DTN-20-7-19

Presidential poll: Atiku, PDP close case at tribunal with 62 witnesses Tenders additional 5, 333 documents

Andrew Orolua, Abuja Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday, finally closed their case in their petition challenging the election victory of

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Buhari should not be blamed for El-Zakzaky’s continued detention – Presidency

INEC opens defence July 29

President Muhammadu Buhari in February 23 general election.

The petitioners have specifically asked the tribunal to nullify the victory of Buhari on grounds of perceived irregularities, substantial non compliance with the Continued on page 3

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2019

VOL. 3

Corruption cuts across sectors, says ICPC chair g 4 NO. 996

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Urges El-Zakzaky’s supporters to focus on his ongoing trial in Kaduna

Our Reporter The Presidency on Friday said President Muhammadu Buhari should not be blamed for the continued detention of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiites, Shiekh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

The Presidency stated this in a press release signed by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, adding that the Shiite leader is standing trial in Kaduna, and government at “the centre can be said to be clear of any alleged violations of court orders trumpeted every day.”

This is even as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also called the Shiites, on Friday, continued their protests in Abuja, defying a police order restricting civil protests in the Federal Capital City to the Unity Fountain in the central business district of the city.

Fake News: Buhari raises alarm, says journalism under threat g6

How I was raped

by Sapele pastor, 13-yr-old girl g4 alleges

El-Zakzaky is facing trial in Kaduna arising from the clash between his followers and Nigerian soldiers in Zaria in December 2015, during which hundreds of the Shiites were reported killed.

Despite several court orders for his release on bail, he is still being kept in the custody of the State Security Service, to the anger of his followers who have been staging regular protests in Abuja.

The Presidency statement titled, ‘Let the Court Decide EL Zakzaky’s fate’, reads: “The Presidency appeals to El-Zakzaky-led Shiite members to desist from needless violent street protests and await the decision of the court in Kaduna where their leader is currently being tried.

“The issue of El-ZakZaky is before the court in Kaduna and his supporters should focus on his on-going trial instead of causing daily damages, disruptions and public nuisance in Abuja.

“It is wrong to be in court and resort to violence at the same time in order to get justice for anybody CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

9th National Assembly won’t let Nigerians down, vows Wase g7 FG to borrow g 16 N145bn through bonds auction next week – DMO

Amazing story of Mike Tyson’s marijuana empire g 11

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‘Buhari should not be blamed for El-Zakzaky’s continued detention’ Continued from page 1

accused.

“The destruction of public property in the name of protest is not within the right of this group of Shiite members and no government anywhere would have tolerated a situation where any group would take over public roads in cities as they have done in Abuja and interfere with the rights of other citizens who are prevented from reaching their destinations.

“We imagine a situation where families are taking their loved ones to hospital for emergency treatment and they are held up needlessly by the protesters. No government anywhere in the world would turn a blind eye to this unlawful behavior.

“As far as this country’s Ministry of Justice is concerned, the case involving El-Zakzaky is no longer in its domain. The

Federal Government no more has hands in the matter and to that extent, the government at the centre can be said to be clear of any alleged violations of court orders as being trumpeted everyday.

“These rallies and street dances ostensibly to openly insult the President and other leaders, threatening bloodshed will lead nowhere because President Buhari will not ask the country’s judiciary to abandon due process and set a suspect free. At the same time, the administration is determined to enforce the decision of the court clearly issued. The Buhari administration has absolutely no hand in the on-going court case and the courts are free to determine the bail request and the final outcome.

“The mentality that you are above the law and that your own rights are superior to other people’s rights is unacceptable.

“You can’t be provoking other citizens by interfering with their own rights on public roads and disrupting their businesses and call it democratic freedom. In democratic traditions, their rights end where the rights of others begin.

“Law abiding citizens must avoid deliberate lawlessness.

It is not within the rights of any group to enter protected public institutions such as the National Assembly by force to attack police and destroy public and private property.

“It is always advisable to embrace dialogue and eschew violence in all our actions so that we can continue to live together in peace.

“We therefore appeal to the Shiite group to stop deliberate provocations that result in violence and fatalities and allow the trial of El-ZakZaky to take its course”.

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; North-West, Cordinator, Muhammadu Buhari/Osinbajo Dynamic Support Group (MBO), Alhaji Mahmud Adhama; National Coodinator, MBO, Mr Usman Ibrahim; National Secretary, Isaac Peace and Deputy National Coordinator, Chief Onwukwe Chinedu, during their visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja...on Friday

Atiku, PDP close case at tribunal with 62 witnesses

Continued from page 1

electoral laws, widespread violence, over voting, intimidation and cancellations of results and others.

The petitioners have also asked the tribunal to declare them winner of the election based on the results obtained from INEC central server, which according to them, revealed they scored lawful majority votes cast at the poll.

Though the petitioners had planned to call about 400 witnesses within the 10 days allotted to them to substantiate their claims, they only called 62 witnesses and tendered over 50, 000 documents as proofs of the alleged rigging, over- voting, noncompliance with the electoral guidelines.

The 62 witnesses called by the petitioners include a foreign Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) expert from Kenya, David Ayu Nyanjo, and a local data analyst, Joseph Gbenga, whose testimony centred around the claim by the petitioners that results of the election were transmitted from polling units to an INEC central server.

Nyanjo, an expert on information technology, told the tribunal that in his analysis, four websites were discovered to belong to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Under cross-examination by Buhari’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), the witness said that the analysis carried out were on data from information supplied by a whistle blower.

He said that the exhibit attached to his statement on oath was signed and dated and that he used ‘Whoistools’ in his work on the analysis.

On whether he attached his education qualification to his deposition, the witness answered in the negative.

The witness said that the information contained in the

report of his analysis were extracts from three of the four websites. The witness confirmed that “Fact.Com was created on March 12, 2019 while the election was held February 23, 2019.”

On the exact date the presidential election sheet which contained results of each political party was created, the witness said he was not sure, but agreed that it formed part of INEC website and that it was INEC information as he doesn’t have data on when it was created.

When asked to give full names of Mr. B.U.K used in the data found in the server, the witness said that “if given access to INEC server by its chairman, he will get the full name.

“The name is created for security reasons. I cannot mention the name because I was not authorised to disclose this,” he said.

Under cross examination by Lateef Fagbemi SAN), counsel representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), the witness said the chairman of INEC can authorise access to the server.

“If INEC chairman allows access I would prove that it was gotten from its server. I used scientific method and knowledge to ascertain and got the information. It is possible using same scientific method and knowledge to alter it,” he added.

He also agreed that with garbage in and garbage out on computers one can have faulty results.

On whether he was engaged and paid for the job, he said that the logistics for the job were paid for.

Majority of the witnesses which were mostly PDP agents at the unit, wards, local government and State levels told the tribunal there were abnormalities during the conduct of the presidential poll, which according to the petitioners’ last witness, Osita Chidoka, is the most costliest election ever conducted by Nigeria.

Chidoka, who was the National Collaboration agent for the petitioners and Head of the PDP situation room, told the tribunal that he refused to sign the result of the presidential election because of wrong entries through the manual system.

He insisted that results were transmitted into INEC server and that INEC chairman, Prof.

Mahmoud Yakubu, confirmed the existence of a central server in a conversation with the political parties’ national agents.

Earlier, the foreign ICT expert in his evidence alleged that INEC has four websites from which he was able to generate information used in his analysis in his report to the petitioners.

He listed www.factsdontlie. com, whoistool as some of the websites he said though does not belong to INEC but the information therein was uploaded by an INEC official who is anonymous.

He said if authorised by the INEC chairman he can access the server and provide them with the name and number of the server.

The witness said that the information contained in the report of his analysis were extracts from three of the four websites.

On his part, Joseph Gbenga, the local data analyst, said that he analysed forms EC8A, EC8B and EC8C in 11 focal states of the federation on the instruction of the petitioners.

Among the last set of documents tendered by the petitioners were INEC 2019 presidential election declaration results, report on all PVC used for the presidential election, record of card reader accreditation, summary of registered voters in polling units were election were cancelled, summary of Collation at the national level and 36 copies of summary of results collation at the states level.

Meanwhile, the tribunal has adjourned further hearing till July 29, for INEC to open its defence.

L-R: Medical Directors in State Hospitals, Ibeju Lekki General Hospital, Dr. Adebayo Bamisebi; Ebute-Metta Health Centre, Dr. Mustapha Quadri; Massey Street Children Hospital, Dr. Aina Olugbemiga; Orile-Agege General Hospital, Dr. Olawale Adegbite; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; General Hospital Lagos, Dr. Ismail Ganikale; Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Dr. Olusola Amure and Alimosho General Hospital, Dr. Madewa Adebajo during a courtesy visit to the First Lady, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, recently.

Lagos Zonal Director of the EFCC, Mr Mohammed Rabo (third right) and others during a road walk to commemorate the 3rd African Union Anti-Corruption Day in Lagos.

L- R: Comptroller General of Immigrations, Muhammad Babandede; General Manger, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ken Opara; and Deputy Comptroller of Immigrations, Ikoyi Passport Officer, Mannir Yari, at the commissioning of projects and presentation of 15 –Seater Bus donated by Fidelity Bank to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Office, Ikoyi, recently

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How I was raped by Sapele pastor, 13-yr-old girl alleges Nosa Akenzua, Asaba A 13-year-old Junior Secondary School III student (name withheld) in Sapele town, Delta State, has recounted her ordeal of how she was allegedly raped by a Pentecostal pastor in the area.

It was gathered that the pastor identified as Pastor Collins, 38 –year- old, allegedly raped the teenage girl right inside his church recently.

At the state CID Police headquarters, Asaba, on Thursday, where the suspect is being interrogated by the police, the victim who spoke to journalists alleged that the suspect pushed and pinned her to his living room in the church compound while using one of his hands to block her mouth to prevent her from shouting while he sexually assaulted her.

Though the pastor denied the allegation of rape and described the whole story as untrue when he was arrested and detained at the Sapele Police Division before being moved to the State CID, Asaba, the

victim has repeatedly maintained that she was allegedly raped inside the church.

Narrating her story, the 13-yearold victim, said: “I was standing at the front of our house when he called me on that fateful day, saying that l should see him. When I got there, he gave me N100 to buy garri, sugar and groundnut for him.

“When I returned with the items, he was inside and he asked me to bring the items inside which I did.

However, when I was dropping the items on his table and was about leaving, he held me and pushed me to the bed where he forced his thing inside me.”

She added that the pastor allegedly threatened to kill her, insisting that “the pastor warned me that he would kill me if I told anyone and I was afraid, and since that day he has been sleeping with me steadily, and each time he sleeps with me, he would give me N100.”

The victim also narrated how the rape issue came to the fore, disclosing that the assistant pastor of the church begged her to come

with her friend to the church.

“The pastor came to our house after giving me money to meet him at his house in Uruakpa (Sapele) and when we got there, he gave me his phone to play with while I sat outside, and he and my friend were inside.

“He started playing loud music and Pastor Collins came to meet me and sat with me outside, and it was when my friend started shouting that we rushed in and I saw my friend with her pants down, but Pastor Collins stepped in and begged her to stop crying,” she further narrated.

However, the pastor has continued to deny the allegation, insisting that he was framed up because the victim’s mother divorced her father and accused him of giving prophecy to the man to divorce her.

But, the Police Commissioner in the state, Adeyinka Adeleke, said investigation into the rape allegation was ongoing while the suspect would remain in police custody until the investigations are completed.

Corruption cuts across sectors, says ICPC chair

Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof.

Bolaji Owasanoye, on Friday, said prevalence of corruption in the country was widespread, not limited to any sector or agency.

He stated this at the award of certificates to participants of the second edition of Certificate Course in Corruption Prevention in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The course was organised by AntiCorruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training arm of ICPC. Owasanoye was represented by an official of the commission, Mr Abdullahi Maikano.

He said that the course participants cut across various sectors of public service, and included those from Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Inland Waterways, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The chairman said that corruption became deep-rooted and widespread in the country when individuals across the board, in their various positions and roles, engaged in corrupt practices.

He said that, while certain agencies had greater exposure by the nature of their activities and revenue generating potential, public sector corruption was not localised to particular agencies.

“Rather, the corruption prevalence is widespread.

“Thus, while the course is primarily targeted at practitioners in the anticorruption agencies with prevention as part of their mandates, it has also been made available to all public sector agencies,” he said.

Owasanoye said that corruption prevention was one of the most fundamental aspects of the fight against corruption, stating that for acts

Prof. Owasanoye of corruption to occur, they required certain elements to be in place or absent.

“The need to fight corruption at the prevention level has never been more urgent as our national anti-corruption agencies have an urgent responsibility to enhance the prevention element of their mandates.

“Revelations of the enormous damage to our national life by those entrusted with power and office over the past few years point in the direction of the proverbial, prevention is better than cure,” he said.

He explained that corruption did not just occur, it was perpetrated by individuals through deliberate acts that took advantage of loopholes in the system or even sought to create one.

Owasanoye called on the participants to be part of the rays of anti-corruption in their various spaces.

In his remark, Provost, AntiCorruption Academy of Nigeria, Prof.

Sola Akinrinade, said that the course was aimed at building a corps of anticorruption practitioners in the country.

He said that it was also to develop the

capacity of agencies to be able to tackle corruption internally.

Akinrinade said that the ACAN Certificate Course in Corruption Prevention was the product of a support from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).

He said that the need to fight corruption at the prevention level had never been more urgent and that the national anti-corruption agencies had an urgent responsibility to enhance the prevention element of their mandates.

Akinrinade added that the academy’s philosophy was that corruption and related crimes could be controlled or managed through a system of training and re-training geared toward sound policy formulation.

“The task of preventing corruption is not one for anti-corruption agencies alone, but for all of us,” he said.

The student declared best in the course, Mr Musa Usman, of the CCB, said that he was now well-informed on the ills of corruption and would contribute his quota in the war against corruption.

Stakeholders raise concerns over illicit use of tramadol in West Africa Some Stakeholders in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse have raised concerns over the non-medicinal use of tramadol in the countries within the West African subregion.

The stakeholders expressed their concerns in separate interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja at the end of the inauguration of the West African Drug Report 2014 to 2017 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Mr Cheikh Toure, the Regional Programme Coordinator on Support to ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on Illicit Drug Trafficking said that the causes of drug abuse were wideranging.

Toure said that the UNODC report linked drug abuse to unemployment.

He, therefore, called on governments to strike a balance in the use of tramadol considering its importance in the cure of diseases.

“But I think this is why we have to strike a balance to ensure that the state regulatory board take themselves seriously and control this type of medications coming into Africa to ensure that those drugs are used for what they are intended for,’’ Toure said.

Prof. Isidore Obot, the Director, Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse (CRISA) in Uyo said that the issue of illicit trafficking of drugs like Tramadol was becoming a global issue.

Citing the UNODC report, Obot said that those undergoing treatment for drug abuse were children from the age of 10 years old to 19 years old.

According to him, early prevention through advocacy at the primary school level was needed to tackle the menace.

Obot added that teachers and parent could play great roles in drug abuse prevention, noting that control measures were needed at this point for the consumption of tramadol.

“Cannabis remains a big problem in the region, we find large number of it with very young people from 10 years old smoking it.

“This is something we need to look into because Tramadol is a very important pharmaceutical substance used for severe pains.

“Tramadol for prescription is not usually abused, the one abused are usually manufactured from illicit market, a lot of enforcement is really needed,’’ he added.

He urged government to start prevention and awareness programme early, and to educate parents and teachers on the need for them to “wake up”.

Mr Oliver Stolpe, UNODC Representative in Nigeria, said that the non-medical use of prescription such as tramadol appears to be growing most rapidly in the region.

He said that there had been a dramatic increase in tramadol seizures from 17 tonnes in 2014 to about 232 tonnes in 2017 .

According to him, the fact that more than 60 tonnes of tramadol seized in 2017 were in transit to other countries, there was need to call for increased cooperation and intelligence-sharing among countries in the region.

Mr Baba Oseni, Director, Drug Demand Reduction of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),

reiterated the agency’s commitment toward the fight against drug trafficking.

He said that when the agency visited most of its counselling centres for drug users, majority of those undergoing rehabilitation were youths.

According to him, management of the agency is planning to carry out an awareness campaign aimed at making the youth to see the negative on drugs.

“NDLEA has been committed to support all the efforts of the sub-region both in terms of supply reduction and demand reduction.

“We have seven counselling centres with the efforts and support of our friends we hope to increase the number as soon as possible so that we can have more data,’’ Oseni said.

Tramadol, sold under the brand name Ultram among others, is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain.

Abuse, dependence, and overdose of tramadol have become a serious public health concern in some African countries and parts of Western Asia.

Recognised risk factors for tramadol overdose include depression, addiction, and seizures.

Naloxone only partially reverses the toxic effects of tramadol overdose and may increase the risk of seizures.

Deaths with tramadol overdose have been reported and are increasing in frequency in Northern Ireland; the majority of these overdoses involves other drugs including alcohol.

There were 254 tramadol-related deaths in England and Wales in 2013, and 379 in Florida in 2011.

In 2011, 21,649 emergency room visits in the United States were related to tramadol.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its May 2018 World Report, tramadol is available as an unbranded product often containing supra-therapeutic doses (up to 500 mg in some cases), and as a counterfeit medicine.

In 2016, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) reported that more than 40 million pills of counterfeit tramadol had been seized at the port of Cotonou, Benin, West Africa.

Data provided by UNODC (July 2017) on global tramadol traffic showed a steady increase in seizures between 2007 and 2015.

In 2012, the Container Control Programme (CCP) led to the seizure of 19 containers with over 100 tons of fake tramadol, all originating in India and seized in West Africa.

At the end of 2017 the UNODC warned of the increase in trafficking and consumption of tramadol.

In the last 5 years seizures of the drug have risen from 300 kg to more than 3 tonnes. Benin, Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Niger, Sierra Leone, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire were highlighted as the major transit or destination countries.

The involvement of criminal organisations, armed groups and terrorist organisations such as Boko Haram in Nigeria and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Libya have led to suggestions that the trafficking of tramadol plays a direct role in destabilising the region (WHO World Report, May 2018).

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FG inaugurates panel to review governance of AUST The Federal Government has inaugurated an Administrative Audit Panel to review the proprietorship, academic affairs, governance, financial and physical development in the African University of Science and Technology (AUST).

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Sonny Echono, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Friday, urged the committee members to proffer recommendations toward resolving the challenges in the University.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the National Universities Commission (NUC), in 2017, received a report from concerned stakeholders expressing worry over the management’s impasse impeding the day-today management and operational activities of the university.

Some of the challenges raised in the report among others are: ownership, governance structure, academic activities, funding and assets of the university and allegation of sale of the university land.

Echono noted that sequel to the fears raised, a committee was instituted by NUC to ascertain the state of affairs at the institution and allay the fears of the concerned stakeholders who brought the matter up.

“After careful

consideration of the findings and recommendations of the team in August 2017, it was noted that the AUST is jointly owned by the Federal Government and Nelson Mandela Institutions (NMI).

“The AUST limited is incorporated under the companies and allied matters act of 1990 and is limited by guarantee.

“The directors as listed in the incorporation documents, are, therefore, listed as representatives of the owner and not in their personal capacity.

