DTN-22-9-18

CBN takes over Skye Bank, changes name to Polaris Bank g 5

Revokes licence, injects N786bn to save bank Directs AMCON to begin sale process Monday

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Who takes over from Aregbesola as Osun elects g 3 new gov today?

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 759

N100

48 candidates in the race 4 major contenders in focus

NYSC saga: My case not like Kemi Adeosun – Communications Minister Shittu g 5

LPPC withdraws SAN rank from g20 lawyer Ehighelua over misconduct

EFCC moves against election fraud, g 5 tracks campaign financing by parties

Nigeria’s foreign g5 debts now $22.08bn, domestic N15.63trn – NBS

Even with a billion naira, I’ll never act nude – Femi Adebayo g 11

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Who takes over from Aregbesola as Osun elects new gov today?

Jide Oke, Osogbo As the campaign for the Osun State governorship election came to an end on Thursday, the The Daily Times reports that though it is still foggy who the eventual winner of the contest will be, it is crystal clear that a candidate must surely emerge as winner of the contest today. Whoever will emerge will be decided by the electorate who have taken account of some factors that have informed their mindsets.

The stage is now set for today’s governorship election in Osun State as the political landscape witnessed intense maneuverings and machinations in the last two months with political Goliaths and Lilliputians alike to woo the electorate in a bid to win the governorship race today.

It has been a season of intrigues, scheming, accusation, counter-accusation surprises, back-stabbing and betrayals.

However, nothing less than that is expected, because the higher the stakes, the more intense the contest.

Although, about 48 political parties are participating in the contest for the Oke-fia Government House, only 4 are prominent and stand a chance in the election. They are the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose candidate, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, is the former chief of staff to outgoing Governor Rauf Aregbesola; the Social Democratic Party (SDP), whose candidate, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, is a former deputy governor in the state; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), whose candidate, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke, is the senator representing, Osun West Senatorial District at the National Assembly and the former Chief of Staff to Aregbesola, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

The electioneering had been exciting and engaging. Despite the inevitable mudslinging, the four leading contestants, over the last two months, have shown that they possess the political and physical prowess to build on the legacies of past leaders of the state with a view to leading Osun State to a greater height.

They have all combed the state from coast to coast, exuding vividness and vigour, thrilling the electorate with their plans for them, not just as a means of winning their support, but backing their campaigns with facts and figures.

The four candidates are clearly diametrically opposed to one another with respect to how to prosecute the project of improving the lot of the citizenry, but there is a convergence in their desire to improve the welfare of the people as well as the profile of

the state.

But as important as this election is, according to The Daily Times findings, the polls will enjoy primacy as more voters are expected to be recorded in the exercise believed to be mother of all elections.

Hard as the four prominent political parties have tried to carry the electorate along during their campaigns and rallies in all the 30 local government areas of the state, fillers from the PDP, SDP, APC and ADP secretariats in Osogbo indicate that today’s election will be fight to finish among the four parties.

The PDP said that it is fully prepared to dislodge the APC and its candidate, Oyetola, during today’s governorship poll.

According to the Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Chief Soji Adagunodo, ‘‘our people have seen that PDP is the only party with solution to their problems’’.

He said majority of the people are tired of APC administration and they are ready to dislodge the party with the coming election.

The PDP chairman said that the APC is just pretending, adding that the party and its Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have failed the people of the state for eight years.

He said that PDP is not a pretender party but rather understands the plight of the people and that the party is ready to offer it.

Adagunodo stressed that if the election is truly one man, one vote as claimed by the INEC, the PDP would defeat the APC government and other political parties and institute the government that cares in the state.

The Osun PDP chairman noted that given the public perception of the PDP by the people of Osun State, the party has won the election already, stressing ‘we all soon know who is who after the exercise’.

He said that APC is already afraid of defeat judging from the numerical strength of the PDP, explaining that this party would not deceive people through any fake membership drive as PDP is fully on ground in all the electoral wards of the state.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on its part said the endorsement of the party’s governorship candidate, Otunba (Dr.) Iyiola Omisore by the generality of the people of the state, coupled with his transparency and his love for the people of Osun will see him to success in the election.

