DTN-22-6-19

Russia pledges to help Nigeria, Africa overcome devt challenges

Says $20bn invested in Africa in 2018 2019 marks a major point for Africa’s trade – Afreximbank President would support Nigeria and the rest Mathew Dadiya, Moscow

The Russian Prime Minister, Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, has said that the Republic of Russian Federation

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We’ll proscribe Almajiri system of education but…

– Presidency Mathew Dadiya The abrogation of the Almajiri (Qur’anic learning system associated with begging on economic and religious grounds peculiar to some Northern states) system of education remains an objective but there is no immediate ban of it by the Buhari Administration, as widely reported by the media.

The Presidency therefore, called for caution in responses to the pronouncements by President Muhammadu Buhari on free and compulsory basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age in Nigeria, during his speech on Thursday, June 20, at the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu on Friday stated that while the Buhari administration is committed to free and compulsory education as a long-term objective of bringing to an end, the phenomenon of out-of-school children, any necessary ban on Almajiri would follow due process and consultation with relevant authorities.

The Federal Government said that it wants a situation where every child of primary school

of African countries in the search for solutions to economic and development challenges, saying “it Continued on page 3

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019

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PDP BoT backs probing of g 21 dissenting legislators over NASS elections NO. 972

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age is in school rather than begging on the streets during school hours.

“At the same time, we don’t want to create panic or a backlash.

“Reports that there are plans for massive arrest of parents are definitely out of place. Things have to be done the right and considerate way.

“Free and compulsory primary school education is a requirement of the Nigerian constitution and any individual or group not in compliance with this is violating the law of the land and liable to be punished,” the government said.

In his speech at the inauguration of NEC two days ago, President Buhari stated, without equivocation, that the country’s children have rights and must be given their due rights and protection under the law.

“As many have stated in their views, the Almajiri phenomenon represents a security challenge and a scar on the face of Northern Nigeria,” the Presidency said.

In that speech, the President said: “On education, I want to stress in particular the need to take very seriously and enforce very rigorously the statutory provisions on free and compulsory CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

US scores Nigeria, NAPTIP high in tackling human trafficking g 5

DNFIs safe havens for money laundering, terrorism financing, g5 says Magu

Zamfara monarch confirms killing of 18 persons by gunmen g5

EFCC arrests 18 suspected Yahoo Boys 5 g

Nollywood needs lots of reforms – Adeniyi Johnson

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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We’ll proscribe Almajiri system of education but…

Continued from page 1

basic education. Section 18(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended places on all of us here an obligation to eradicate illiteracy and provide free and compulsory education.

“Section 2 of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act provides that every Government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age. ‘‘It is indeed a crime

for any parent to keep his child out of school for this period. In my view, when a government fails to provide the schools, teachers and teaching materials necessary for basic education, it is actually aiding and abetting that crime.

“This is, therefore, a call to action. I would like to see every Governor rise from this meeting and rally his local Government Chairmen towards ensuring that our schools offer the right opportunities and provide the needed materials and

is possible when we do it together.”

The Prime Minister gave the assurance on Friday while declaring open, the 2019 Annual Meetings of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in Moscow.

Medvedev noted that despite the difficult global economic developments, positive goals can still be achieved with effective partnership.

According to him, Russia and African economies are endowed richly, a development that makes strategic investments imperative on the continent, to support growth, which Russia is now pleased to participate in the “ensuing projects.”

He said that Russia would use its expertise to raise the value of the continent’s primary sector, particularly in industrial productions, mining and agriculture.

“Our export centre is now a shareholder of Afreximbank. We have sincere commitment for Africa and four African states have visited us in just few months, as a show of the new relationship that we are building,: he stated.

Speaking further, he disclosed that over 17,000 African students “are studying in Russia and we simply need to know each other better.”

He added that Russia and Africa will deepen their friendship on the basis of business and more active interactions.

“We look forward with hope for a brighter relationship that is built on trust and mutual respect, and most importantly relations that will bring economic prosperity to the Africa and our country,” the Prime minister said.

Earlier speaking, Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, disclosed that Russia’s investment in Africa had increased over

the years to a record $20 billion in 2018.

“We are moving toward broadening our relationship, especially in our cooperation on security and peace making,” he said, describing Africa as Russia’s important partner in the global struggle for truth and fairness.

Lavrov added that Russia had made investments in such sectors as mining, energy and railway sectors, highlighting a nuclear power plant and industrial park developed by Russia in Egypt.

Mr. Lavrov said that Russia was committed to promoting Africa with a view to providing African solutions to African problems and urged the international community to provide its support by helping to incentivise and develop programmes that help African businesses.

Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Afreximbank, commended Russia for hosting the Annual Meetings.

In his remarks, the Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah said that 2019 marked a major point for the Bank as it looked to the future of Africa’s trade and finance and sought to build bridges with global powers.

Oramah said: “As we gather in this historic city of Moscow, we will explore how we can shape the future of trade and how we can transform our continent. Our collective endeavours will impact the economic future and wellbeing of Africans for generations to come.”

More than 1,000 African and international trade development experts, representatives of government, business leaders and other trade industry players officials

PHOTO TIMES

teachers for basic education, at the minimum. ‘‘If we are able to do this, the benefits will surely manifest themselves.”

“This statement by President Buhari is well within the law of Nigeria,” Shehu said.

“But in addition to relevant consultations, State governors need to put in place structures like schools and educational materials for pupils; otherwise, they also, are complicit in violating the law of the land,” he added.

Russia pledges to help Nigeria Continued from page 1

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are taking part in the Annual Meetings, which is also serving as a platform for African and Russian businesses to meet, strengthen and grow partnerships in order to foster business relations.

Over 50 speakers from Africa and beyond are scheduled to speak address participants during the three days of the conference which ends on June 22.

The speakers debated and shared insights on such topics as Promoting SouthSouth trade as an engine for multilateralism; prospects for multilateralism in an era of protectionism; and how Africa can make finance work for its economic transformation.

Highlights of the event included the seminars and meetings of the Advisory Group on Trade Finance and Export Development in Africa which ended on Friday; the official opening of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in the afternoon on 21 June; and Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 22 June.

The meetings also featured the launch of the African Trade Report 2019; the launch of the Afreximbank Export Trading Companies Strategy; and a half-day programme of activities dedicated to Russia–Africa investment cooperation.

A number of trade agreements were signed and more are expected to be signed before the event concludes on Saturday.

The 2019 Meetings made it the second time they are taking place outside Africa.

The 2012 Annual Meetings was held in Beijing, China.

According to him, Russia and African economies are endowed richly, a development that makes strategic investments imperative on the continent, to support growth, which Russia is now pleased to participate in the ensuing projects.

L-R: Director, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Olakunle Alake; Director, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Halima Aliko Dangote; Chairperson, NASCON Allied Industries Plc. ‘Yemisi Ayeni; Director, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Abdu Dantata; and Executive Director, Commercial, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Fatima Aliko Dangote, at the 2018 Annual General Meeting of NASCON Allied Industries Plc, in Lagos.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (r) and General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka during a courtesy visit by the General Overseer at the Government House, Port Harcourt...on Thursday.

L-R: Directorate Head, Corporate Bank, Obaro Odeghe,presenting a plaque to Managing Director, Quelu Konsult, Mrs. Margaret Anyigbo, at the recently concluded Fidelity Private Banking Education Advisory Forum in Lagos.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (left), discussing with his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun, after the All Progressives Congress Governors meeting with the President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House, Abuja ...on Tuesday

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, June 22, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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US scores Nigeria, NAPTIP high in tackling human trafficking Henry Omunu, Abuja

The efforts of the Federal Government in combating human trafficking through the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has received commendation from the United States government even as Nigeria has been upgraded to tier 2 watch list in the 2019 US trafficking in persons report.

The development came on the heels of serious efforts on expanding awareness and stakeholders’ advocacy throughout the country embarked upon by the Director General of the NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, to increase the knowledge of the people on issues of human trafficking as well as victim protection and support.

The US report which was released on Thursday by the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, is an annual global assessment of the level of compliance of countries to the minimum standards in the eradication of trafficking in persons around the world.

NAPTIP Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Stella Nezan, who made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday, recalled that Nigeria slipped from tier 1 rating to tier 2 watch list years ago due to reasons connected with the prevailing security challenges in parts of the country which placed additional burden on frontline agencies combating the human trafficking scourge.

According to the statement, in the report, the US government stated that Nigeria has demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period necessitating the upgrading of the nation to tier 2.

The report further states that “these efforts included supporting implementation of a 2017 action plan between Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a government – supported non-governmental armed group, and an international organisation to end its recruitment and use of child soldiers.

“The government convicted significantly more traffickers than the previous reporting period and initiated prosecution against seven government officials allegedly complicit in trafficking.”

Reacting to the development, Director General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah –Donli, disclosed that she received the report with mixed feeling because she had expected Nigeria to be upgraded to tier 1.

“Even though many people including partners of the agency have been calling to congratulate me on the upgrading of Nigeria to tier 2, I received the report with mixed feeling because I had expected Nigeria to top the tier 1 list,” she stated.

Dame Okah-Donli thanked the President Muhammadu Buhari and the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, for their support to the agency within the period under review.

“The present administration has demonstrated the desired commitment and political will to combat human trafficking in the country.

“In the last one year, we have doubled our prosecution and number of convictions and revamped our strategies aimed at combating human trafficking through massive public enlightenment and awareness creation campaigns, advocacy as well as other preventive measures.

“We commenced the inauguration of state task forces against human trafficking as one of our grassroots concepts to ensure states’ participation.

Dame Julie Okah Delta and Ondo states have fully taken off, Edo state task force that was earlier on inaugurated were trained while the Ekiti State task force will be inaugurated by Governor Kayode Fayemi on June, 24.

“This project is being sponsored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC). In addition, with the support of ECOWAS and IOM, we recently embarked on sensitization of border communities, Law Enforcement agencies and transporters within the Nigeria – Seme, Benin – Togo border corridor.

“We have just concluded advocacy and sensitization of key stakeholders in Lagos state with a visit to traditional rulers, schools and local government officials on the need to support the fight against human trafficking in the country,” the NAPTIP boss added.

The latest global commendation on the efforts of NAPTIP in combating human trafficking came barely few months after the agency provided employment for three of the survivors of human trafficking rescued and sponsored through university by the agency and civil society partners.

DNFIs safe havens for money laundering, terrorism financing, says Magu Andrew Orolua, Abuja The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has described Designated Non Financial Institutions (DNFIs) as safe havens for money laundering activities by criminals.

Magu made this declaration at a one day zonal workshop for the sensitisation of Non Profit Organisations (NPO) on compliance with the Nigerian AntiMoney Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism, AML/CFT regime, organised by the EFCC in collaboration with Space for Change, held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja.

The workshop was themed: “Effective Implementation and Regulations of AML/CFT within the NPO Sector.”

Magu, who was represented by Director, Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, of the EFCC, Francis Usani, noted that “as a result of lack of adequate supervision and regulation of NPOs and by extension DNFIs, criminals have now turned their focus on the DNFIs sector to perpetrate money laundering and terrorism financing.”

While noting the vulnerability of DFNI institutions in both developed and developing economies of the world to the scourge of money laundering and terrorism financing, Magu noted that money laundering and terrorism financing will continue to thrive, especially with criminals continuously discovering new methods of exploiting the vulnerability of DFNI institutions

and the legal systems.

According to him, “the DNFIs have been identified as the most vulnerable sector in money laundering and terrorism financing because criminals no longer use the conventional financial systems like banks to launder their illgotten wealth.”

While hoping for appropriate actions that would be effective against criminals’ exploitation of the DNFIs, he urged the Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) to be conscious of their obligations and responsibilities under the Nigerian AML/CFT regime and develop a culture of compliance with AML/CFT measures.

Magu, who commended the NPOs on their efforts at complementing the efforts of the government, said “SCUML understands the importance of NPOs in the Nigerian project, the good work you do to support government in its programmes and your reach in the society.”

He added that partnership and cooperation with NPOs was key to winning the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The EFCC boss further informed the NPOs of the upcoming “Second Round Mutual Evaluation of Nigeria”

by Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and charged the NPOs not to be the weak link in the evaluation process as such will affect the positive evaluation of the country.

Hadiza Gamawa, Head, External Cooperation of the EFCC, while making a presentation on “Nigerian national money laundering/terrorist financing risk assessment process, findings and

action plan,” noted that national risk assessment helps to identify weaknesses and gaps within the system and also find ways to address and plug them.

She added that the significance of the risk assessment was for Nigeria not to be blacklisted again as such will drive away foreign investors, noting further that a positive assessment will greatly assist Nigeria’s application for membership of the FATF. Gamawa regretted that DNFIs ranked highest in vulnerability to money laundering in the 2016 risk assessment with a miserable score of 0.77.

Executive Director, Space for Change, Victoria Ibezim Ohaeri, while delivering her goodwill message, posited that Non Profit Organisations believe that compliance to money laundering/ terrorism financing was important to their work, and “to the entire sector and for the betterment of the country.”

Stating the importance of CSOs, she said: “Civil Society Organisations are a major ally of the government in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing. We are willing to cooperate, comply, engage and at the same time we are also concerned about the space which we operate, in ensuring that due compliance is done without adding additional burden in the work we do.”

Ibinabo Mary Amachree, Head Information and Data Management of SCUML while doing an overview of the relevant standards on AML/CFT as it relates to NPOs, called for proper supervision as lapses can aid terrorist organisations who pose as legitimate entities.

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Zamfara monarch confirms killing of 18 persons by gunmen The Emir of Tsafe, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, has declared that suspected gunmen killed 18 persons in some communities in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The emir made the disclosure on Friday while receiving the House of Representatives member representing Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, Rep. Kabir MaiPalace in Gusau.

Rep. Mai-Palace was at the emir’s palace to condole with him and entire people of the area over the attacks.

The emir said that the attackers invaded Bamamu, Danmale and Sako communities on Thursday evening and killed 18 persons, adding that they came with over 50 motorcycles and were shooting sporadically into the air.

The emir thanked the lawmaker for the visit and his concern for his people.

Earlier, Rep. Mai-Palace described the attack as unfortunate

and worrisome, saying: “I had earlier visited General Hospital, Tsafe to sympathise with the victims who are receiving treatment. ”Security is the major area I am giving priority to, it is very disheartening the way these bandits are attacking our communities. If I go back to Abuja, I am going to raise these issues in the House with the aim of finding solutions to the problems. ”As a representative of the people, I don’t have any commitment beyond the interest of my people. l am also going to present this incident to the Governor, Muhammad Matawallen-Maradun.”

The lawmaker, however, urged the people of the state to remain calm and continue with prayers to seek Allah’s intervention to end the incessant killings and thereafter, donated cash and 20 mattresses to the victims in the hospital and held close door meeting with divisional police officer in-charge of Tsafe.

EFCC arrests 18 suspected Yahoo Boys Operatives of the special task force of the Uyo Zonal Office of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, made a harvest of eleven suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Boys’ in an apartment on Parliamentary Extension, Akai Efa, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The all male suspects are: Endurance Ahunwan (28), Nohuwan Frank (26), Dominic Chidiebere (28), Idehe Efosa (17), Patrick Edos (27), Samuel Ukiwe (21) and Michael Edward 25.

Others are: Destiny Efe (17), Hope Yusuf (19), Harrison Esi (17) and Igbinigun Osamudia (17).

Seventeen-year-old Esi was found hiding in the roof of the apartment along with some of their tools of operation. According to him, their leader, Ahunwan instructed him to conceal himself and the gadgets in the roof in order to prevent his arrest and confiscation of the tools.

“Our leader ordered me to hide in the ceiling with the gadgets so that I will not be nabbed also,” Esi said.

Upon arrest, Ahunwan, the prime suspect, confessed that he recruited the team, saying they were paying back Europeans for stealing from their forefathers.

He also alleged that the parents of the arrested accomplices gave their consent and pleaded with him to help their children secure a means

of livelihood.

Items recovered from the suspected fraudsters include: 10 laptops, eight internet modems, several sophisticated telephone handsets, including one iphone, technical devices and scam emails.

Similarly, seven suspected internet fraudsters were on Friday arrested by officers of the Kaduna Zonal Office of the Commission.

The suspects, whose age ranged between 20 and 33 years, were apprehended around 5a.m in an apartment along Ihejirika Close, Becky, Karu, Nasarawa State.

They include: Peter Olu Tsetimi, Ogunbiyi Adekunle A, Emuze Omosigho Emmanuel and Isaac Daro Obozokhai.

Others are: Samuel Nana-Kofi Eruese, Edward Yusuf and Peace Manayin (female).

The suspected internet fraudsters held sway around Mararaba, Nyanya and Karu axis of Nasarawa State and Federal Capital Territory, FCT. One of the suspects poses as an engineer with Exxon Mobil, the others also use false identities to defraud unsuspecting people within and outside Nigeria.

Items recovered from them include expensive watches and necklaces, expensive phones, tablets, laptops and several fraudulent documents.

All the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Suspected Yahoo boys arrested by the EFCC

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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NAPTIP arrests 20 for suspected Short News human trafficking in Edo Police arrest 122 suspected criminals in Kano The Benin Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) says it has arrested no fewer than 20 persons for suspected human trafficking.

Commander of the agency in Edo and Delta zone, Nduka Nwanwenne, who disclosed this in Benin on Friday, said that the suspects were arrested between January - May this year.

He said that some of the suspects have been charged to court while others were still in the command’s custody pending the completion of investigations on their cases.

The zonal commander also said that within the period 38 trafficked survivors

were rescued while 46 cases were reported, even as the zonal command still has 36 cases pending in courts.

He added that the major challenge to the speedy determination of human trafficking cases was the retirement of judges, disclosing that the recent visit of the Director-General of NAPTIP, Mrs. Julie Okah-Donli, to the chief judge of Edo state prompted the designation of two special courts to handle human trafficking cases.

Nwanwenne said since the dedication of the special courts, there has been speedy trial of cases, declaring that in line with the policy of the agency to rehabilitate and reintegrate survivors into the society, the director-general has directed the

zonal command to empower 20 human trafficking survivors.