“The continuous retention of the name Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as one of the directors representing the Federal Government of Nigeria is contrary to the incoperation agreement as well as the legal instruments of the AUST, and consequently, flawed.

“The current governance structure of the university is irregular and not in line with the university law. ” The university has no governing council in line with known best practices.

The board, therefore takes decisions on matters that should have normally been the responsibility of the council. ” There is currently no representative of the Nigerian Government on the Board of Trustees,” he added.

The permanent secretary also explained that the university had a senate that did not have a final say over academic matters,

Echono saying the role of the Vice Chancellor had also been eroded by interference from the board.

He added that the Federal Government had resolved that the challenges facing the university were natural consequences of the unresolved ownership and governance issues which required urgent attention if the objectives for establishing the institution were to be fully achieved.

He, therefore, urged the members of the committee to come up with working recommendations within six weeks to find a lasting solutions to the challenges.

The administrative audit

panel has Prof. Nimi Briggs as chairman and Prof. Afis Oladosu, Mr Joel Ojo, Mr Balarabe Ahmad, Dr Ramon Yusuf, Mr Chris Maiyaki, Dr Abubakar Siddique, Mr Moses Awe as members.

Other members are a representative of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), a representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Malam Hamza Abdullahi.

Responding, Prof.

Nimi Briggs expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for finding the members worthy to serve and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in them.

NRC decries high rate of rail tracks vandalism in Enugu Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has decried high rate of theft and vandalism of rail tracks and railway components within Enugu State.

Mr Olusoji Osidipe, NRC Railway District Manager (East) revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Friday.

Osidipe noted that the high vandalism and theft of railway track and other component was one of the major challenges hindering locomotive services within the Enugu axis of the Eastern corridors of the railway.

He said locomotive (train) service on Aba-Port Harcourt axis of the corridor had been operational and relatively steady, adding that it had been helpful to traders and farmers within that axis.

The manager said that the NRC through the help of the Nigeria

Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) had launched full scale crack down on vandals and robbers.

According to him, within the last six months since I took over as manager of this eastern corridor, we have caught and imprisoned 20 vandals.

“It is not easy, but through the help of law enforcement agencies, we are closing in on almost all of them.

“I beg these people to leave our rail tracks and components alone to service the good people of Nigeria especially the downtrodden in the society,’’ he said.

Osidipe said that he had made several advocacy visits to traditional rulers in the rail corridors where vandalism was high to appeal to them and their subjects to help fight these vandals.

“I have made several visits to our revered monarchs, telling them why and how they should join the NRC to fight this menace of vandalism.

“The NRC has gone ahead to intimate them on the overwhelming benefits a functional rail service can be to them, their subjects and communities,’’ he said.

The manager however, noted that the NRC was planning to start operation between the EnuguAba-Port Harcourt corridors very soon.

“On this, we are planning to have a deep welding of all the rail track and components together so that it makes it difficult for few people to cut or carry away rail materials.

“While we are reaching out to locals to give prompt report on any suspicion activities or persons on the rail tracks,’’ he said.

5 News

Group urges FG, states to tackle extreme poverty among citizens Human Rights Volunteer Corps, a rights group, has urged Federal and State Governments to take steps toward tackling extreme poverty prevalent in the country.

Executive Director of the group, Mr Larry Oguego, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Friday, that it was the right of every Nigerian to live above lack, disease and poverty.

He said that it was worrisome that most Nigerians could not afford basic things of life, including food, healthcare and shelter.

Oguego said that due to lack and poverty, poor Nigerians suffered a lot, and at times paid more to get on with living.

According to him, it is very expensive to be poor in the country.

“It is the poor people who stay or live furthest from the town and therefore, have to spend more money on transport to come and work for the rich politicians or in offices in towns.

“It is the poor people who use kerosene lamps and firewood,

because of the refusal of the rich politicians to install electricity for the poor people.

“It is the poor people who have no public hospitals to attend and are therefore exposed to exorbitant charges by private doctors.

“It is the poor who use untarred roads and have to walk long distances and get exposed to a lot of respiratory health hazards,’’ he said.

The rights activist said that various poverty-induced daily stress and difficulties that poor people passed through often led to health challenges for them, causing early death in some cases.

“We do not respect international best practices in managing medical emergencies for all, especially in having universal health coverage for all Nigerians.

“Emergency numbers do not exist or do not work and ambulance services do not exist,’’ he said.

The activist said that access to healthcare was one of the alienable rights of every human.

2019 Hajj: FCTA pledges enhanced welfare for intending pilgrims

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Friday pledged to redouble efforts to maintain its position as the best Hajj operator among the 36 states of the federation.

FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr Chinyeaka Ohaa gave the assurance while bidding farewell to first batch of FCT intending pilgrims at the Hajj Camp, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FCT emerged the best in Hajj operations in 2017 and 2018 consecutively according to the rating of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Ohaa said the FCTA had always displayed utmost commitment to doing everything possible to ensure that its contingent get the best treatment while in the Holy land.

“To achieve this feat, the administration has successfully conducted all necessary arrangements for the welfare of the contingent to the holy land.

“Early preparations of the 2019 Hajj by the FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board and the formation of various committees and subcommittees to handle all aspects of Hajj operations attest to the seriousness of the administration towards recording more successes this year,” he said.

The permanent secretary said that with the commitment exhibited by the entire officials, in addition to the exemplary behaviour so far displayed by intending pilgrims, the 2019 Hajj would be rated even higher than those of previous years.

Ohaa who urged intending pilgrims to pray for the country while in the Holy land, noted that the country is currently facing some peculiar challenges that required supplications to the Almighty Allah for resolutions.

He also enjoined the management of the board and officials to discharge their duties diligently and assist intending pilgrims to perform

the Hajj rites successfully.

The Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Muhammad Bashir said in an effort to ensure hitch free and successful Hajj operations, the board had conducted series of activities for the benefits of intending pilgrims.

The director noted that the activities included four phases of education and orientation exercises which included practical aspects of Hajj at the Permanent Hajj Camp.

Bashir added that the board had also embarked on medical screening for all intending pilgrims, pregnancy test for female intending pilgrims as well as immunisation, in line with the directives by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

He further said that the board had fully mobilised its staff to ensure optimum service delivery.

Bashir further stated that the board had also held a one day interactive session with officials appointed for the operations to ensure that intending pilgrims attained successful Hajj.

He warned officials that the board would not tolerate acts of indiscipline noting that any body found wanting would have his or herself to blame.

He, therefore, enjoined all intending pilgrims to be law abiding by respecting all policies of Saudi Arabian authorities.

“Be patient always, avoid rumour mongering, be responsible and avoid reckless spending and above all have the fear of Allah (SWT) and remember the purpose of the journey, ” he said.

He urged them to strictly abide by the transport system and feeding arrangements, luggage policy as well as flight schedule of the operations.

NAN reports that no fewer than 2,220 intending pilgrims who registered through the FCT are expected to join over 3 million Muslims from around the world to perform the 2019 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

News 6

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Fake News: Buhari raises alarm, Short News UN decries reported attacks on aid says journalism under threat

President Muhammadu Buhari says media professionals and other stakeholders must correct and safeguard the journalism profession from the activities of fake news peddlers who are bent on destabilising the nation’s sociopolitical system.

The President gave the challenge when he received the Chairman and members of the board of directors of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday.

According to him, media workers are duty bound to fight against all vices threatening the profession to protect their reputation in the society, asserting that “journalism as a profession is primarily based on being truthful.

With the growing increase in fake news the future of your profession is under threat.

“Therefore, you must be ready to correct this and safeguard your professionalism and your reputation.’’

President Buhari, who observed that information technology, is changing the world, however frowned at the use of technology to promote hatred and violence in the society.

He also condemned the situation where images were being manipulated to give legitimacy to lies or airing voices on radio

stations preaching falsehood and hatred.

“Technology is an enabler for good. However, in recent times, we are seeing this platform more and more being used to instigate violent and hate. Nowhere, is this disturbing trend more apparent than in the various media platforms where fake news gaining momentum and is being used to divide and destabilize communities and indeed nations around the country.

“We see images being manipulated to give legitimacy to lies. We hear voices on radio preaching falsehood and hatred.

Like I mentioned a few months ago at a world economic forum in Jordan, since digital information age is borderless, this means we must be ready to respond with the best weapon we have – truth,’’ he said.

Buhari therefore, enjoined the board and management of the FRCN to develop strategies to counter fake news and misinformation in the society.

“In the case of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria you must proactively develop programmes based on truth, facts and broader national interests. You should also have strategies to react to fake information and sensitise our citizens not to believe stories at face

value especially when the source is unknown or not credible or where supporting facts are not available.’’

Earlier, the Chairman, FRCN board of the directors, Malam Aliyu Hayatu, called for adequate funding of the corporation to enable it achieve its objectives.

According to him, adequate budgetary allocation to the corporation must be seen as addressing a security challenge which aims at bringing government closer to the people, with the aims of averting the high-jacking of the thoughts and consciousness of Nigerians by foreign radio broadcasts.

“When this capability and associated requirements are satisfied, the FRCN should be in a position to record a much greater quantum of revenue than is the case presently “Mr. President, funding FRCN should not be seen as a strictly business venture that is expected to provide immediate monetary return.

“We at FRCN hope and indeed, strongly believe that the Next Level agenda of the government of President Buhari, will include bequeathing to Nigeria a federal radio network that will favourably compare with the best anywhere in the world. Mr. President this is not an impossible task,’’ he added.

workers in Borno

The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has expressed concern over reported attacks on aid workers in northern Borno and called on people to eschew spreading such unverified information.

Kallon in a statement by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Maiduguri on Friday said the agency was concerned over the reported attacks the on aid workers.

“I am deeply disturbed by reports of an incident involving aid workers from international non-governmental organizations in northern Borno state. As details are still coming in and information has yet to be confirmed, the humanitarian community in Nigeria is concerned about the safety of the workers.

“The community is concerned about our Arewa Consultative Forum colleague, partners and contractors involved in the attack against an aid convoy reported on July 18 on the Gubio-Damasak Road.

“First and foremost, my thoughts are with them and their families. They devote their lives to helping vulnerable people and communities in an area heavily affected by violence.

“I call on all who may have influence to do everything they can to keep them unharmed and work towards their safe return. Out of respect and consideration for the families, the humanitarian community in Nigeria is also asking the general public, including the media to refrain from sharing any unconfirmed information.

“The spread of misinformation may put the concerned aid workers at risk and jeopardise their way back to safety,’’ Kallon said.

He said that the attack occurred few weeks before the ongoing crisis affecting Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states enters its 10-year circle,disclosing that about 7.1 million people still need humanitarian assistance even as violence, insecurity and inaccessibility to remote areas in Borno state continue to hamper response to urgent needs.

The humanitarian coordinator noted that acts of violence affected individuals, families and communities that the organisation strives to support and deprive vulnerable people of vital services.

While calling on all parties to protect and facilitate the delivery of aid, Kallon reiterated the commitment of the humanitarian community to provide life-saving assistance and help the people in the north east rebuild their lives.

NDLEA destroys tonnes of illicit drugs in Taraba Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 6963.755kg of weeds and psychotropic substances worth millions of naira in Taraba state.

The illicit drugs which were burnt in the outskirts of Jalingo, the Taraba state capital on Friday were seized by the agency between January 2003 and December 2018.

It included 4, 413.566kg of Cannabis Sativa and 2, 550.189kg of Diazepam, Rohypnol, cough syrups with codeine and tramadol.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohammed Mustapha, who spoke before the symbolic burning, said the agency’s action which is being supported by the Taraba state government will send a strong signal to dealers and consumers of illicit drugs about NDLEA’s intolerance to drug offenders.

He noted that the agency has also gotten the federal government’s nod to bridge its manpower shortage with the recruitment of an additional 5, 000 personnel.

Governor Darius Ishaku represented by his deputy, Haruna Manu, said all hands must be on deck to rid the state of drug and substance abuse.

While commending the NDLEA for a job well done, the deputy governor explained that continuous clampdown on the spread of illicit drugs in the country and in particular Taraba state will disabuse the mind of youth who engage in drug and substance abuse.

L-R: Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UACN, Mr Folasope Aiyesimoju; Chairman, Mr Daniel Agbor; and Company Secretary, Mr Godwin Samuel, at the 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UACN, held during the week in Lagos.

Father accused of sexually assaulting 3 daughters remanded in prison

An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday ordered that a 57-year-old father, Mojeeb Fashola, accused of sexually assaulting his three daughters be remanded in prison pending legal advice.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Olufunke Sule-Amzat, who did not take the plea of Fashola, remanded him in Kirikiri Prison and ordered that the case file be sent to the state’s director of public prosecutions for the advice and adjourned the case until October 14.

Earlier, the prosecuting police officer, Benson Emuerhi, had

told the court that the defendant committed the offences between April and May 2019 at his residence in Ayetoro, Ijanikin, near Badagry.

Emuerhi alleged that the defendant sexually assaulted one of the girls aged eight years (name withheld) by using his finger to penetrate into her private part, adding that on a later date, the defendant also unlawfully assaulted his two other daughters, aged 10 years and 12 years (names withheld) by touching their buttocks and breast seductively.

The police prosecutor said

that when the victim’s mother threatened to report the matter to the police, the defendant physically assaulted her by beating her and hitting her head and hand with a pestle.

He said that the defendant was apprehended by the police and that the case was transferred to the Gender Section at the Ikeja Police Command for further investigation.

According to Emuerhi, the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 135, 170 and 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2015.

Ex-minister explains withdrawal of suit against APC

A former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu on Friday said he voluntarily withdrew his suit against the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Supreme Court.

The former minister made the disclosure on Friday. It would be recalled that Shittu had challenged his disqualification from participating in the APC governorship primary at the high court and Appeal Court.

Shittu’s suit which was hinged on his non-participation in the National Youth Service Corps was dismissed in both courts having been instituted outside the stipulated time frame allowed by the Electoral Act. “When the appeal came up before the Supreme Court on Thursday and before same could be heard, my counsel stood up and voluntarily withdrew the appeal. It must be noted that the dismissal of the suit was based on the application of my counsel and same was not predicated on the decision of the case on the merits,” the ex-minister explained.

He added that he listened to the advice of his counsel who made reference to the decision of the Court of Appeal in Dapo Abiodun’s case, hinting further that the Appeal Court held categorically that the possession or non-possession of an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate was not a prerequisite for contesting elections in Nigeria.

“Therefore, the Appeal Court has already laid the issue to rest effectively and there is therefore, no need to flog a dead horse,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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9th National Assembly won’t let Nigerians down, vows Wase Henry Omunu, Abuja

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase has assured that the 9th National Assembly will ensure that it does not let Nigerians down, especially the common man.

The deputy speaker also reiterated his resolve to advancing the improvement of the living standards of Nigerians who brace all obstacles to come out and vote during elections.

Wase gave the assurances while playing host to the Buhari/Osinbajo Social Media Support Group who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

While thanking the group for the visit, the deputy speaker assured them of the readiness of the National Assembly leadership to partner with the group, saying that “the 9th National Assembly’s focus is Nigeria and Nigerians.”

He said that the group shouldn’t be bothered about negative information, but that the concerns should be how to positively touch the common man on the street.

“When it comes to elections, the common

man is always on hand to deliver on their civic duties,” he stated while recalling a campaign incident that happened in Jos, the Plateau state capital during the presidential campaign where an overwhelming crowd of Nigerians trooped out to welcome President Muhammad Buhari.

He said those common Nigerians gave up something and made sacrifices to be there on that day based in their belief in the ability of the President to positively impact their lives.

Wase pledged his support for the group and said that “putting the right information out there is for the good of everyone, especially the children yet unborn” and promised to do his best under the circumstances.

The deputy speaker declared that the House leadership would not let Nigerians down as it’s not about party or religion, but the good and progress of Nigeria, noting that the House just passed a resolution urging the federal government to mop up excess grains in the market so as to store same for the rainy day.

“It goes to show that Nigeria is producing more food than the population can actually consume which is why there is excess.

But, government will continue to promote local food production. Our covenant with Nigerians is to make their lives better,” he said.

Earlier, the Editor-in-Chief of the group, Babatunde Adejumo told the deputy speaker that the group was in the House to congratulate him on his elections both as a returning member and as the deputy speaker.

He said it’s the belief of the group that the election that brought both President Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to office was free and fair, adding that “we of this group wish to congratulate you on your reelection back to the House and also winning election as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of the most populous nation in Africa.

“Your capacity to play this role has never been in doubt because your records in the public service until joining politics speak for itself. We’re also aware that Mr. President is primed to champion a new order in the polity and we are also aware that agents of destabilization are hell bent on frustrating what has been put in motion for the benefit of Nigerians.”

7 News

Short News EFCC docks man for serial frauds

The Abuja zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Charles Ufuoma Onodavberoh before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on a 10-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretences.

The defendant was arrested by the Bank Fraud Unit of the EFCC following a petition by two complainants, namely, Mrs. Nsikat Edem Udoh and Alhaji Muhammed Idris, who alleged that he collected huge sums of money from them and presented them with a purported irrevocable bank commitment for a standby letter of credit with a face value of $150 million issued by PT Bank Negara, Indonesia (Persero) TBK for the building of a $500 million modula refinery in Cross River state.

Onodavberoh was also alleged to have further collected $15,000 and another N1.6million from the first complainant, Mrs. Nsikat Edem Udoh as well as N3.8million from the second complainant, Alhaji Muhammed Idris.

According to the anti-graft agency, the offence committed by the accused is contrary to Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. However, Onodavberoh pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, Offem Uket to ask the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending trial.

The defence counsel, however, made a bail application which the prosecution didn’t object to.

Justice Ojukwu granted him bail in the sum of N50million and one surety in like sum who must present evidence of tax payment from 2016 to 2018, two passport photographs and an international passport.

He remanded the defendant in Kuje Prison, Abuja and adjourned the matter to September 25 and 26 for commencement of trial.

Top Senegalese, Moroccan, Mauritian DJs receive boost on CNN’s African Voices Ladedope Ladelokun, Lagos

L-R: Mrs Goodluck Funmilayo, Chief Administrative & HR, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Ms Ineh Chioma, a graduate of Hairdressing & Cosmetology, Lagos State Skill Acquisition Programme; Ms Surupo Mayowa, a graduate of Hairdressing & Cosmetology, Lagos State Skill Acquisition Programme and Mrs Omotayo Azeez-Abiodun, Public Relations Manager, Tolaram Group during the official presentation of five graduates to Lush Hair recently in Lagos...recently.

Kogi records 2 unconfirmed polio cases after 10 years

Two unconfirmed cases of the polio virus have been reported in Kogi state after being polio-free for 10 years.

Executive Director, Kogi state Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr. Abubakar Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday at a stakeholders meeting with the social mobilisation committee for the national immunisation plus days in Lokoja.

Dr. Yakubu said that the two cases of polio virus were reported in Ankpa and Dekina Local Government Areas of Kogi state, saying however, that they were yet to be confirmed.

“Kogi state has been polio-free for more than 10 years now, but unfortunately we are beginning to get some very discouraging signals. In fact, recently there were unconfirmed reports of polio virus in Ankpa and Dekina Local Government Areas of Kogi state, although it has not been

confirmed.