According to the State Chairman of the SDP, Prince Faforiji, the Social Democratic Party is fully on ground and well prepared for the election, which he added would be won by the party.

He said that his party has done the registration of their members across the state with not less than 250,000 membership, explaining that this large turnout showed the enthusiasm with which people of Osun have accepted the SDP and its governorship candidate, Omisore.

Faforiji said the only fear the party has is the unnecessary involvement of Abuja in the election. He said, “We are weary of the so-called federal might and we have been saying that we should be allowed to do our things in Osun”, adding “we will not allow what happened in Ekiti to repeat itself here in Osun State”.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) on its part believe that the track record of the achievements of APC led-government in the state in the last eight years, coupled with the dividends of democracy so far recorded in the state, placed the party ahead of any other political parties in the race.

According to the Osun State APC Director of Media and Publicity, Kunle Oyatomi, the APC-led administration since 2010 through a court order that restored the people’s mandate, has turned things around for the better.

He said the administration has made good its promise to rescue the state from the state of anomie and want, noting that the APC government led by Aregbesola did not wave a magic wand to achieve this fact.

He said Aregbesola and his cabinet, like the good captains, did not go to sleep after formulating their policy direction, stressing that since then they have been putting their hands on the plough to see it to fruition.

He stated further that the result is what is been celebrated today in the area of motorable roads, free health care, job creation, education as well as welfare, programmes for the aged. He said with all these achievements on ground, the APC seed today’s governorship election as a very good opportunity to retain power in Osun State for unbroken 10 times.

For the ADP, the party reiterates that it will shock Nigerians today, as it claim that its candidate, Adeoti, will emerge victorious at the end of the poll.

It added that Adeoti is the man to beat, saying that as a former SSG, he is a grassroots politician with track records.

The four leading candidates, Adeleke – PDP; Omisore – SDP; Oyetola - APC and Adeoti of ADP have demonstrated so far that they could tame one another notwithstanding their antics.

As the people of Osun State go to the poll today, which would be a watershed in the history of the state, many voters would have taken account of some factors that have informed their minds to vote for the candidates of their choice.

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, at the maiden General Abdulsalami Abubakar Foundation Peace Lecture, in Ibadan... on Friday.

Photo: Governor’s Office.

L-R: Director General, Saraki Campaign Organisation, Hon. Mohammed Wakil; Senate President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Chairman, Bauchi State Chapter of PDP, Alhaji Hamza Akuyam and former Minister of the FCT, Alhaji Bala Mohammed, in Bauchi...on Friday.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki (middle); Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (3rd right); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (2nd right); Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Oviawe (3rd left); other board members: Rev. Fr. Anthony Ekhaisomhi (2nd left); Mr. Stevenson Ehime (left) and Hon. Elizabeth Ighodaro (right), after the swearing-in ceremony of the four-man Edo State Universal Basic Education Board, at the Government House in Benin City...on Friday

Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu - Akeredolu, (middle), with members of FOWOSO, during the 11th Forum for Wives of Ondo State Officials, (FOWOSO) Empowerment Outreach Programme for Women, Youths and Special Needs People in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

NYSC saga: My case not like Kemi Adeosun – Communications Minister Shittu Says tenure at Oyo Assembly higher than NYSC PDP calls for Shittu’s sack, arrest

Tom Okpe & Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Minister of Communications, Chief Adebayo Shittu, has stated that the story on his skipping of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) cannot be compared to that of the erstwhile Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

Shittu, in his first public reaction since the story of his skipping of NYSC came to the public domain, insisted that while the former Finance Minister’s certificate was said to be fake, he did not obtain any certificate.

He also claimed that he considered his service at the Oyo State House of Assembly, a higher service than the NYSC. Speaking with journalists after his screening process at the ongoing Screening exercise for the APC gubernatorial aspirants in Abuja on Friday, Shittu said he had not infringe any law in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He said: “Nigerian Tribune even reported that I left university in 1979 but in actual sense, I left in 1978 and left Nigerian Law School in 1979 and the constitution says anyone who qualifies to contest an election or who has gone through an election and wins, he is obligated to move through the House of Assembly which I did for four years, so it is a form of higher service as far as I’m concerned and even now, I am still in service”.

