what your BVN is and that is just sufficient as far as I am concern. Is this enough for us to now have national converged data infrastructure for the country? Infrastructure is at the basic level. First of all we need infrastructure that can support this data exchange ability. If you ask me already we do have infrastructure because what are we talking about, the Rack Centre, MainOne, IPNX having data centres. We have few data centres already and these are the basic things. Then the next thing we need to be able to achieve this is Internet Connectivity. You and I know that it is noticeable in the metropolitan part of Nigeria, so we need to cover some more. With that in place already the next thing we need to do is to create the applications and create the business cases that make these data exchanges seamless. Do you defer to the fact that legislation could up the local content issue in Nigeria? Legislation is good, but some things are even better than legislation. Trust is better than legislation. Legislation means if you do this, this is the punishment,

First of all these are the issues when you talk about local content. Some countries are talking data sovereignty; although the cloud is pervasive everybody is talking about cloud today and what is the cloud and where is the data sitting?

but do you realize that there are times people will actually weigh the incentive of doing what they want to do and weigh it against the punishment and still go ahead and do what is wrong. Trust and having a proper system is better than what you call legislation at the end of the day. I think the real issues are what we are doing as a people. I have no reservation to say this that people in leadership in this country this why we are where we are, we get our own worst to lead us, people who do not think, tell us policies. And I am going to say this again, how can somebody tell me at this day and age that Agriculture is going to take Nigeria out of where we are? Which country does that? You still want me to be doing subsistent farming? I agree that food sufficiency is necessary, but today smart nations that are doing the right thing know that knowledge is the right thing to do. If you look at the richest countries in the world it is not because of the infrastructure they have alone, the most important is that all of them believe in the values of the country. That is something that is completely missing in Nigeria. And it is missing because the people continuously lead Nigerians, deceive Nigerians and make us look like fools. So nobody in Nigeria is going to trust someone that is going to tell you to wait until next year that he is going to deliver you. And until such a time that people can invest and expect a future reward we are not going anywhere. What is the way forward since Nigeria is said to be a peculiar nation? There is nothing peculiar about Nigeria. There are human beings in Nigeria and everything that is happening in Nigeria there are organizational theories that can explain everything. The bottom line is that if you are going to make any change the change must come from the head. Nigerian Software is touted to be superb by those who manage to buy from us from outside the country, but our banks still go to India to buy Software. So, is it the issue of trust or legislation here? I told you earlier, you legislate, what is legislation going to say? You say if you buy from outside we will fine you 30 million. The man will pay the 30 million because he has other interests.

Life&

TIMES Monday, March 20, 2017

Banky-W Weeks after surviving fire accident, Banky-W releases first song in 2017

Event L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, March 20, 2017

Event L3

GAC Motors launches Game Changer, honours Somkele Idhalama, Chika Okpala at The AMVCA Way back in December 2016, GAC Motors held a milestone event in Lagos when it unveiled its high-performance compact sportutility vehicle, the GS4 which is powered by range-extended power-train system. Now, the company is getting ready to pull the sheets off the second-generation of the ride, the GS8, which is designed to do a whole lot more. A c-level high-end SUV self-developed by GAC Motor, the GS8 integrates the GAC production system, global R&D network and global supply chain system and has formed the core competitive advantage of sustainable development, leading Chinese brands with innovative paces. This unveiling which is set to take place in

Nigeria.

Upscale Design and Intelligent Technology means to the average car user. But this is not

generous measures. In 2016, GAC Motors gave out two GS5 Trumpchi cars to winners

brand.

Stephanie Linus who won the Best Overall Movie in Africa Award was one of the lucky winners. Her advocacy movie on the rights of the Girl Child and Obstetric Fistula, DRY, has won awards across the world and has been screened in several International Film Festivals including the Pan African Film Festival, USA and the Montreal International Black Film Festival, Canada. A young, highly talented and versatile actress Kemi Lala

automakers, rose into global prominence in recent years as it successfully expanded into overseas markets. Ever since it made its entry into the Nigerian market, it has been already been endorsed by customers in the Middle Eastern and South Asian market and the carmaker is now planning a foray into the North American and European markets. Nigerians are very keen about the GS4, but because it is a car made for Nigerians in

his or her acting career. In the same year, GAC

vehicle to be assembled in Nigeria since the in 2013. Rather than importing directly from its plant in China, GAC Motor partnered with vehicles were assembled locally. The SKD CIG Motors, the sole distributor of GAC Motor in Nigeria. Creative Industry In an industry where no local or international brand has made such a mark, GAC Motors has stepped to the forefront,

She won the Trailblazer Award which is an award presented to a talented star who made a good impact within a short time in

Kunle Afolayan during the launch of the GS4 in December. This was to encourage his amazing productions which have raised the bar for Speaking about the decision to sponsor the award ceremony for the second time, Chief Diana Chan, chairman of CIG Motors said, “Here at GAC Motors, we stand for excellence, innovation, seen exhibited by talents in the Nigerian Creative Industry which informs our decision to sponsor. Thanks to our partnership with Multichoice DSTV, a worthy-enough platform to support. This is the second time we are doing so and we have not regretted our decision.” The company presented two luxury cars to two exceptional winners at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award which took place in Lagos early March. The actors were formally presented with

award ceremony. Chief Diana Chan, Chairman of CIG Motors – - who was at the presentation congratulated the winners and assured them of an exceptional riding experience with their new cars. She also promised that GAC Motors will continue to support the Nigerian Creative Industry. “I am a Nigerian at heart and I have followed

the growth of Nollywood over the years and I must say that am very impressed with the progress of the industry,” she said. “At GAC Motors, we take it as a cause to support people like you who are creative and exceptional and we will continue to do so in every way we can.” The lucky car winners were legendary actor Chika Okpala, popularly known as Chief Zebrudaya of the

a rising and talented actress. They both won the Industry Merit Award and Trailblazer Award respectively. While Mr Okpala won the new luxury SUV - the GS4, Mrs Idhalama won a classic sedan – the GA3. The Future for GAC Motors in Nigeria The acceptance of the GAC Motors brand in Nigeria not only paved the way for improved sales, but also attracted international attention by stakeholders of the brand worldwide. In 2016, the General Manager of GAC Motors, Yu Jun attended the unveiling of the GS4 in Lagos, Nigeria and promised that the company was going to do more to strengthen the Nigerian market. “We are poised to score more ground breaking achievements, not only in Nigeria, but also worldwide,” Mr Jun said. “I am pleased to tell you that GAC Motors will be entering the US market in 2017. With our new GA8 Sedan, we hope to achieve what no other Chinese auto maker has a viable presence in the United States of America.” The GS8 which was unveiled and well received by Americans will be making its debut in Nigeria soon. Nigerians are eagerly anticipating this landmark event.

Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, March 20, 2017

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For Raoul Joh n Njeng-Njeng, better known a s