“But, we have dispatched a team of experts to take samples of those cases and carry out appropriate investigations. The team is already on that task. This is why we need to intensify our social mobilisation and campaign, especially for this national immunisation plus days that is centered on polio vaccination for our children and some other commodities,” Yakubu said.

He therefore, appealed to all the social mobilization committee members drawn from various fields and organisations to take the assignment very seriously, stating that “the health of our children, mothers and us is very important to everybody, including the leader of our state, Gov. Yahaya Bello.

“I want to believe that whatever role we play; we are doing it in the interest of our children, mothers, and the state at large.

I pray that God will help us achieve this goal,” Yakubu said.

On his part, Technical Assistant, National Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordination Centre (NERICC), Abuja, Adolphus Okoro, urged the Kogi state government to strengthen the social mobilization committee to function maximally for effective mobilisation and service delivery across the state.

The Programme Director, SERICC, Olorumaiye Theophilus, said some vaccines would be introduced to children at nine months immunisation during the national immunisation plus days to prevent meningitis.

Responding, a member of the social mobilization committee, Titus Alonge, of the Teens Education Development and Information Initiative Nigeria (TEDiiN) a non-governmental organization, advised the state to carry members of the social mobilization committee along in all its operations.

It is not often that disc jockeys enjoy the limelight, the way musicians do.

However, Globacom-sponsored AfricanVoices on CNN International shifts the narrative a bit this weekend as it features three outstanding African DJs as special guests on the programme.

The three DJs are DJ Dollar from Senegal, DJ Amine K from Morocco, and DJ Avneesh from Mauritius.

According to a statement by the digital transformation leader, DJ Dollar traverses the length and breadth of Africa playing music at high profile events. His long years as a professional disc jockey, music producer and mixer have molded him into an authority in latest trends in music productions and performances.

DJ Dollar is a celebrated Halifax entertainer and producer. He has also made a mark for himself by the ingenious ways he entertains his audience with a beautiful mix of lyrics and for blasting international airwaves with his electronic beats.

Equally an outstanding performer, DJ Avneesh is from the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius. He has also recorded many terrific career highlights, including a performance on the Great Wall of China.

Finally, viewers will also watch Morocco-based DJ Amine K talk about his business on African Voices. He has established a reputation for giving his fans memorable nights filled with dancing and good house music.

He remains Morocco’s ambassador of music who has played for audiences at shows around the world and prides himself on having a music principle rooted in the underground, with focus on quality dance floor experiences.

In music festivals across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, DJ Amin K has blended massive fun into his trade. He has performed alongside other notable disc jockeys including Mandy, Nick Warren, Lee Burridge and Gui Boratto.

African Voices is broadcast on CNN on Friday at 9.30a.m with repeat editions on Saturday at 12.30 a.m, 4.30 p.m and 8.30 p.m. Other repeat broadcasts come up on Sunday at 5.00 a.m, 9.30 a.m. and 8.30 p.m. Viewers can also watch it at 5.30 a.m. on Monday and at 6.30 p.m on Tuesday.

DPR seals illegal filling stations in Adamawa

The Adamawa state office of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has commenced the sealing of illegal filling stations in the state.

The exercise which commenced on Thursday, has led to the sealing of six filling stations in Gombi, Hong, Mubi North and Mubi South Local Government Areas.

Speaking on the exercise, the DPR Operations Controller in charge of Adamawa state, Alhaji Ibrahim Ciroma, said the department has identified 45 illegal stations in the state.

“We have sent the lists to the police to get them dismantled. It is through these illegal stations that you have all those malpractices like diversion, smuggling and so on,’’ Ciroma said.

The controller also spoke on the discovery of one of the illegal stations on the outskirts of Mubi town along the Mubi-Gella Road, noting that the station which was found with thousands of jerry cans used for smuggling products was operating close to a security checkpoint unchallenged by the security agents.

“The station has a warehouse with more than 1, 000 jerry cans. The smuggling has been happening and we have many check points on this border road and nobody has done anything about it. We are able to locate this place on a tip-off. Somebody told us what is happening here.

“I will continue to call on security agencies to do their work properly.

One just can’t understand why we have so many check points along this road and these people pass without any challenge,’’ Ciroma said.

According to him, this is one of major routes through which products were smuggled to Cameroon.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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Omo- Agege promises to appoint aides from all geo-political zones Tunde Opalana, Abuja Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has expressed plans to appoint aides from all parts of the nation, in furtherance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unity agenda and the determination to involve youth in governance.

Addressing eminent citizens and members of the Youth Progressive Initiative in the North who organized a reception in his honour in Abuja, Sen. Omo-Agege emphasized the capacity of the Nigerian youth to consolidate on the vision for a united and great nation.

“There is no state in the north where I don’t have an aide, there is no state in the South-West where I don’t have an aide; this is because the office of the Deputy President of the Senate is a national one,” he stated.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Senate President, Ezrel Tabiowo, the decision by the northern youth group with membership drawn from all the 19 northern states to honour Sen. Omo-Agege was an expression of solidarity with his patriotic and nationalist stance to issues concerning the progress of Nigeria.

Speaking on the need for unity in Nigeria, Sen. Omo-Agege urged all Nigerian youth to shun all forms of regional, religious and ethnic sentiments as accommodating same may split the country along sectional lines.

“Youth of this country, this country belongs to you; if you want a country where you are seen as a northerner or southerner that is the country you will get, but if you want a country where you are seen as a Nigerian, then that is exactly what you will get,” the Deputy Senate President stated.

Prominent citizens at the event include, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Gbemisola Saraki.

Earlier, in a goodwill message, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, emphasized the need for wealth creation by the President Buhari administration.

The elder-statesman also called on members of the APC in the National Assembly to guard against any attempt by external forces to divide them, adding that “the problem in Nigeria today is poverty, so we must create wealth; our country has joined 64 other countries in signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the whole of Africa will be able to travel freely, do business and access

each other’s boundaries freely.

“When there’s no conflict, there’s security, when there’s security, there’s wealth; trade is the basis for making sure you’re united. Similarly, make no mistake, anything you divide is weak; don’t allow yourselves to be divided, remain united because together you’re stronger.

“My advice, mobilize yourselves and dominate the continent as the true big brothers of Africa; embrace unity for peace, embrace peace for development, be your brother’s keeper,” Alhaji Bamanga Tukur advised the youth.

Also speaking at the event, former Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, described the deputy Senate president as a patriotic Nigerian who believes in loyalty to party and constituted authority.

“It must have come as a big surprise to emerge as the Deputy President of the Senate, you are a man that believes in loyalty,” he said and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for finding Sen. Omo-Agege worthy of being elected.

Also commenting, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, described Sen. Omo-Agege as a principled, disciplined and determined person. The former senator expressed optimism that the 9th Senate will perform very well under the leadership of Senators Ahmad Lawan and Ovie Omo-Agege.

Short News Cleric seeks end to 40-year-old marriage over sex denial

An Islamic cleric Ganiyu Salami has approached an Igando Customary Court, Lagos, to end his 40-year-old marriage to Halimatu, for allegedly denying him sex and threatening his life.

Salami told the court that his wife and mother of his eight children, has denied him his matrimonial rights by failing in her conjugal duties.

“My wife who sleeps, eats my food and drinks my water has been starving me of sex for 16 years now. She will not even allow me to neither touch her nor make love to her,” the angry husband narrated.

The petitioner said that his wife fights him frequently over little issues, complaining that “my marriage to Halimatu has been turbulent and fraught with fights and quarrels; I do not have peace of mind.”

The 59-year-old man also accused his wife of threatening to kill him, alleging that “another cleric who lives with me, told me that my wife was after my life, that she gave him charms to put in my food.

“There was a day she wanted to stab me with a broken bottle, but for the quick intervention of my friend who entered at that time and collected the bottle from her.”

The embittered petitioner further alleged that his wife turned their children against him and that she once ordered their first born to beat him up.

“My son beat me up mercilessly and tore my clothes to pieces with my wife’s consent,’’ he said and further claimed that his wife gave out their daughters in marriage without his knowledge and consent, and that he has never met any of his sons-in-law.

He said that his wife was after the property he inherited from his late father.

“My father’s property belongs to me alone; my wife and children cannot inherit my father’s property, but can only inherit my own property. My wife is fighting to take over my father’s property from me, claiming it belongs to her and the children.

“I later bought a land in her name so that she and the children can have that as their inheritance, but she went to the land owners begging them to sell the land and give her the money.”

He therefore appealed to the court to terminate the marriage so that he can have peace, live long and enjoy life.

Responding, the respondent however, admitted denying her husband sex, saying that “I was ill at a time and when I recovered from my illness, my husband refused to sleep with me, claiming I am a mad woman.

“He went and married another woman without my knowledge and when he later wanted to sleep with me, I refused.”

Security agents apprehend intruder at Lagos airport Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Security personnel of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have arrested an intruder who was sighted trying to climb into an Azman aircraft waiting for clearance for take-off from air traffic controllers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

According to the General Manager Public affairs FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, the pilot of the Azman aircraft with registration number 5N-HAI which was departing Lagos to Port Harcourt reported the incident which led to security officials responding swiftly and apprehending the intruder.

According to Yakubu, the intruder, a man has been apprehended and is in custody.

She explained that the aircraft was made to taxi back to the apron for a thorough check before departing for Port Harcourt, adding that investigation into the incident was on-going.

Okowa mourns as veteran journalist, Odafe Othihiwa dies at 77 Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (3rd left) with the member representing Enugu North Constituency, Hon. Ibekaku Onoh (2nd left); Chairman, Enugu North Local Government Area, Hon. Emma Onoh (left); the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs. Nkechi Eneh, and the Chairman, Amigbo Market Traders Association, Obiagu, Enugu, Mr. Emeka Nnajiofor Ogbodo (right), when the governor visited victims of fire incident at the market to empathise and assist them.

Wase condoles with Plateau over Jos building collapse Henry Omunu, Abuja Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, has condoled with the government and people of Plateau state over the loss of 14 lives as a result of a building collapse.

The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of July 15 at Delimi community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state leading to the death of the landlord and other occupants with four people said to be critically injured.

The deputy speaker also called for adequate measures aimed at

preventing a repeat of similar occurrence in the future.

Wase, who bemoaned the deaths recorded in the unfortunate incident, also described it as “one-too-many and happening at a time when the state and the country in general are seeking ways of keeping the citizens safe and secured.”

The deputy speaker also lamented a situation where citizens are dying from avoidable causes such as building collapse even in the face of ongoing executive and legislative efforts to regulate and reposition the building/ construction industry.

The deputy speaker is of the view that the best place to feel most safe is

within the four walls of a building, be it one’s house or office or a place of worship when it comes to safety issues.

He said for people to also experience death from unsafe structures due to avoidable negligence is unacceptable and most unfortunate, adding that government must seek ways of addressing such occurences.

While calling on relevant government agencies, both state and federal to salvage the situation by facilitating prompt intervention in the treatment and recuperation of the injured, the deputy speaker also prayed God for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives.

Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed sadness over the passing of veteran journalist, Sir Odafe Othihiwa, who died at 77 on July 16, 2019 in Lagos.

Okowa’s condolence was conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, in Asaba, wherein he condoled with the Othihiwa family of Igbide in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta state, the NUJ as well as the management and staff of African Independent Television (AIT) where the late Othihiwa served as general manager, current affairs.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta state, Gov. Okowa offers deepest condolences to Othihiwa’s family and friends, including the management of African Independent Television, where the late veteran newsman retired from as a general manager, current affairs.

“The governor also commiserates with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the people of Igbide Kingdom in Isoko nation, on the demise of one of the country’s iconic journalist who was the first African journalist to interview former US President, Jimmy Carter in 1978.

“Gov. Okowa believes that the late Othihiwa would be long remembered and honoured for his rich coverage of the Liberian civil war for many months as well as many national and international assignments,” he said adding that “he would also be remembered for the array of media professionals he trained and mentored on the ethics of the noble pen profession.

“As a veteran member of the fourth estate of the realm who was largely recognised and admired by colleagues as a consummate professional, the governor pays tribute to Othihiwa’s contributions to the development of journalism in the country.

“He prays that God will grant eternal rest to the soul of the departed Othihiwa and comfort his family and all who mourn him.’’

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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APC acted in error in suspending me, says Abdul-Kadir Tunde Opalana, Abuja The National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Inuwa Abdul - Kadir, has expressed shock over his suspension by the national working committee of the party.

He said the party’s leadership should have known that his purported expulsion by the Sokoto state executive committee of the party is a subject of litigation which the national working committee shouldn’t have dabbled into.

Abdul - Kadir explained that he did not ignore the party’s invitation, but was hamstrung by his compelling appearance at the court on the day he was invited.

In a statement on Friday, he said the decision of the APC national working committee upholding the disciplinary action by his ward and the state executive of the

party against him has been the subject matter of an action filed in suit SS/33/2019 pending at the Sokoto state High Court in which the party’s national chairman, the Sokoto state chairman are defendants and have entered appearances.

He said further that “it will be recalled that just last week, I made public my response to a telephone conversation in the evening of July 3 and an invitation letter I subsequently, received on July 10 from Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the APC deputy national chairman drawing his attention to my inability to appear before his committee on July 4 because at that time I was in Sokoto.

“And on the said appointed date, the suit which I filed before the Sokoto state High Court in respect of the said petition/ disciplinary action under reference was coming up and did counsel that the matter is sub-judice.

“Therefore, the proper thing to do is to keep the matter in abeyance. This, I assumed

will be respected by the purported meeting of the NWC or even under whatever guise in view of the same reason I gave earlier last week.

“I am still constrained to comment on the propriety of the purported meeting of the NWC and decision there from, but as a professional and responsible Nigerian citizen who is a stickler for the rule of law not rhetoric, I will keep my patience for justice to prevail notwithstanding that the wheel of justice grinds slowly, but certainly and surely.”

Assuring members of his loyalty to the party, he said “I would like to assure our members nationwide and other well -wishers who knew of my leadership credentials and repose confidence in me and elected me twice as the national vice chairman (North West) of the party that I will not be deterred in upholding the tenets of justice and fairness for public good either as a party executive or elsewhere.”

9 News

Short News Bauchi SDGs set to award 16 contracts in schools, health facilities Samuel Luka, Bauchi The office of the Bauchi state Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will award contracts for the execution of 16 projects in rural communities across the state.

Bauchi state Director General SDGs, Solomon Bakos disclosed this during the bid opening for pre-qualification of SDGs continental grants scheme projects which was attended by service providers and contractors in the state.

The 16 projects according to Bakos include, the comprehensive renovation of primary schools at Yalwa Practicing School in Bauchi Local Government, Tagwaje Primary School in Darazo Local Government, Central Primary School, Azare in Katagum Local Government and procurement of classroom furniture for Yalwa Practicing School, Bauchi and Central Primary School, Azare..

Also, he said that the projects also include the construction of primary health centres in Mansur village, Alkaleri Local Government; Dunkurmi village, Misau Local Government; Yadure village, Giade Local Government and rehabilitation of others in Dambam, Itas Gadau and Jama’are Local Government Areas.

Bakos said asides these projects, the scheme will intervene in the rehabilitation of solar powered boreholes in Malar village, Bogoro Local Government, and Sharfuri village, Kirfi Local Government and Mainuri village, Zaki Local Government.

The director general who assured that only the most qualified service providers would be considered and awarded the contracts, advised that if awarded any job, a contractor must deliver quality project in line with the contractual agreement.

FG seeks private sector collaboration in ending open defecation

L - R: Head Teacher, Christ The Redeemers Victor School, Mrs. Abosede Joseph, Kellog’s Uncle Coco, Ijesha Tedo, Winner, Mrs. Aisha Yahaya, Winner’s Mum, Mrs. Ajoke Yahaya, Marketing Manager Kellogg, Mr. Darlington Igbali, during presentation of Cash Scholarship to winner of the Kellogg’s Super Stars Essay Competition recently in Lagos.

Stakeholders call for more funding in aviation sector Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, Lagos Industry players have called on government to encourage investors to ensure the survival of the aviation sector by sinking funds into the system.

Chief Executive Officer Topbrass Aviation limited, Capt. Roland Iyayi and Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo made these known in separate submissions at the 23rd annual conference and award ceremony organized by the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) with the theme: “Boosting aviation investment through policy.”

Speaking during the panel discussion at the conference, Chief Operating Officer Dana Air, Mbanuzuo said investors need certainty to sink funds into the aviation sub- sector, further stating that they need to understand the thrust of government in terms of policy.

According to the Mbanuzuo, policy somersaults has been a major cog in the growth of the industry and has also deterred

investments as it makes investors wary, especially when there is no clear cut direction.

Mbanuzuo talked about his time with Virgin Nigeria and how a change of government wrecked the airline causing investors to pull out their funds. ” Someone comes in and puts a policy that might favour the industry and when he leaves another comes in and changes it all. Investors like certainty, people want to know what happens in two years time, in five years.

“Bringing in a new person should not mean the policy should change. Policies must be codified so no matter who comes in, he or she tows the path and continues instead of changing things around.”

Speaking on the same track, the Chief Executive Officer of Top Brass Aviation, Capt.

Roland Iyayi posited during an interview that to grow the aviation sub-sector, there has to be a deliberate and consistent policy geared towards ensuring that the airlines who are the primary players in the industry can actually survive.

According to him, most things happening were reactive and that policies were meant to

be proactive and predictive of situations with a view to addressing them when they arise.

He said that “essentially, what I said is that to grow aviation there has to be a deliberate and consistent policy geared towards ensuring that the airlines who are the primary players in the industry can actually survive. Unfortunately, like I said most of the things we do in the industry are borne out of knee jerk reactions.

Something happens, we react, rather than been proactive.

“When you put a policy framework in place, it is assumed to be proactive because you are looking at the issues and you are proffering solutions by way of articulating a chart of course that you want to chart, to say this is the part we are going to thread over the next number of years to be able to see that we can grow a particular segment or segments of the industry and stay consistent with it.

“Not to say we have done it for few weeks and then say it is not aligning with what we want, so we change it. If you have inconsistencies you can never see the benefits of any policy you put in place. And I think that is the major thrust of all I have said.

The federal government says that it is seeking collaboration with the private sector to key into the Clean Nigeria – use the toilet campaign to end open defecation by 2025.

Acting Coordinator of the Clean Nigeria campaign, Mrs. Chizoma Opara, a programme under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, made this known in an interview in Abuja.

Daily Times reports that statistics show that 47 million Nigerians practice open defecation, making the country second globally behind India which has the highest number of people involved in the practice.

However, India is set to be declared open defecation free

by October, which will make Nigeria the number one country involved in the unhealthy practice in the world.

Mrs. Opara said that the call to end open defecation has become necessary as all hands must be on deck to create the required awareness in the country, asserting that “we are expecting everybody to actually key into the campaign, the government cannot do it alone.

“Government will do its bit; our development partners also will give support to the campaign, likewise the private sector. We also need the private sector to key into it and one would ask how do they key in? We need to create awareness. The UNICEF has actually provided support, where we have been able to talk to one or two private people.”

According to her, the private sector forum will be considered for the exercise by being the ones taking the lead and talking to other private sector entities.