When asked if he is worried over the scandal, he said: “I’m not worried.

Do you see any worry on my face? I don’t think so except someone has a

superior argument and he proves it”.

He further stressed that his case was not like that of Kemi Adeosun, adding that “there are walls of difference. Unfortunately, Kemi had a fake certificate, I didn’t present any, I didn’t have one. I simply followed the constitutional requirement that if you are qualified to contest an election, it is compulsory for you to serve the nation in the capacity that you won an election”.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the latest revelation that Shittu evaded the compulsory one-year NYSC has validated its position that President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet stinks with persons of questionable character.

The party castigated President Buhari for appointing fraudulent persons to hold key offices in his government, which has placed a weighty integrity burden on the ‘Mr. Clean’ posture of the President.

The PDP insisted that President Buhari has the moral burden of explaining what gains he derives from appointing fraudulent characters into very sensitive positions, a development that questions his integrity as a leader.

“President Buhari should provide answer to allegations that such individuals are being used as henchmen to fritter away trillions of naira from our treasury to service All Progressives Congress (APC) interests and the Presidency cabal.

“Nigerians know how President Buhari refused to sack, let alone prosecute the disgraced erstwhile Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun,

despite her culpability in certificate forgery and how the agents of the Federal Government escorted her out of the country to prevent her from opening up on the humongous corruption in the Buhari Presidency.

“Mr. President has also not declared why he has refused to sack or prosecute his Special Assistant on Prosecution and Chairman of the Special Investigative Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, despite declaration by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) that he parades a fake certificate.

“This is in addition to official cover which the Buhari Presidency provides for corrupt officials in various sectors, including the Petroleum Ministry, where over N10 trillion is alleged to have been stolen under fictitious contracts and sleazy oil subsidy deals as well as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), where indicted officials were reinstated by the Presidency,” said the party’s spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Friday.

The party said the minister’s defence of his criminal act speaks volume of the impunity in the Buhari administration which has continued to paint the nation black in the international arena, leading to the current dearth in foreign direct investments and development partnership to the country.

The party charged the police to immediately charge Shittu, while President Buhari should note that Nigerians have lost confidence in his anti-corruption fight.

EFCC moves against election fraud, tracks campaign financing by parties Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) has said that it has launched an offensive against election fraud, tracking of campaign and financing by parties.

To this end, the commission said that it has fully mobilised its investigative resources in a proactive move to stem the incidence of vote buying and other financial inducements beginning with the governorship election in Osun State.

This was contained in a statement by its Head, Media and Publicity, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, and made available to The Daily Times on Friday.

Specifically, the Commission expressed its resolve to monitor campaign financing by political parties, while calling on aspirants to elective offices to apprise themselves of the provisions of the Electoral Act on campaign financing as anything done outside the law would be considered as corrupt practices and dealt with accordingly.

The audacious move by the Commission, according to its acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, is part of a collaborative initiative that will see the EFCC join forces with other law enforcement organisations in the country to enforce the provisions of the

Electoral Act which criminalises financial inducement by political parties and their candidates during electoral campaigns and at polling centres on election day.

He said, “We will be working with all stakeholders especially from the security and intelligence community to stop the practice of vote buying and other financial malpractices that undermine the integrity of our elections. It is important to state here that those who offer bribes for votes are as guilty as those who receive such gratifications. My candid advice to the electorate is to be vigilant and resist the temptation to sell their votes.

“After the widely acclaimed peaceful transfer of power from a sitting president, who was the candidate of the then ruling party, to the candidate of the opposition party in 2015, the 2019 general elections offer Nigeria the opportunity to deepen her emerging democratic culture that is free and participatory. We must guard this process by shunning all forms of electoral malpractices”.

The EFCC boss also advised Nigerian voters to be vigilant in the exercise of their franchise, by resisting monetary inducement for votes as those who dangle such carrots cannot be trusted to protect their interest once in power.

“As part of the Commission’s proactive efforts in securing the integrity of the electoral process and prevent

the exercise from being used as avenue for money laundering, the EFCC has already launched massive, but discreet, surveillance of the financial flows of all the actors in the various political parties.