According to him, the survivors have earlier undergone and completed training in various vocational fields, adding that the areas of empowerment for the victims include catering and hospitality management, fashion and design and cosmetology.

He disclosed that in the last two years, no fewer than 100 survivors of the criminal act have been empowered by the agency and that majority of them were doing well.

Nwanwenne said that a template has been put in place to stop beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme from disposing of the items or attempting to be re-trafficked.

The Kano state Police Command on Friday said it has arrested 122 suspected criminals in its intensified onslaught against crime and threats to security in the state.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmed Iliyasu, told newsmen in Kano that the suspects were apprehended between June 7 and Friday in raids of criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.

Iliyasu said that the command has put new operational strategies, including technical intelligence-gathering and community policing in place in line with the mission of ‘Operation Puff-Adder’ to rid the state of all forms of criminality.

He said that three persons suspected to have kidnapped a bride and her two friends, but were later rescued by the police were nabbed at Falgore Forest, adding that 11 suspected armed robbers were arrested within Kano metropolis on Thursday.

The commissioner also said that on June 13, seven imposters were arrested for criminally conspiring and parading themselves as National Guard personnel attached to Kano unit.

He said that the suspects wore armed forces and paramilitary kits and were extorting money from the public.

Similarly, he said that 82 hoodlums popularly known as ‘Yan daba’ including two ATM scammers were apprehended during the raids.

Illiyasu said that one pump action gun, with 15 rounds of live cartridges, 115 live ammunition of AK 47 rifle, three stolen vehicles, 53 bags of suspected cocaine, 43 knives and 58 clubs were recovered from the suspects.

Ihedioha inaugurates 3 committees in Imo Prince Nwankwo, Owerri The Governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha has inaugurated three committees to look into salient issues in Imo state in a bid to ensure that the rebuild Imo project/agenda is achieved.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Uche Onyeagocha, charged members of the committee to be up and doing in order to ensure that sanity is brought back to Imo state.

Onyeagocha informed o the 33 members of the three committees that the governor wants them to focus on the functions stipulated for each of the committees, including any other functions that may be assigned to them by the governor.

The committee include that on Adapalm Nigeria Limited, traffic congestion and proliferation of illegal motor-parks in the state and that on Imo Rubber Estates Limited.

Members of the three committees are as follows; Adapalm, Ifeanyi Nnadi (chairman), Kelechi Ahamba (secretary) with members as Desmond Onyia, Sade Balogun, Felix, Chief Nwachukwu J. C, Uche Odozor and Rufus Osueke.

The committee on traffic congestion has Okechukwu Opara as chairman and Obi Mbadiwe as secretary respectively with 13 other members while the committee on Imo Rubber Estates has Dr. Ray Opara as chairman and Dr. Able White Iheagwam as secretary respectively, with seven other members.

PDP, Ashiru head to Appeal Court over votes recount in Kaduna

Wife of Anambra State Governor and Founder of Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ), Dr. (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano (5th left) flanked by the Igwe Chief Chukwudi Oguejiofor, Onwa Enugwu-Ukwu (4th left); Hon Nneka Onwudiwe of Donor Agency Office(2nd left); former Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Chinwe Nwaebili(first left); and wife of National Chairman, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Iyom May Oye (3rd right), cutting the tape of furnished 2-Bedroom Bungalow for Mrs. Ebele Obazue at Umunankwo, Ogbaru recently/.

Court jails 5 REA directors over N5.2bn fraud Andrew Orolua, Abuja Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Gudu, Abuja, has sentenced five former directors of the Rural Electricity Agency (REA) to various jail terms for their culpability in the N5.2 billion scam.

Those convicted include the former Managing Director of the agency, Samuel Ibi Gekpe, Simon Kirdi Nanle, an accountant, Kayode Orekoya, director of projects, Abdusamad Garba Hahun, an assistant director and Kayode Oyedeji, head of legal department.

However, the second defendant, Dr. Abdullahi Aliyu, a former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Power was discharged and acquitted.

They were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for criminal breach of trust in fraudulently awarding contracts for grid

extension and solar electricity from the amended 2008 budget of agency.

They were alleged to have fraudulently facilitated the withdrawal of the sum of N119.7 million from the accounts of the agency, domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In the course of the trial, the prosecution led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) called seven witnesses before closing its case.

Rather than open its defence, the defendants through Paul Erokoro (SAN), made a no case submission which was overruled by the court and thereafter, were called upon to open their defences.

Dr. Abdullahi Aliyu’s nocase submission was however, upheld on appeal and he was consequently, discharged and acquitted.

The first and third defendants rested their cases on that of the prosecution while the fourthsixth defendants testified in

person.

Final addresses were filed, exchanged and adopted. Upon adoption of the respective final addresses by the prosecution and the defence, the court adjourned for judgment.

In a significant judgement, the court dismissed the application of Gekpe, the first defendant, which challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge. On the substantive charge, the court found that the prosecution had established by evidence all ingredients of the offences against the defendants.

The defendants were accordingly convicted and sentenced as follows; the first defendant, Gekpe, sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option of N5 million fine; the third- sixth defendants, Nanle, Orekoya, Hahun and Oyedeji were sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option of N500, 000 fine each.

The Court of Appeal in Kaduna has fixed June 27 to hear the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking for votes recount in the March 9 governorship election in Kaduna state.

Lead counsel to the PDP and its governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, Elisha Kurah (SAN) made the disclosure shortly after the sitting of the governorship election tribunal in Kaduna.

The tribunal had on May 28 struck out the petitioners’ motion seeking for recount of votes cast in the governorship election in the state for lack of merit.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Bako, who ruled on the motion, said the tribunal had a timeline of only 180 days within which to complete its assignment.

Justice Bako had said that the tribunal would not accommodate the motion seeking for the recount of votes and also refused the application for amendment of the motion seeking to narrow the votes recount exercise to only 12 local government areas.

The PDP and Ashiru had on May 25 applied to amend the motion to restrict vote recounts to only Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Igabi, Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Zaria, Sabon Gari, Makarfi, Kudan, Kubau, Soba and Ikara local government areas, mostly won by the APC. However, Kurah said the petitioners’ appeal would be coming up for hearing on June 27 at the Federal Court of Appeal, asserting that the petitioners would put a strong submission for the appeal to scale through.

On the ongoing trial before the tribunal, Kurah said the petitioners would prune their witnesses from the 685 they earlier assembled as the 47 witnesses they had so far presented before the tribunal had covered most of the issues raised in their petition.

The Justice Bako-led tribunal had admitted 15 witnesses apart from the 32 who testified on Tuesday and Wednesday. The witnesses were mostly PDP agents and returning officers from Zaria and Kaduna North Local Governments who accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failure to conduct elections in those areas.

Court grants Rickey Tarfa time to recuperate

Justice Adedayo Akintoye of an Igbosere High Court in Lagos on Friday granted Rickey Tarfa (SAN) more time to recuperate from his surgery.

Justice Akintoye gave the order following an application by Tarfa’s counsel, Jelili Owonikoko, praying the court for more time for his client to recuperate.

Tarfa is standing trial on a 26-count charge bordering on offering gratification to two judges of the Federal High Court, Justices Hyeladzira Nganjiwa and Mohammed Yunusa. He is also standing trial for alleged justice perversion.

Tarfa has not attended court proceedings since January 21 when he travelled abroad for a medical emergency and has always stayed inside his vehicle during court proceedings.

According to his counsel, Tarfa was unable to climb the staircase leading to Justice Akintoye’s courtroom, even on a wheelchair because of the severity of his condition.

On March 19, Owonikoko filed a medical recommendation from Tarfa’s doctors which stated that the defendant requires a minimum of three months medical leave to enable him recuperate and on May 31, he filed another application seeking an extension of his recovery time.

But, the judge ordered that a medical report on his health from a general or a teaching hospital be provided before the hearing of the application. At the resumed hearing on Friday, Tarfa, who was represented by John Odubela (SAN), said the defendant has carried out the court’s orders.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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FG, presidential panel drag Nwaoboshi, Akpan before CCT Tunde Opalana, Abuja

The federal government has dragged the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District. Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, to the Code of Conduct Tribunal on a three –counts- charge of false assets declaration.

The charges were filed by the office of the Department of Public Prosecutions, Federal Ministry of Justice.

Sen. Nwaoboshi was recently referred to the department of public prosecutions for prosecution by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the recovery of public property led by Okoi Obono-Obla.

A copy of the charge directed that Nwaoboshi is to be tried for allegedly making false assets declaration in his Form CCB1 submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau by failing to declare three bank accounts he maintains with Sterling Bank since 2015.

Similarly, a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided by Justice J.T Tsoho in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/88/2018 between the federal government and Senator Albert Bassey Akpan, ruled that the

Special Presidential Investigation Panel is competent to initiate criminal prosecution against the senator or anybody it has investigated.

The court further held that the prosecutor of the panel, Dr. Celsus Ukpong is competent to sign or initiate criminal prosecution and doesn’t require the consent of the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice to do so.

Principal State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Labaran Magaji, who signed the charges, alleged that Nwaoboshi’s action was contrary to section 15 (1) and (2) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act and punishable under Section 23(2) of the same Act. Accompanying the charges filed against the Delta North senator was a document titled: “An application to commence trial” that states that “it is the prosecution’s case that the defendant, a serving senator was investigated and found to have falsely declared his assets in his assets declaration Form CCB1 No. SEN001098.

“The prosecution in this case shall rely on the exhibits and testimonies

of witnesses to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.”

Ruling on the case involving Senator Akpan, the court also said that the presidential panel doesn’t require the consent of the President before it can initiate criminal proceedings against anybody.

Sen. Akpan was arraigned before the Federal High Court for refusing to declare his assets contrary to Section 3 (a) of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act, 2004. However, he objected to the competence of the panel to file charges against him.

With the ruling, the coast is now clear for Sen. Akpan to face trial over the charges filed against him.

However, senator through his counsel, Solomon Unoh (SAN) has filed a notice of appeal on the June 13 challenging the ruling of the federal high court.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Presidential Panel, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, said that the ruling is great and that it has added an impetus to the fight against corruption and strengthened the hands of the panel.

7 News

Short News NIMASA donates relief materials to Anambra flood victims

The Nigeria Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to the Anambra state government for distribution to communities affected by the 2018 flood in the state.

Director-General of the agency, Dr. Dagogo Peterside, presented the materials to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) at AguAwka on Friday.

The relief items include bags of rice, garri, maize, noodles, disinfectants, soap, diapers, grinders and sewing machines.

Peterside, who was represented by the Auditor-General of the agency, Victor Onuzulike, expressed the need for the Anambra state government to ensure the proper distribution of the donated items to the affected persons.

Executive Secretary of SEMA, Chief Paul Odenigbo, who received the materials on behalf of the state government, thanked NIMASA for showing genuine concern about the plight of flood victims in the state.

Odenigbo also thanked other organisations, including the Red Cross and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for making similar donations to the victims in the past.

He appealed to NIMASA to include Anambra state in its 2019 intervention programme in view of the prediction by the Nigeria Metrological Agency that the state might also experience flooding this year.

PDP orders fresh state congress in Kogi

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ordered a fresh congress to elect new officers for the Kogi state chapter of the party.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known to the in Lokoja on Friday.

Ologbondiyan said that the decision to hold the congress was due to the fact that the tenure of the present state officers will come to an end on July 22. He, however, said that the congress will not hold at local government and ward levels of the party.

The PDP spokesman said that a date and guidelines for the governorship primaries of the party will be announced in due course, confirming that the fee for obtaining the governorship nomination form of the party has been increased from N5 million to N10 million.

Ologbondiyan urged all aspirants to guide against misconduct and utterances capable of negatively affecting the chances of the party in the Nov. 16 governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

FG directs schools to commence the teaching of history

The federal government has directed all basic and secondary schools across the country to immediately implement the teaching of history as a standalone subject from the next academic calendar.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, made this known on Friday in an interview in Abuja.

Daily Times recalls that the federal government had on June 18 promised the return of history as a subject to the school curriculum while ensuring that all primary school teachers are trained to deliver digital literacy.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has declared at the launch of education for justice programme that government has kick-started implementation in 12 primary and secondary schools across the six geo-political zones while instructional classes have also commenced.

According to Echono, the directive has already been given by the government and it is automatic that all schools should implement the reintroduction of the subject simultaneously.

“By the next academic calendar, history will be taught as a standalone subject. It is with immediate implementation. So, definitely for the next academic year everybody will fall in line because we already articulated the curriculum and the examination should be done along those lines,” he said.

Lagos warns LASTMA, other officials against harassment, extortion Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (middle) with members of the 9th National Assembly, led by the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, when the visited him in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

APC stalwart says party must reposition in Ebonyi

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi state, Dr. Paul Okorie, says the clamour for good governance in the state may be a mirage unless the APC is repositioned to put the ruling party on its toes.

Okorie, who stated this in an interview on Friday in Abakaliki, declared the APC as the ruling party at the centre and largest opposition in Ebonyi state possesses the capacity to offer formidable and credible opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party-led government in the state.

According to him, opposition politics creates necessary checks and balances on the government in power, asserting that it was only through effective, strong and formidable opposition that any government in power can be kept on its toes and be forced to provide good governance.

He regretted that the APC has not been visible

in the state’s politics after its appearance in the 2019 general elections where it failed to clinch any position.

Okorie, a former APC governorship aspirant appealed to APC stakeholders in the state to put the party’s loss behind them and chart a way forward, just as he harped on the need for the party to have a stronger synergy among its levels of leadership, noting that APC must offer itself as a better and credible alternative in the state.

“I am deeply worried about the situation of our party in Ebonyi state. When you go for a battle and lose, especially a battle you ought not to have lost, you become disorganised and disillusioned.

“This is exactly what happened to our party.

So, I am deeply worried that the APC has been in limbo after its poor outing in the 2019 general

elections. It was indeed, an election that we shouldn’t have lost.

“It is quite unfortunate that up till now, we have not been able to find our bearing as a party and stand on our feet; I am very worried,” he said.

The APC chieftain said it was high time something was done by stakeholders to put the party in a good stead to provide checks and balances to the ruling party in the state.

“When there are no checks and balances, for whatever reason, the rule of law will be endangered and the party in power will keep doing what it likes,” he submitted.

Okorie, a former commissioner for works, housing and transportation in the state, maintained that the APC must reinvent itself in order to wrestle power from the PDP in 2023.

Benjamin Omoike, Lagos The Lagos state government has warned officials of the Lagos state Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other state officials against harassment and extortion of Lagosians, especially violators of traffic laws, saying it will no longer tolerate indiscipline from any of its official.

The warning followed this week’s arrest of two LASTMA officials for allegedly extorting a woman who drove against traffic. The officials were arrested on the order of the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who got wind of the incident.

The incident reportedly occurred on Ikoyi Road, close to Ikoyi Club, Ikoyi.

Addressing newsmen on Friday at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the two erring officers would be made to face the full wrath of the law if found guilty at the end of investigations.

“I am sure everybody understands the challenges Lagos is facing in terms of traffic congestion. That is why the administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu made it a point of duty to address the issue of traffic congestion to make Lagos a mega city it deserves.

“Unfortunately, some officials of LASTMA are also doing things outside of the law, but as long as we will support our officers to do their job, we will not allow them to harass the people of the state.

“We have heard a report of two officials of LASTMA who harassed a citizen, who admitted following one-way.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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Court adjourns Goje’s N6bn fraud case to July 4

The Federal High Court sitting in Jos on Friday further adjourned the alleged N6 billion alleged fraud case labelled against former Gombe state Governor, Senator Danjuma Goje by the attorney general of the federation.

Before now, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been prosecuting the case for nearly eight years until June 7, when it handed over the case file to the office of the attorney general of the federation.

The EFCC had filed a 21 -count charge against the ex-governor alleging that he fraudulently diverted N25 billion of state

funds, an amount which was later narrowed down to N6 billion.

Also, the commission struck out 19 of the 21 charges leaving only two counts even as Goje’s made a no case submission at the last hearing date.

When the case came up for hearing on Friday before Justice Quadiri, Pius Akutah, an assistant chief state counsel in office of attorney general of the federation applied for a short adjournment to enable him study the case file.

“My Lord, l wish to confirm to this court that the EFCC has formally forwarded the case file to us haven taken over the matter

from them on June 7.

“We are aware that on that day, June 7, the case was adjourned for further hearing, but because we are still studying the case file to have full grasp of the entire matter, we shall be asking for a short adjournment,” Akutah pleaded.

Counsel to Goje, Aladele Oyelami, did not object to the application for adjournment, saying “my Lord, on our part we are not objecting to the application made by the prosecution counsel.”

Justice Quadiriafter listening to the counsels however adjourned the case to July 4 for further hearing.

Short News New AIG promises to reposition FCID, Alagbon Chioma Joseph, Lagos The Assistant-Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in- charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) annex, Alagbon Close, Lagos, Murtala Mani has promised to reposition the unit for better performance.

Mani, who is the new sheriff in- charge of the annex said, aside from the renovation works done to give the annex a befitting look, the forensic laboratory has also been refurbished to serve its purpose.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, the AIG said the inspector-general of police has made conscious efforts to trim down the number of officers at the formation to ensure adequate supervision and also promote professionalism.

According to him, the new leadership is set to restore the lost glory of the formation, adding that “there is need for us to tell the world what the police are doing, especially under the leadership of IGP Mohammed Adamu, so that the confidence we are trying to build in the minds of the people can be restored.

“This is one of the reason why the IGP felt there was need for a very senior officer to take over the leadership of the annex; firstly, to sanitize the place and secondly, to as much as possible make the place regain its lost glory and that is what we are doing.

Community engagement can stop gender-based violence, says advocates

Some advocates for gender equality on Friday called for community engagement in curbing the increasing incidents of genderbased violence in the country.

They made the call at a workshop on “community dialogue on genderbased violence” organised for young people by a non-governmental organization, Boundless Hands Africa in collaboration with Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, a U.S. initiative.

Speaking at the workshop, the Founder, Across All Initiative for Mental Health and Stigma Eradication, Seun Dosunmu, noted that there was need to change the narrative on how women and men were treated.

He observed that “unfortunately, the physical abuse has become a norm in most communities; we hear cases of how women are economically and socially abused.