She said that water, sanitation and hygiene would be considered as corporate social responsibility under such arrangement with the provision of public toilets in schools and health institutions.

“We need them to key into this campaign; and that is the only way that Nigeria can actually work toward achieving the 2025 deadline of open defecation free,” she said.

NGO donates malaria drugs worth N524m to Jigawa

A non-governmental organisation, Malaria Consortium, has donated malaria drugs worth more than N524 million to the Jigawa state government to prevent the prevalence of the disease among children.

Coordinator, Malaria Control Programme in the state, Malam Bilya Haruna, made the disclosure in Dutse in an interview.

Haruna said the drugs would be distributed to the 27 local government areas for onward distribution to health facilities across the state and that the drugs would be given to children under five years in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

The coordinator added that adequate health personnel have been engaged to conduct a house-to-house distribution of the drugs in the 27 councils.

“These drugs were donated to Jigawa by an NGO called Malaria Consortium. We’ve received the first consignment of drugs containing 30, 960 cartons estimated to cost N155, 649, 600.

“We’re also expecting the delivery of another consignment containing 71, 684 cartons estimated to cost N369, 175, 800,” he said.

The coordinator, who commended the organisation for the gesture, pointed out that the drugs would go a long way in preventing and eliminating malaria among children in the state.

“As you are aware, we’re in the Sahel region and there used to be prevalence of mosquitoes, particularly during the four months of the rainy season.

“Therefore, the drugs will immensely help to prevent children between three and 59 months from contracting malaria during the peak period of malaria transmission, especially between July and October,” the coordinator added.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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FG unveils plans to build more VVF centres in Nigeria Samuel Luka, Bauchi

The National Programme Coordinator for Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ogunmayiwa Peters has said that plans are underway to build more VVF centres across the country so as to increase easy access to medical care by patients.

Mrs. Peters made the revelation while speaking to newsmen at the end of a one -month training programme for doctors and nurses on VVF surgery and management sponsored by the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Canadian government and the Federal Ministry of Health which held at the VVF Centre Ningi, Bauchi state.

The programme coordinator, who noted that over 150, 000 women across Nigeria suffer from VVF annually,

added that a proposal for more funding has also been forwarded with high hopes that it will soon be approved.

She called for more funding in order to address the high rate of VVF related issues across the country.

On his part, the training programme officer, Dr. Musa Elisha explained that the participants at the one -month training were drawn from Bauchi and Sokoto states.

“During the training, over 50 VVF patients were treated free of charge.

The free surgery and training was aimed at reducing the prevalence of VVF in the country which is at an alarming rate.

“The surgery on the 50 patients was also sponsored by the UNFPA in collaboration with the Canadian government and the Federal Ministry of Health,” Dr Elisha said.

According to him, besides the 150, 000 VVF cases nationwide, there is an

increase of 20, 000 new cases annually which he said, must be reduced urgently.

The training programme officer who said, despite the efforts being put in place, the number of new cases far exceeds the number of women being treated through corrective surgery which he said was a little over 4, 000, adding that the UNFPA is also addressing the underlying sociocultural factors that remain the major predisposing factor of VVF among women.

Chief Medical Director (CMD), VVF Centre, Ningi, Dr. Nasiru Ibrahim, disclosed that over 1, 000 patients have been treated at the centre in the last five years with an average of about 200 patients every year.

According to him, patients from other states and neighbouring countries also come to the centre for treatment.

Short News Man bails girlfriend arrested for biting his manhood in Lagos

The 20-year-old woman, Blessing John, who was arrested by the police for allegedly biting her boyfriend’s manhood, has been bailed by the same boyfriend.

Blessing was arrested on July 5 and detained at the Lagos state Criminal Intelligence Investigation Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos for biting her boyfriend’s manhood in a bid to escape alleged rape.

A police source at the SCIID disclosed that the boyfriend, simply identified as Johnson was discharged from hospital on July 15, after selling his property to pay his medical bill.

The source who preferred anonymity said that Johnson came to the SCIID immediately he left the hospital on the same day to bail his girlfriend, disclosing that “he came prophesying his love for Blessing, his girlfriend and requested to bail her with immediate effect, adding that he has no intention of taking her to court.

“Johnson disclosed that he also sold his mobile phone to get money for the hospital bill. He said he didn’t know when the doctor invited the police as he did not ask him to do so.

“He told us that he still loves her and signed an affidavit to get her released to him on bail.”

Blessing John was arrested for allegedly biting the manhood of her boyfriend, while allegedly trying to escape from being raped.

Upon her arrest, Blessing had confessed that she was in pain when she committed the act.

“Johnson is my boyfriend; he works as a hotel manager. We have been dating for six months and he promised to help me with my curriculum vitae when he asked me to meet him at his friend’s place at Surulere on July 5. I called him to confirm if he had his resume with him and he told me that I would just edit and add my personal information.

“He said he had it with him, so I proceeded to his place with the intention of getting the CV and leaving early, so that I can use it the next day. When I got to his friend’s place, we went to a bar around there, where he and his friend had a drink. They then asked me to go with them to their brother’s place, which I declined, saying I had to be home early.

“We all went home together, where his friend gathered some pieces of stuff and we saw him off, after which we returned to his place. When I asked him for the CV, he said he didn’t bring it and I told him I was leaving. He got angry and said why will I just come and go like that. So, I asked him what was the point in waiting, since I was not able to get what I came for.

Labour leader asks Obasanjo to shun partisan comments Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

L-R: Wife of former Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo; Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), The Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Humprey Bamisebi Olumakaiye and his Wife Prof. (Mrs.) Motunrayo Olumakaiye; at the Centenary Women’s Conference 2019 with the theme: ‘Stronger, deeper and higher’ in Lagos... on Friday.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

SMEs growth key to our Kwara development agenda - AbdulRazaq Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Kwara state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has pledged adequate support for the growth of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs), saying their success is key for the socioeconomic development of the state.

AbdulRazaq said his government will begin immediate intervention in the SMEs sector to boost youth empowerment and employment.

The governor disclosed this while speaking with newsmen shortly after he visited Bawbaw Fishery located at

Pampo, off Ogele-Afon Road in Asa Local Government Area of the state.

“I’m very impressed with what I have seen and the government will intervene in supporting agric-business in the state through the Anchor Borrower Scheme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“Our focal point is enterprise and we’ll get more youth involved. It is a win-win situation. We will support them so that they can also pay taxes to the government,” the governor said.

The governor, who assured the private sector of an enabling environment for business to thrive in the state, promised to support small

and large firms in expanding their businesses.

He urged the youth in the state to be enterprising in order to improve the economy.

While conducting the governor round the seven-hectare farm, its Chief Executive Officer, Musbau Alasinrin, described fishery as very lucrative in Nigeria.

Alasinrin explained that the farm embarks on earth systems due to its capacity to accommodate large quantity of fishes, saying that the farm supplies markets in Benue state and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Renowned labour leader, Comrade Issa Aremu, has advised former President Olusegun Obasanjo to remain a statesman and shun partisanship on issues affecting the corporate existence of the country.

Aremu gave this advice while speaking at an event he organised to mark the 10th Nelson Mandela Day in Ilorin, Kwara state with the theme: “Action against poverty.”

The former deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute his cabinet that should be composed of youth, women and technocrats among others.

He noted that the delay in the constitution of the federal cabinet has created fears among the citizenry, saying that Nigerians are expecting a new brand of cabinet members that would support President Buhari in driving the nation to economic prosperity.

Also speaking at the event, the National Chairman of Labour Party, Alhaji Abdulkadir Salam called on President Buhari to relieve all the service chiefs of their appointments with immediate effect.

This, he said has become necessary in order to reposition the country’s security system, adding that “insecurity in Nigeria today is frightening and very bad. I want to travel today; no flight and I can’t travel by road.

“In order to solve our problem of insecurity, President Buhari must sack all the service chiefs immediately because they are too old and they cannot perform.”

Woman, 73, docked for forging medical reports

A 73-year-old woman, Mariam Adeleye, who allegedly forged medical reports to deceive a court has arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Adeleye is to face trial on a three –count charge bordering on forgery. She however, pleaded not guilty.

Earlier, the prosecuting police officer, Inspector Oladele Adebayo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on February 29, 2016, at No. 1/3 Broad Street, Lagos Island.

He alleged that the defendant forged medical reports with reference numbers SUB/2016/12/5336, SUB/2016/12/5337, SUB/2016/12/5345 and several others dated February 29, 2016 and purportedly signed by an unknown Dr. S.O. Idowu.

He said that the defendant did so in a bid to deceive the court, adding that she tendered the forged documents in evidence before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, in Lagos.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 86, 365 and 370 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, O.O. Olatunji, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case until August 14 for substantive hearing.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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Amazing story of Mike Tyson’s marijuana empire Bonaventure Melah Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Iron Mike Tyson is creating a marijuana empire that would turn the herb into multimillion dollars business as well as make it a vital medicine for the healing of many aliments including depression, among others.

Tyson whose life career has spanned decades moving from boxing, acting and later, pop culture icon, seems to be set for the limelight once again, and this time, in a huge positive way.

According to a tip-off publication by The Blast which is being followed by Daily times of Nigeria, The man once known as Iron Mike for his capacity to destroy his boxing opponents in minutes has broken grounds on a 40-acre ranch in California which he said would become a cannabis resort for growers, users and enthusiasts of the drug.

Located in the Mojave Desert, some 110 miles north of Los Angeles and just a stone’s throw from Edwards Air Force base, Tyson Ranch will set aside 20 acres for marijuana cultivation by “master growers” to develop new strains, according to The Blast. It also plans to offer an “edibles factory,” an amphitheater and an upscale campground.

Tyson has been a cannabis advocate for years and is a big proponent of using cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD)) which has the same non-hallucinogenic properties as marijuana, to help veterans who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to the report, Tyson is not the only person looking to make a marijuana-themed destination for enthusiasts. Last year, American Green bought the town of Nipton, CA, and transformed the ghost town into a marijuana tourist destination, with plans to also use it as a production hub for cannabis-based products – including CBD-infused water. The company says it plans to spend $2.5 million in 2019 to build out the town.

Tyson said the marijuana resort is a place where clients can smoke freely and study about cannabis. According to him, the vision is to educate, enlighten and engage the public on the healing properties of marijuana and cannabis He said marijuana saved him when he was spiraling with severe substance abuse and so he founded his cannabis company in 2016 to make weed accessible.

Currently, Tyson sells an array of high grade strains and marijuana merchandise such as grinder and tray.

Mike Tyson is a retired boxer and former world heavyweight boxing champion, unarguably one of the most

ferocious fighters in the history of professional boxing. In 1986, at the age of 20, Tyson won the WBC title, making him the youngest heavyweight champion ever. The following year, Tyson won the WBA and IBF titles making him the first heavyweight champion to hold all 3 titles at the same time.

Tyson had the strength of a bull, his blows came very quickly and his defensive abilities were unmatched. His aggressive behaviour in and out of the ring, coupled with his ability to finish off his opponents in just one round, earned Tyson the nickname “Iron Man”.

Mike Tyson’s winning streak lasted till 1990 when he lost the belts to an underdog Buster Douglas. In 1992, he was sent to jail after being convicted of rape. After a 3-year stint in jail, Tyson promptly returned to the ring and made several efforts to get back to the top.

Tyson is also infamous for biting off the ear of his opponent Evander Holyfield during a high-profile match in 1997. The former heavyweight champion was disqualified for the bizarre act, fined very heavily and equally had his license revoked.

Controversial as his career was, Mike Tyson is still adjudged as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers ever. In 2011, he was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. Upon retirement, Tyson ventured into showbiz and also launched his own clothing line. His acting career boasts such blockbusters as The Hangover.

Mike Tyson was born Michael Gerard Tyson on June 30, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Jimmy Kirkpatrick and Lorna Tyson. Tyson was raised by his mother after his father abandoned them. Due to scarce resources, Tyson’s mother was forced to move to Brownsville, a rough Brooklyn neighbourhood with a high crime rate.

As a young boy, Mike Tyson had a small frame and was an easy target for bullies. To defend himself, the young Tyson developed into a notorious street fighter. He was recruited into a criminal gang at the age of 7. He dropped out of high school as a junior and by age 13, he had been locked up more than 30 times.

However, his outstanding fighting skills were spotted during one of his spells at a juvenile detention centre by former boxer Bobby Stewart.

As a teenager, Tyson won the gold medals at the 1981 and 1982 Junior Olympics, a precedence for what was to become of the fiery boxer. He made his professional debut in 1985 and a year later (1986), he was crowned the heavyweight champion of the world.

The following year, Tyson successfully defended his heavyweight title against James Smith which also earned him the

Tyson World Boxing Association (WBA) title. In the same year (1987), Tyson claimed the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title from Tony Tucker making him the first boxing champion to hold all 3 major boxing belts simultaneously.

Mike Tyson maintained his winning streak until February 11, 1990, when he was defeated by underdog Buster Douglas. After he lost his titles, things seemed to go south for the former champion.

In March 1992, Tyson was found guilty of rape and was sentenced to 6 years in jail. However, he was released after serving only 3 years.

Upon his release, Tyson immediately got back to the ring in a bid to reclaim his place as a boxing champion. On November 9, 1996, after a series of successful fights, Tyson went head-to-head against the reigning heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield. Tyson was defeated via a knockout in the 11th round. However, Tyson cried foul claiming that Holyfield had illegally head-butted him several times during the match. He threatened to pay Holyfield back in his own coin.

Tyson booked a rematch with Holyfield on June 28, 1997. The rematch was a high profile fight which attracted a record number of viewers worldwide.

However, the viewers and match officials got more than they bargained when things went awry in the 3rd round of the fight. In a bizarre turn of events,

Mike Tyson grabbed his opponent’s head and bit off a piece of his right ear.

That unprecedented move got Tyson disqualified from the match, followed by a myriad of other sanctions by the boxing associations. On July 9, 1997, Mike Tyson had his boxing license revoked and was slammed with a fine of $3 million. He made efforts to regain his license while his personal life was also in turmoil.

He had a bit of luck in October 1998 when his license was reinstated. Tyson quickly set out to get back to his winning ways but without success.

From the time he got back his license until the end of the millennium Tyson was trailed with numerous allegations of violence and sexual misconduct.

In 2000, things seemed to come to a head for Tyson after he failed a random drug test. The last high profile match of Tyson’s career was against British boxer Lennox Lewis. He lost the match by a knockout and that signaled the beginning of the end for the former undisputed champion. In the following years, Tyson suffered a series of more defeats and in 2005 he decided to hang up his gloves.

Since after retirement, Tyson has engaged in several ventures to reinvent himself. He went on an exhibition tour in 2006 and featured in the 2009 comedy film The Hangover alongside Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis.

Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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Singer Kayode releases new song, ‘Bela’ One popular quote is, “Never Retire, but re-fire until you acquire your entire desires which you admire”. This is what Kayode has infused in this great tune he titled Bela’ ft Zahzah produced by Glasper Beat. .

Bella was recorded from Kayode’s Rebranded Record Label “Bubbles Entertainment, in Johannesburg, SA alongside with Zahzah, and a sleek video to water your thirst was shot to make this whole package a full option toh bah Kayode, fondly called KAY , is the only signed artiste with bubbles at the

moment , he is a product of OAU ile Ife , as a certified Director of Socials of the Students Union , a socialite , a great dancer and lover of great tunes Kayode is however inspired by great sounds by artistes that includes Tubaba, Sunny Ade, Late Dagrin , Wizkid amongst others Speaking on how he started music, Kayode note that he fell in love with music as a child because all the family members were in the church choirs except my mom. “Imagine how chorus session during morning devotion used to be melodious. Music has been in the system,” he added.

Zenith Bank unveils ‘Style by Zenith 2.0’

Who leaves the BBNaija house tomorrow?

With another eviction night tomorrow, it is uncertain who will likely leave the Big Brother Naija House again following the evictions of Avala, Isilomo, Ella and Kimporah in past weeks. As usual Biggie might up his game by ending the journey of either one or two of the housemates in tomorrow’s live show that has Tacha, Seyi, Mike, Frodd and Tuoyo as housemates possible for

eviction.

Mike and Frodd had six nominations each while Seyi and Tuoyo had five nominations and Tacha had four nominations.

However in an eventful week at the biggie house, one of the most interesting moments this week was the Pepsi Challenge ‘Know Da Lyrics, as housemates give their best as they tried to win the task with Jackye taking home

the coveted prize of One Million Naira.

The first song of the day was Wizkid’s ‘Fever’ which was performed by the housemates. At the end of the song, Biggie praised some of the housemates for their excellent performance.

However, some of the housemates got disqualified from the task, for singing the lines that weren’t meant for them.

CANAL+ Group acquires ROK Stories Mutiat Alli ROK, the leading African film studio and international TV network, has been acquired by CANAL+ Group, comprising production, content distribution and publishing channels. As part of the transaction, IROKO Ltd will also take full control of the JV IROKO+, the #1 SVOD platforms in French-speaking Africa. The move comes as CANAL+ Group looks to strengthen its content production reach in Nigeria and across Africa.

As part of the acquisition, ROK founder, Mary Njoku, will continue in a leadership role as Director General of ROK Productions SAS, and maintains a material shareholding in the company.

ROK will produce thousands more hours of Nollywood content to deliver movies and original TV series for CANAL+ Group’s audiences in FSA. As part of the acquisition, CANAL+ Group will continue to collaborate with

Mary Njoku IROKO Ltd, with non-exclusive content distribution of ROK content via the IROKOtv SVOD app.

ROK was incubated from 2013 onwards, by IROKO Ltd, the leading African digital content distributor for Nollywood content, whose flagship platform IROKOtv

has transformed how Nollywood content is accessed and consumed around the world.

Speaking on the acquisition, Mary Njoku says, “ROK has captured the imagination of millions of movie fans, and they have truly supported us as we’ve grown the company to celebrate and enjoy our African culture. I’m excited to be taking our platform on the next stage of its journey with CANAL+ Group, who share our passion for creating original content, supporting new talent and together, we have ambitious plans for the future.”

Jacques du PUY, CEO of CANAL+ International says, “Through this acquisition CANAL+ Group is very happy to develop and enhance the catalogue of Nollywood contents and expands the ROK brand inside and outside the African continent” In Africa alone, ROK has produced over 540 movies and 25 original TV series, making ROK one of the most prolific production houses in Nollywood.

Following the success of the maiden edition, foremost multinational financial services provider, Zenith Bank Plc has announced the launch of “Style by Zenith 2.0”, the second edition of its flagship lifestyle fair dedicated to intentionally celebrating the ‘small’ things that make ‘big’ differences in our lives.

First launched in 2018, the “Style by Zenith” initiative was created with the objective of supporting and creating value for customers by focusing on various aspects of their lifestyle.

This year, “Style by Zenith 2.0” takes things up a notch with the theme, “Style the Life you Desire”, aimed at encouraging Nigerians to live their best lives and be extraordinary. The platform seeks to inspire people to be authentic, while showing them that with ordinary talent and extraordinary effort they can thrive and make a real change in this world.