The tracking process which is ongoing, will continue till all the scheduled elections are concluded,” the anti-graft boss said.

Magu, however, assured that the Commission’s intervention will be moderated by national interest and the rule of law.

“We will not take any step that is not sanctioned by law”.

The Commission, which is currently prosecuting hundreds of electoral officials and politicians accused of complicity in the perpetration of electoral fraud to undermine the 2015 general elections for financial gains, also warned persons saddled with the conduct of the 2019 general election to learn from that experience.

“No one who collects money to rig election will be spared,” Magu assured.

The Commission also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers and civil society organisations across the country to come to the aid of the Independent National Electoral Commission by helping to educate the electorate to vote right and not sell their conscience for filthy lucre.

5 News

Nigeria’s foreign debts now $22.08bn, domestic N15.63trn – NBS Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Nigerian States and Federal Debt Stock data as at June 30, 2018 showed that the country’s foreign and domestic debts stood at $22.08 billion and N15.63 trillion respectively.

Further disaggregation of Nigeria’s foreign debt showed that $10.88bn of the debt was multilateral; $274.98m was bilateral (AFD) and another $2.12bn bilateral from the Exim Bank of China, JICA, India and KFW while $8.80bn was commercial.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its second quarter national debt report released on Friday, indicated that Lagos State has the highest foreign debt profile among the 36 states and the FCT accounting for 34.17% while Edo (6.57%), Kaduna (5.48%), Cross River (4.56%) and Bauchi (3.18%) followed closely.

Similarly, total domestic debt was N3.48 trillion with Lagos State accounting for 14.88 % of the total domestic debt stock while Anambra State has the least debt in this category with a contribution 0.08% to the total domestic debt stock.

CBN takes over Skye Bank, changes name to Polaris Bank Mathew Dadiya, Abuja & Motolani Oseni, Lagos

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Friday, revoked the operating licence of Skye Bank Plc with immediate effect.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, disclosed this during a press conference in Lagos.

Emefiele added that the decision had been reached following the inability of the owners of the bank to shore up the capital of the distressed bank which had earlier received a N350 billion intervention in July 2016.

The CBN Governor said: “Skye Bank requires urgent recapitalisation as it can no longer continue to live on borrowed times with indefinite liquidity support from the CBN. “We have decided to establish a bridge bank, Polaris Bank, to assume the assets and liabilities of Skye Bank.

“The strategy is for AMCON to capitalise the bridge bank and begin the process of sourcing investors to buy out AMCON. “By this decision, the licence of Skye Bank is hereby revoked”.

Also, the management of the distressed Skye Bank would be retained to continue to manage the newly licenced Polaris Bank.

According to the CBN governor, given the good performance of the board and management, the CBN shall retain them.

Emefiele also said based on discussion with the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the shares of the distressed Skye Bank would be suspended from trading on the capital market until discussions are concluded.

The CBN Governor said the bank took a regulatory action on Skye Bank Nigeria Plc on July 4, 2016.

Emefiele said specifically, the action led to the resignation of the Chairman, all Non-Executive Directors on the Board as well as the Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director, and the two longest-serving Executive Directors on the Management Team.

With the takeover of the bank by the CBN and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the bridge bank, Polaris Bank, will be getting a single digit interest long term facility of N786 billion from the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

“At that time the proactive action was informed by unacceptable corporate governance lapses as well as the persistent failure of Skye Bank Plc to

meet minimum thresholds in critical prudential and adequacy ratios, which culminated in the banks permanent presence at the CBN Lending Window.

“The focus of the action then was to save depositors funds and to ensure that the bank continued as a going concern, being a systemically important bank.

“Part of our intention was also to stem the imminent job losses to staff if a liquidation option had been adopted.

“These objectives have been fully achieved and the bank has been able to meet customer obligations, having curtailed the liquidity haemorrhage and restored depositor confidence.

“Indeed, the banks performance has improved considerably compared to the pre-July 2016 era.