“They are not allowed to maximise or participate in activities; so conversations around gender –based violence will open the minds of young people.Workshops like this, which is also to raise community leaders who will do a replica in their various communities can foster enlightenment and address the negative attitude when it comes to gender –based violence. “ He called on policymakers to be proactive in addressing issues surrounding gender –based violence in the country. According to him, research shows that one in three women in their lifetime will experience gender –based violence and currently, about 80 million women have experienced some form of gender –based violence.

“Policymakers need to create and implement policies such as ensuring penalties for perpetrators and get them jailed in the interest of the victims,“ Dosunmu said.

NGO advocates premarital screening for sickle cell

L-R: The Secretary of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede with the Kaduna Zonal Head of the Commission, Mailafia Yakubu (right) during an event recently.

FAAN supports clinic with facilities over Ebola screening Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, Lagos The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says the enabling environment has been put in place for officials of the port health service under the Federal Ministry of Health to carry out their duties at the nation’s airports.

Speaking after a tour of the port health facility at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Abdullahi Mashi accompanied by the Airport Terminal Manager, Olutayo Oginni told reporters that adequate space has been provided

by FAAN, for offices, screening centres and clinics for port health officials to handle suspected cases when the need arises.

Oginni noted that FAAN has also assisted the port health officials with equipment required to adequately cater to the needs of passengers.

“We collaborate with them on

the issue of provision of clinic space and every other thing they require of us. At the arrival hall, we have two different facilities for them there; the secondary screening place, the administrative office and they have a permanent clinic at our E-arrival. We made sure we provided the enabling environment and equipment they need in that place,” Oginni declared.

He stated that provision was also made for an isolation clinic on the airside where suspected passengers on arrival are taken for thorough for examination, adding that all the necessary needs of the port health officials have been provided.

After the inspection, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Abdullahi Mashi promised that the facilities at the port health facility at the airport would be upgraded and wellequipped to help officials carry out their job.

He explained that his visit was to witness firsthand the level of preparedness and response level

of the port health in case there were issues to address, disclosing that “since I assumed duties, I have never been to any port health facility, so it is an opportunity for me to be in Lagos access their level of preparedness and their level of response in case there is any issue to address.”

During the inspection, the Head, Port Health Services, Dr. Alex Okoh enumerated the challenges the service grapples with at the airport to include, inadequate personnel; doctors and nurses, drivers for their two ambulances and oxygen among others.

The permanent secretary promised that the ministry would look into the matter urgently, promising that “I assure you we will do something about it when we get back”.

Speaking on the recent alleged passenger with the Ebola symptoms, Mashi said there was no cause for alarm, adding that after thorough laboratory tests, the passenger was confirmed negative.

The Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF) says voluntary premarital genetic screening remains key to reducing the high incidence of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

Programme Facilitator of the foundation, Dr. Taiwo Aderemi, made this known during a public awareness lecture held for secondary school students as part of activities of the foundation to mark this year’s World Sickle Cell Day at Ojoo High School, Ibadan on Friday.

The lecture was entitled: “Be the Face and the Voice to raise Awareness to Reduce Discrimination of People Living with Sickle Cell Disease.”

Aderemi, a family health physician, said that sickle cell as a commonest inherited genetic disorder constitutes a major public health problem with attendant high early deaths and morbidity rates.

“Sickle cell disease is a blood disease in which red blood cells has a crescent or sickle shape unlike the usual round shape. Nigeria has the greatest share of sickle cell worldwide with about four million affected individuals, with 150, 000 babies born annually, out of which 100, 000 die during their first year of life.

“The high prevalence of the sickle cell is a result of wrong matching of couples with conflicting genotypes. Voluntary premarital screening and genetic screening play an important role in reducing the number of genetic disorders like sickle cell in children,” he said.

Court remands student for impregnating 16-year-old girl

A Magistrates Court in Minna, Niger state on Friday ordered that a 20-year-old student, Babangida Husseini, who allegedly impregnated a 16-year-old girl be remanded in prison.

The police had charged Husseini on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child and impregnating a student.

Magistrate Mariam Kings ordered the case adjourned until July 16 for the prosecution to call its witnesses, even though Husseini pleaded guilty to the charge..

Kings held that the adjournment is to enable the police present more evidences to establish its case considering the gravity of the offence.

Prosecution counsel, Aliyu Yakubu told the court that the father of the girl, Bilyaminu Musa, filed a petition on June 7 alleging that the defendant had sex with his daughter, an SS2 student of Government Day Secondary School, Chanchaga, Minna and impregnated her.

The offence he said, contravenes the provisions of Sections 18 (2) and 25 (3) of the Child Rights Law of Niger state.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

Housewife caught for shoplifting in Delta supermarket Nosa Akenzua, Asaba A housewife, Roselle Mutie was in the early hours of Friday in Asaba, Delta state beaten severely after been caught for allegedly stealing at a supermarket.

An eyewitness, Andrew Akanu said the suspect was caught with sanitary pads, biscuits and drinks at a popular supermarket around Old Awai Road in Asaba.

It was gathered that the suspect in disguised as regular customer in the early hours of Friday, strolled into the supermarket and pilfered the items unknowing that the close circuit television cameras caught her in the act.

She was alleged to have picked

up the items in the supermarket and was stepping out when one of the sales girl monitoring the camera on the screen called her back.

Questioned if she had paid for the items she took from the shelves, the suspect replied in the negative, insisting that she bought nothing and that she took nothing from the supermarket.

Sources said the owner of the supermarket ordered a search on her bag and behold the stolen items were found, resulting in one of sales boy giving her the beating of her life.

Thereafter, the suspect was said to have owned up to stealing the items, saying she stole the items because she and

her husband are unemployed.

According to her, she graduated from the university many years back with no job.

“The CCTV camera caught the woman with the items; sanitary pads, biscuits and drinks in my supermarket and my boys gave her a severe beaten before she opened up that she actually stole the items.

“I let her walk away after she pleaded with me that her husband and herself have no job to feed and I advised her to embrace God for her sins to be forgiven before I gave her back the items she stole to go with,” the supermarket owner, Mallam Suleman confirmed to journalists.

9 News

Short News Dizengoff donates equipment worth $60,000 to Unilag

Equipment manufacturing giant, Dizengoff has donated equipment worth $60, 000 to the University of Lagos in an effort to boost entrepreneurship and innovation among students.

Consultant to the organisation, Mr Kai Wulff, who presented the equipment to the university, said that the equipment would be used to train students and provide solutions to Nigeria’s many problems.

“We are here to kick-start a fruitful and rewarding partnership with the University of Lagos because we are impressed with the level of entrepreneurial work going on here.

“What we have donated here are totally communication network equipment and components of communication network solutions,” he said, reiterating that the university’s efforts in entrepreneurship showed that many more innovations would start from the institution.

“Basically, the equipment itself, the radio, the controllers, the trackers and the software can be taught and played with individually, but it can as well be a proof of concept that universities can design a network and test it out to the real world, if it works.

“We want to see how these equipment will be able to further enhance hands- on experience, especially in the area of communication and technology,” he said.

Edo to establish rehabilitation centre for drug abuse patients

Edo state government says plans are on to set up a rehabilitation centre to cater for drug abuse patients.

Chairman, Edo state Drug Control Committee (ESDCC), Dr. David Osifo, disclosed this on Friday in Benin while addressing journalists on activities lined up for the international day against drug abuse and illicit drugs trafficking.

Osifo said the centre would be set up in collaboration with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin, to provide adequate treatment and rehabilitation.

“There is an unmet need for drugs treatment in Nigeria. According to the drug use survey, nearly 40 per cent of high risk users want treatment but are unable to get it. ”The Edo state Drug Control Committee has come up with a proposal to set up the centre taking into cognisant psychiatric patients who roam the streets as a result of drug abuse.

“Once the centre is open, we will harvest them from the streets and give them adequate treatment,” the chairman stated.

He said that in 2017, Edo state had the second highest prevalence of drug use of 15. 5 per cent in the South-South geo-political after Delta state which had a prevalence of 18 per cent.

Motorists accuse police of extortion on Ughelli- Jeremi Road Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right), Managing Director, Edo Geographic Information Services (EdoGIS), Arch. Frank Evbuomwan (right); and Vice Chairman, Edo State Chapter, Nigeria Oil and Gas Host Community, Hon. Kenneth Aduwaye (left), after a close-door meeting between the governor and management of EdoGIS at the premises of EdoGIS, in Benin City, Edo State.

Enemies of Rivers still lurking, says Wike Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, has tasked the clergy to continue to pray for the state as her enemies were allegedly still lurking in the corners of the state.

Gov. Wike also called on the clergy to pray for his administration to conclude its term in office as the best in the history of Rivers state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike said that the state would remain dedicated to God

for his blessings and protection.

“Please continue to pray for us because the enemies will never rest. What you are doing is to win souls for the Almighty God. We will continue to partner with the church. Like I have always said, Rivers state is 100 per cent a Christian state.

“I know what God has been doing for us and I have no apologies for insisting that Rivers state is a Christian state. I will not be intimidated or cowed by anybody,” he stated.

Gov. Wike urged the church to continue to intercede for his administration to remain focused on delivering quality leadership to Rivers people and thanked the

Lord’s Chosen Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry for bringing its crusade to the state as it would attract the blessings and peace of God on the state.

In his remarks, General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry, Pastor Lazarus Muoka said that the victory of Gov. Wike was designed

by God. He said: “Your election was divine. Govern with the fear of God. God, who started with you, will ensure that you end the race very well” and commended the governor for declaring the state a Christian state, adding that God would usher in a period of peace and prosperity in the state.

Commercial motorists plying the Ughelli- Jeremiah Road in Delta state have accused the police of extorting money from them whenever they ply the road.

A motorist who claimed to be a victim of the alleged extortion, Omokiniovo Frank said they (drivers) undergo horrible ordeals in the hands of police officers who mount roadblocks at three different positions along the Ughelli- Jeremi Road “We are tired of the police officers on Ughelli-Jeremi Road as they collect from us every day N100 at every check -point on the road “Each of the check- point which begins from Oteri Ovwor Olomu Road, Ovwu Secondary School by late David Ejoor’s house and Okpare Iwherekan Road, the police officers collect N100 each from us,” the motorist alleged.

The aggrieved motorists further alleged that the activities of the police officers have affected their operations in using the route and as a result they have increased their fares to enable them meet the demands of the police officers on the road.

“It doesn’t matter to the police officers if the particulars of your vehicle are complete or not, the police officers must collect N100 each from us even if we drive with passengers five times,” they further alleged.

PDP stalwart warns party members over anti-party activities Akam James, Yenagoa The Yenagoa Local Government Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Goodluck Itu, has warned party chieftains and members of the party against indulging in anti-party activities, adding that anyone entering an unholy alliance with any other candidate is unacceptable to the party’s leadership.

Itu stated this yesterday when the flagbearer of the party in Yenagoa, visited the leadership of the party at the state party secretariat.

The chairman, who also noted that one man’s ambition can’t be bigger than the interest of the party, added that the party at all level expects all stakeholders to work with those who emerged as flag bearers of the party after the party primaries.

He called on those who feel aggrieved to respect the peoples’ choice and join forces to canvass votes for the party ahead of the forthcoming local government election, adding that it behoves on everyone to work as a team.

The PDP candidate, Nimizuoa Uroupaye, advised aggrieved aspirants to rally round him to ensure the party wins at the general elections, adding that he emerged winner at the primaries not because he is the best amongst them all, but because the people spoke in one voice.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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Gbagyis raise alarm over marginalisation in Niger Saka Bolaji, Minna A pan- Gbagyi socio- cultural organization under the auspices of Gbegnu Boknu Yakwo Association in Niger state has raised alarm of marginalization in the recent appointments made

by Governor Abubakar SaniBello.

The association made the allegation in a statement in Minna and signed by its President, Comrade Danjuma Paiko and Secretary, Comrade Bello Tsoho respectively.

The body is demanding to know why the Gbagyi ethnic group was alienated in the key appointments made so far in the state, adding that the marginalization of the Gbagyi

speaking people is humiliating and unacceptable.

They charged the governor to do the needful, balance the appointments and spread necessary slots across board without delay as the people of zone b, particularly the Gbagyi speaking area awaits prompt action by the governor.

The association disclosed that it had earlier written an open letter dated June 18, containing details of their complaints to the state governor, warning that failure to act promptly on their demands will be interpreted as a deliberate plan to discriminate against the Gbagyis in the sharing of political offices.

“As a result of the zero tolerance to faults and humiliations over the years, we are able to co-

exist and flow with people of diverse ethnic groups within our locations particularly, Minna the state capital,” the association said.

It condemned the lip service by government to the security situation in Gbagyi dominated areas, adding that priority must be accorded to the Gbagyis in the filing ministerial and other federal government appointments.

It demanded for the declaration of a state of emergency based on the security situation in Niger East Senatorial District, particularly, Gbagyi dominated settlements that are mostly victims of deadly attacks and urged the governor to use his good offices and goodwill to reflect Gbagyi speaking group in his key appointments.

Short News Niger reassures corps members of adequate security Saka Bolaji, Minna Niger state government has reassured the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state of adequate security throughout their service year and beyond.

Governor Abubakar Sani -Bello, gave the assurance at the swearing in ceremony of the batch B, stream 1 of the 2019 NYSC orientation at Paiko, the headquarters of Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment towards ensuring the sustenance and promotion of core values of the NYSC scheme for national growth and development.

The governor further explained that the NYSC scheme had fostered unity and contributed immensely to the growth of the state, especially the provision of manpower to schools and hospitals among several others.

He said one of the reasons behind the lasting peace and stability enjoyed in the state is the government’s ability to accommodate everybody, irrespective of cultural, social, political or religious background.

Earlier in her remarks, the NYSC state Coordinator, Mrs. Funmilayo Ajayi said a total of 2, 037 corps members have been duly registered for the orientation course.

Ishaku advises corps members to maximise skills acquisition training Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

Taraba state Governor, Darius Ishaku has charged the newly registered National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state for their one -year compulsory national service to take seriously the skills acquisition training they would receive in camp.

Gov. Ishaku made the assertion during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2019 batch B, stream 1 corps members held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sibre, Ardo Kola Local Government Areas of the state.

Represented at the occasion by the Head of Service, Istifanus Angyu, Ishaku added that the three –week orientation course was a well packaged regimented programme put in place to equip and keep the corps members in the right frame of mind and to also afford them the opportunity to serve the state better during their service year.

“I urge you to be prepared physically, mentally and psychologically to be boosted and exposed to activities that will bring out a better you.

Maximize the skills acquisition training that was created to encourage self- reliance amongst young graduates,” he said.

Udom warns corps members against cultism in A’Ibom

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state has warned the 2019 batch B corps members posted to the state not to engage in any cult related activities to ensure brighter future for them.

He charged the corps members during the swearing- in ceremony at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai council area to refrain from cultism and terrorism as it would bring them no good results.

The governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Effiong Ekpenyong, assured the corps members of adequate security of their lives and property throughout their service year.

He urged them to imbibe the spirit of discipline which is the hallmark of the national youth service scheme, assuring that “on the part of government, I want to assure you that your security will continue to be in the front burner. “Conversely, I implore you not to deviate from the right ethos by engaging in cultism and other vices capable of ruining your future.”

He reiterated the commitment of the state government to improve on facilities in the orientation camp for the comfort and convenience of corps members and camp officials.

NDDC reconstructs road to naval shipyard in Rivers Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (right) with Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase at the inauguration of the Ad-hoc Committee on Media for the 9th Assembly at the National Assembly.

APC chieftain urges Obaseki, Oshiomhole to speak out about crisis Titus Akhigbe, Benin

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Charles Idahosa has denounced the silence of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, alleging that their relationship has broken down.

Idahosa, the former political adviser to Oshiomhole, asked the exgovernor to come out clean on the crisis rocking the Edo state chapter of

the party, declaring that the silence of the ex-governor in the face of the crisis orchestrated by those who claimed to be his loyalists means consent.

“Edo is the home state of Oshiomhole who is the national chairman of the party. The Edo Peoples Movement has vowed to stop Gov. Obaseki from securing the party’s ticket for re-election. Besides, the crisis has extended to the state assembly with 15 members-elect working against the party’s zoning arrangement.

“Gov. Obaseki came out to say he does not have problem with Oshiomhole and that such news is fake. But, Oshiomhole’s refusal to talk means he is supporting them.

“Oshiomhole brought Obaseki to us that he was his engine room during his administration and so far, Obaseki has not been rude.

Remember the Igbinedions brought Oshiomhole as governor, but he will abuse Igbinedion the son in the morning and abuse Igbinedion the father in the afternoon,” he said.

Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The re-construction of the 2.6 kilometres Reclamation Road in Port Harcourt by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has revived the fortunes of the Naval Shipyard, a strategic national and defense asset in Rivers state.

Other high profile institutions that would benefit from the road rehabilitation are the 50-year-old Port Harcourt Boat Club and dozens of industries located in the area.

The Naval Shipyard is made up of the Admiralty China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Limited which handles ship building, repairs, and marine fabrication for public and private sector clients.

Expressing appreciation for the road project, the Commodore Superintendent, Naval Shipyard Limited, Commodore Abolaji Orederu, said that the road has changed the lives of the people of several communities in the area as well as bringing more businesses to the companies in the shipyard.

Comdr. Orederu, who presented souvenirs to the NDDC team that inspected the completed road, said that the commission did a good job on the road and deserved more than commendations.

The contractor that handled the project, Kabaka Brown, said that the 2.6 kilometres road links four major communities and seven smaller communities, with about 50, 000 people living or doing business there.

He commended members of the communities, which included Isaka, Magcobar and Bundu-Ama, for cooperating with the workers during the construction of the road, noting that they were very helpful in spite of numerous security challenges.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

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Nollywood needs lots of reforms – Adeniyi Johnson For talented Nollywood actor, Adeniyi Johnson, the movie industry has sure paved way for him since he joined the creative industry some years ago. However, the journey has been a bitter-sweet experience for the thespian that is known to go all out to bring live to each given role he has played. For him, concentrating on his job and putting his best foot forward always means so much than anything at the moment. The crossover actor in this chat with MUTIAT ALLI spoke about his career, why he will reject a role, project, and assessment of the industry amongst others. Enjoy…

You are one of the few Yoruba-speaking movie actors that get called up for jobs from the English- speaking movie producers. How do you see the two sides?