Speaking on the rationale behind “Style

by Zenith 2.0”, the Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc., Dr. Temitope Fasoranti said that, “Banking, for Zenith Bank means going that extra mile to be present in the lives of our customers. Driven by a culture of excellence and providing cutting edge solutions, the bank is championing this cause to enable individuals and businesses to grow wealth.”

He added that “Beyond providing financial solutions, Zenith Bank Plc seeks to be a reliable partner to her customers, ensuring that they excel on every front. With “Style by Zenith 2.0”, the bank continues in her commitment to empowering individuals and entrepreneurs by celebrating real talents. We will be helping people do what they know how to do best and repositioning them for greater levels of success in their various endeavors.”

This year’s program includes an interesting line up of activities all culminating in the 3-day Lifestyle Fair taking place at the end of 2019. Kicking off the array of activities is the “Style by Zenith 2.0” Fitness Walks being held in conjunction with Mass Medical Missions, a non-profit

organization, and Venus Medicare Ltd, a leading Health Management Organisation in the country.

The Fitness Walk will serve as a platform to promote Mission Pink Cruise – a project of Mass Medical Missions supported by Zenith Bank, aimed at taking holistic cancer prevention and health promotion to various communities across the country using Mobile Cancer Centres (MCC) nicknamed Pink Cruises, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Scheduled to hold in August, these Fitness Walks and Cancer Screening exercises will hold in five cities across Nigeria – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Onitsha. Interested individuals are invited to register their participation by visiting the Zenith Bank website at www. zenithbank.com/style.

Aside the fitness walks across the country, there are a lot of activities such as conferences, online engagements, and a special event for models that builds on the masterclass held last year, not forgetting the special play arcade and activities designed for children at the fair. The variety of events and activities lined up also come with free medical check-ups like free eye, dental and cancer tests, amongst other special promotions both online and at the events leading to the final crescendo which is the 3-Day Lifestyle Fair.

With initiatives such as these and many more to come, “Style by Zenith 2.0” promises to offer an all-encompassing experience touching on key aspects of the lifestyle of Zenith customers and the public.

The “Style by Zenith 2.0” platform is also a testament to the priority given to SMEs and the retail segment of the market by the bank. Together with her various partners, Zenith Bank will be laying the foundation for a future where individuals and SMEs can live up to their full potentials.

Fashion One, the leading global fashion and lifestyle channel will once again be working with Zenith Bank on the “Style

by Zenith 2.0” initiative.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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Society Gist Ko Jamal speaks on taking Nigerian music global Nigerian singer and songwriter, Osarieme John Ezomo, also known as KO Jamal, has revealed his quest to take the Nigerian music to rest of the world.

Jamal, who recently showed his singing skills by jumping on Adele “Hello cover,” also spoke on his genre of music, when asked as an artiste in a very competitive industry like Nigeria, how he hopes to carve a niche for himself.

“Every artiste and music has his/ her own crowd. My plan is to stay unique and make universal music and win competitively by winning more fans to give me a stance”.

On what influenced his writing and his genre of music, he said: “The environment and people around me, also things currently going on around my life and society. My kind of sound is has more of the Afro fusion, dancehall delivery”.

Ko Jamal started his music career

in 2010 as an underground singer and alongside his producer, Kodi, they formed a group called KO & KODI. The group lasted for a year before they went solo due to their educational pursuit. In 2015, KO & KODI linked up again and came up with an in-house studio, KODI which became his official producer and they started making great music. KO Jamal made a comeback after releasing the critical acclaim song “THE LINK UP”. He further released Stripper with great visuals (2018) and followed up with few singles like Nurse, Temptation and other collaborations with various artistes. Early this year, the CEO of Ko Jamal Entertainment, released a song, “Success” and a follow-up video, which has gained massive airplay across the country and outside. He is currently working on various music projects to be released later in the year.

Prophet Fabiyi

Prophet Fabiyi’s message to the nation Isaac Oguntoye Prophet M. S Fabiyi, popularly known as Baba Possibility, the Founder and the spiritual head Celestial Church of Christ, Okiki Imoleayo Cathedral, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity to conquer the incessant crisis of killing that has been claiming lives within the country.

He made this clarion call recently in an exclusive interview where he advised the citizen to maintain good deed as the year promised to be a vengeance for all good and evil deeds.

According to Prophet Fabiyi, what is happening within the country is beyond religious killing.

He said: “I think we’re not been fair if we personalised the killing in Nigeria. The attack in Nigeria needs the intervention of God. We don’t have to personalised the killing because if we do, we’re creating another avenue to break this country. What we suppose to be after is how to stop the killing not

blaming one religion or the other.

“Early this year, God revealed some revelations to me. In that vision, he said there will be natural disasters such as flood and fire outbreak. And we need to be prayerful, self-cautious with all electrical appliances that are been plug.

We should make sure we unplug them when leaving our homes and offices.”

“I see someone intentionally ignite fire into home, filling stations and markets.”

He also said some influential people will be missing this year and will never be found.

The man of God who also predicted President Buhari’s victory early this year said three men of God that are highly influential will die.

“Men of God should be prayerful concerning this. And the secret of false men of God that prophecies falsely will be exposed, with their demonic powers.”

“God also revealed to me that two airplane crashes will occur as a result of carelessness,” he stated.

In another prophecy, the spirit-filled

prophet revealed that the executive arms of the government will betray the nation, but their act will be exposed “An influential politician in APC will die. The secret of many corrupt politicians will be exposed this year.”

Prophet Fabiyi also warned, amongst other messages that we should pray not to lose an ex-president which will cause a heart pain for the citizens “Lets pray for all our leaders. Flood and fire will occur between September and November, let’s be prayerful.

Also the man of God predicted the controversial issue surrounding the 2019 general election but insisted Buhari will remain the president.”

Meanwhile, for sometimes now, Christian leaders most especially the Christian Association of Nigeria and top pastors within the country have organised prayers, vigil and holy ghost night to pray against the incessant crisis befallen the country over the years.

In fact, some have prophesied on how to curb, manage the killings in different part of the country.

Temitope Mauchs’ Spa Hub Temitope Mauch by her pedigree, many will readily agree that whatever she lays her hands on must come out with finesse and class. That exactly was the statement she made over the weekend when she threw open her new outfit, LA’TOPBEE Royal Spa & Salon inside upscale Omole Estate Phase 1 axis of Lagos. The German-based mother of three is right now giving others in the lounge and spa business a big run for their money. For those who witnessed the opening ofLA’TOPBEE have not ceased talking about the alluring beauty and the many sophisticated services the outfit boasts of, not forgetting the serene and audacious location of the new beauty and health parlour. Alhaji Pasuma Alabi led the gathering of well-wishers that grace the opening of the multi-million beauty

house including her mom, dad, friends and family were on hand to share with her in the opening of the spa, which will very soon be a Mecca of sorts for those wishing to have a bite of what HER NAME and her very courteous staff has to offer. Meanwhile, her outfit, which ranks as one of the best in the vicinity, provides diverse beauty and health services, such as manicure, pedicure, beauty therapy, aromatherapy, body polish and other body treatments that bear semblance to preventive health and beauty enhancement. In her submission, there is no better way to living healthy and longer than availing spa therapy. And its immediate and cumulative effects cannot be denied. All these you stand to get at affordable charges at LA’TOPBEE Spa & Salon.

Temitope Mauch during the official opening of the spa

Ko Jamal

Steve Ayorinde honoured January 9 Collective, a social cultural group of professionals from various fields, on the 9th of July, 2019, hosted Steve Ayorinde, the former Lagos State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism to a lavish dinner at La’Mango, GRA, Ikeja, The dinner billed to celebrate him and his achievements as commissioner of information and later commissioner for culture and tourism during the Akinwunmi Ambode tenure as governor of Lagos State, coincided with his birthday, making it a double celebration.

According to the captain of J9C, Mr. Akin Adeoya, “Steve performed incredibly well in his various endeavours during the last administration, and we have to thank him for his dedication to service of our dear state and for representing us well.

Steve, who attended in the company of

Steve Ayorinde flanked by friends his wife, felt highly honoured and was full of thanks to J9C members and friends.

Mixed Grill 14

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The Narcos 19 label unveils new acts As part of helping in the growing entertainment industry, Fast rising outfit, The Narcos19 record label has unveiled its first sets of two budding artists Aviel Kingz and P Ray to the industry.

The label which prides itself as a selfless organization that has modeled its operations as collaborative and innovative such that artistes and management can both contribute towards success that is mutually beneficial for all its team members.

Elijah Mbadiwe-Odum popularly known as Aviel Kingz is an Alte/Afro Trap recording artist who has been working on his debut EP and would be dropping singles before the end of the year while P Ray on the other

hand just released his single titled Ire featuring Alapomeji crooner, 9ice is also set to give us more good tunes before the end of the year.

On what makes them difference compared to other budding artists in the industry; both signees disclosed that their distinctive sound and quality of materials set them apart as they are bringing a change to the industry at large.

However, as a youthful and creative record label, the management embraces and utilizes the advantages of cutting-edge innovations without discarding the invaluable knowledge gained from industry veterans to help promote its artists and attain success.

Teni, Rema, Fireboy, others thrill fans at Nigeria’s first-ever prom concert ‘Afroprom’ The Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria recorded a milestone on Sunday, July 14, 2019, with the successful staging of Nigeria’s first-ever Afrocentric Prom night.

Tagged “Afroprom,” the night was lit up by performances from Teni, Rema, Joeboy and Fireboy among others.

Organized by J. Vanni Global, the event, which had been highly anticipated since it was announced in May saw thousands of students listing their expectations for the night on social media, as they waited breathlessly for a historic event at one of Nigeria’s most iconic venues.

Speaking on getting students from over 100 secondary schools to attend, Assistant Creative Director and Road Manager, J. Vanni Global, Adebisi Odubela said: “We had to visit every school

because we wanted these teens to know that we were serious about creating a platform for them.”

In addition to music performances from Teni, Fireboy, Rema, Joeboy, Flash on the night, the crowd was also treated to comedy from ace comedian Ushbebe, alongside electric dance renditions by celebrity dance group Dream Catchers, and Don Flex & the Extigate team.

Apart from entertainment, the audience also listened to inspirational speeches from popular musician-turned politician Banky W, multi-award winning media personality and Red Media co-founder, Debola Williams, as well as Bada Akintunde Johnson, country manager of Viacom International Media Networks Africa.

Also speaking at the event was Mrs Adebimpe Ihekuna, Group Head, Products & Markets

Development Group, Polaris Bank Limited, who addressed the teaming audience on seven important keys required to drive unimaginable success: characteristics common with the bank.

The noticeably vocal and excited audience then took in the spectacle of the crowning ceremony for the maiden prom King & Queen, who were each voted in by the audience from a shortlist of three, which was selected from hundreds of entries.

Master Ogbole Kenneth, a recent graduate of St Gloria’s college, Ikeja and Miss Okonkwo Angela of Apex brilliant academy, Alimosho, emerged winners of the maiden prom King & Queen crowns respectively.

In addition to their star prizes, the prom King & Queen will also enjoy an exclusive lunch with a celebrity act next weekend.

New book, ‘The Power of Your Choice’ launched in Lagos Stories Mutiat Alli The motivational literature genre in Nigeria has welcomed a new entrant, ‘The Power of Your Choice’, written by Evangelist Olamilekan Adefolarin of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, (MFM) Lagos.

During the official presentation of the book, which held in Lagos, last week, Adefolarin, the author explained: “Through the help of God, I made the right choice in my academic pursuits, because throughout my programme, God was with me and I experienced divine favours; and God made me pass out with a very good grade in my department. My Evangelist Olamilekan Adefolarin experiences gave me insight to write ‘The Power of Your published this year, 2019. This Choice’. I started the project book will help and guide many since 2010 but by the help of God people from all walks of life: through my father in the Lord, children, teenagers, youths and Dr. D.K Olukoya the book was parents of our present generation

to make the best profitable choices in areas like- academics, career path, business, marriage, acquiring wealth, living and parenting. The sole aim is to transform lives and the society at the long run”.

The Power of Your Choice’, a product of five years of research, accumulated from theological studies laced with personal and second-hand experiences, has chapters such as: ‘The Power of Choice’, ‘The Origin of Wrong Choices’, ‘Biblical Examples of People Who Made Wrong Choices’, ‘Why People Make Wrong Choices’ to ‘Dangers of Wrong Choices’ amongst others, and had the author elucidating the need to adopt life-changing principles in order to attain one’s dreams in life.

‘The Power of Your Choice’, according to Adefolarin is one in the series of motivational books that will be coming from him.

P Ray &Aviel Kingz

Funke Akindele announces ‘Clean Naija National Handwash Challenge’ Funke Akindele-Bello was recently hosted on the popular Silverbird TV breakfast show, ‘Today on STV’, where she discussed her career, motherhood and her CSR work on promoting hygiene and good health in Nigeria through Dettol’s Clean Naija Initiative. The Jenifa star also spoke on the need for better general health practices including daily hand hygiene as this singular act can prevent illnesses like diarrhea, making families and communities healthier and happier.

The Clean Naija initiative, which was created to achieve a cleaner nation through the continuous habit of proper handwashing and personal hygiene, has so far, through mass awareness, social education and provision of infrastructure for proper hand hygiene habits has been

Funke Akindele Bello

achieving its mandate so far.

When asked what her partnership with Dettol means for Nigerians, Funke Akindele said, “Our goal is to get 20 million clean hands by the end of year 2020, and as such, I’d personally champion the promotion of proper personal hygiene in Nigeria. This is possible because, Dettol has products such as the antiseptic liquid, the antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer which will be instrumental to the achievement of our mandate.”

She rounded up her time on the show by announcing the start of the National Handwash Challenge which is a social campaign that will help raise the consciousness of Handwashing amongst active Nigerians.

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Interview

Why a lot of musicians fail - Oyinkanade He was the cynosure of the eyes when he came 4th at the season 5 edition of the MTN Project West Africa where he displayed his unique skills in singing and stage performance. Born Oyinkasade Dare Akande, he is one of Nigeria’s popular RNB artiste whose distinctive style of music differs him from others. Known for his fusion of Yoruba and English in his music, Oyinkanade is not leaving any stone unturned towards becoming a better performer and entertainer. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, he tells us more about his music, plans for the year, work, and other sundry issues.

With your experience as an artiste that broke from the norm, why do you think musicians fail?

I think basically a lot of musicians out there fail because a lot of them don’t really discover themselves, Secondly it’s either you talented or not you can’t force it, you don’t have to do it because a few friends do it.

Lastly the team is everything.

Lot of musicians don’t have the right team, who can go the extra mile for them, correct them when they are going wrong and impact in their music. It’s crazy, I have worked with a lot of people in the past and I think it opened my eyes to the fact that the team you have can either make or kill the artiste.

When you started this professionally after the music reality TV show, how did you carve a niche for yourself and what were the goals you had set for yourself at that time?

After the reality TV show, I put into work all the things I learnt at the academy because it was there I learnt I could do Fuji easily with a blend of my RnB, blending both genres together defined who Oyinkanade was.

My goals basically were Global Domination. I think to a point we have been able to cut across, it has not been easy, but I thank God. Did you have a weakness at that time that stared at you in the face when you kicked off?

It’s normal for a human being to have weakness, you can’t be 100 percent but for me at that time when I started was self confidence which I have outgrown right now.

You mentioned the fact that you are a song writer and how long does it take you to come up with a song?

Yes I write songs, it’s very easy

for me to write songs now. I could just hear the beat and I create something instantly, I trained myself like that because it makes you versatile as a musician and more importantly I think it’s also not a bad idea if musicians get song writers to write for them.

Tell us a few things about Oyinkanade that a lot of people don’t know?

I studied Music as a course at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, I am a political scientist, I can play football very well, but man’s gotta shed off this weight lol, I have a good sense of humor and I can practically make people laugh with ease.

Were there any other professions you were thinking of pursuing in, or were this like your childhood dream?

It has always been music but sometimes I often thought about two being a politician or a footballer. I was confused but I think football was the way, I remember how much I loved soccer then. But obviously if I wasn’t an artiste or a musician I would be doing any of those.

Let’s say you become a politician tomorrow what impact would you make?

It depends on the mandate or power I have, honestly, I would like to ensure that various sectors in country actually walk the talk.

It’s one thing for you to say, it’s another one for you to do, basically it’s not like the other countries a lot of people visit don’t have issues too but the system works, if I walk the talk, then system should function too.

What standard or criteria does someone out there who wants or you want to work with meet?

A good sound, Once the sound is right, Holla at me, I will jump on it and kill it.

Oyinkanade

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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Investors anticipate Zenith Bank, GTBank, 2 others H1 interim dividend payout Temitope Adebayo Shareholders on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) are anxiously awaiting Guaranty Trust Bank plc (GTBank), Zenith Bank plc, United Bank for Africa plc (UBA) and Access Bank plc half year ended June 30, 2019 interim dividend payout.

In the prior half-year ended June 30, 2018, the likes of GTBank and Zenith Bank had declared N0.30 interim dividend respectively.

The other two leading banks, UBA and Access Bank declared N0.20 and N0.25 interim dividend respectively.

According to NSE, listed companies are expected to submit H1 unaudited results on/ or before June 30, 2019.

For late filing of accounts, companies are expected to notify the bourse reason behind late filing or face monetary sanctions or suspension from trading if notice was not communicated.

In his reaction, a stockbroker, Mr Ekundayo, said that impressive performance by these commercial banks always have positive sentiment trading on The Exchange.

He maintained that investors are awaiting interim dividend payout by these commercial banks, stressing that these commercial banks are major drivers in the equities market.

A check by Nigerian NewsDirect revealed that UBA submitted its H1 audit results on July 2nd 2018, to become the first commercial banks to among the four to comply to NSE listing rules in H1 2019.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc had submitted its H1 2018 audited H1 accounts on August 8th 2018 while Access Bank submitted on August 29th 2018.

However, the above commercial banks have written to the Exchange latest about H1 results filing, disclosing that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has to approve the accounts and management finetune interim dividend payment to shareholders.

Zenith Bank in a statement signed by the company Secretary/General Counsel, Mr Michael Otu, said “ in line with listing regulations for the NSE for quoted companies, Zenith Bank hereby informs you that the board of directors of the Bank is scheduled to meet on July 23, 2019, to consider the Group’s Audited Interim Financial Statements for the half-year ended June 30, 2019. The meeting will also consider amongst others, the proposal for a recommendation of interim dividend for shareholders.

Please note that we are required to forward the Audited Interim Accounts and Financial Statements to the CBN for approval, prior to the release of the results on the floor of the NSE. We hereby notify you of the decisions reached after the approval of the CBN is obtained.”

The company secretary of Access Bank, Mr Sunday Ekwochi in a statement said, “This is to inform the NSE that a meeting of the Board of Directors of Access has been scheduled for Friday, July 26, 2019, to consider and approve the company’s Audited Interim Financial Statements for the half-year ended on June 30, 2019. The payment of an interim dividend may also be considered at the meeting.

The audited accounts will be submitted to CBN for approval before releasing on the floor of the NSE. The company has also declared a closed period in respect of transaction on its securities from July 6, 2019, to such date as will be subsequently announced (both days inclusive) in compliance with the listing rules of NSE.