“The result of our examinations and forensic audit of the bank has, however, have revealed that the Skye Bank requires urgent recapitalisation as it can no longer continue to live on borrowed times with indefinite liquidity support from the CBN. “The shareholders of the bank have been unable to recapitalise it,” the apex bank governor said.

He added that as a responsible and responsive regulator and in consultation with the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the CBN decided to establish a bridge bank, Polaris Bank, to assume the assets and liabilities of Skye Bank.

According to him, the strategy is for the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to capitalise the Bridge Bank and begin the process of sourcing investors to buy out AMCON. “By this decision, the licence of the defunct Skye Bank is hereby revoked.

“We wish to assure all depositors that under this arrangement, their deposits shall remain safe and that normal banking services shall continue in the new bank on Monday, 24th September, 2018, to enable customers to transact their businesses seamlessly.

Also, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said the option of a bridge bank was to ensure that the depositors of the bank are taken care of and deposits are not lost.

Ibrahim said that the bridge bank would also ensure that there would be no job losses as Polaris Bank would retain all staff of the distressed bank under a new contract.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Late Prince Audu’s brother joins Kogi senatorial race Idris Ahmed, Lokoja As the race for Kogi East Senatorial district gathers momentum, younger brother of the former governor of Kogi state, Late Prince Abubakar Audu, Yahaya Audu has joined the race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing newsmen in Lokoja, Prince Yahaya Audu warned the leadership of the APC at the state and National levels to guide against marginalization and oppression, describing such tendencies inimical to the ideology of the APC. Prince Yahaya called for a level playing field that would enable the best to emerge, and warned against imposition.

Yahaya equally kicked against anointing of candidate’s, advised that the delegates should be made to have

freedom of choices, in a free, fair, credible and transparent primaries.

The aspirant lamented a situation where the Eastern Senatorial District has suffered underdevelopment which had made living an agony for majority of its citizenry.

While noting that the challenge facing the eastern senatorial district demands for collective responsibility, called on the people to rise up and provide a new concept of representation, adding that he has the will, vision to offer quality people oriented representation.

The aspirant blamed the backwardness of the district to several in effective representation in the past, which he noted has contributed immensely to the prevailing underdevelopment in the area, added that his qualities of hard work, intelligence, network of vital international contacts and linkages, extensive experience, are capable of

improving the welfare and fortunes of the people using the instrumentality of effective lawmaking.

He promised to use his exposure, to provide quality representation and render selfless service to the people of Kogi east senatorial district in a new concept of representation, towards sustainable development if elected.

Prince Yahaya assured of an agricultural and industrial revolution, saying he will through legislative engagement with relevant committees ensure that every local government in the district gets a study centre of the National Open University within his first one year, amongst others, towards bringing education closer to the people.

He promised to address the plight of rural women, youth through sustained economic empowerment and skill acquisition programmes to make them productive, sensitive, and the true leaders of tomorrow.

Short News Lagos trains 235 drivers Benjamin Omoike, Lagos The Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), has completed the training of 235 drivers of Transport Services Limited (TSL), one of the two concessionaire companies approved by the governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration for the State’s Bus Reform Programme, at the Institute’s Centre in Ikeja.

General Manager, LASDRI, Philip Ogunlade, disclosed this recently, noting that the Institute is collaborating with Transport Services Limited towards ensuring the success of the programme recently inaugurated the state government.

According to him, “The Drivers’ Institute is in collaboration with Transport Services Limited (TSL), on the new bus reform initiative of governor Ambode.

We have four staff instructors of the Institute designated for the training of 235 TSL professional drivers.”

He said during the Advanced Professional Drivers Training Course for TSL drivers, LASDRI instructors divided the trainees into two groups over a period of three weeks for the course curriculum categorised into 10 areas such as Responsibility of Drivers and Vehicle Maintenance; Driving under Adverse Conditions; Right of Way; Passenger Care and Safety Management; Safety and First Aid, and Physical Exercise (Aerobics).

Others are Eye Test/Biometrics; Road Signs and Traffic Laws; Causes and Consequences of Road Traffic Accidents and Emergency Situation Handling.

Recall that the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), established in 2007, is saddled with the responsibility to facilitate the training, retraining of motor vehicle drivers and certifying them for safety in Lagos state while ensuring the reduction of road traffic accidents, congestion and road rage as a result of human errors.