They are both acting anyways but one goes father due to the language and the other is kind of restricted because of language barrier. Also, I don’t see it in any special way because the fact remains that both sides are lovely and they present almost a similar experience for me.

As a matter of fact, each comes with its sweetness, pleasure and pains. That’s the way I see it.

making yourself available for the big jobs. Did you see any of these coming when you started out as an actor?

The truth is that I have always seen the bigger picture in my head.

I knew how I wanted my career to pan out and I have consistently worked on my flaws to give my best to any good job that comes my way. Having said that, I saw success coming because as a man or somebody who wants to keep growing in life, you should understand the philosophy that no one starts small and wants to remain small forever. At every stage of growth, there will be challenges, strong enough to pull you down.

But you must never remain down should you fall at any point. I guess that was what worked and still works for me.

It is believed they pay well because they have the biggest market and financiers in top places. Is this true?

The fact that the language cut across gives them leverage and makes their market bigger and when you sell well, you pay well. It is not a hidden fact that Yoruba movie is restricted due to language barrier. But I love my job and I am always ready to give my best anytime the opportunity to tell a story presents itself, whether in the English or Yoruba-speaking movies.

Looking back at the journey, will you say acting has been profitable to you?

Of course, for something that puts food on my table at all time, I can ride my own car and pay my bills; most definitely it has really been profitable and getting fulfilled as well.

If not acting, what else would you have ventured into?

Definitely Football and music because I love playing drums; it will interest you to know that my friends often time call me drummer boy because I sometimes play the drum in the church during service.

It’s the second quarter of the year, how has the year been for you so far?

Firstly, I will give God all the

As a professional, what do you think is classified as a good script?

A good script as we all know is one which must have a good plot, a concert central idea which is theme and the major which is the storyline. A good and in-depth storyline is what is concerned a good script as this will help create a glue with the audience via the several techniques employed which includes suspense, thriller amongst others.

Adeniyi Johnson praise and adoration for how far He has brought me as an actor of note. And, of course, I will describe the experience as awesome and great. I would not have come this far without the grace of God and support of my fans. I don’t take these things for granted because they mean so much to me. I appreciate the growth and the success stories that people are associating with.

It shows I have done quite well.

I am not resting on whatever oars that I have got; I just want to keep going. So, talking about the experience, I will say I am truly enjoying the experience even

though it has been a bitter-sweet experience but all I am thankful.

Any regret?

Not at all, God has been on the throne and things have falling in place for me.

Despite all the challenges in the past, you are considered one of the busiest actors now; how does that make you feel?

Makes me feel like I have God; God who knows the truth and see all of our challenges.

Looking at your acting career over the years, you have been ticking all the boxes and

What would make you reject a role?

The weakness in a story/script will sometimes make me reject one because once a storyline is loose; it will be difficult for the audience who are the consumers to understand and appreciate the efforts of the actors involved. Also I will reject role if it promotes nudity because my culture frowns at it and I will definitely not be a part of it.

If you are to write a story about yourself, what will be the title and why?

I will title the story ‘Anu’ which means Grace because despite all my shortcomings and challenges of the past, only one thing has kept be going for this far which is grace and that is what I have been enjoying and favorable doors have

been opening for me at all time.

Do you have dream roles, if yes share with us?

Of course, I am yet to play my entire desired role even though I have played a couple of roles but believe me sincerely I look forward to playing the role of a Deaf & Dumb man or a Blind Man. What does style means to you?

Style means Simplicity and comfortability to me because I am of this school of thought that you don’t have to break the bank to look good. Keep it simple always and have at the back of your mind that the way you dress is the way you will be addressed.

What won’t you be caught dead wearing?

Definitely Earrings except in movies; don’t get me wrong I don’t detest those that put it on; it’s just not my style.

What is your assessment of the movie industry generally?

I can boastfully say that the industry before I joined and now has be a revolving one; they have been a lot of improvements in terms of the quality of movies we roll out, the industry still needs lots of reforms but it is also noteworthy that we have upped our game in the kind of equipments that we use in shooting our movies; for me we can only get better over time What personal project are you currently working on?

All things been equal, I planning stage, from story to cast and all.

Stage play is one aspect I feel the industry also need to focus and channel more resources towards.

My team and I are currently putting resources together to come up with something beautiful that the world will like.

If you are to advise the younger version of yourself what will you tell him?

Just few words to the younger version of myself which is work hard, pray harder and be focus; above all don’t do crime.

Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Music Meets Comedy: The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq billed for The Third Term After staging two magnificent editions, ace comedian, Otolorin Kehinde Peter, popularly known as Kenny Blaq, has announced plans for the third edition of The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq scheduled to hold on Sunday, July 28th 2019 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Tagged “The Third Term”, the show brings Kenny Blaq to the fore in one frenetic night of entertainment alongside other renowned comedians, dancers and musicians.

The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq 3 is set to be bigger than last year’s event which sold out the Eko Hotel Convention Centre with guest performances from Davido, CDQ, Josh2funny, Small Doctor and many others.

Kenny Blaq who shut down

Kenny Blaq the 02 arena in London recently has promised fans to expect a never-seen-before performance

on the show date which also marks the celebration of 5 years on stage.

While speaking about the event, Kenny Blaq said, “My fans should anticipate a side of me they’ve never seen before.

I’m more than ready to make history on the 28th of July and I’ll ensure this event will be talked about for several years, get your tickets!”

Since inception, The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq has proven to be one of the best events in Nigeria receiving the best comedy show of the year at Naija FM Comedy Awards in 2017 & 2018 respectively while Kenny Blaq also shined at the Future Awards 2017, winning the Future Awards Prize for Comedy and comedian of the year at the Lagos Achievers Awards 2019.

Republic of Guinea embraces AFRIMA 2019 Stories Mutiat Alli The officials of African Union Commission (AUC) and members of the International Committee of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) were hosted by the government and people of the Republic of Guinea during the African Union Stakeholders’ meeting held between Thursday, June 13 and Saturday, June 15, 2019 in Conakry, the capital city, to propagate the idea and objectives of AFRIMA in line with the AU Agenda 2063, Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and the Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries.

The stakeholders’ meeting was in a bid to get the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance ratified

among Pan African countries, alongside promoting the AFRIMA objectives and its programme of events for the 6th edition which commenced on May 10, 2019 and culminates in the main events in November 2019.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Sports, Guinea, received the delegation of AU and AFRIMA officials on behalf of the government and on hand to meet the delegation were other stakeholders from the creative and arts industry including music professionals, music executives, members of cultural group association, members of Guinea Dance Troupe and the media.

The African Union and AFRIMA delegation included the Head of Culture, African Union, Ms. Angela Martins; the President/

Special Adviser to the Minister on Culture and Tourism, Diallo Abdoulaye; President/ Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Fodeba Isto Keira; and Director of Art Republic of Guinea, Keita Kadir

Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Director General, African World Heritage Fund, Varissou Shuaib and Director of the Observatory of Cultural policies in Africa (OCPA), Professor Lupwishi Mbuyamba, who paid a visit to the National Museum in Conakry where they were treated to a display of Guinean’s rich culture and heritage, with artefacts and ancient musical instrument reflecting the cultural journey of the Guineans.

Speaking on behalf of the ministry, Monsieur Fodeba Isto Keira, the Secretary General/ Permanent Secretary expressed happiness that the AU and AFRIMA visited the Republic of Guinea for the purpose of entrenching the values and opportunities in the culture and creative industry in Africa. He pledged the support of the government and people of Republic of Guinea to the AFRIMA initiative.

The team also paid a courtesy visit to the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Guinea, His Excellency, Dr. Claus Kory Kondiano.

Addressing attendees and journalists, Mr. Dada enjoined participation of African music lovers in the ongoing entry submission for the 6th edition of AFRIMA, where eventual nominees compete in the 36 various categories to win the AFRIMA 23.9 carat gold-plated trophy. He also reiterated that entry submission of songs closes on August 2, 2019 to which some respondents pledged to uphold the AFRIMA objectives in accordance with the AU policy on Africa transformation through social integration, a mission embarked upon by AFRIMA since its first edition of the awards event in 2014.

Teni

BUDX LAGOS 2019 with Teni, Zlatan, Kemi Adetiba holds June 27 2019 edition of BUDX is here and it promises to be thrilling as music lovers, artists and fashion enthusiasts will be ushered into a world of fun and excitement mingling, chatting and partying with their favourite stars. Split into Day Time Programming and Night Time Programming, participants are guaranteed a blend of mind boggling experiences come June 26th, 27th and 28th.

Last year, BUDX Lagos themed “Uncategorized with Chi Modu”, was a two-day exhilarating event tackling electronic music which featured photo exhibitions, workshops, Q and A sessions and master classes with the legendary hip-hop photographer, Chi Modu.

This year, BUDX has taken things up a notch by inviting home grown artists who will be sharing insights on several topics around music, fashion, Nigerian culture, Nollywood and women thriving in

entertainment via carefully curated sessions.

To be paneled by some of Nigeria’s best including Teni the Entertainer, Kemi Adetiba, Tokyo James, Banky W, the Day Time Programming promises to be highly educative, interesting and exciting as panelists explore intriguing subjects that will put participants on the right paths as they strive to better their craft.

Not only would participants be sharing and learning under the tutelage of some of Nigeria’s greatest star acts, they also get a chance to party with them during the Night Time Programming, as they are ushered into a world of fun and play with performances from the biggest, best and newest talents from around the world.

Expect performances from Teni, Dj Obi, Runtown, Mayorkun, Zlatan, Jillionaire, Distruction Boyz and a lot more.

DJs make millions in America – DJ Dozzy Ross Many Djs in Nigeria have expressed disaffection with the way they are being treated and perceived in comparison to the music stars. But to Nigeria-born international DJ, DJ Dozzy Ross based in Miami, USA, the reverse is the case. The Anambra-State born DJ with the real name, Dozie Udemadu,, believes Djs should be the ones ruling the scene and upholds that Djs make millions doing what they love.

In a phone chat with DailyTimes he said, ‘It’s lovely when you get paid for doing what you truly love. DJs are the heart of entertainment. You can make a good career off it when you’re good at it. Disc Jockeying in the USA took me to places I never dreamt of going to. I’ve had the opportunity to DJ in China, Dubia, Mexico , Belize , France, Jamaica, Aruba just to name a few. It’s now a respected craft/career and DJs make millions over here.

Continuing he said Djs are more important than the artistes because they are the ones who sustain the show and keep the show running while the artistes can only do little else. ‘’It comes down to branding. Long gone are the days where DJs are just DJs. We are artistes. DJs are the heart of entertainment.

Our music controls the crowd. A Musician can only perform for one hour max before people get bored of him. But a real and good DJ knows when to switch the tempo.

When I DJ I’m the artist. I tell stories with the songs I play. I’m very diverse. Not all DJs can do that. You have to understand the

crowd and play what they want to hear and not what the DJ likes. Once you establish yourself as that DJ who can take people on a musical journey. You automatically become a brand. People wanna come to your shows and listen. Even artists start trying to associate with you. They want you to listen to their songs and play it. So it’s all about how good you are and how serious you take the act of disc jockeying. As a DJ all I need is 20 mins to get everyone’s attention then the rest is history,’ he said.

DJ Dozzy Ross is what you can call a professional DJ who got schooled by great minds in the craft. He trained in Atlanta by DJ D Cas of Connections DJs. He has a song with Tekno and Cap 1, an American rapper signed to 2 Chains. He is also working with Skales, Runtown and Ball Greezy. By summer of this year he will be hitting the town with an EP of six songs complete with videos. His song making a good round on the radio waves is ‘Rihanna Body’ featuring Tekno and Cap 1.

“I’ve worked with the likes of Davido, Olamide, Tekno, Wizkid, Runtown, Skales, Timaya, Psquare , Tiwa Savage, Don Jazzy, to name a few. Also, I worked with Akon and went on tour with him for his USA tour 2017. I’ve had so many memorable events but the highlight was going on a world tour with Wale and Akon. It was an amazing opportunity because I had to warm up the crowd before they performed. I was amazed when I played for a white crowd in Alabama and they knew the lyrics to most of the afrobeats songs I played” he added.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Feature How Chinese govt is improving, enlightening life via ‘Access to Satellite TV’ Project An informed life is considered a well lived one!! This further harnesses the potentials of the creative industry to further improve the standard of living of Nigerians. The Chinese government assurance in tackling the challenges of poverty and discrimination in Africa through the ‘Access to Satellite TV ‘project for 10,000 African villages is an example.

Anchored by StarTimes Nigeria, the provider of digital satellite has commenced the installation of satellite TV to some villages in Lagos to kickoff the second phase of connecting Nigerian rural communities to digital television. MUTIAT ALLI writes about this commendable effort.

Two years after piloting the first phase of the program in rural communities in Abuja, and being satisfied with the outcome, StarTimes commenced the second phase of the program by installing satellite TVs to some villages and communities in Lagos.

During the China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Xi Jinping, the president of China, announced that his country would provide satellite television to 10,000 African villages as part of the efforts to boost African, Chinese relations with this been said, 1,000 villages across Nigeria would benefit from the program.

Itire, a community under Mushin Local government area of Lagos state is one of the beneficiaries of the satellite project with the installation process commence first in the palace of the Oba Onitire of Itire elect, Oba Tajudeen Odubiyi.

Oba Odubiyi who at the time of the inspection had gone to observe the lesser Hajj spoke via internet call that the community is indeed appreciative of the effort of the Chinese government to further connect the people with the outside world via the satellite connection which will in turn enhances information dissemination across border.

With the installation of the television, the community could now be known nationally and globally, he said.

Chief Adisa Olatunde Olatunji, the Asiwaju of Itire land equally gave kudos to the brains behind the satellite installation as it took the community by surprise that they are selected among the numerous beneficiaries ‘We want to appreciate the Chinese government in partnership with StarTimes for his laudable project as this will further achieve its aim which is to inform and enlighten the people more because information is light. While we are appreciative of this effort, we are super glad of the installation at the

health centre because it’s the first of its kind as the health centre have existed for over 20years and the StarTimes decoder is the first there as I believe this will also keep the nurses from sleeping on duty’ ‘ One thing we equally love about the decoder in the Health Centre is the fact that it is powered by solar; hence no matter the blackout situation, patients and medical staffs would still have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of their favourite channel.

The Oba elect also made effort to ensure that one of the dishes is rightly installed in the Itire Police station as some of the officers met during the inspection commended the picture quality of all the channels.

Ikenna Isaac, a patient who had come to receive treatment at the Itire Community Health Centre told DailyTimes that it was surprising for her to come to the centre for appointment to see the big screen hanged on the wall as what struck her most was the movie channel that was crystal clear despite the bad weather.

She said ‘Even after been attended to at the centre, I am still sitting here because I want to watch the program to the very end since there is no power supply in the area’.

Equally another community which benefited from this project was the Isolo community under the traditional ruler of Oba Kabiru Alani, the Osolo of Isolo kingdom who appeal to StarTimes to extend the gesture to both communities and villages that are yet to benefit from the project, stating that it offers very important advantages to rural community’s development.

Chief Fatai Musiliu (One of the community Chief) applauded the Chinese government and StarTimes for even going as far as making the decoders come with a free one year subscription, an effort that their counterpart is yet to meet up with.

‘I am a lover of sport channels and I can boast of the fact that throughout my viewing of one of

Chairman Odi-olowu-Ojuwoye LG, Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala

the sport stations, it felt like I was using a 3D device as the clarity of the channel is topnotch despite the bad weather condition’ . A sport as we all know connects the world and I am glad that at the one the viewing centres, we have been able to build relationships amongst the populace in the community.

Chief Fatai however appeals to the conveyer of initiative of the need to make the solar devices available to community people who might need it at an affordable price.

It is equally important to note that one of the Solar-satellite devices was equally installed at the Isolo general hospital.

Not relenting on its commitment to serve as much community as possible, the Chinese initiative train moved to Ilupeju Community area of Lagos under Odi-Olowu/ Ojuwoye LCDA Commenting on the project,

Chairman Odi-olowu/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Rasaq Olusola Ajala noted that it is quite commendable as we are in the state where we are shifting from analog to digital and the need to people at the grassroots level to have access to information through digital means.

He said ‘There is no deniable fact that information is key towards the growth and development of the country at large as such the project is commendable counting the entire Ilupeju community lucky to have been selected as beneficiaries of the laudable project.

It is pertinent to note that the project has gained wide acceptance by the people of Africa. A survey conducted recently among communities benefitting from the project shows the willingness of the rural dwellers to continue to enjoy the advantages of the project.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Mixed Grill

My deep root African sound defines me - Femi Koya Mutiat Alli Afrobeat music composer and versatile saxophonist, Femi Koya has disclosed that what his deep

root African sound mixed with jazz otherwise known as traditional highlife differs him from others because having the opportunity to cross over sound between the west and south of Africa and engaging

Femi Koya

in both culture of Nigeria and South Africans has equally help shape his kind of music.

On his visit to Nigeria, Femi Koya noted that he is willing to make meaningful collaborations that will enhance the view and perception of his music and also to further erase the fear that young people cannot play their original music or stay true to their culture.

However, Femi’s quest is for African unity at a time when he believes Africa should claim its rightful and proud place in the world; hence his debut album’ Just in Newtown’ is evidence of the rich melodies that result from his fusion. As part of his sojourn into music, Femi has recorded with the likes of Simphiwe Dana, Pops Mohamed, and Yvonne Chaka Chaka and has worked with Angelique Kidjo, Soweto Gospel Choir, and Wizkid amongst others.

When Lagos High Chief, Oluwo Bode buried in-law in a classy bash It was all classy and glamour recently, as Otun Oluwo of Lagos, Bode James, fondly call Oluwo Bode, buried in-law, Deaconess Funmilola Sanusi Peter, in ijokoo area of Ogun State where important dignitaries graced the occasion, among whom were Bamidele Ojediran, Abiya Oyediran, Fatimoh Shodipo a business tycoon who is an outstanding personality in Island with her fabric business, and Gold Christopher, the husband of the popular OAP, Laide Gold.