L-R: Bola Adeeko, Divisional Head, Shared Services, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Stephanie Platz, Managing Director, MacArthur Foundation; Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Julie Katzman, Board Member, MacArthur Foundation; Dr. Funmi Olopade, Board Member, MacArthur Foundation; Amina Salihu, Senior Program Officer, MacArthur Foundation; Kole Shettima, Director, Africa Office, MacArthur Foundation; Yvonne Darkwa Poku, Senior Program Officer, MacArthur Foundation and Erin Sines, Co-Director, MacArthur Foundation during MacArthur Foundation courtesy visit to The Exchange to discuss issues around the Nigerian Economy and sound the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange on Friday.

How currency in circulation declined by 4.6% to N2.01trn in June Motolani Oseni Due to increased mop-up of access liquidity currency in circulation has declined by 4.6 per cent to N2.01 trillion in June, against N2.11 trillion in May and N2.16trillion reported on April 2019, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed.

The apex bank on its official website stated that the currency in circulation for March stood at N2.15trillion, while N2.24trillion which was the highest recorded during the year in February.

Although, finance experts had attributed the February figure to the political spending towards March 2019 general election.

However, checks by The Daily Times

showed that currency in circulation started this year at N2.14 trillion after closing December 2018 at N2.33 trillion.

Commenting on this development, finance experts expressed that the CBN’s cashless policy has not to yield must results, blaming it on infrastructure and stakeholders goodwill power to curb politicians carrying cash during or after elections.

The CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele in his five-year policy thrust (2019-2024), said the apex bank will reinvigorate its efforts at driving the cashless initiative across the country, due to the immense efficiency gains that will be derived from it, and the impact it could have on the financial inclusion drive.

According to him, “Given Nigeria’s large size, and the cost involved in building

bank branches across the country, the payment department would support the spread and utilization of digital modes of transactions, so that every Nigerians will have access to financial services.

“A strong emphasis will also be placed on improving the speed and efficiency of payments channels while working to ensure that digital channels are safe and secure. This will help to build confidence in our nation’s payment system.

“In order to improve the utilization rate, we will continue to ensure that payment channels are interoperable, which will enable individuals with digital devices to transact across different banks or payment modes.

“Through measures such as the cashless initiative, USSD, mobile banking agent networks and Payments Service

Banks, Nigerians can expect to see significant improvement in the payment system infrastructure over the next five years.

“We will also work with NIBSS, Banks and FinTechs in developing a regulatory sandbox, This sandbox will enable us to test financial innovations by FinTechs and Banks in a controlled environment, in order to assess its impact on the growth and safety of our financial system.

Naira notes and coins are printed/ minted by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM) Plc and other overseas printing/minting companies and issued by the CBN. At the currency printing works of the NSPM Plc, quality is meticulously controlled throughout every process of currency production.

FG to borrow N145bn through bonds auction next week – DMO Ladesope Ladelokun The Debt Management Office (DMO) says that the federal government has offered for the subscription of N145 billion worth of bonds in its July 24 auction.

The offer circular obtained from its official website stated that it would sell N40 billions of a five-year re-opening issue maturing in April 2023 at 12.75 per cent.

It would also sell N50 billion 10 years reopening bond to mature in April 2029 at 14.55 per cent, and another N55 billion 30 years re-

opening at 14.80 per cent to mature in April 2049.

According to DMO, units of sale is N1, 000 per unit, subject to a minimum subscription of N50 million and in multiples of N1, 000 thereafter.

The DMO explained that the July bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the

Nigerian Government, with interest payable semi-annually to bondholders, while bullet repayment would be made on maturity date.

Nigeria issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issuance and fund its budget deficit.

ANOH gas project to boost domestic gas supply – Seplat CEO Michael Ajayi The Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Mr Austin Avuru has stated that the Assa North-Ohaji South (ANOH) gas processing project will boost Nigeria’s domestic gas supply significantly.

He made this statement at the 2019 Capital Markets Day at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), held recently in Lagos while giving a presentation on the company’s gas business to investors, sector and financial analysts.

Avuru said the market’s gas price remains strong and the long-term outlook for gas in Nigeria and the regional market remain strong.

The ANOH gas processing project is managed by Anoh Gas Processing Company (AGPC), an incorporated joint venture (IJV) between Seplat and the Nigerian Gas Company.

AGPC seeks to develop a 300 Mscfd midstream plant on OML 53 to process future wet gas production from the upstream unit.

Avuru noted that the ANOH gas processing plant will be the first stand-alone midstream joint venture business between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a company in the private sector.

According to him, Seplat aims to be the largest supplier of gas to the domestic market with the ANOH project.

“By the time we commission the ANOH

project, we will be able to produce 850 Mscfd.

“Overall, the gas business was not attractive in 2010 and some years after. Seplat, however, took a conscious decision to invest in the gas business upon the price of gas inching up as ‘willing buyer willing seller’ commercial terms became possible.

“The company is uniquely situated within the existing gas pipeline network and therefore leveraged on this to significantly expand its Oben gas plant. The revenue from the expanded Oben gas plant has been impressive motivating the company to seek further investment in gas”, he said.

He also clarified that the company’s gas is for the the domestic market, quipping that Nigeria has a notable population which is

projected to continue to grow to 450 million people by 2050.

He noted that “Seplat has strategically positioned itself ahead of that opportunity and with projected demand for gas and improved fiscal the regime, there is a compelling case for gas.

“Displacing diesel in Nigeria’s environment is a priority for the company.

Currently, Seplat gas accounts for 30 to 35 per cent of the power generated and the company is determined to continue the lead in this area.”

“For Seplat, our gas business is a national project. As a result, facilitating gas to power and gas to the industry have become critical for the company”, he added.

Business Times 17

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NDDC pledges to restore schools in N’Delta region Michael Ajayi

L–R: Ige Olorunsogo, Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS); Charles I. Ojo, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc; Ugochi Obi, Head, X-Academy, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Akin Oyegoke, Managing Consultant, Johan Consults Ltd during an X-Academy & Johan Consults training on GDPR & NDPR Masterclass, which held at the Exchange in Lagos…on Friday.

United Capital posts 17% drop in PBT for H12019 Motolani Oseni United Capital Plc has reported 17 per cent decline in unaudited Half year (H1) ended June 30, 2019 result and accounts released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday.

The company’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) dropped to N1.99 billion in H1 2019 from N2.39 billion in H1 2018 despite reporting 16 per cent decline in Operating expenses to N1.26 billion compared to N1.49 billion in H1 2018.

The company also suffered 17 per cent decline in revenue to N3.24 billion in H1 2019 from N3.88 billion in H1 2018, while Operating income dropped by nine per cent to N2.82 billion in H1 2019 from N3.10 billion in H1 2018.

Statement of financial position showed

United Capital’s total assets dropping by five per cent to N141.30 billion as at June 30, 2019 from N148.70billion reported in 2018 financial year result and accounts.

Total liabilities dropped by six per cent to N124.97billion in H1 2019, compared to N132.86billion as at 2018 while shareholders’ fund grew by three per cent to N16.33 billion compared to N15.83billion as at 2018 financial year results.

Investment income saw a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in Q2 2019 as against the five per cent decline in H1 2019. This was due to the increase in income from bonds, stocks and other financial investments.

The Group CEO, Mr. Peter Ashade, in a statement said, “We did deliver on our promise to improve performance in Q2 2019 and as can be gleaned from our

numbers, we had a good outing in the quarter under review as Q2 2019 Profit Before Tax grew by 27 per cent yearon-year on the back of the reduction in operating expenses which was the result of the various strategic initiative that we embarked on in the last quarter which was to reduce cost and increase our top line as a way of furthering our efficiency drive.

“Unarguably, the global economy is still recovering from the lingering contagion effect of the US-China trade war and the Brexit saga, while we on the local scene are activities stull trying to pick up steam following the 2019 general election and a series of political and economic activities that we saw during the first quarter of 2019.”

“More so, as the elected government of various states begin to stabilize and inaugurate their cabinets, we believe

the pace of bond and commercial paper issuance would pick up and further increase our advisory fees therefrom more than what we saw in Q2 2019.

“Our financial advisory fee ramped up 13 per cent year-on-year. Beyond this, the group would be looking to adopt some initiatives which we believe would help improve our top lines and consequently improve our profitability.

Discussing the result further, he said, “ We would be going into the second half of the year 2019 stronger and with an improved strategy aimed at preserving and increasing shareholders’ wealth as evident from the three per cent increase in the latter during the period under review.

We would like to inform shareholders that we are poised and resolute on our promise to deliver an even improved result come Q3 2019.”

CBN charges bank customers on financial obligation Temitope Adebayo The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged bank customers on their financial obligation, to ensure that payments or repayments are not delayed in order not to suffer penalties in the form of default charges.

The apex bank on its verified Twitter handle explained that customer owe bank and the society a duty to provide factual information about themselves and where necessary, about relevant transactions.

According to the numerous tweets tagged #CustomerRightsandDuties, the

CBN noted that, it requires customers to repay credit facilities and pay mutually agreed interest on loans and other financial services rendered by their banks as at when due.

According to a tweet, banks are not to bear responsibility if a customer incurred losses to online fraud as a result of negligence in protecting vital instruments or information.

The tweets read, “You should bear in mind that just as your bank is required to provide you with truthful information about goods and services it offers, you are also required to provide the bank with truthful information about yourself. You should also

exercise reasonable care not to mislead your bank, failing which you may be liable “As a bank customer, you have a right to disclosure of information from your bank on services the bank offers. The information provided must be complete, relevant and truthful.

“The success of a business is when the customer is happy. The customer as a King has many rights, duties which he owes himself and the economy. In Nigeria, customers of banks have certain rights and duties guaranteed by law, regulation and conventions.”

Furthermore, “Customer’s Duty to

protect instruments and information: It is your duty as a bank customer to keep your checkbook, ATM and all information relating to your account like PIN, passwords and codes safe.

“This is one of your major responsibilities to the extent that banks are established to provide loans and other financial services to you and other customers.

“Customer Duty of financial obligation: This requires customers to repay credit facilities and pay mutually agreed interest on loans and other financial services rendered by their banks as and when due”, the tweet reads.

Nigeria’s unemployment rate hits 20.9m in one year- ITF Joy Obakeye Director-General Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Joseph Ari, has said that the number of Nigerians without jobs between the last quarter of 2017 and the third quarter of last year rose from 17.6 to 20.9 million.

The ITF boss disclosed to this when speaking with the newsmen, where he restated the Fund’s commitment to skills’ acquisition on viable and sustainable solution to rising unemployment and poverty that have defied the best efforts of governmental and non-governmental approaches.

Ari said: “Despite the fact that the number of people in employment increased from 68.4 million in the

third quarter of 2015 to 68.72 million in the third quarter of 2016 to 69.09 million in the third quarter of 2017 and 69.53 million in the third quarter of 2018.

“The statistics are scary and staggering and should not only be a source of worry for any administration that is as committed to the welfare of Nigerians as the administration of President Muhammedu Buhari but indeed all patriotic Nigerians.

“This administration has made tremendous efforts to create jobs as could be seen in the increase in the number of people employed as cited by the NBS report.

“There are countless reasons for us to worry as government, as institutions vested with the arduous

task of equipping Nigerians with life skills for employability and entrepreneurship we will do all we can, there is no doubt that unemployment has wrought a terrible damage on all facets of our national life.

“No reasonable analysis will divorce unemployment from the needless incidence of violence that has claimed thousands of lives across the nation. It will equally be difficult to separate rising criminality and harmful social vices that are being perpetrated by Nigerians because of unemployment and the attendant poverty. Consequently our population that should be a resource has become an albatross because we cannot provide a greater proportion

of our population with a source of livelihood.

“ITF outlined 11 implementable programmes for 2019 which are: National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP); Women Skills Empowerment Programme (WOSEP); air-conditioning and refrigerator (training on wheels); design and garment making; training on wheels for Nigerian youths under passion to profession programme; skills training and empowerment programme for the physically challenge (Step C); aquaculture fish farming; manure production; crop production and greenhouse technology; poultry farming and training programme development on international marketing and test running.”

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has assured that it will intensify its efforts in providing basic infrastructure in schools across the Niger Delta region to raise them to enviable heights.

The NDDC Acting Executive Director, Projects, Engr. Dr. Samuel Adjogbe, FNSE, stated this when members of the National Executive Council of the Government College, Ughelli Old Boys Association, (Worldwide) GCUOBA, led by its President General, Arc. Charles Majoro, paid him a courtesy visit at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt recently.

Adjogbe, who is an alumnus of the college, said the NDDC would contribute substantially to the restoration of the Government College, Ughelli to its glorious days, noting the Commission would undertake the renovation of two hostel blocks in the college, in addition to providing other facilities to enhance teaching and learning in the school.

He said the NDDC had constructed a 3.8- kilometre road in Government College, Ughelli, noting that it was part of the Commission’s mandate to develop the Niger Delta region.

The Acting Executive Director, Projects remarked that the college was just one of many public schools in the Niger Delta region to have felt the impact of NDDC’s intervention.

Adjogbe said that the efforts to restore educational institutions back to their glorious days had long kickedoff through the NDDC school renovation programs, the supply of desks and benches and emergency internal road repairs in some schools.

He thanked the National Executive Council of GCUOBA for acknowledging his contributions, as well as that of the NDDC, by decorating him with an insignia of the college.

The President General GCUOBA Worldwide, Arc. Charles Majoro, said the corporate award given to the NDDC at the 2018 Annual Dinner night in Asaba was in recognition of the commission’s commitment to the mandate of making a difference in communities and institutions in its mandate states.

He said that the old boys of the school had raised a pool of funds through donations for the restoration and building of facilities in their alma mater. He commended the NDDC for providing critical infrastructure, such as internal roads, desks and benches to the school.

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Edo State House of Assembly: When thunder strikes twice on same spot Patrick Okohue The current crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly and by extension the Edo State government has been described by many political watchers from within and outside the state as one crisis too many.

This is especially following a similar crisis that rocked the state during the tenure of the former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, when the state Assembly complex was shot down for many months and a handful of the lawmakers loyal to the governor were given access to the governor’s office to do their legislative duties.

So, when the current crisis broke even before the inauguration of the state Assembly, many people wondered if Edo State was under a curse that will not allow government to run there as its being done across many states of the nation.

The development is especially intriguing because it is only one year to the governorship election in Edo State, which is the only state in the South South and South East that is controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now the party is torn into two factions, following the crisis.

Many political watchers who should know have attributed the crisis to a battle over who gets the party ticket for the 2020 gubernatorial election.

The splintering of the party, it was gathered, is as a result of a silent war between Governor Godwin Obaseki and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who is currently National Chairman of the ruling APC. The face-off between the governor and his predecessor it is believed has gone so bad that the state Assembly could not be properly inaugurated because of fears that those loyal to Oshiomhole may hijack the leadership of the House and possibly make the state ungovernable for Obaseki, if not finds a reason to impeach him.

This, political watchers say may have accounted for why only those loyal to the governor, who are in the minority, were present at the inauguration of the Assembly and from among whom leadership of the House were picked.

The cold war between the duo is also traced to Oshiomhole loyalists who are said to have been protesting against alleged unfair treatment by the current governor after the departure of Oshiomhole from Government House, Benin.

Interestingly, Obaseki was the head of Oshiomhole’s economic team during his tenure. The incumbent governor, who was not in the group of those fighting for the party ticket in the build-up to 2016 election, was

Obaseki

single-handedly made the flagbearer of the party by Oshiomhole against many odds.

At the time Obaseki was a hard sell, as many party chieftains rejected him because he was said to be perceived as someone who might not bend to their whim and caprices.

But Oshiomhole, it was gathered, used his power as the state governor and his oratory skill to arm-twist party chieftains. Some of the contestants eventually stepped down and supported his preferred and ‘anointed’ candidate.

In line with Oshiomhole’s permutation, Obaseki emerged the candidate of the APC and defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, at the poll.

Strikingly, as soon as Obaseki was sworn-in as the governor, he introduced new rules and regulations on access to Government House.

The new rules banned politicians who have no business at the Osadebe House, making a place that hitherto became a Mecca of sorts for politicians during Oshiomhole’s administration to suddenly turn to a no-go area.

Obaseki was said to have told the party chieftains and foot soldiers of Oshiomhole that he remained a technocrat who believed that the allocation to the state and its internallygenerated revenue were meant for the development of the state, and not for sharing among politicians.

Among the politicians and foot soldiers of Oshiomhole who fell to the new order, is ex-youth leader of the

Oshiomhole

party, Osakpamwan Eriyo, who was remanded in prison for three months.

Tony Kabaka, who was seen as the leader of the youths in the state, was not spared in the new order, as he was removed as revenue collector on behalf of the state government.

Osakpamwan, who was also a revenue collector on behalf of the state government and the state chairman of the Road Transport Employee Association of Nigerian (RTEAN), lost his chairmanship position and the job as revenue collector.

The development was said to have angered Oshiomhole, as most of the party chieftains have continued to flood his house to seek assistance instead of meeting the governor to take care of them.

This development among many others some people believe must have accounted to why loyalists of the former governor who were able to secure party ticket and won election into the Edo State House of Assembly have become desperate to deal a decisive blow on the governor, who himself has shown determination not to allow such happen to him.

Getting tickets of the APC for the Assembly was a tug of war between the governor and the National Chairman of the party, even when they were both denying any love lost between, this is because Obaseki wanted to have his loyalists populate the Assembly to secure his second term bid, while Oshiomhole is said to prefer his loyalists, a plot some say was the former governor’s move to stop Obaseki from getting the party’s ticket for a second term.

This development about who will produce candidates for the state assembly resulted in the cancellation of the initial primary election organised by the national body of the party and a fresh one was conducted.

Following the victory of the ruling party in the election into the state Assembly, the cold war has now shifted to the new State House of Assembly this has resulted in the uncoordinated activities regarding the inauguration and choice of leadership of the Assembly.

There are 24 members-elect in the assembly. Out of this number, 19 members-elect are said to be loyal to Oshiomhole, while the remaining six are loyal to Obaseki.

Oshiomole, it was gathered, is disposed to having Hon. Victor Edoror as Speaker, while Obaseki has opted for Frank Okiye, who he believes will serve his interest.

With the election of Okiye as the Speaker and the inability of the majority members of the House to access the Assembly and the noninauguration of the Assembly has now attracted the interest of the National Assembly who are now threatening to take over the Assembly.

The development in Edo State has become very worrisome to many lovers of democracy, who are worried that for the second time thunder seem to be striking on the same spot.

In 2014, the Edo House of Assembly was engulfed in crisis. That crisis resulted in the emergence of two parallel leaderships that sat separately.

The crisis then was allegedly

triggered by the ruling party at the national level at the time, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while the Edo Government, led by Oshiomhole of the APC resisted the planned imposition of House leadership on the members.

During the crisis, the PDP faction sat at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex, King’s Square, Benin City, while the government-backed faction sat at the old House of Assembly building, inside Government House, also in Benin.

The crisis was triggered by the suspension of the Deputy Speaker, Festus Ebea, an APC member representing Esan South-East, and three other APC members who defected to the PDP. They were suspended for alleged misconduct and violation of House rules after they lost the legal battle to stop the House from suspending them.

The four APC members who defected to the PDP teamed up to elect Mr Ebea as acting Speaker.