Abubakar Shettima declares for Kebbi governorship race Haruna Aliyu Usman, Kebbi Few weeks after Abubakar Gari Malam Shettiman Gwandu submitted his nomination form to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Kebbi state secretariat of the party recently played host to an unprecedented crowd that accompanied the Kebbi political guru and governorship aspirant, where he formerly declared his intention to contest Kebbi number seat under the platform of PDP. At the party’s secretariat he was received by the state chairman, Malam Haruna Saidu and top Kebbi political echelons.

It would be recalled that Shattima contested against the former governor of Kebbi state, Saidu Dakin Gari, where he won in many local governments and one state assembly seat under the platform of Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).

Shattima who came from same town and area with the sitting governor Atiku Abubakar Bagudu never lost in Birnin Kebbi his hometown.

Senator representing Abia Centreal Senatorial District, Sen. Theodore Ahamefule Orji (middle) flanked by well wishers while fielding questions from journalists in Umuahia, Abia State.

Kwara guber race: Speaker woos royal fathers Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Ahead of the forthcoming Governorship election in Kwara the Speaker of the State House of Assembly who is one of the Aspirants in the election had visited royal fathers to solicit their support for his ambition.

Our correspondent, reports that the Speaker submitted his nomination form to contest the number one seat in Kwara under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday in Abuja.

In his bid to actualise his ambition, the Speaker who was accompanied by some serving and former lawmakers of the House on Friday, paid homage to first class monarchs in Kwara North and South Senatorial districts of the state to canvass support.

The first port of call of the Speaker and his entourage was the Palace of Olofa of Offa where he was accorded a rousing reception by thousands of residents of Offa.

The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau

Esuwoye while receiving the Speaker explained that America and other Western countries became great due to viable successors.

He said Nigeria’s democracy and Kwara State could become great, if there are successive leaders who are passionate about development of their communities.

The royal father described Dr Ali Ahmad is the only aspirant that is preferred by the traditional institution in the State in view of his Antecedents.

The Olofa urged all PDP delegates and political gladiators in the state to pick Dr Ali Ahmad as the party guber candidate for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State.

Earlier, the Speaker had explained that he was in Oloffa’s palace to seek royal blessing, stressing that he would continue to accord traditional institution the respect it deserves.

The Speaker and his entourage were also at at Erin-Ile in Oyun Local Government Area of the state when he paid similar homage to the Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba AbdulGaniyu Olusookun.

The traditional ruler while supporting the candidature of the Speaker described him as honest and man of integrity, who has the capacity to move the state forward.

The campaign train of the Speaker were also in Patigi, headquaters of the Patigi local Government area of the state in the Kwara North Senatorial district of the state where they were received by large crowd of people with trumpeters and drummers.

The Speaker while addressing the mammoth crowd promised to ensure equal government patronage across the 3 senatorial districts of the state.

The Speaker pledged to give priority to programmes and policies that will improve the wellbeing of the people of the State.

The Etsu of Patigi Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar in his palace while blessing the candidature of Dr. Ali Ahmad commended him for ensuring cordial relationship between the three tiers of government in the state.

The Speaker in his remark said that Traditional Rulers in the State would be given specific roles in the task of ensuring efficient running of his administration.

Buhari deserves second term, says Abia APC chieftain A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia, Mr Chidike Ukauwa, said President Muhammadu Buhari deserved a second term, in spite of misgivings by some Nigerians over the performance of the administration.

Ukauwa said this during an interaction with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia council on Friday.

He said that Buhari’s administration had acquitted itself in the effort to enhance the nation’s socio-economic development.

He cited the various economic interventions by the Federal Government to states, including the bailout fund, as part of the administration’s initiatives to stabilise the economy.

“It was during this administration that states were given bailout fund to enable them pay salaries. This is the first time in the history of Nigeria.

“Buhari has also initiated programmes and projects that have positive impact on the people,” said Ukauwa.

2019: Group urges translation of peace agreement to major Nigerian languages An NGO, Legacy Initiative International, on Friday called for translation of the pact between Christian and Muslim leaders for peaceful 2019 general elections into major Nigerian languages.