Recounting the life history of the deceased, Oluwo Bode described the late in-law as God fearing woman whose way of life was worth emulating by those who want to do well in life because she

lived a worthy life that is worth emulating.

“It is very painful and sad to lose her but it is a thing of joy to

Oluwo

know that she is with the Lord,” stated the socialite who is a well known figure in Lagos circle.

“My mother in-law is the best in the world. To me, she is still alive because her legacy lives on.

I would have preferred her to still longer on earth but no one can question God and death itself is inevitable, so I take solace that she is with the Lord”.

On her own, the wife, popularly called Iya Christiana, did not fail to acknowledge the role of her husband, whom she described as one in a million. “I give God the glory for the success, and also thank my husband for his support and I appreciate everyone that stood by me before and during the burial,” she said.

The latest 419 trending amongst prostitutes

ZOOM CORNER With

Mariere Tracy

It seems like prostitutes these days are dead to every sense of shame and priority.

Recently there’s been several incidence of prostitutes violently asking for increased payment .

Few weeks ago I watched in totally dismay a lady shouting on top of her voice over underpayment of her client,I could not believe for a moment as this lady furiously describes and Explains to a crowd of people at a shopping mall in Abuja.

It all began when a guy went home with a girl from a highly profilled club unkown to him she is a prostitute,the lady profilled her client by the phones and SUV car,by morning her client paid her Twenty thousand naira she replied saying she’s not a cheap girl, after much argument and plea from her client he left her in the borrowed SUV to get more money from ATM machine and never came back, by evening the real owner of the car came for his car, to his amusement the

lady slammed the car door severally there by damaging it she screamed asking for her balance payment.

No shame was the word on everyone that gathered.

Recently there’s been one too many of such reoccurrence were so called big girls aka prostitutes no longer have fear or shame.

This has become a growing trend were men now have to make away with thier one month salary or even more when they encounter such malicious ladies.

Decency is never old fashioned,your integrity and privacy is key.

Prostitutes inflicting bodily harm while asking for a whopping sum of money has become an increasing trend, MEN BEWARE!!

I remain your zoom queen, Mariere Tracy.

Share this story with your friends,inform them.

Join me next week let’s zoom into latest trends and lifestyle.

Aramide

Nigerian singer, Aramide appointed member

by Grammy’s The Recording Academy’ Afro-Soul Queen, Aramide has been appointed as a member of the Board of Governor for the Washington, D.C. Chapter of The Recording Academy (the GRAMMYs®) in the United States.

The singer who has been an active voting member of the Recording Academy for several years and previously served on the committees of the Academy took to her Instagram page to announce this major achievement.

Aramide said, “I am proud to have been elected as Board of Governor and look forward to supporting the cause of the Recording Academy. “The Recording Academy plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for artists, producers, songwriters, and other professionals

working in the music industry”.

Aramide will serve on the Washington D.C. Chapter Board that also covers Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia The Recording Academy (the GRAMMYs®) is an organization of musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers, and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers, singers, songwriters, engineers, producers, managers, and other professionals working in the music industry.

Banky

Banky W, REMA, Adebola Williams gear up for Nigeria’s first ever Prom concert ‘Afroprom’ Popular Musician, Banky W alongside trending singer, Teni, and Mavin’s New Signee, Rema, are set to thrill graduating secondary school students at the first ever prom concert in Nigeria tagged “AfroProm” holding at Eko Hotel, Convention Centre, Lagos on July 14, 2019.

The event is put together to give Nigerian students an opportunity to experience prom, while celebrating, networking, and partying with a host of Nigeria’s top-rated celebrities.

Speaking on Afroprom, lead project manager at J. Vanni Global, Mobola Abiru said: “We created Afroprom, Nigeria’s first-ever prom concert for high school graduates between the ages of 14-18 with an eye on getting these teens to celebrate a remarkable achievement at a crucial stage of their lives. Prom is not new to

them, they see it happen everywhere else but not in Nigeria. This spurred us to create an avenue that will welcome them into adult life.”

According to the organizers, renowned mediapreneur Debola Williams, and superstar musician and politician, Banky W will be in attendance to inspire and educate the students on “next steps after school” by sharing authentic stories of their own meteoric rise to the top.

Hosted by ace OAP Jimmy, guests will be treated to breathtaking performances fit for the occasion by Teni, Rema, Donflex & the Extigate team, Dream Catchers; while Ushbebe, Ikorodu Bois and other comedians are expected to thrill the guest as well. Other side attractions include a rare five-course meal and a shot at the highly coveted Afroprom King & Queen crowns.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

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Fidelity Private Banking hosts clients to exclusive education advisory forum Motolani Oseni Fidelity Private Banking Division of Fidelity Bank Plc recently organised an exclusive advisory with the aim of providing sufficient information and guidance for select clients who wish to have their children study abroad.

Speaking at the event which held at The Café in the Private Banking Suite of the bank in Ikoyi, Lagos, the Divisional Head, Private Banking, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chioma Nwankwo, said: “Studying abroad is becoming more popular among Nigerian students as the country itself continues to pursue integration into the international landscape. The demand for professionals with global experience is rapidly increasing amongst local employers. Our Private Bank has therefore partnered with Quelu Advising Centre over an interactive education advisory session to better equip our high net worth and ultra-high net worth clients for future engagements in this respect”.

Quelu Educational Centre is an advisory company operating under Shorelight group of companies working with top-tier universities to offer services to prospective students who wish to study abroad.

The forum provided sufficient information and guidelines extensively covered include Student profiling; Advice on University selection; Finding Scholarship Opportunities; Application and Admission Process; Visa Application preparation; New Educational System; Cultural Differences; and Financial planning to fund school fees among others.

The session is one of the fora that has been put together by the Division which targets the younger generation with necessary steps toward achieving a greater future as wealth is preserved from one generation to another.

Don’t use Huawei’s 5G equipment, US warns British networks Ladesope Ladelokun An official leading Washington’s campaign against Huawei, the world’s second-biggest smartphone maker, Ambassador Rob Strayer, has hinted that the United Kingdom’s wireless carriers building the fifth generation networks with Huawei Technologies Co. equipment will soon be held down by the US export ban on key components.

Strayer says the US export ban would make an investment in 5G technology extremely risky, warning that there is no future for the supply chain underpinning Huawei 5G technology.

“In some ways, our export ban will stop that technology, so it seems to me a business decision that is rather risky at this point in time,” he said.

Recall that phone carrier BT Group Plc launched 5G in six cities last month using Huawei radio equipment. Rival Vodafone Group Plc will launch 5G in July and is also set to use Huawei for some of its initial networks.

Strayer said phone companies decided not to look the way of Huawei phones for their 5G launches because they knew supply was in jeopardy. The White House had expressed fears that the Chinese government could use Huawei to spy or disrupt critical national infrastructure.

Meanwhile, phone companies say banning Huawei’s 5G technology would not only incur heavy costs but delays in rolling out 5G. But Strayer has dismissed estimates from carriers on the cost of a Huawei ban as exaggerated.

L-R: Co-founder and Partner, Verod Capital Management Limited, Eric Idiahi; Chief Operations and Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Gbolahan Joshua; Managing Partner, Synergy Capital Managers, Dr Akintoye Akindele, Managing Partner, Sefton Fross, Olayemi Anyanechi at the TechMoney Africa 2019 Conference which took place at the University of Lagos, Akoka recently.

Africa’s output grew by 3.4% in 2018 – Afreximbank Nigeria leads as Africa nets $997.9bn in trade deals Mathew Dadiya, Moscow A new report by the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) has shown that Africa’s output has grown by 3.4 per cent between 2017 and 2018 despite the slowdown in global growth during that period.

This is even as Nigeria has continued to retain its number one position as the fastest growing regions in the world, ahead of other African countries as the continent’s total trade in 2018 has been estimated at $997.9 billion.

The African Trade Report 2019, titled: “African Trade in a Digital World,” launched Friday in Moscow during the 26th Afreximbank Annual Meetings, states that Africa’s total merchandise trade in 2018 had a value of over $997.9 billion, noting that the continent remained one of the fastest growing regions in the world.

President of Afreximbank, Prof.

Benedict Oramah, while launching the report, said: “It is vital that Africa grasps the economic growth opportunities flowing from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA), growing domestic demand and population and our ever-closer investment and trading links with emerging partners in the South.

“We must exert concerted action to ensure that we develop, industrialize and diversify our industries and supporting infrastructure to foster

regional integration and participate fully in regional and global value chains.”

World Trade Organisation estimates show that the volume of global merchandise trade grew by 3 per cent in 2018, down from 4.6 per cent in 2017.

According to The African Trade Report 2019, the findings highlight the resilience of Africa’s economies to global volatility at a time of rising uncertainty, escalating trade wars and tariffs between the United States, China and others.

The resilience reflects the diversification of Africa’s trading partners in the context of South-South trade, growing fixed investment and public and private consumption, boosted by expanding urban populations and softening inflation. These factors reduce Africa’s exposure to the business cycles associated with individual countries and regions.

The report noted that while the European Union remained Africa’s main continental trading partner in 2018 - accounting for 29.8 per cent of total trade - African trade with the South grew significantly over the last decade to account for more than 35 per cent of the continent’s total trade in 2018. China and India further consolidated their positions as Africa’s first and second single largest trading partners, accounting for over 21 per cent of total African trade in 2018.

Intra-African trade also increased steadily in 2018, growing by 17 per cent to reach $159 billion.

The report states that ongoing digitalisation is paving the way for a new African economy, with e-commerce platforms and internet penetration expediting transactions, reducing costs and leading to a new generation of transnational digital consumers.

The report urges African governments to further capitalise on the opportunities associated with digitalisation, by bolstering regulatory environments and supporting the development of digital ecosystems.

Digitalisation, the reports states can unlock Africa’s potential in driving economic development and the integration of African countries into the world economy. It can also reduce the region’s dependency on raw commodities and natural resources by helping economies diversify into more value-added products that can enhance extra-and intra-African trade.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s trade growth is riding on the back of the much-sought intra-trade and integration, which rose steadily by 17 per cent to reach $159 billion.

The amount, which represents 3.4 per cent between 2017 and 2018 amid a slowdown in global growth during the period, was contained in a new report.

The report noted that estimates from the World Trade Organisation, showed that the volume of global merchandise trade grew by three per cent in 2018, down from 4.6 per cent in 2017.

It highlighted the resilience of Africa’s economies to global volatility at a time of rising uncertainty, escalating trade wars and tariffs between the United States, China and others.

The Chief Economist of Afreximbank and author of the report, Dr Hippolyte Fofack, said: “Intra-African trade, which grew by 17 per cent in 2018, is more than three times the rate of growth of extraAfrican trade and was the major driver of Africa’s total merchandise trade in 2018.”

Also, resilience reflects the diversification of Africa’s trading partners- South-South trade, growing fixed investment and public and private consumption, boosted by expanding urban populations and softening inflation, which reduced Africa’s exposure to the business cycles associated with individual countries and regions.

While the European Union remained Africa’s main continental trading partner in 2018, accounting for 29.8 per cent of total trade, African trade with the South grew significantly over the last decade to account for more than 35 per cent of the continent’s total trade in 2018.

“It is vital that Africa grasps the economic growth opportunities flowing from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, growing domestic demand and population and our evercloser investment and trading links with emerging partners in the South”, President of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah said.

How trade war slowed down global manufacturing growth in Q1 2019 Joy Obakeye The emerging trade and tariff barriers involving the United States and China, as well as the European Union (EU), have been identified as reasons for the continuous slowdown in global manufacturing growth evident since the end of 2017.

This is according to a report by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

It said that the first quarter of 2019, witnessed significant slow growths, which exposed markets to a significant amount of uncertainty, which in turn has affected investment and future growth.

The manufacturing output

growth rates of industrialised economies rose by a mere 0.4 per cent, compared to the same period in the previous year.

It noted that manufacturing growth rates have consistently declined each quarter, dropping from 3.5 per cent at the end of 2017.

Figures presented show that North America recorded a the yearon-year growth rate of 1.8 per cent,

down from 2.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Against the backdrop of the uncertainty about the timing of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) and about the nature of their future economic relationship, data show that the manufacturing output of industrialised economies in Europe grew by just 0.3 per cent.

Business Times 16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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NTEC records 1,850 students in travel competitions in 10 yrs Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano(BUK), and Amanyanabo of Tom Brass, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation and Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Tony Elumelu; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, BUK, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; and Vice Chancellor, BUK, Professor Muhammad Bello, during the conferment of Honorary Doctor of Business on Elumelu by the university in recognition of his foremost contribution to the Africa’s economic development through the promotion of entrepreneurship and philanthropy……in Kano recently.

Honeywell, LSETF enhance digital talent development in Lagos …to launch pilot phase of Lagos Innovates Talent Devt programme Motolani Oseni In furtherance of its commitment to programmes aimed at ensuring that Nigeria keeps pace in the technologies and competencies that will define the 21st century and beyond, through people empowerment, capacity and institutions building, Honeywell Group Limited has partnered with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to help youths in Lagos State acquire relevant skills required to compete in today’s global marketplace.

This Talent Development Programme, which will be run under LSETF’s Lagos Innovates Programme, will provide student loans that cover up to 80 per cent of the training cost for beneficiaries,

who are then trained by any of LSETF training partners, for up to 3 months.

Some of the courses offered are Full Stack Development with JavaScript (React JS, NodeJs, Express and Mongo DB + API Development), Full Stack Development for Mobile Applications (React Native, API Development), Python Programming for Web and Data Science. (PYTHON OOP, DJANGO & Data Science, and Frontend Design & Engineering: (UI/UX, HTML, CSS, ES6 & React JS).

To pilot the first phase of this pivotal programme, Honeywell Group has provided the sum of N10 million (Ten Million Naira), which will be matched

by LSETF, to provide a total pool of N20 million, to train the first batch of students.

Commenting on the partnership, Head Innovation & Sustainability of

Honeywell Group, Tomi Otudeko said; “We are pleased to partner with LSETF on this strategic and exemplary initiative that will impact positively on the lives of young people in Lagos State. We are impressed by the work LSETF is doing; and our investment in technology training is borne, first, out of our stated mission to “use enterprise to make our world better” and, secondly, out of our conviction that to innovate and thrive in the new economy, young people need to build tech skills.”

“We have also seen how well LSETF, through its Lagos Innovates Programme, has made its mark in progressing the Lagos-based tech ecosystem. The decision to work with LSETF was therefore an easy one. Together, we are poised to help build a pipeline of the next level of innovators who would develop disruptive

technologies that will provide solutions to some of the critical social challenges facing the country.”

Also commenting, Teju Abisoye, the Acting Executive Secretary/CEO of LSETF stated; “We are glad to work with Honeywell Group, to build a talent pool of globally competitive professionals, whilst actualising one of the most important mandates of the LSETF; which is to improve the skills and employability of the young people in the State. Both the LSETF and Honeywell Group are committed to ensuring that young people are equipped to support the growing start-up ecosystem in Nigeria, in addition to positioning themselves for a growing global freelance market. I hope more organisations will emulate Honeywell Group and partner with us on our various programmes.”

Malta Guinness visits Muslims in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi Godwin Anyebe Malta Guinness, a non-alcoholic Malt drink visited Muslims in the cities of Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Bauchi, to share the goodness and vitality of the non-alcoholic Malt drink, as part of its mission to fuel the greatness of every Nigerian, irrespective of location and occupation.

The team visited three Mosques in Abuja, Kaduna and Bauchi. In Abuja, the visits held in National Mosque, Shehu Shagari Mosque and Kubwa Village Central Mosque.

This was followed by visits to Al Manar Mosque Ungwa Rimi, NawairUd-Deen Mosque, and Sabo Central Mosque, Kaduna. The team also visited Alfurqan Mosque, Alibaba Mosque, and Fegge Central Mosque, in Kano.

Speaking at the event, Ife Odedere, Assistant Brand Manager, Malta Guinness said: “By visiting Muslim faithful across the country, Malta Guinness is reaffirming its position as the premium non-alcoholic Malt drink that fuels the greatness of Nigerians everywhere, no matter where they are or what they do.”

“We visited Muslim faithful in Abuja, Kaduna and Kano and Bauchi. These

visits have provided us with a platform to showcase the energy-giving attributes of Malta Guinness- Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 which revitalizes the body”, he added.

They also donated ablution Kettles to the Mosques they visited. In addition to these Mosque visits, the brand is also supporting a good number of Muslim religious programs on TV and Radio stations, to educate and inform Muslims.

Ghanaian car buff, 2 others take a ride on this week’s CNN African Voices Ladesope Ladelokun Outstanding car buffs from three African countries will hitch a ride on this week’s edition of African Voices, a 30-minute magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN).

The car enthusiasts who have excelled in uncommon arts such as spinning, racing and collection of antique wheels will be special guests on the programme which is sponsored by telecommunications firm, Globacom.

According to Globacom, the three are Stacey Lee May, a South African, Amirah Alladeen of Mauritius, and Fred Apaloo of Ghana.

Through her amazing stunts, Stacey Lee May has established a reputation for herself in South Africa and beyond, often hanging out of or jumping out of a muscle car while spinning “donuts” in front of an astonished audience.

Her nimbleness in the field has earned her the sobriquet ‘queen of spinning’ in her hometown.

Viewers will learn how she was

trained in the art by her father, a truck driver, with her mother providing support. May, who experienced bullying in school, took solace in car spinning and drifting on cars which she saw as a way of telling her bullies that she could do anything she set her mind to do. Now 23, May has become a pride to the family and her South African nation as a result of her talent for the dangerous art of spinning.

From Ghana, Apaloo is the typical car enthusiast. He has revived antique wheels with

his collection of at least 20 cars ranging from British to German and anything classy, ancient and strong.

The third guest on the programme, Amirah, got her passion for car rally from her father, Rayhan Alladeen, with whom she has created a record as the fastest overall racer during the last stage of the Mauritius National Rally Championship for 2018.

She has sufficiently dominated the largely masculine rally racing circuit with her father backing her up as co-pilot.