They also suspended the Speaker, Uyi Igbe, and six other APC members for alleged behaviour that brought the integrity of the House to serious disrepute.

The 15 APC legislators of the Uyi Igbe-faction relocated from the Anthony Enahoro Assembly complex at the King’s Square to the Old Assembly Chamber inside the Government House due to police restrictions at the complex.

The Edo Police Command, in a statement issued by its Public

Continued on page 19

Politics Times 19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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When thunder strikes twice on same spot Continued from page 18

Shettima Yerima Seyi Makinde

CACOL seeks EFCC, ICPC investigation of states accounts and ex- governors The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, has called for the intervention of the nation’s two Anti-graft agencies, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to embark on an immediate perusal and scrutiny of the financial records of different states of the federation and their respective preceding governors.

This is coming on the heels of the incumbent governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde’s disclosure on Thursday confirming the recovery of 14 vehicles taken away by officials of the last administration. The recovery followed the expiration of an ultimatum given to the officials of the last administration by Governor Seyi Makinde.

In a release by the anti-graft organisation’s Coordinator for Media and Publications, Adegboyega Otunuga on behalf of its Executive Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran, he stated, “In almost all the about 29 states of the federation where elections were held in March, 2019, the respective successors have cried out loud over the unmitigated and reckless looting perpetrated by their predecessors.

“While in some states, contracts were awarded without any regard for due diligence or attempts at fostering accountability, in others, even properties and other valuable assets belonging to the states were simply expropriated while humongous sums of money suddenly developed wings without any remorse by the state executive officers.

“In Oyo State, where Mr. Seyi Makinde, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate defeated his counterpart from the All Progressives Congress (APC)

he cried to high heavens on realisation of the unprecedented looting and disappearance of the state’s official vehicles (running into billions of Naira) that suddenly disappeared shortly before his swearing-in ceremony.

“The story is not in any way different even in Ogun State, Edo State, Imo State, etc., and many others where candidates from same party as the out-going governors won their elections.

“However laudable and commendable the cries of these governors have been about the illegal and highly reprehensible looting of the people’s wealth by their predecessors, as a concerned anti-corruption coalition in the country, many of the state governors have publicly declared their lack of resolve to openly probe and bring to book this odious stealing of the state’s wealth.

“Examples are Ogun State and Oyo State where Governors Dapo Abiodun and Seyi Makinde respectively have come out to insist that such probe routine would only serve as a‘ distraction and an encumbrance towards providing their people with dividends of democracy and fulfill their electoral promises to the people.

“As reasonable as this ‘forgive and forget’ approach to reckless treasury lootings by public office holders may sound, it portends serious danger to the idea of accountability and war against corruption of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“It is in this wise that CACOL now beckons on the two anticorruption agencies, the EFCC and ICPC to, without much ado, swing into action and perform their statutory duty by investigating this obnoxious looting and eventually bring the culprits to book in any affected state,” he said.

Relations Officer, Noble Uwoh, said then that the police would not allow any faction of the lawmakers to gain entrance into the Assembly complex.

Nevertheless, the PDP lawmakers gained entry into the complex and had a plenary session with Festus Ebea presiding.

The lawmakers sat with the mace, the sergeant-at-arms and the clerk, where they re-validated the suspension of the eight APC members and formalised the election of the suspended Deputy Speaker as the acting Speaker.

The present crisis has led to accusations and counter accusations by the two factions in the crisis and the situation is not helping matters.

As the governor, Obaseki, has accused the national leadership of the APC of failing to properly investigate issues in the Edo State House of Assembly, which he alleged is the reason the crisis is lingering.

Obaseki told the Senate Committee set up to look into the Edo Assembly crisis which visited the state for its fact finding mission that there are issues within the legislature and they have gone to the judiciary as the constitution provides for clear separation of powers.

Governor Obaseki commended the Senate for deeming it fit to visit the state with a fact finding team to understand what happened, insisted that the crisis would not have degenerated if the leadership of the APC had done same when the matter started.

Obaseki stated that he has performed his constitutional duty by issuing a proclamation letter and that the Clerk of the House undertook the processes as deemed fit.

According to him, “When people arbitrarily make up their minds because of some predetermined outcomes and make statements and conduct themselves, this is what it leads to.

“I issued a proclamation.

Consultations were held before the proclamation was issued.

Various party organs met before decisions were reached. As far as I am concerned, I abide by the Constitution and issued a proclamation. I believe in separation of powers.

“Whatever the outcome, we expected that if a higher authority were concerned about the fate of this state, they would have called to see how to resolve the issue but that wasn’t done. The matter has moved to court and all parties are in court.

I have done my own beat.

“Within the legislature, there are issues and they have gone to the judiciary and the constitution provides for clear separation of powers.

“We have evidence that people are under pressure. Look at this matter in the interest of our country and in defence of our democracy.”

However, when the Senate ad hoc committee investigating the crisis met with the lawmakers being supported by the national

leadership of the APC at the Senate New Building, National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the story was different.

Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved members-elect at the meeting, Washington Osifo, member-elect representing Uhunwonde State Constituency, said they did not receive any communication from the Clerk on the inauguration.

While accusing the governor of “unleashing terror” on them using state apparatus, Osifo claimed that one of the lawmakers-elect has been kidnapped.

According to Osifo, the new lawmakers have been residing in Abuja for about one month now, even as he called on the Senate to intervene in the matter.

Among the members-elect at the meeting was Seidu Oshiomhole, younger brother to the APC National Chairman.

As the crisis continue to get messier, the House of Representatives, which had also set up a committee to investigate the root cause of the problem in the Edo State House of Assembly has asked the Governor Obaseki to issue a fresh and proper proclamation to convene the 9th House of Assembly in Edo State. It issued a seven-day ultimatum to the governor to carry out the order or risk the House taking over the Assembly.

But, this development did not go down well with some stakeholders in the state, as some residents in the state carried out what they termed solidarity protest at the Oba Ovboramwen king square in Benin over the House of Representatives’ call on Governor Obaseki to issue a fresh proclamation of the state’s House of Assembly or risk its takeover by the Federal House.

The protesters are saying that the House of Representatives does not have the power to give such order, arguing that there is already an existing interlocutory injunction from the Federal High Court sitting in Benin, which barred the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, APC NWC or their agents from disrupting Edo Assembly’s proceedings.

Also the Edo State Government has described the move by the House of Representatives to shut down the Edo State House of Assembly as unconstitutional.

In a statement in Benin City, Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said that the Nigerian Constitution does not in any way stipulate that the House of Representatives or even the National Assembly has the right or power to shut down a State House of Assembly.”

He said such power is expressly excluded by the constitution.

“The Government and people of Edo State are appalled and disappointed at the gross illegality and abuse of process by the House of Representatives.

“It must first of all be pointed out that the emergency supervisory powers over the activities of State Houses of Assembly which are contained in Section 11 of the

Constitution of our Republic are expressly donated to “The National Assembly” and not one individual arm of it.

“These powers certainly do not extend to issuing directives to a duly elected State Governor to unlawfully repeat an act which has already been fully carried out in line with the Constitution.

“It has further not been alleged or concluded by anyone that the Edo State House of Assembly is unable to sit.

“In fact, whenever the ‘selfexiled’ members-elect so choose, they can join their colleagues in plenary in Benin City.

“Suffice it to say, however, that there is nowhere in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where the House of Representatives or even the National Assembly for that matter, is granted the right or power to shut down a State House of Assembly, in point of fact such power is expressly excluded by the Constitution,” the SSG said.

The state government further advised “those interested parties who sit in positions of authority in Abuja and are using their offices to influence the House of Representatives to take note that we all ultimately owe a debt of accountability to the good people of Edo State for our actions.

Ogie added: “We must state that the final verdict in this matter will ultimately be rendered by the good people of Edo State, for whose benefit Government exists. We are certain therefore that this illegality will not stand.”

Worried by this development the Oba of Benin, who is the chairman of the Edo State Council of traditional rulers, Oba Ewuare II, took it upon himself to seek the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari on the matter before it gets out of hand.

Oba Ewuare II along with many traditional rulers in the state paid a visit to the President in Aso Rock to solicit his intervention in the matter, a request to which the President was said to make him a promise to so do.

However, receiving the Senate ad hoc committee, investigating the assembly crisis, in his palace, Oba Ewuare II said the palace had intervened in the crisis in its own way and has left the crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly in the hands of God and the ancestors for resolution He said, “We live it in the hands of God and the ancestors for now.

We pray God and our ancestors to help us.

“We have intervened; the House of Representative was here last week and you are here now to help us resolve the issue. I pray that God and the ancestors should give you the wisdom to resolve the crisis and bring peace and unity,” he added.

While the development in the Edo State House of Assembly maybe more than what the eyes can see, many political watchers have expressed fears that it may disrupt governance in the state and that if the outcome is not properly managed the state may pay a huge price for it in terms of dividends of democracy.

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Afcon: Nigerians express mixed views over Gernot Rohr’s future as Super Eagles coach Some football enthusiasts in Awka, Anambra, on Thursday expressed mixed reactions on the future of Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, with the team.

Newsmen report that Rohr had led the team to a third-place finish at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

The Eagles won the bronze medals on Wednesday after beating Tunisia by a lone goal scored by Odion Ighalo in the third minute of the game.

The football enthusiasts told newsmen that the team would have made it to the final if the coaching crew had made better selection and had better tactical approach.

Emeka Okeke, a sports presenter, said Rohr lacked the technical know-how and made bad selection of players.

Okeke said that most of the players he took to Egypt were less than average and were not doing well in their various clubs.

He said Rohr experimented with the players from the day he took charge of the team, adding that he should be shown the way out.

“We cannot be playing games at competitions with our hearts in our mouths, no confidence in both the players, the technical crew and the bench,” Okeke said.

Ikem Asika, a sports analyst, said Rohr showed he was not in firm

control of his team and expressed worries that the domestic league has not attracted him since he was employee.

Asika alleged that most players fielded by Rohr were foisted on him by “jobbers in the Glass House”, adding that no coach would do well under such condition.

“Any coach that knows his onions must insist on his players and game plan and not be pushed around on who should play or not,” he said.

Asia added that it was not proper for Daniel Akpeyi to play ahead of Francis Uzoho or Okechukwu Ezenwa if not by “special selection”.

Jude Atupulazi, a journalist, said while the team might not have met the expectations of their teeming fans, the players still deserve some accolade.

Atupulazi said Rohr should be given more time as there were chances he would do better with the team in the future.

“The team tried, coming third out of 24 nations. It isn’t easy. So, we may have to manage Rohr in order to sustain the progress being made.

“Look at the average age of our players. They are very young, and it means the future is bright. So, instead of starting afresh with a new gaffer let Rhor continue,” he said.

Victor Nwangwu, a veteran football administrator, said Rohr has met and surpassed the target set for him by his employers in line with the

contract.

Nwangwu said the performance of the Super Eagles in Egypt was not bad as teams that had better chances to win the cup exited much earlier in the competition “He qualified Nigeria for the World Cup, qualified Nigeria for AFCON, got a third position in the competition proper, a step more than his contractual target, and this is with the youngest Super Eagles team ever assembled by a coach.

“Ghana, Cameroon and Egypt hold superior AFCON records than Nigeria, yet they got eliminated much earlier than we were.

“What else can we say of Rohr, other than he did not win the cup? He deserves to be appreciated and of course respected,” he said.

Anthony Udennaka, a retired football referee, warned against incessant sacking and hiring of coaches to ensure sustainable progress.

Udennaka said the Super Eagles under Rohr did well but lost due to ill-luck, noting that football was an open game which any side playing could win.

“I am of the opinion that the man should be allowed to continue with his good job. Hiring and firing of coaches has never done us any good.

“Many world class coaches lose matches. So, Nigeria’s case should not be an exception,” he said.

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OMEBE I,KNOWN FORMERLY AS OMEBE CHINURUOKWU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMEBE CHINURUOKWU KELVIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OLALEKAN

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OFU-OBI FRIENDS SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

IGWE DAMIAN OLI MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR OJINKA ANTHONY TOCHUKWU - CHAIRMAN 2. MR UGWU VINCENT EJIKE -SECRETARY 3. MR AMADI EMMANUEL CHINONSO 4. MR OBIAJULU ONYEBUCHI JOHN 5. MR OJINKA HERBERT

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) OLI CHINENYE CHRISTIAN 2) EDE SEBASTIAN OGBUZURU 3) MBA CHINEDU PETER 4) EGA ONYINYECHI CYNTHIA 5) OLI CELESTINE EMEKA 6) ONE SUNDAY EMEKA 7) OLI STEPHEN AKACHUKWU 8) ANICHEBE CHUKWUMA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.TO PROMOTE UNITY AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AMONG MEMBERS OF THE CLUB. 2. TO FOSTER BROTHERHOOD AND FRIENDSHIP AMONG MEMBERS. 3. TO PROMOTE THE PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES AND NIGERIA AS A WHOLE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR -GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. CHIGBO OKAFOR

WISE MEN CLUB, ENUGU

-

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY FIN. SECRETARY TREASURE MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1) NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION 2) EMPOWERING YOUTHS, WIDOWS CHILDREN AND LESS PRIVILEGED.

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1) TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD AND MAKE OF ALL NATIONS. 2) TO REHABILITATE DESTITUTES AND REPENTANT HOODLUMS IN OUR SOCIETY .

SIGNED: DICKON UDE SECRETARY

ORLUZURUMEE YOUTH ASSEMBLY

OSENO CENTRE FOR CHALLENGED CHILDREN

TRUSTEES: 1. COMRADE PRECIOUS UWADI NWADIKE 2. COMRADE GALORE CHUKWUEMEKA OZOKWERE-MEMBER 3. COMRADE KYRIAN ECHEREBO 4. COMRADE NWAGBA MAURICE CHIGOZIE 5. COMRADE COLLINS OPURUOZOR 6. COMRADE JEFF NWOHA 7. ENGR OKOLIE CHRISTIAN EMEKA 8. COMRADE PASCHAL IHEKUNA

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: EDE SEBASTIAN OGBUZURU SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) SAMUEL NNAEMEKA NWATU 2) CHRISTOGONUS UZOCHI OKEREAFOR 3) EMMANUEL IZUCHUKWU NKPUKPU 4) CHIEDOZIE NZEOGWU 5) OYIDE CHRISTOPHER EKUEME

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1) TO FOSTER FRIENDSHIP, MUTUAL COOPERATION AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. 2) TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE AND WELLBEING OF MEMBERS. 3) TO PROVIDE AIDS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO DESERVING MEMBERS. 4) TO ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) KALU UCHE KALU 2) DICKON UDE 3) PASTOR FRANK IBE

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.

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

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY MEMBER MEMBER

SEED PLANTERS CHURCH

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

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.

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

SIGNED: CHRISTOGONUS UZOCHI OKEREAFOR SECRETARY

CHIME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: I. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS.

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

TRUSTEES: 1. SABINA IDOWU OSEHOBO. 2. ADELEYE OMOKHOA. 3. MICHAEL IDOWU OSEHOBO. 4.TAYE IDOWU. 5. JANE OSAGIE. 6. ODIASE VIOLET. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE THE CARE AND WELFARE OF CHALLENGED CHILDREN.

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.

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: GABRIEL EGWU

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

21

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

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Feature

How Dangote Cement promo turned graduate applicant to an exotic car owner Ladesope Ladelokun If she didn’t buy the Dangote cement bag herself to find the winning scratch card, she definitely would not believe that the Dangote Cement Bag of Goodies promo is real.

Even after the confirmation by the company that she has won the star prize, she is yet to come to terms with the reality of being a proud owner of a brand new saloon car which in the general parlance is referred to as “tear rubber”.

For Mrs. Godwin Chimezie Success, a fresh English/Education graduate from the Federal University, Gombe, Wednesday, July 17, 2019 will remain a day never to be forgotten. Just as her name suggests, Success accompanied her to the retailer shop somewhere at Olodo area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

On this day, Chimezie Success’ life was suddenly turned around from that of an applicant to an exotic car owner, even to her own amazement, courtesy of Dangote Cement Plc. Behold, Godwin Chimezie Success who just emerged the Star Winner of Dangote Cement ‘Bag of Goodies’ National Consumer Promotion in the South West Zone was publicly presented her winning prize, a brand new GAC Salon Car, at the Mingles Event Centre, Magazine Road, Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, in the presence of major distributors and retailers as well as some officials of Oyo State government including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, who was represented by his Principal Private secretary, Mr. Laide Raji.

Chimezie’s winning is coming on the heels of a similar winning a week ago in Abraka, Deta State by a cement retailer, Benjamin Igherighe, who became the first consumer of Dangote Cement to win one of the 43 cars on offer.

This Star Prize, according to Engr. Joseph Makoju, Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, was just one out of the seven luxury cars earmarked for consumers in the South West Region in the ongoing National Promo.

Makoju revealed that in all, a total of 43 cars have been lined up for grabs nationally by lucky winners across the various geopolitical Regions of Nigeria as the National Promo continues until the end of the third quarter of the year. Variety of other prizes include 24 tricycles, 24 motorcycles, 550 refrigerators, 400 television sets as well as a total of N200 million cash.

Visibly emotional Chimezie Success, who was accompanied to the presentation ceremony by her husband, Mr. Godwin, was short of words as the whole episode just seemed like a dream to her.

However, by the time she managed to express her gratitude to Dangote Conglomerate for ‘this valued gift’ which she pledged to use for the purpose of which it is meant ‘for the glory of God’, she was highly excited and could no longer keep the joy to herself.

Her words: “I will first of all say a very big thank you to Dangote Cemnet Company. I did not take the Promo very serious initially as I thought it was a joke, not knowing that it is a reality. Dangote should endeavour to continue with this type of empowerment initiatives which, I believe, will go a long way in changing the fortunes of many Nigerians like me positively.”

Pressed to speak further, Chimezie Success explained that she bought 15 bags of Dangote Cement somewhere in Ibadan out of which she had discovered the winning scratch card from one of the bags.

The young housewife and her husband had resolved to use the cement for the purpose of moulding some blocks to construct a demarcating fence as security round a plot of land they just acquired somewhere in Ejioku village in Ibadan, not knowing that the winning scratch card was divinely tucked inside one of the bags to transform the life of the family.

Chimezie Success has a message for members of the public. She enjoined the populace to continue to take Dangote Cement by their words in all its ramifications. “They said it and we found it to be so, this is quite surprising, a car in a bag of Dangote cement, quite unbelievable.”

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, who spoke through Mr. Laide Raji at the event, commended Dangote Group for the noticeable connection between the company and the consumers submitting that Dangote Cement is fast becoming a global brand of first choice.

The Deputy Governor congratulated the star winner in the same vein while urging her to be a good ambassador for Dangote.

Engr. Joseph Makoju, the Group Managing Director had earlier, in his address, paid glowing tributes to the supportive organisations notably the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the network of distributors across the country who he described as the

L-R: Winner of star prize, Saloon Car, Mrs. Chimezie Success Godwin; Marketing Director, Dangote Cement, Funmi Sanni; Representative of Oyo State Deputy Governor, Laide Raji, Private Principal Secretary to the Deputy Governor; Group Managing Director, Dangote Cement, Engr. Joseph Makoju; and National Sales Director, Dangote Cement, Adeyemi Fajobi, during the Dangote Cement “Bag of Goodies” consumer promotion star winner presentation in Ibadan, Oyo State. foot soldiers and very important elements in the production chain.