Grand Patron of the group, Mr Kenny Martins, made the call in a statement in Lagos, stressing that translating the published pact into major Nigerian languages would make it easy for the citizenry to imbibe the messages ahead of the 2019 general elections.

His call was against the backdrop of the peace pact jointly signed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III as the Chairman Jama’atu Nasrll Islam (JNI) and President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, on Tuesday in Abuja to ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the 2019 general elections.

The peace accord was signed at a Peace Declaration Summit organised by the Nigerian Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA) in collaboration with local and international partners.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Clerics say Benue killing has no religious colouration Mathew Dadiya, Abuja Muslims and Christians in Benue state have declared that there is mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among them, adding that the current killings in the state have nothing to do with religion, but a clear case of politics.

Speaking when members of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) visited the headquarters of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at 2km Gboko Road, Makurdi, the CAN Chairman, Rev Augustine Leva, noted that adherents of the two faiths enjoy harmony.

IDFP in a statement on Friday quoted the state CAN Chairman as saying that the best way to end the herders/farmers’ clashes “is for Fulani to adopt ranching of their cows.”

“We have no problem amongst us as we have in time past collaborated

and work together for peace. When we staged a protest in support of the anti-grazing bill assented

by Governor Samuel Ortom, we worked as a united force.

“We have always received invitations from our Muslim brothers during Ramadan to breakfast with them. We have an excellent relationship with them.

We understanding one another very well and we all are united for peace.

“The only problem we have here in Benue is people coming to kill us in order to take over our lands. We have complained and we hope that your advocacy visit here will go a long way to assist us tackle this problem,” Leva said.

On his part, the Chairman of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Benue State, Alhaji Garba Baba (AGB), said as far as Benue State was concerned, there is no conflict between adherents of both religions in the state.

“I have three wives. Two of them are Idoma, and one is Tiv woman.

We all are living in peace and we have no problem whatsoever.

Sometime the media misinform the people and that s why we do have some misconception,” the JNI state chairman added.

The secretary of JNI, Alhaji Baba Ahmed, in his submission to the team on ways of ending the killings; expressed hope that the visit will lead to resolution of the crisis.

Earlier, Head of the IDFP delegation, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya, said that the team was in the state to rub minds on how to end the current crisis in the state. He said that IDFP was being supported in its works by the Vienna-based KAICIID Dialogue Centre in promoting peace and dialogue in resolving crisis.

Among those I n attendance were Nigeria’s Country Expert for KAICIID Dilaogue Centre, Joseph Atang and Chairman of the Local Organsing Committee, Professor Peter Agogo, Alhaji (Dr) Haroun Ajah, among several others.

7 News

Short News APC guber aspirant vows to recover looted funds in Taraba Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo Former lawmaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, and Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Kabiru Umar Dodo, has vowed to recover all looted funds by corrupt politicians if given the mandate in 2019.

Barrister Dodo, stated this during a press conference held yesterday at Galaxy Hotel, Jalingo while making his decision known to the people.

He said his decision to contest followed an extensive consultation with family, friends and political associates.

On the issue of Corruption which he noted has eaten deep into government scheme of things, Dodo said his administration will borrow a leaf from President Muhammadu Buhari’s style of fighting corruption.

According to him, Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government could neither render effective service delivery nor meet the yearnings of the people owing to empty treasury occasioned by the activities of corrupt Politicians in the State.

2019: Group faults political parties on indirect primaries An Igbo Socio-Political Group, Voice of the East, has faulted the adoption of indirect primary elections by some political parties for the selection of candidates ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The Convener of the group, Mr Kindness Jonah stated this while briefing newsmen at the end of its meeting in Abakaliki on Friday.

The group said that time had come for political parties to get it right if they really wanted a united Nigeria where equality, credibility and competence would thrive.

Jonah, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prevail on political parties to cancel the planned indirect primaries for choosing its flag bearers.

“The idea of using delegates to choose candidates in indirect primaries poses a clog to the development of democracy and democratic practices in Nigeria,” Jonah said.