About 1,850 secondary school students across the six geo-political zones in the country have so far participated in the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2019) and Air Transport Youth Empowerment Summit (YES).

Mr Ewos Iroro, the founder and Coordinator NTEC and YES who disclosed this in Lagos recently at the Nigeria’s Air Transport Safety and Security centric Magazine at its 10th Anniversary of said it was aimed at encouraging Nigerian youngsters from the grassroots to follow a career in the sector thereby raising future aviation professionals.

The gathering which was tagged, “Changing History,” attracted youths from Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions across the country.

Tracing back the history of the competition, Mr Iroro, said, “NTEC is a Future Workforce Development Initiative (FWDI) of Travel & Business News established in 2009 with a view to injecting fresh and ready hands into the sector and establishing a Training Scholarship Trust Fund for winners to support their quest to follow a career in the sector.”

Iroro noted that in the past ten years NTEC has succeeded in raising fresh professionals for the aviation sector including Temitope Coker (NTEC 2010) who graduated from University of Lagos and now practising as a Lawyer with a keen interest in Aviation Law; Amina Kabiru Gusau (NTEC 2011), a graduate of Biochemistry from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto going for a career in Aeromedicine; Adeola Peace (NTEC 2013) a First Class graduate of Aeronautical Engineering from Shenyang Aerospace University, Liaoning, China; and Karimat Sowemimo (NTEC 2014) currently at the University of North Texas, the USA studying Mechanical and Energy Engineering with a strong passion for aviation According to Iroro, topics chosen for NTEC 2019 were: “The Safety and Security Implications of Drones To Air Transport And Everyday Life, “for Secondary Schools and; “Improving Air Transport Connectivity in Africa: Prospects & Challenges,” for Tertiary Institutions.

“Following a robust session of oral assessments before a select Panel of Independent Assessors as to the second stage in defence of their written entries, the winners for NTEC 2019 emerged. In the Secondary schools’ category, they include, Olatunji Taiwo Deborah of Holy Saviours College, Isolo, Lagos, who emerged as the Grand Prize Winner of N100,000 cash and a free ticket to Dubai courtesy of EgyptAir” Second place went to Oladejo Aanuoluwapo of Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School (MMASS) Ikeja, and she went home with a cash prize of N60,000 and a free ticket to Accra courtesy of Africa World Airlines (AWA). Igweonu Praise also of Murtala Muhammed Airport Secondary School (MMASS) came third with a cash prize of N40,000.

In the Tertiary Institutions Category, Evans-Ibe Savictor Sobechi, a student of University of Nigeria Nsuka, Enugu State came first and won a cash prize of N150,000 and a free ticket to South Africa sponsored by South African Airways (SAA).

Each of the winners was presented with a copy of the book titled: “The Learned Commander” written by Capt, Dele Ore, which chronicles his life as a pilot and astute aviator.

Also, Sabre Travel Network, a foremost travel technology solutions provider also gave out free training scholarships in Ticketing and Reservation to five graduates of tertiary institutions through a raffle draw.

Award recognitions were also presented to the immediate past winners of the contest for serving creditably as ambassadors in the past one year.

POLITICS TIMES g Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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17

APC NWC: As Taraba draws battle line with party over quest for National Secretary position Patrick Okohue When the All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed few months to the 2015 elections, at a time many had given up hope that there was a solution to the political dominance of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which at that time was nearing 16 years of continuous rule, with some of its leaders predicting it was going to be at the helms of the nation’s political affairs for over 60 years, not many gave them hope.

The APC despite that it was a conglomeration of many political parties some of which were the leading opposition parties at the time, and with the seasoned politicians that joined ranks with it to upset the PDP, many Nigerians were still surprised when after the 2019 election, they did what some had thought impossible, unseat the PDP at the centre.

However, since coming to power many people have accused the APC of making the same mistakes that the PDP made which opened it up for defeat.

It has had to weather many storms in its short life and its victory at the 2019 election came as a relief to many of its followers who had reasoned that that with the many defections from the party and the manner of leadership being showcased by some of the leaders at its forefront, that things will be difficult.

Though the party has had another victory at the election, another crisis which threatens to eat deep into its fabrics is again brewing and it may require the political wizardry with which some of its leaders have distinguished themselves to ensure this does not take its toe on the party.

When after the election and the National Secretary of the party, Mai Mala Buni emerged as the governor of Yobe State, many well meaning members of the party had expected a smooth transition of power to the second runners up at the last convention that produced the executive committee.

That same procedure was adopted when the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Abubakar Audu died half way into his victory at an election in his attempt to get re-elected after being out of office for some time, he was replaced by the first runner up at the party primary Alhaji Yahaya Bello and also when the former National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi resigned that position and defected to the PDP, he was replaced by the first runner up at the election, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu.

Now, there are insinuations that the APC leadership are no longer comfortable with that arrangement in the present circumstance and there are moves to rather replace Buni with

Buhari

another person from Yobe State instead of Taraba State where the second runner up for that primary, Muhammed Bello Mustapha.

This however is not going down well with members of the party from Taraba State who allege that they have been marginalized over time in the affairs of the party, now they are ready to take up arms against the party if it again bypass it and take the position of the National Secretary to another state.

It will be recalled that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party in May appointed Victor Giadom as the party’s acting national secretary, after Buni resigned his position following his election as governor.

The party said Giadom, who was until his appointment the party’s deputy national secretary, would remain in the position until Yobe State nominated a replacement for Mala Buni.

But the people of Taraba State will have none of that and even groups within the North East to which the position was originally zoned who believes that in the spirit of fair play and justice the right thing should be done.

A coalition of APC Support Groups in the North East has called on the leadership of the APC to be fair in its decision on state which will provide the next National Secretary of the party, urging leaders of the party to stop cheating Taraba State.

According to the group, it would be unfair to zone the position of the party’s National Secretary to Yobe State despite the deficit of positions in other APC

loyal states from the North-East zone.

The group said with the emergence of Senator Ahmed Lawan from Yobe State as Senate President, Taraba State should be allowed to produce the next National Secretary of the APC. The Coalition Coordinator, Abdulhamid Yazeed in a statement said, “We are appealing to the NWC of APC to rescind it’s decision that Yobe should bring replacement for the former National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni who was elected governor of Yobe State, Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan should pacify Borno and Yobe to concede the office of the National Secretary to Taraba State in appreciation of the supports it has gotten from Taraba State.”

The APC group also noted that it is going to be injustice should Yobe State produce the National Secretary after clinching the Senate President zoned to the North East.

“Yobe State has just produced the Senate President with overwhelming support from all the North Eastern states and Taraba does not have an APC governor at the moment. Taraba do not have any representative in the Buhari government and in the APC leadership despite its support for the party.

“It is also on record, that President Muhammadu Buhari enjoys an overwhelming followership in Taraba State. Ever since Mr. President joined partisan politics and contested the 2003 presidential election, the Taraba State electorate has massively voted for him in a consistent pattern, up to the 2019

general elections. In the last election we gave the President 48 percent of the total votes cast, but Taraba State APC is grossly marginalised even in the party.

“We are worried about the non inclusion of Taraba State in the political arrangement of the APC. Currently, Taraba State does not have any representative in the National Working Committee of the APC as has been the case from the party’s inception, due cognizance should be accorded to Taraba State for the office of the national secretary now.

“In particular, we passionately appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Leader of our great party, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Senate President Ahmed Lawan and all other APC top echelon, to kindly consider the candidature of Barrister Mohammed Bello Mustapha from Taraba State on the basis of not only his personality, capabilities and sterling pedigree, but fairness and equity that our party is known for.”

Furthermore, the group bemoaned what it described as marginalisation of Taraba State in terms of federal appointments to reflect federal character as enshrined in the nation’s constitution.

“Even in governance, Taraba State has been grossly marginalised, the state for Nine months does not have a minister in the last Federal Executive Council, the state does not have Chief Executive of any Federal Government agencies since the APC took over in 2015,” the group added.

“We strongly believe in the capacity and disposition of Mr. President and the APC hierarchy, to uphold the tenets of fairness and equity, therefore we wholly ascribe the unusual exclusion of Taraba State from the constitution of the previous federal administration, as an oversight which should be corrected immediately.’’

According to the group, despite not having any member of the National Executive Committee of the APC and being marginalised in the last nine months of the last tenure by not having any member in the federal cabinet, there is also nobody from Taraba State heading any federal agency at present.

They listed the positions and benefiting states in the North East to include Adamawa State, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss G Mustapha; Universal Basic Education Council (UBEC) Executive Secretary, Prof Hamid Bobboi ; NFIU Boss: Hamman Modibbo; SA Domestic to the President: Sarki Abba.

Bauchi State; CG Customs or Customs Boss: Col Hamid Ali (Rtd); TETFUND ES: Prof Suleman Bogoro; INEC Chairman: Prof Mahmud Yakubu; GMD

Continued on page 18

Politics Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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INEC Server: Buhari group urges PDP, Atiku to stop living in denial Stories by Patrick Okohue

Mai Mala Buni

...As Taraba draws battle line with party over quest for National Secretary position Continued from page 17 NNPC: Dr Maikanti Baru; DG NOTAP, Dr Danazumi Moh’d; MD Nat. Insurance Commission: Mohammed Kari; Chief of Air Staff: Air Marshall Sadiq B Abubakar.

Borno State; NSA, Gen. Babagana Monguno; Chief of Army Staff: Gen Y T Buratai; Chief of Staff to the President: Abba Kyari; AMCON MD: Ahmed L Kuru; Chairman/CEO, Federal Character Commission: Shettima Abba; NSWFA MD: Halima Baba; MD NEDC: Alkali Mohammed; EFCC Boss: Mr Ibrahim Mustapha Magu.

Gombe State; DG NITDA: Dr Isa Ali Fantami; ES National Lottery Trust Fund: Bello Maigari.

Yobe State; DG NEMA: Mustapha Maihaja; DG NOA: Garba Abari; ED Nigeria/ São Tomé Development Commission: Fr Almajiri Gaidam; Executive Vice Chairman, PCNI (Presidential Committee on NorthEast Initiative): Mr Tijjani Tumsah.

Taraba State has only Secretary to the Commission FCC (Federal Character Conmission), without Executive Power, because he isn’t the CEO. Also states holding party position include NATIONAL SECRETARY, Hon Mai Mala Buni- NWC (Yobe); NVC/ ZONAL CHAIRMAN N/E, Comrade Mustapha Salihu NWC (Adamawa), NATIONAL YOUTH LEADER, Sadiq

Abubakar Sadiq -NWC(Gombe); DEP NAT. AUDITOR, Barr Chul -Non NWC (Borno).

National Ex-Officio N/E, Mamman Isa Azare, Non NWC (Bauchi);TARABA State they said has nothing and the same goes for other position.

The group noted that Mustapha, a constitutional lawyer, who contested for the position of secretary at the party’s convention in 2018 but stepped down in favour of Buni after an agreement by leaders of the party from the North-East where the position was zoned to.

They also argued that it would be unfair for the position to be zoned to another state since Taraba had been largely excluded from federal appointments despite the massive support of Taraba indigenes for Buhari in the 2015 and 2019 polls.

The state chapter, which said it had endured marginalisation in Buhari’s administration, said it “may be forced to pull out of the party if they feel we are not wanted despite delivering bulk votes for Mr. President in the 2015 and 2019 elections”.

However, speaking on the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the party would carefully study what Taraba State APC had said and would soon issue an official statement.

“We will look at what they have said and come out with a statement,” he said.

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of insulting the intelligence of Nigerians with its constant refrain on the electronic transmission of results of the February 28 elections and a nonexistent server for collation of results.

This, according to the group, is in spite of the insistence by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that results for all the elections it conducted this year were collated manually, based on the laws of the land.

BMO said in a statement signed by its Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke that the INEC server claim is a ploy by PDP and its Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to cast doubt in the mind of the average Nigerian on President Muhammadu Buhari’s electoral victory and not necessarily to win at the Presidential election tribunal.

“We at BMO have seen how the opposition had, even before proceeding to the tribunal, taken its claims of electoral victory based on INEC server results to the public domain.

“And even after the petition was filed, it sustained its position that it won the February election on the basis of results it claimed were fed by electoral officials into the server, through proxies on social and traditional media, until the commission was finally forced to speak out.

“Now that the tribunal has began

hearing the case, the manner PDP and its supporters have continually shared videos and posts on social media, and digging up old news reports as well as spreading fake news items show that there is an element of mischief that undiscerning Nigerians need to be aware of.

“The height of it was the fake news attributed to former INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega that the commission transmitted results electronically in 2015 to a central server even though there was no enabling law empowering it to do so.

“Professor Jega has since denied this claim and we wonder what other ridiculous extent opposition elements are prepared to go to in order to insult the intelligence of Nigerians,” it added.

BMO noted that all of these show that PDP is only bent on destroying the legitimacy of the President’s overwhelming electoral victory with a claim its leaders know cannot stand legal scrutiny.

The group said: “Here is a political party that has no qualms in producing alternative results showing that only two Presidential candidates secured votes in an election that had 71 other candidates and claimed that it had statements from electoral officials who transmitted results from polling units to a central server.

“But it is surprising that it has not questioned the outcome of National Assembly elections held on the same day across the country which showed that President Buhari’s All Progressives Congress (APC) won an overwhelming majority in the

two chambers.

“We at BMO wonder what figures their server result showed, or do PDP and Atiku want us to believe that the results of an election that was held simultaneously with that of the President were not transmitted to the same server they said was used to collate results?

“The truth, like INEC has said, is that it has always had servers but there was no provision for electronic transmission of results in the Constitution, the Electoral Act as well as in the guidelines used for the 2019 elections.

“Many PDP supporters who have accepted that their party is filled with habitual liars have seen through the latest lie and have accepted that the server claim cannot stand real legal scrutiny at the tribunal.”

BMO consequently wants the party leaders and its Presidential candidate to stop living in denial about the outcome of an election that the President won with a margin that is more than the combined population of Mauritius, Swaziland and Equatorial Guinea.

“We know that a defeat with a victory margin of close to 4 million is too much for PDP and Atiku Abubakar to take, but we also know that they have yet to go through the five stages of grief. These are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

“We urge them to consider national interest as they go through the stages of grief over an election they had thought they could win after securing the support of those who considered themselves the owners of Nigeria,” BMO added.

Benue PDP, APC bicker over 2019 guber poll result The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has castigated the All Progressives Congress (APC), and its defeated governorship candidate in the last general election, Mr. Emmanuel Jime over their recent claim that Governor Samuel Ortom’s victory in the state was a stolen mandate, describing the statement as delusive.

The APC and its candidate in a goodwill message on the occasion of the inaugural June 12 Democracy Day celebration held recently draw similarities between the recognition accorded June 12 election and the Benue 2019 poll.

They assured their supporters that the mandate would be recovered at the tribunal at the end of the day.

But in a swift reaction, the PDP through the State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, said “they alongside their supporters are apparently drifting further away from reality in their delusion that Jime has a good case at the courts and will soon be installed governor of the state.

Ortom “This delusion of theirs is based on claims they are bandying that Governor Ortom’s second term is a stolen one, but the elementary fallacy starring Jime and his supporters in the face is how they could possibly hope to assume the role of the judge in a case they also

are parties?

“Furthermore, even the circumstantial facts establish clearly that right from the campaigns to the elections proper, Jime and APC in the state weren’t ready for a free and fair electoral contest.

“While Governor Ortom, together with top leaders of the PDP in the state traversed the length and breadth of the state combing for votes right down to the grassroots, the Benue APC and their candidates were content to wait for “federal might” to merely announce victory in their favour on the day of elections and install Jime as Governor.

“But Benue people gave Governor Ortom their mandate for a second term in office, and this was in defiance of the menacing stance of a ‘federal might’, therefore, it is clear to see that claims of a stolen mandate are merely delusory.

“However, those claims are evidently still the opium deluding APC members to still keep faith with their decaying party,” the PDP added.

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ANOZI

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FORMERLY MRS UGWU I,KNOWN AND

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I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAMAILA PETER BAKKA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS PETER SAMUEL BAKKA. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 12/12/1999.

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CORRECTION OF NAME

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ELEMILE

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ADDITION OF NAME

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OJO JUMOKE ELIZABETH KUSHALU WANT TO ADD ‘’ PENAYIN ‘’ TO MY NAME. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OJO JUMOKE ELIZABETH PENAYIN KUSHALU. MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 5TH SEPTEMBER 1988. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY TAKE NOTE.

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BOROKINI

KAYCEE

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OBASI

19

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS EDIDIONG ASUQUO UKIME, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS EDIDIONG MICHAEL TENDE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINS VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THAT ON MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE AND INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT, MY NAME APPEARS AS NWANGWA JANE NNENNA, WHILE ON MY BANK ACCOUNT, IT APPEARS AS NWANGWA NNENNA JANET. THAT I AM THE SAME PERSON BEARING BOTH NAMES MENTIONED ABOVE. THAT ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING BOTH NAMES ARE MINE AND REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

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JEWEL

WORD OF GRACE COVENANT MIN. INT’L

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.

TRUSTEES: 1. PASTOR DANIEL ASUQUO UDOH - PRESIDENT, (2) PASTOR (MRS) ENO DANIEL ASUQUO - VICE PRESIDENT (3) PASTOR CLETUS NYA PETER - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

CHUKWU

OLUCHI

NWOFE

CHINYERE

I

MRS GERTRUDE

CORRECTION OF NAME

MASTER KEY WORD 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) OGBATA JUDE .N. 2) NWOBI IFEOMA 3) ENEH PEACE CHINELO 4) MICHEAL JIMMY JOHN 5) NWEKE FRANCIS .C.