While maintaining that the Conglomerate churned out eight million bags of Dangote Cement on daily basis, Engr. Makoju remarked that it can only continue to keep its leading position in the market by upholding consumers’ loyalty through good service, sustained quality and affordability.

Makoju said the company was decided to run the biggest promo ever in the country as a way of contributing to the economic wellbeing of the consumers of its products given the prevailing economic situation. He said the promo is to reward valued consumers for their unflinching partnership in ensuring that our range of cement products remains today the first choice for construction purposes across the country and added that the consumer promotion gives opportunities for existing and new consumers to get a step ahead of their struggle for economic emancipation by winning any of the give-away items which has economic value.

“We have made it so transparent that you don’t have to go through any raffle draw or the so called lucky dip associated with many other promotions in the country. For Dangote cement, you win instantly because what is revealed in the scratch card is what you win”, he stated.

Explaining why Dangote Cement launched such a humongous promo, Engr. Makoju explained that Dangote Cement is the largest in Africa with the largest production capacity and therefore decided to reward the consumer in the biggest way ever experienced in the

Dangote should endeavour to continue with this type of empowerment initiatives which, I believe, will go a long way in changing the fortunes of many Nigerians like me positively.

country.

“Here in Dangote Cement, we adhere strictly to best global standards in producing our range of cement which makes them the best in the market. Our products; BlocMaster, 42.5R, 42.5N and Falcon are all top-of-the-range brands developed to ensure that cement users have a choice on the type of product suitable for their projects. Much research and tests went into the development and production of these products as we are determined to offer consumers the best quality and experience either in building personal houses or in commercial construction works,” he added.

The Dangote Cement Marketing Director, Mrs. Funmi Sanni hitherto, the South West Regional Director, was obviously at home with the cement distributors and retailers who graced the occasion as the chant of “Who are Who are Who are we? We are Dangote” punctuated her comment intermittently.

She told the elated customers that Dangote cement decided to roll out the billions of Naira to empower the consumer because that the company’s consumers are at the heart a production process is incomplete and our ability to remain in business becomes impossible.

“To grow our business, we must constantly create value in terms of quality product and service, competitive pricing and depositing in consumers’ emotional bank accounts in order to become their preferred choice of brand at the point of purchase.”

The Marketing Director said as a business, the management of Dangote Cement recognizes the importance of every member of our value chain, distributors; wholesalers; and Retailers, “and as such we have invested in growing their businesses through various empowerment schemes.”

According to her, every promo bag of cement contains a scratch card carrying winning items carefully inserted in each promo bags. Consumer needs to be educated to scratch gently so as not invalidate their wining card. She disclosed that the promo cuts across all Dangote cement’s brands which include 3X, Falcon and Blocmaster.

Mrs. Sanni explained that the consumer promo was in line with the mission of the company which is to touch the lives of the people by providing their basic needs pointing out that the consumer promotion is another huge investment to help the customers improve their rate of sales and make more profit while at the same time improving the consumers’ quality of life.

Feature 22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Understanding catalyst impact of Maigari-led NLTF on Nigerian economy Johnson Eze Of all known developmental policies formulated and pursued by past or present Nigerian government, none has featured prominently in successive administrations like the concept of economic diversification. In fact, it is a consensus among economic authorities that diversification is the way forward for sustainable growth and development.

By every reason, Nigeria’s age-long dependence on petroleum revenue needs to be reoriented towards multistream income sources.

Consequently, the creation of National Lottery Trust Fund, NLTF, a Federal Government Agency established by law with a mandate to promote access to lottery funding for good cause, is a welcomed development that continues to receive commendation from economic observers and stakeholders. The reason is that Lottery as a fiscal component if pursued and administered in sensible ways, can represent a huge source of funding of government enterprises.

An international survey of the economic potential of Lottery shows that it generates significant public revenue, much of it from the lower part of the income distribution and operates across the world with larger capacities in Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland and across several Australian and US states. As it increases in importance in other African countries of Morocco, Cote de Voire, Togo etc, Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind.

Though, past leadership of the NLTF performed well in laying solid foundation for the smooth take off of the all-important organs in terms of establishing administrative units, recruitment of staff and capacity building, there are obvious indications that present leadership has recorded tremendous progress. This progress is necessary to attaining the mandate of the agency thereby making Nigerians now feel the direct impact of the NLTF as well as bringing its activities to lime light.

Headed by a seasoned administrator who believes in corporate governance, Dr Bello Maigari, as the Executive Secretary, the agency is fortunate.

Indeed, under Maigeri, virtually all units of the agency has gradually won a new look of efficiency and effectiveness.

It has witnessed some positive changes in line with President Buhari’s change mantra.

There is no gainsaying that under Dr Maigari as the Executive Secretary of NLTF that activity of the agency have undergone what scientists will refer to as catalysis, i.e., increase in the rate of developmental projects in the organisation. This has seen the NLTF touching more lives even in the rural communities as well as expanding its capacity to meeting revenue targets.

For instance, NLTF recently distributed medical equipment to seven communities to support healthcare development. This is in recognition of

Bello Maigari

the fact that ‘’a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.’’ While commenting on the development, the Executive Secretary, Dr Maigari said the distribution of the medical equipment was in line with the agency’s 2018 plan, adding that the intervention was to alleviate the medical challenges faced in primary health care centres in the rural communities, and to improve their wellbeing. He listed the equipment distributed so far as follows: X-ray machines, Ultra sound machines and drugs, among others.

“Our focus is to carry out intervention in health and we have been to about seven communities now, donating world class medical equipment such as X-ray machines, Ultra sound and others.

“For some reason, these equipment are completely absent in some of the health care centres, some of them don’t even have any medical equipment and it’s a shame such a thing exist in Nigeria.

“The intervention of NLTF is bringing succour to Nigerians and we are moving from community to community, we were in Jega in Kebbi state, Toro in Bauchi and Umezuoke in Ebonyi.

Recently we were in Daura in Katsina, Cross River, Hong in Adamawa and some suburb communities in Lagos state, whom we discover need this equipment critically.’’

He further explained that the agency distributed the equipment based on the needs of the community, adding that they carry out needs assessment before any intervention. Maigari said the trust fund was charged with the responsibility of promoting good causes in Nigeria and was also intervening in grassroots sports development, water

and sanitation, among other social services.

He stated the agency periodically monitors and evaluates the utilisation of the equipment distributed to track the progress of the project. According to him, if the outcome of the post impact assessment is positive, then it will be replicated in other places but so far the reports have been positive.

This distribution of medical equipment is coming not long after the agency distributed ultra-modern sports equipment to schools across the country to support grass-root sports development- an investment that has received commendations from many Nigerians in view of the contribution of sports to the Nigerian economy.

With many of good course projects being implemented, some on-going and many more in prospect, it is therefore not surprising that key players in the economy are showing more interest in the sub-sector prosperity. For example, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha recently expressed Federal government’s interest in revitalizing the lottery industry as an additional source of income.

The SGF made this known while speaking at the inauguration and presentation of medical equipment donated by the NLTF to a General Hospital, in Toro, Bauchi State, explaining that the move was in consideration of the current instability in the prices of oil and world economic downturn.

Represented by the permanent secretary, special duties in the office of the SGF, William Alo, Boss

Mustapha explained that “The Federal Government is saying today that wherever the needed resources may be, this administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari will find them, harness them, and apply them for the benefit of the generality of the Nigerian people”.

According to him, ” Having made a careful study of history and the happenings in other jurisdictions as stated earlier in this address, the Federal Government is convinced of the enormous potential which lottery holds for the development of this nation”.

Mustapha noted that government was presently in the process of approving new regulations and operational guidelines as provided under the National Lottery Act of 2005 with a view to strengthening the capacity of the National Lottery Commission and the National Lottery Trust Fund to perform their functions effectively.

He therefore urged persons and organisations licensed to engage in the national lottery to sit up and perform or have their licenses revoked.

In a similar development, the House of Representatives was attracted to the activities of NLTF when it vowed to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the recovery of about N1.4 trillion unremitted lottery revenue the house believes are held by operators.

This came as House committee on governmental affairs led by Hon. Hussaini Sulaiman was probing into the problem associated with revenue losses in the sector from 2005 to date.

It noted that it was unfortunate that lottery operators have been unfair to the country by their unpatriotic conduct.

The Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Dr Bello Maigari, while making his presentation before the lawmakers confirmed that the nation’s lottery market was worth N1.5 trillion adding the absence of regulatory framework and the nonchalant attitudes of operators were among the challenges faced in the subsector.

He however described the N7.6 billion revenue accrued from the operators to his agency charged with the responsibility of administering the fund on provision of social amenities as grossly inadequate. The Executive Secretary therefore enjoined the lawmakers to put in place measures to bringing those who default in the payment of revenue to book.

Though lottery is still at its evolving stage in the country, the performance of NLTF within its few years of existence indicates the future is bright for the industry especially given the enormous population. This is more so of the man at the helm, Dr Maigeri. He has since assumption of office set the agency on a path of sustainable growth, critically mainstreaming various elements for progress and efficiency of the agency.

It is the belief of Economic watchers that with Dr Maigari on the saddle of NLTF sky is the limit

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 20, 2019

Kenyan runner banned eight years for second doping offence

Kenyan marathon runner Salome Biwott has been suspended for eight years after testing positive for a banned substance for the second time, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Thursday.

The 36-year-old runner tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid when competing in the Sao Paulo International

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng marathon in June, the AIU said in a statement.

She had previously been banned for two years after testing positive for the same substance in 2012 after her victory at the Nairobi Marathon.

Biwott, who achieved a personal best time of 2hr 30min 47sec at the Hamburg Marathon in 2016, becomes the

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third female Kenyan marathon runner to be hit with a lengthy ban for doping.

The others are Rio Olympic champion Jemima Sumgong and Lilian Moraa Mariita.

Her suspension brings to 10 the number of elite Kenyan athletes that AIU has either suspended or banned for doping offences this year.

Algeria win 2019 AFCON with early goal over Senegal Algeria won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the second time on Friday when a fortuitous second-minute goal gave them a 1-0 win over Senegal in the final.

Baghdad Bounedjah stunned Senegal with a shot which took a wicked deflection off a defender and looped over the bewildered goalkeeper Alfred

Gomis and into the net.

Algeria sat back after that and the first half turned into a scrappy, bad-tempered affair as Senegal, who have never won the title, failed to threaten their defence.

Senegal were awarded a penalty for handball in the second half but the decision was revoked following a VAR review.

Ismaila Sarr missed

Senegal’s best chance by volleying wide from inside the area.

Algeria last won the AFCON in 1990, beating Nigeria 1-0 to lift their first AFCON title.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria had earlier won the third place match on Wednesday, beating Tunisia to pick the bronze medal.

Samuel Chukwueze: Super Eagles will miss Mikel Obi Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze says erstwhile captain of the side, John Mikel Obi will be missed by teammates following his retirement from international football.

Mikel announced his decision to quit international football on Thursday, ending an illustrious career with the Super Eagles that spanned 14 years.

He represented Nigeria at five Africa Cup of Nations finals and was part of the squad that won the 2013 edition in South Africa Chukwueze heaps plaudits on the former Chelsea midfielder for his exemplary career and leadership

qualities.

“Mikel is a role model for me and to other young players in the team. He was a fantastic captain on and off the pitch,” Chukwueze said.

“It’s pity that he has decided to quit the team at a time when someone like me is just coming into the team. I’m always around him and he always willing to help me in any way he can as well.

“I wish him all the best for the the remaining part of his career. We will surely miss him. Nobody is happy he is leaving the team, but we have to respect his decision.”

Best tennis players will represent Nigeria at Africa Games, says Akinloye Technical Director of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Coach Rotimi Akinloye, has assured that the best players will be selected to represent the country in the tennis event at the forthcoming Africa Games which will get underway from 19th to 31st August in Rabat, Morocco.

Newsmen report that Akinloye gave the assurance at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja where 16 players are currently undergoing training camp ahead of the Games.

The invited players, made up of some of the finest players in the country, are split into the male and female categories, with 8 each, and are being led by Coach Akinloye and the National Junior Coach, Abdulmumin Babalola.

Akinloye stated that every member of the present team is in fine fettle and they have their sights set on the continental showpiece.

“Our mind is set up for the 21st of August when the [African] games will start in Rabat, Morocco. For now, we are in camp and everybody is in high spirit. The Sports Ministry is up and doing, and everyone that is supposed to be here is all here as far as tennis is concerned. We are

working and at the end of the day we are going to be happy with the outcome,” Akinloye said.

While there are 16 players in camp, only 8 however will represent Nigeria in Morocco.

According to the NTF Technical Director, the selection of the 16 players was based upon three criteria: present form, ranking and experience.

“We put all this into

consideration, bearing in mind we are going to play on clay, which is a different ball game. I think we have done a great job and we will continue to do a great job to make sure Nigeria is well represented and coming out with medals,” he added.

Camping began on the 5th of July and will last for six weeks, after which the selected team will depart for Morocco in midAugust.

QUOTE There are blessings every day. Find them.

Create them.

Treasure them.

- Anonymous www.dailytimes.ng

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Why Odion Ighalo quit Super Eagles after Afcon Constant abuse and undue criticism of Odion Ighalo and his family members forced the Shanghai Shenhua forward to retire from international football, the player has reiterated.

Ighalo followed in the footsteps of John Mikel Obi by calling time on his Super Eagles commitment on Friday.

Ighalo first considered quitting the national team in the aftermath of the Super Eagles’ group stage exit from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but was prevailed on by head coach Gernot Rohr to have a change of mind.

The former Watford striker was hugely criticised by majority of the fans who were not happy he squandered two goal scoring chances in the Super Eagles 2-1 defeat to La Albiceleste of Argentina which cost the side a place in the Second Round.

However, the forward silenced his critics by emerging the top scorer in the qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with seven goals ahead of Burundi’s Fiston Abdou-Razak.

His most memorable moment of the qualifier came on matchdaythree against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya where he scored a hat-trick.

Things started well for the talented striker in Egypt when he scored the winning goal for Nigeria with a sublime finish

after coming in as a substitute in the Group B opener against the Swallows of Burundi.

The critics found their voice again after two barren spells against Guinea and Madagascar but he answer them with two fine strikes in the second round win against defending champions Cameroon.

Ighalo scored two more goals in the competition against Algeria and Tunisia and is in now line to win the AFCON top scorer award as he currently sit at the top of the log with five

goals.

After the Super Eagles ThirdPlace match against Tunisia on Wednesday, Ighalo, it was learnt, told Rohr about his decision to quit the team and the German accepted his stance.

Ighalo promptly told the coach he could no longer cope with insults and abuse directed at him and his family.

He is now expected to now concentrate on his club career with Rohr having obliged to his request to retire from the team this time around.

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2019

VOL. 3

NO. 996

N100

Afcon: Bronze winning Super Eagles arrive Abuja Super Eagles team that won the bronze medal of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after beating Tunisia 1-0 in the third place match in Egypt on Wednesday landed in Abuja today.

The Nigerian national team led by its Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr was received by the Federal Government through the

Ministry of Youths and Sports led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha ably supported by the Permanent Secretary, Youths and Sports Olusade Adesola.

12 players returned to Nigeria and they were led

by Eagles’ Assistant Captain Ahmed Musa, the three goalkeepers Daniel Akpeyi,

Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Others included Wilfred Ndidi, Chidozie Awaziem, Paul Onuachu, Shehu Abdullahi, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen.

They were treated to a colourful reception at the Arrival Hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja where led by the Victor Nwejinaka led Black Bone Cultural troupe.

Tiger Woods says ‘Father Time’ catching up with him

Benni McCarthy: I want to coach in Europe before Bafana Bafana Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy admits he holds aspirations of coaching Bafana Bafana, but for now, his focus is on conquering the South African domestic league.

McCarthy is set for his third season in the South African top-flight and while he might have been seen as a novice previously, his exploits with the Citizens have shown he can mix it with the very best.

Nonetheless, the former Orlando Pirates striker has often been touted as the future head of the South Africa national team, but that is not his immediate goal.

“I’ve set goals for the team and myself. We [City] are going for the PSL title,” McCarthy was quoted as saying by IOL. City have finished fifth and fourth respectively in McCarthy’s last two seasons with the club and he will be seeking significant improvement if his side is to challenge for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title.

McCarthy, though, has made just two new signings, bringing

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on board Abbubaker Mobara, who joins from Bucs and former Ajax Cape Town striker Tashreeq Morris.

“I’ve had two seasons in which I’ve learnt a lot, worked hard, and the team has been there and thereabouts,” he added.

However, even if McCarthy does claim the league title, he has revealed his desire to first return to Europe where he made his name as a player becoming

the only South African to lift the coveted Uefa Champions League trophy, before returning to take over as national team coach.

“I started this project at City and I want to cap it off with something special,” McCarthy explained.

“After that, the plan is to educate myself even further by coaching in Europe. And then, one day, come back and take the national team (Bafana) where it’s supposed to be,” he expressed.

Tiger Woods fans were hoping his Masters win in April marked a return to the days when he was a consistent threat at every major championship.

But then, Thursday’s opening round of the British Open was a reality check.

The 15-times major champion never looked comfortable as he shot a seven-over 78 at Royal Portrush and he admitted he was feeling sore.

“I’m just not moving as well as I’d like. And unfortunately, you’ve got to be able to move, and especially under these conditions, shape the golf ball. And I didn’t do it.

“I didn’t shape the golf ball at all.

Everything was left-to-right. And wasn’t hitting very solidly,” Woods told reporters.

The 43-year-old American, who has battled a number of injuries in recent years, made no attempt to hide his fear that age was catching up with him.

“Just the way it is. Just Father Time and some procedures I’ve had over the time. Just the way it’s going to be,” he said.

“As I said, one of the reasons why I’m playing less tournaments this year is that I can hopefully prolong my career, and be out here for a little bit longer,” he added.

Woods has played only 10 competitive rounds since winning the Masters in April and his last tournament start was at the U.S Open.

He has gone 32 days without competitive golf and he took two weeks off after the U.S. Open to go on a family holiday in Thailand.

Woods said he deals regularly with pain but that the standards expected on a links course at a major give him little room for error.

“If I am at home and have school pick-up and football practices, I’m a lot more sore than I am now. But playing at this elite level is a

completely different deal.

“You’ve got to be spot on. These guys are too good. There are too many guys that are playing well and I’m just not one of them,” he said.

The three-times British Open winner was once known for his relentless approach to practice and physical fitness but he said those days are long gone.

“It’s going to be a lot more difficult. I’m not 24 anymore. Life changes, life moves on.

And I can’t devote, as I’ve told you this many times, I can’t devote the hours to practice like I used to.

“Standing on the range, hitting balls for four or five hours, go play 36, come back, run four or five miles and then go to the gym.

Those days are gone. Okay?”

“I have to be realistic about my expectations and, hopefully, peaking at the right time. I peaked at Augusta well. And, hopefully, I can peak a few more times this year,” he said.

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