-

PRESIDENT SECRETARY 1ST VICE PRESIDENT FINANCIAL SECRETARY TREASURER

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1) TO HELP PEOPLE COME TO A SAVING KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST. 2) TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST THROUGH THE PROCLAMATION OF GOD’S WORD. 3) TO TEACH THE WORD OF GOD AND PROVIDE INSIGHT SO THAT TRANSFORMATION MAY OCCUR IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE. 4) TO PLACE A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE WORK OF EVANGELISM, ESPECIALLY TO COMMUNITIES WITHIN CLOSE PROXIMITY OF OUR CHURCH. 5) TO PROVIDE FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES SIMILAR TO THE FIRST CENTURY CHURCH. 6) TO HELP THE POOR AND OPPRESSED OF THE EARTH TO BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT. 7) TO EQUIP FELLOW BELIEVERS FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE. 8) TO ILLUSTRATE AND DEMONSTRATE THE BENEFITS FROM OBEYING GOD’S WORD. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: OGBATA JUDE .N. PRESIDENT

MRS EJIRO

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MY NAME ONWE SOPURUCHI OGAH, WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN DURING MY BVN REGISTRATION, BUT NOW WISH TO BE CORRECTED AND ADDRESSED AS ONWEOGAH SOPURUCHI CALISTUS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

LEONARD

ODUNAYO

KAFAYAT

MISS IDOWU KNOWN

OFILI

OLADEJI

ANNO DOMINI CELEBRATION MISSION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MISSION 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) NWOYE DOMINIC CHUKWUEMEKA 2) DOMINIC CHUKWUEMEKA VICTOR 3) NWOYE OGECHUKWU HELEN 4) WALTER WILFRED EJIKE

CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1) TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: NWOYE DOMINIC CHUKWUEMEKA CHAIRMAN

2019 AFCON: Femi Kuti, others thrill at colourful opening ceremony in Cairo The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was heralded with a spectacular and colourful opening ceremony inside the jampacked 75, 000 capacity Cairo International Stadium in Egypt.

The Egyptians did

not disappoint with a well choreographed and technological propelled opening ceremony, on Friday night.

The breath-taking ceremony had in attendance, Egypt President Abdel Fattah AlSisi who delivered a welcome

address, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino and CAF president, Ahmad Ahmad among other dignitaries.

“I welcome all of you, our dear African brothers, in your second homeland, wishing you happiness,” Al-Sisi said in his address

Nigeria’s legendary Afrobeat singer, Femi Kuti was subsequently joined on stage

by Egyptian pop singer and Dobet Gnahoré of Ivory wCoast as they performed their new song Metgamaeen (Together), whose lyrics are in Arabic, English and French.

The short but glamourous ceremony was brought to an end with colourful fire works that lit up the stadium.

It was followed by an equally entertaining match between host Egypt and Zimbabwe.

(NAN)

FOREIGN TIMES READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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Georgia: Mass rally outside parliament over Russian MP’s visit

President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz is standing down after 10 years in power

Mauritania eyes peaceful transfer in presidential election

Voters in Mauritania will head to the polls on Saturday to pick their next president, in what is expected to be the country’s first peaceful transfer of power.

Incumbent President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz will not contest the election after serving two five-year terms, despite opposition fears that he was plotting a tenure extension.

The 62-year-old came to power in a coup in 2008, and went on to win elections in 2009 and 2014.

In 2017, Mauritanians voted in favour of contentious constitutional changes, including abolishing the Senate with elected regional bodies and changing the country’s national flag.

The opposition boycotted the referendum, calling it an effort by Aziz to bolster hisdecision-making power and pave the way for him to scrap presidential term limits.

Around 1.5 million Mauritanians are eligible to vote, according to official figures. A runoff will be held on July 6 if there is no outright winner in Saturday’s vote.

Mauritania has never had a peaceful transfer of power since it won independence from France in 1960.

Here’s what you need to know about the elections.

Candidates Mauritanians will choose among six presidential candidates vying to replace

Aziz.

The leading contender is Mohammed Ould Ghazouani, a close associate of Aziz and a former defence minister.

Ghazouani, who took part in the 2008 coup, is also backed by the ruling elite in his bid for the presidency.

The 62-year-old has built a reputation as a fighter against armed groups and has vowed to continue Aziz’s policies against security threats and boost national development.

Mauritania, like other nations in the Sahel region, faces a growing threat from armed groups, as well as the dayto-day challenge of underdevelopment.

Ghazouani’s main challenger is expected to be Sidi Mohamed Ould Boubacar, who hopes to win enough support to secure a runoff vote on July 6.

Nearly 30 percent of voters said they would vote for Ghazouani and 23 percent for Boubacar, according to a poll by the Mauritanian Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (CMERS), conducted among 1,300 people in the capital, Nouakchott, last week.

The four other candidates are antislavery activist Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, veteran opposition figure Mohamed Ould Moloud, journalist Baba Hamidou Kane - 2.6 percent and political newcomer Mohamed Lemine El-Mourteji El-Wavi - 2.1 percent.

‘Competitive but peaceful campaign’

Aziz has been frequently accused by opposition figures and civil society groups of rights abuses, including the arrest of a former senator and the “secretive” detention of a blogger.

He has, however, described opposition leaders as “villains” and “troublemakers”.

The opposition has expressed concerns over the composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission, whose members they accuse of being too close to the government.

Paul Melly, a consulting fellow at Chatham House’s Africa Programme, said it was “likely that the elections will pass off peacefully”.

“The campaign has been conducted in a competitive but peaceful manner and major candidates from the opposition, as well as the government candidate Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, have been able to put their views across openly,” he told Al Jazeera.

“However, after last September’s legislative, regional and municipal elections, the opposition complained that the government had hampered its ability to monitor voting and the counting of votes. A repeat of that controversy cannot be ruled out, but the government has been keen to show that this election is a meaningful democratic contest.”

Morsi ‘killed’ by Egyptian government, son says A son of the late former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has accused incumbent President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and a number of other officials of “killing” his father.

Morsi, Egypt’s first democratically elected president who was arrested after being overthrown in a military coup led by el-Sisi in 2013, died on Monday after collapsing inside his soundproof glass cage while on trial in a Cairo courtroom on espionage charges.

In a Twitter post on Thursday, Morsi’s son, Abdullah, named a number of officials whom he called “partners” of el-Sisi “in killing the martyr president”.

He particularly accused incumbent and former interior ministers Mahmoud Tawfiq and Magdy Abdel Ghaffar, respectively.

He also named judges Shirin Fahmy, Shaaban al-Shami and Ahmed Sabry, as

well as Attorney General Nabil Sadek and Abbas Kamel, the head of the intelligence service.

Egyptian authorities have yet to comment on the claims by Morsi’s son.

At the time of his death, Morsi - a leading member of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood who won the country’s presidential election in 2012 - faced a host of legal charges, which he, along with various human rights groups and independent observers, said were politically motivated.

Morsi’s death was mourned by many people around the world, including in Turkey, where mosques held special prayers on Tuesday, while leaders in Malaysia and Qatar were among those offering tributes.

However, the reaction has been largely muted in many capitals.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a key ally of Morsi, said this week that the Egyptian government should be tried in international courts for the death of the former president.

“Mohamed Morsi flailed on the courtroom floor for 20 minutes and the authorities did not help him. This is why I say Morsi did not die, he was murdered,” Erdogan told supporters on Wednesday at an election rally in Istanbul.

“We, as Turkey, will follow this issue and do everything possible for Egypt to be tried in international courts for Morsi’s death,” he said, calling on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take action towards this end.

Since Morsi’s removal, relations between Ankara and Cairo have plummeted with acrimonious exchanges.

Protesters enraged by the visit of a Russian legislator attempted to storm Georgia’s parliament building, prompting riot police to fire tear gas and rubber bullets with more than 200 people hurt in clashes.

The scenes in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, flared up suddenly on Thursday night amid widespread public anger over the visit by Sergey Gavrilov, who addressed an assembly of MPs from Orthodox Christian countries from the seat of the speaker.

The Russian MP’s presence in fiercely pro-Western Georgia’s parliament prompted outrage in the ex-Soviet nation, which in 2008 fought and lost a brief but bloody war with Moscow over the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Demonstrating against Gavrilov’s visit, about 10,000 protesters gathered outside parliament. Some attending the rally tried to break through riot police cordons to enter the building’s courtyard.

They were pushed back by police but some continued surging forward. In response, authorities fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannon at the crowd, prompting most protesters to disperse.

More than 240 people were injured and half of them are still in the hospital, health official Zaza Bokhua said on Friday.

President Salome Zurabishvili said she was cutting short her trip to Belarus to return to Tbilisi to deal with the crisis.

Earlier, tens of thousands also rallied in the streets of central Tbilisi, demanding speaker Irakli Kobakhidze step down after Gavrilov’s address to an annual meeting of the Inter-parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) - a forum of lawmakers from predominantly Orthodox countries.

On Friday, Al Jazeera’s Robin Forestier-Walker, reporting from Tbilisi, said that Kobakhidze resigned in a statement read out by Tbilisi’s Mayor Kakha Kaladze, who is also a secretary general of the ruling party.

He also said that more than a hundred protesters were still in hospital.

“Two people have lost eye-sight in at least one eye by being hit by projectiles police had fired at the protesters, including tear gas and plastic bullets,” he said.

Russia accused Georgian opposition forces on Friday of trying to prevent ties between the countries improving, the TASS news agency reported.

The foreign ministry said “radical” forces had deliberately organised protests.

Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen, reporting from Moscow, said the events were followed in Moscow very closely.

“The main line is that it was all preplanned for two reasons, according to people here in Russia: to make sure that the ties between Russia and Georgia will not improve as it has been over the last two years, and also the other reason is the power struggle [within Georgia],” she said.

She also said that Russia’s state media called the protests a coup attempt led by former Georgian president, Mikheil

Saakashvili.

“The last thing that Russia wants is a very strong anti-Russian power in Georgia. So if the coup they are describing were to succeed, the ties with Russia would be worsening and also the chances of Georgia becoming a member of NATO would be increasing, that’s something that Russia is very scared of,” Vaessen said.

Reacting to the unrest, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said the situation outside the parliament had been “provoked by opposition forces”.

Bakhtadze, a member of the ruling Georgian Dream Party, said in a statement the police “never used and is not going to use rubber bullets or gas against peaceful protesters”.

Opposition MPs, some of whom accuse the Georgian Dream party of being insufficiently firm in confronting Moscow, called for protests in response to Gavrilov’s appearance in the assembly.

They also demanded the parliamentary speaker, interior minister, and state security service chief all resign over the incident.

“Georgian Dream has brought the Russian occupiers in and let them sit in the speaker’s chair,” Elene Khoshtaria, an opposition member of parliament, said. “That was a slap in the face to recent Georgian history.”

Gavrilov has supported calls for independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and is a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a figure despised by many Georgians.

Reacting to Gavrilov’s appearance in the country’s assembly, President Zurabishvili called Russia “an enemy and occupier” whose fifth column, she suggested, was behind violent unrest.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said in a statement that Moscow was outraged by the actions of what he called radical Georgian political forces, whom he accused of propagating anti-Russian sentiment.

Russian influence in Georgia is a politically sensitive subject. The two countries have not had diplomatic ties since 2008 and have long been at loggerheads over Tbilisi’s bid to join the European Union and NATO with the spiralling confrontation culminating in the August 2008 war.

During the conflict, the Russian army swept into Georgia - bombing targets and occupying large swathes of territory - after Tbilisi launched a largescale military operation against South Ossetian separatist forces who had been shelling Georgian villages.

In just five days, Russia defeated Georgia’s small military and the hostilities ended with a ceasefire.

After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases.

Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced Russia’s actions as an “illegal military occupation”.

The two regions constitute 20 percent of the country’s territory.

Social media sites widely used by protest organisers were down...on Friday

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

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PDP BoT backs probing of dissenting legislators over NASS elections Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has backed the decision of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) to investigate actions of some of its members in both Houses of the National Assembly against party decision during the June 11 inauguration of the Federal lawmakers.

The party had on Thursday at its 86th NEC meeting expressed disappointment with some Senators and Representatives that voted against the party’s preferred candidates in both chambers.

The NEC has therefore instituted a probe panel to look at what transpired on the floor of both houses when the Senate President and his deputy as well as the Speaker House of Representatives and his deputy were elected.

Disclosing the decision of the BoT to agree with the NEC’s decision, its

chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, told journalists on Friday that it is an act of insubordination for any member to go against the decision of the party.

He said the party is supreme and all members of the party are answerable to the party hierarchy.

Jibrin said: “If the party has come up with their stand, it has to be obeyed by every member. If you go astray, you are not a good member of that party because the party put you there and you contested under the umbrella of the party and you won.

“If there is no party, you cannot win under an independent candidacy. So you have your guide and your guide is the party and if the party says ‘This is our decision, there is nothing you can do. You must follow what the party has said.

“That is why many people are not very comfortable with what has happened but we cannot jump the gun. We have to investigate everything that happened and surely when the

Secondus investigation is over, then the party will take its own decision.”

On the possible outcome of the investigation, the BoT chairman said: “I cannot tell you what that decision is going to be until the

investigation is over. We have set the ball running for the investigation to start and once that investigation is concluded, then the party will meet and take its decision”.

Nigeria leads as Africa nets $997.9bn in trade deals Mathew Dadiya, Moscow Nigeria has continued to retain its number one position as the fastest growing region in the world, ahead of other African countries as the continent’s total trade in 2018 has been estimated at $997.9 billion.

Nigeria’s trade growth is riding on the back of the much-sought intra-trade and integration, which rose steadily by 17 per cent to reach $159 billion.

The amount, which represents 3.4 per cent between 2017 and 2018 amid slowdown in global growth during the period, was contained in a new report by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), titled, “The African Trade Report 2019: African Trade in a Digital World”.

The report was launched on Friday in Moscow, Russia, on the sidelines of the ongoing 26th Annual Meetings of Afreximbank..

The report noted that estimates from the World Trade Organisation, showed that the volume of global merchandise trade grew by three per cent in 2018, down from 4.6 per cent in 2017.

It highlighted the resilience of Africa’s economies to global volatility at a time of rising uncertainty, escalating trade wars and tariffs between the United States, China and others.

The Chief Economist of Afreximbank and author of the report, Dr. Hippolyte Fofack, said: “Intra-African trade, which grew by 17 per cent in 2018, is more than three times the rate of growth of extra-African trade and was the major driver of Africa’s total merchandise trade in 2018.”

Also, the resilience reflects the diversification of Africa’s trading partnersSouth-South trade, growing fixed investment and public and private consumption, boosted by expanding urban populations and softening inflation, which reduced Africa’s exposure to the business cycles associated with individual countries and regions.

While the European Union remained Africa’s main continental trading partner in 2018, accounting for 29.8 per cent of total trade, African trade with the South grew significantly over the last decade to account for

more than 35 per cent of the continent’s total trade in 2018.

President of Afreximbank, Prof.

Benedict Oramah, said: “It is vital that Africa grasps the economic growth opportunities flowing from the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, growing domestic demand and population and our ever-closer investment and trading links with emerging partners in the South.

“We must exert concerted action to ensure that we develop, industrialize and diversify our industries and supporting infrastructure to foster regional integration and participate fully in regional and global value chains.”

China and India further consolidated their positions as Africa’s first and second single largest trading partners, accounting for over 21 per cent of total African trade in 2018.

The report also highlighted Africa’s potential to do more, as the contribution to global trade remained marginal at 2.6 per cent, up from 2.4 per cent in 2017, while intra-African trade rose

to 16 per cent in 2018 from five per cent in 1980, although low compared to intra-regional trade in Europe and Asia.

The ongoing digitalisation is paving the way for a new African economy, with e-commerce platforms and internet penetration expediting transactions, reducing costs and leading to a new generation of transnational digital consumers.

However, African governments have been charged to further capitalise on the opportunities associated with digitalisation, by bolstering regulatory environments and supporting the development of digital ecosystems.

Oramah noted that digitalisation can unlock Africa’s potential in driving economic development and the integration of African countries into the world economy, as well as reduce the region’s dependency on raw commodities and natural resources by helping economies diversify into more valueadded products that can enhance extra-and intraAfrican trade.

21 News

Bauchi APC leaders, lawmakers petition Oshiomhole over assembly inauguration Tunde Opalana, Abuja Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State led by the immediate governor of the state, Mohammed Abubakar and members of the state Assembly elected on the platform of APC stormed the party’s national secretariat on Friday evening to notify its leadership of alleged impunity in the inauguration of the 9th Assembly.

Speaking on behalf of the team, a factional speaker, Dauwa Shehu Damina, said the Bauchi APC was at the national secretariat to seek the support of the national body to implore all apparatus of government concerned to ensure that the 9th Assembly in the state is properly inaugurated.

He told the national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other National Working Committee members present that the inauguration of the assembly by a minority number of 11 members out of the 31 member assembly is an aberration of constitutional provision.

Damina narrated how the majority members were schemed out of the inauguration conducted at 6.30am and how they were harassed by policemen and that their lives are in danger.

He, however, said they are open to lawful settlement of the house leadership issue but would be prepared to

take legal option as means of last resort to reclaim the Bauchi parliament.

Commending the lawmakers for their resilience in the face of intimidation, Oshiomhole assured them that the national secretariat will interface with the Presidency and the Inspector General of Police to wade into the Bauchi Assembly crisis.

Oshiomhole, who likened the Bauchi crisis to what happened in Edo State Assembly, said the party hierarchy will put an end to such erosion of rule of law and abuse of state apparatus like the police.

He said APC is a party that respects rule of law and has not arbitrarily misused Federal might but will navigate the issue legally.

The chairman, however, said the party will not fold its arm and watch the police providing cover for the minority on the order of the state government.

He said it is impossible with the PDP with just 10 members to produce Principal Officers of an Assembly in which the APC has controlling 21 members.

Oshiomhole said: “The governor has no option than to submit himself to the rule of law. We will fight it to logical conclusion. We will prevail on Police to provide security for legislators and the sanctity of the parliament.”

“The parliament is a public property; it is not in the discretion of the governor to lock it up.”

PDP condemns invasion, attack on Ishaku’s residence Charges IGP to fish out culprits

Tunde Opalana, Abuja The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in totality, the invasion of the Abuja residence of Taraba State Governor, Arc. Darius Ishaku, by police operatives alleged to have been detailed by presidential authorities.

The party in a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the invasion is unlawful, provocative and cannot be justified under any guise whatsoever.

The PDP insisted that such assault on a governor’s residence was a direct attack on the nation’s democratic order and must not be swept under the carpet like previous invasions of residents of some PDP elected officials under the domineering All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

The party held that the invasion of Governor Ishaku’s residence is criminal and in total violation of the spirit of the immunity clause under the 1999 Constitution (as amended); a

desecration of the sanctity of the Government House and a rude assault on the sensibility of the people of Taraba State and Nigerians in general.

The PDP urged Nigerians to note that such invasion of the residence of an elected state governor is a direct pointer that democracy is under attack by anti-democratic forces that seek to subvert the rule of law, foist a siege mentality on the citizenry and ultimately destabilize our nation for their selfish political gains.

The party as a result called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately fish out those behind the invasion and unravel their intensions while urging the police to beef up security around Governor Ishaku and his family members as well as take steps to forestall a repeat of such unwarranted attack.

The PDP however charged Governor Ishaku and all other officials elected on the platform of the party to remain undeterred in their commitment in serving the people despite the intimidations, harassments and distractions by the APCled administration.

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

AFCON: Super Eagles must break our defence to beat us – Burundi coach

Burundi head coach Olivier Niyungeko has been talking tough ahead of their Group B opener against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The coach who spoke at the team’s Pre-Match Conference on Friday said they paraded one of the best defence in the competition having gone unbeaten during the qualifiers.

On this note, Niyungeko said it would be difficult for

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng the Eagles to win Saturday’s game even though they have a team that is full of established players.

“It’s a tough group, but we have no fear. I believe that every team in the Group is equal and we have prepared well. We have to show it,” Niyungeko said in his postmatch media conference at the Alexandria Stadium on Friday.

“We will be facing Nigeria

g22

without fear. I have been able to work on my defence and made us hard to beat which was why we were able to remain unbeaten throughout our qualifiers.”

The encounter is billed to for the Alexandria Stadium from 6pm Nigerian time.

In the other group B fixture, Syli Nationale of Guinea will trade horns against Barea of Madagascar at the same venue at 9pm Nigerian time.

Felix Owolabi: FIFA’s decision to oversee CAF an embarrassment to Africa Felix Owolabi, an ex-international, on Friday described the decision of world football governing body FIFA to take over the affairs of CAF as an embarrassment to the continent.

Owolabi told newsmen in Lagos that it was a development that should not be coming at this point in time.

FIFA in agreement with CAF arrived at the decision as a result of allegations of corruption and administrative hiccups.

“It’s a shame, honestly, that this is happening now. The timing is wrong. So many things are wrong.

With all eyes on Africa, we don’t need this distraction.

“The spotlight should be on the players and nothing should take that spotlight away from them,” the former left winger of the then Green Eagles said.

On his expectations from the Super Eagles’ first match against Burundi, Owolabi told newsmen that while the players should be full of confidence, they should however not underrate any team.

“I believe they know what they need to do, but they need to believe in themselves and be confident against any team.

“But they should also

be careful because there is a thin line between confidence and underrating a team,” he said.

Owolabi, however, urged the Super Falcons to ensure that they played cohesively in the round of 16 clash with Germany at the ongoing 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

“I hope the luck that smiled on them to get a Round of 16 ticket will further push them to play more cohesively and be focused.

“They have a lot to prove and I’m rooting for them,’’ the member of Nigeria’s 1980 AFCON-winning team said.

CAF press freedom: Reporter’s accreditation for CAN revoked Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja In another attempt to control the news regarding African football affairs, the journalist Nazim Bessol, working for Algerian newspaper Botola, has seen his accreditation for the African Cup of Nations revoked.

Initially Bessol received a confirmation approval letter with accreditation number 1206. However yesterday Bessol received an email from CAF explaining, without justification, that his accreditation had been revoked and his status on THE media channel had been altered from “approved” to “rejected”.

AIPS Africa links this to the investigation conducted by the journalist and the newspaper about the company Tactical Steel, mysteriously introduced as main CAF supplier, which led to CAF president Ahmad Ahmad being arrested and interrogated by French police over corruption allegations.

The association therefore condemns the CAF decision to revoke Nazim Bessol’s accreditation and sees it as another attempt to stop the freedom of the media, a direct and blatant response

to the investigations.

“I am already in direct contact with AIPS President Gianni Merlo for a global appraisal on what it is another assault on the independence of thought of the sports media”, said Mitchell Obi, AIPS Africa President.

From the continental prism of AIPS Africa we are totally saddened by the resource of the CAF and the brutish show of disrespect to the sports media in Africa.

This action comes from a team that promised change after winning the last CAF election and its first despicable act was to scrap the CAF Media committee in a bizarre logic of reorganisation, which partly includes annulling the accreditation of a sports journalist two days before the event.

AIPS Africa firmly and fervently condemns this ominous act and shares with the Algerian Sports Media the same sentiments duly expressed in seeking an immediate reversal of this unwholesome act.

“We won’t hesitate to go the distance in checking this brazen attempt to hide under the cloak of a collective fold and pursue dark and personal agendas”, said Mitchell Obi, AIPS Africa President.

Mikel Obi: I want to win Nigeria’s fourth AFCON title with Super Eagles Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi hopes he can help the team claim a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt after finishing in third position with the side the last time the North Africans hosted the tournament in 2006.

Mikel made his first AFCON appearance in Egypt 2006 and played a key role as the Super Eagles won the bronze medal for the third time in a row.

The former Chelsea midfielder who won the title with the Super Eagles in South Africa 2013, is optimistic of a better outing in the land of the Pharaohs this time around.

“It’s not a bad place to finish. I started here in 2006, and we came third ,so Egypt has always been good to me. This time, hopefully, we can do better. I’m not 100% sure this is my last one but maybe,” Mikel told reporters in Alexandria on Friday.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the last two editions of the tournament after claiming the title in 2013.

Majority of the players will be making their AFCON finals debut in Egypt, with the exception of Mikel and Ahmed Musa and Kenneth Omeruo.

Mikel however believes that won’t affect the Super Eagles’ performance in the competition.

“The last time we were here (AFCON finals), we won. We have missed out on a few, but we are confident. There are just the three of us who have the experience, but the blend

in the team is good,” Mikel added.

The Rio 2016 Olympics gold medalist refuses to list his side among the favourites to win the tournament.

“I have been away from the team for over a year now, but I was always in contact with the team and I knew the team was in good hands. Everyone thinks we are favorites, but we are not looking at it like that. We just want to qualify and then kick on and do great things,” Mikel stated.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, June 22, 2019

23 Sport Times

Mo Salah, Egypt set for AFCON bow in stifling heat All eyes will be on Mohamed Salah on Friday as the Egypt star looks to help the Africa Cup of Nations hosts launch their bid for a record-extending eighth title in style against Zimbabwe in the opening match of a tournament expanded to 24 teams for the first time.

After avenging last year’s Champions League anguish with Liverpool three weeks ago, Salah is now on a mission for redemption with the Pharaohs after injury wrecked his World Cup campaign in Russia — ruining Egypt’s return to the global showpiece after a 28-year absence.

Egypt tops the betting as favourites to lift the trophy in Cairo on July 19 and have won the competition as hosts three of the previous four times, with the last of those in 2006 sparking an unprecedented run of three successive triumphs.

Authorities are confident the infrastructure is in place to host the continent’s largest football contest, awarded to Egypt at just six months’ notice, and which kicks off against a backdrop of terror attacks and only days after the death of former Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

Players will also have to contend with average temperatures of between 35 and 38 Celsius (95-100.4 Fahrenheit) following the decision to switch the tournament from its traditional January/February time slot to June/July to avoid European club-versus-country clashes.

Egypt coach Javier Aguirre is confident of capturing a second international title, a decade on from leading his native Mexico to CONCACAF Gold Cup glory.

“We are the favourites to win the 2019 Africa Cup,” said the 60-year-old Aguirre, the first Mexican to guide the Egyptian national team.

“Egypt is playing at home, can count on passionate support and have Mohamed Salah, the best footballer in Africa.”

Salah has returned home after another stellar season with Liverpool, which he completed by scoring the first goal in a 2-0 Champions League final victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

His 22 English Premier League goals last season gave him share of the Golden Boot title with two fellow Africans, Senegalese Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon.

– ‘Tremendous support’ – Aguirre says fears that his talisman may be jaded after a long season of Premier League and Champions League football are unfounded.

“Mohamed took a holiday after the Champions League final, did not play in our first warm-up match and only came on after half-time in the second,” he countered.

Egypt beat fellow qualifiers Tanzania and Guinea and what pleased Aguirre most was not the results, but the large number of scoring chances the Pharaohs created.

“We had about 20 chances to score against the Tanzanians and almost as many against the Guineans. That is very encouraging.”

Aguirre also dismissed the view that Egypt relies too heavily on Salah, saying: “We have selected 23 footballers who are totally committed to the cause of winning the Cup of Nations.

“It is impossible for one footballer to win a Cup of Nations on his own. Mohamed will receive tremendous support from his team-mates.

“All the players are mentally and physically ready and we look forward to beginning our campaign with a victory over Zimbabwe.”

The countries have met only once in a Cup of Nations with Egypt winning 2-1 in Tunisia 15 years ago and both teams were eliminated after the first round.

Zimbabwe coach and former captain Sunday Chidzambwa were keeping his thoughts to himself ahead of the tournament opener.

But the captain and forward Knowledge Musona, who plays in Belgium, stressed that they must not become obsessed by Salah, despite the huge threat he poses.

“We must not just stop Salah, we must stop all the Egyptians. If we concentrate only on one, others will destroy us,” he warned.

“We are not here to talk — we are here to play football. We are in Egypt to achieve success and make every Zimbabwean proud of us.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda are the other teams in Group A and they meet Saturday at the same venue as the opening match.

Group winners and runners-up qualify for the knockout second round along with the best four of the six third-place finishers.

AFCON: Mikel Obi’s presence will scare our opponents – Odion Ighalo Super Eagles forward Odion Jude Ighalo has shared his thoughts on his expectations at the Africa Cup of Nation which kicks off today with host city Egypt against Zimbabwe in Cairo International stadium.

Shanghai Greenland Shenhua star spoke in an interview on what to expect at the AFCON tournament saying that his team can win the trophy if hard work and believe is involved.

The 30-year old player hopes to have a successful tournament saying: “If anybody says the tournament is going to be easy, that’s a lie because it’s going to be tough, hot and difficult but I believe in the team we have because we have all that it takes to do well in the AFCON.” He went ahead to applaud coach, Gernot Rohr and his team captain, Mikel Obi for their good job well done stating that: “Rohr is a good

man, aside football, he’s a funny man and he’s a coach that always want to listen to your complains and keeps checking on someone, he’s a father figure, he also encourages the guys “Mikel is our captain, he’s a good leader, it’s great to have him back, the motivation he brings to the team, him joining us now is a big plus to us because no team in Africa that wants to play Nigeria and you see Mikel is in the field, you’re going to get scared a bit because he’s done great for clubs and country, he’s a legend and he can play, still fresh and a good passer of the ball which every striker will like to have by his side, am really happy he’s back and hopefully we can achieve what we want to achieve together by God’s grace.”

The 32nd tournament will then see Nigeria lock horns with their group B counterpart, Burundi tomorrow at the Alexandria stadium in Egypt.

AFCON: Cameroon national team delays departure over pay dispute Cameroon’s soccer team has refused to leave their hotel to board a flight to the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt because of a players’ pay dispute, a team spokeswoman said on Friday.

The reigning champions are set to start the tournament on June 25 in a match against Guinea-Bissau, but the players did not appear for their flight on Thursday evening amid a spat over bonus payments.

“The Lions are still in Yaounde. They did not agree with their managers on the number of their premiums,” the spokeswoman told Reuters.

Pay disputes before major competitions are not unusual for African soccer federations who often do not have sufficient resources to pay their player’s high sums.

Nigeria and Ghana have experienced similar problems in recent World Cups.

Ministry of sports spokesman Gabriel Nloga said the players had each been paid a bonus of 20 million CFA

francs (27,364.33 pounds). A source at Cameroon’s soccer federation said the players had asked for twice that.

Two sources close to the negotiations said they expected the team to leave Cameroon later on Friday after the ministry of sport agreed to pay each player a 5 million CFA franc bonus after their first tournament victory.

Cameroon has a rich soccer history, with both male and female teams taking part in a number of past World Cups.

The women’s team was one of three African teams to qualify for the World Cup taking place in France.

They reached the last 16 on Thursday after a 2-1 win over New Zealand.

But the Central African country was last year stripped of its right to host the 2019 Nations Cup, due to delays in preparations for the tournament and security concerns.

The Cup kicks off later on Friday with an opening match between Egypt and Zimbabwe in Cairo.

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WWC: Super Falcons celebrate Round of 16 qualification

Super Falcons players have celebrated the team’s qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

The African champions’ passage into the knockout stages was confirmed on Friday following the completion of group stage matches.

Thomas Dennerby’s charges will confront former champions Germany for a place in the quater-finals in Grenoble on Saturday. Kick-off is 4.30 pm Nigerian time.

It is the first time in 20 years that the super Falcons will play in the knockout stages of the competition after they reached the quarter-finals at the 1999

edition hosted by the United States of America.

Brazil, China and Cameroon were the first three teams to qualify for the quarter-finals third-placed teams. The West Africans hoped that Chile failed to beat Thailand by a three-goal advantage in Rennes later Thursday night, which came through.

Despite Chile’s 2-0 win over Thailand in their last Group E game in Montpellier, Super Falcons claimed the last spot among the four best thirdplaced teams, on superior goals.

A number of the players took to the social media to express their happiness on the

team’s qualification.

“ROUND OF 16 baby @ FIFAWWC @NGSuper_ Falcons,” the team’s top striker Asisat Oshoala tweeted.

Veteran defender, Onome Ebi tweeted: “Thank you Lord, on to the next level. Round 16.”

Midfielder Ngozi Okobi also tweeted. “Finally, the LORD have done it finally & The journey continues. #FIFAWWC & we keep moving @NGSuper_ Falcons.”

It is the first time since the inception of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991 that two African teams reached the knockout stages following Nigeria and Cameroon s qualification on Thursday.

Sports SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019

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NO. 972

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AFCON: Super Eagles jersey ranked second best, Algeria top Super Eagles iconic Nike kit has been rated second best among the 24 countries that will be participating at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off today in Egypt.

Nigeria will battle Burundi, Guinea, and Madagascar to qualify out of Group B. The iconic green and white chevron jersey was the most sought after kit of the Russia 2018 World Cup, as it broke pre-order records ahead of its release and was shortlisted for the prestigious Beazley Design of the Year Award.

According to a respectable website, Squawka.com, the kit to be worn by the three-time kings of Africa in Egypt will go down as a ‘classic’.

“Nike’s Nigeria kit received plenty of praise when it was revealed ahead of last summer’s World Cup, and the Super

Eagles have stuck with it for the AFCON. The design borders on too much, but in fact, it’s just right. It’s set to go down as a classic,” the website said.

Although many have named host nation, Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal among the favourites to win the competition, it is Algeria that leads in terms of kit rankings.

“Our winner.

The Algeria strip is similar to Adidas’ Germany design, with its unusual but easyon-the-eye pattern across the chest. What’s more, the typical Adidas stripes and sleeve-ends look as smart as ever,” the website said.

Super Eagles will begin their campaign in the competition against Burundi on Saturday at the Alexandria Stadium.

The Swallows will be delighted to even be in Egypt but unfortunately their red home shirts,

made by Garman was last in the ranking.

Other Group B opponents, Madagascar and Guinea are ranked 19th and 20th respectively.

AFCON 2019 Home kit rankings: 1. Algeria 2. Nigeria 3. Cameroon 4. South Africa 5. Ivory Coast 6. Egypt 7. Mauritania 8. Morocco 9. Ghana 10. Mali 11. Senegal 12. Tunisia 13. Uganda 14. Guinea-Bissau 15. Zimbabwe 16. Namibia 17. Kenya 18. Benin 19. Madagascar 20. Guinea 21. Angola 22. Tanzania 23. DR Congo 24. Burundi

Petr Cech returns to Chelsea

Rain stops Falcons training ahead Germany clash

Super Falcons head coach Thomas Dennerby had to call off training temporarily following the rain that came down on the team.

The team who arrived Grenoble on Friday afternoon immediately headed for training ahead of Saturday’s round of 16 fixture against Germany.

FIFA media officer attached to the team, Ann Odong shared pictures and videos of how the coaches were removing the team’s training equipment on the pitch which was

waterlogged.

“The players were able to get a couple of minutes of warm-up before the heavens opened up. Look at the puddles! A waiting to game to see if the rain will stop to allow training to resume,” she posted.

Returning to Grenoble holds special memories for the Falcons as it was here they secured their first win of the tournament which was against the Korea Republic in their second group match.

The Korea match remains the only victory for the Falcons en route the knockout stage, unlike the Germans who won all their three matches to top Group A with nine points.

Now in the knockout stage, Nigeria would be aiming to defy the odds by defeating their European opponents who have never lost to an African side at this level.

The last time both countries met was at the 2011 edition which the Germans won by a lone goal on home soil.

Petr Cech will return to Chelsea in an advisory role after retiring from his duties as a goalkeeper last month, aged 37.

Cech will perform an intermediary role between the club’s new manager and director Marina Granovskaia, which had been left vacant since Michael Emenalo quit as technical director nearly two years ago.

“Petr Cech returns to Chelsea as Technical and Performance Advisor,” said Chelsea in a statement.

“The focus of the job will be to provide advice on all football and performance matters throughout the club as well as embed and facilitate strong links between our men’s and academy teams, ensuring that the various support departments are working together effectively.”

Cech won 13 major honours, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League, in a stellar 11-year career with Chelsea before joining Arsenal in 2015.

The former Czech international’s final game before retirement came in a 4-1 defeat

by Chelsea as the Blues lifted the Europa League in May. “I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to join Chelsea FC again and

help create the best possible high level performance environment to continue the success the club has had over the past 15 years,” said Cech.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge and hope I can use all of my football knowledge and experience to help the team achieve even more success in the future.”

Cech could soon be working closely with one of his former teammates with Frank Lampard also expected to return to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea’s new manager following Maurizio Sarri’s departure for Juventus.

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