NYC organises entrepreneurial training for students in FCT The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYC), on Friday organised entrepreneurial training for students drawn from 25 schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ten students were selected from each school for the event called Abuja School Festival, with the theme: “Diversifying the Nigerian economy through education on entrepreneurship activities.’’

The programme organised by the Directorate of Education of the NYC, was designed to expose secondary school students on the importance of entrepreneurship.

Welfare Officer in the Directorate of Education and Training, Mr Nnadi Oputa, who spoke, said the event was to encourage students to be self-employed through harnessing their talents.

Oputa said the event, first of its kind in the history of the NYC, was a gathering of students to “value the art and science of practical entrepreneurship.’’

He stressed that entrepreneurship; the main focus of the training would help solve most of the problems rocking the society.

Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya (2nd right); Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Habib Aruna (right); Special Adviser/C.E.O, Lagos State Public Works Corporation/Drainages, Engr. Temitayo Erinle (middle); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Olujimi Hotonu (2nd left) and Project Manager, Hitech, Engr. Willie Barkhuisen (left) during the inspection of the ongoing Pen Cinema Fly Over...on Friday.

I will not disappoint my constituents - Sen Ahamefule Orji Sen. Orji was speaking at the Abia

Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia State Peoples Democratic Party The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Sen. Theodore Ahamefule Orji says, he will not disappoint his constituents.

secretariat after screening, stated: “I am here to be screened according to our party’s regulation and to find out whether I am suitable for the position I am aspiring to or the position which I have right now which I want to retain.

“It is obvious that the entire Abia Central has accepted me and that is why I do not have any contender.

That is well known.

“I am the only the only person the party has endorsed for Abia Central Senatorial seat. It gives me joy and encouragement. It is not easy”.

Badagry court grants 2 men reprieve over alleged ATM fraud A Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Friday granted two men, Mustapha Aree and John Isiga, a N250, 000 bail each over alleged attempted ATM fraud.

Chief Magistrate Patrick Adekomaya, who gave the ruling, said the accused should provide two sureties each as part of the bail condition.

In addition, the sureties should show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

Aree, 39, and Isiga, 49, are facing a two-count charge of fraud and unlawful destruction.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Akpan Ikem, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Sept.16 at 9.00 a.m. at Ibiye area of Badagry.

Ikem said the Police caught the accused using a fake ATM card on the machine in an attempt to withdraw cash.

“They were arrested and taken to the station for further questioning.”

Ikem said the accused also destroyed one MTN sim no.

08130665011.

The offences contravened Sections 91 and 403 of Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The case was adjourned until Oct. 24.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Royal anniversary: Gov Sani-Bello Short News will build foundation of fairness, congratulates Sarki Zazzau Suleja ‘Ijustice, equity, inclusiveness’ Saka Bolaji, Minna

The Emir of Suleja, in Niger state Malam Mohammed Awwal Ibrahim has been described as a dependable bridge builder by state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello.

The governor also commended the Royal father for his immense contributions and support towards ensuring good governance in the three tiers of government in the last 25 years of his reign.

Governor Sanni Bello in a congratulatory message to the traditional ruler, described the 25 years of the enthronement of the Emir of Suleja as remarkable.

He also applauded the royal father for ensuring that law and order prevail in the

emirate.

He stated that the royal father has since been an instrument of peaceful coexistence and development in the emirate, the state as well as the country.

Governor Sani-Bello further noted that the emir was able to bring his experience to bear as a former governor of the state in ruling the people of his emirate that comprise Suleja, Tafa and Gurara Local Government Areas in the state.

“As we mark the silver jubilee of His Highness on the throne of his forebears, I wish to attest to the stabilising role, the Emir Zazzau Suleja, Malam Mohammed Awwal Ibrahim has been playing. He has been a dependable and reliable bridge between the people, culture, religion and government.

“An administrator per excellence, the

Emir’s managerial acumen has continued to manifest in the steady progress, development and expansion being witnessed in the Emirate in the last 25 years.

“It is on record that Suleja, the seat of the Emirate is a melting pot for all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion and this feat is expressly attributable to the humane and cosmopolitan mien of His Royal Highness, Malam Mohammed Awwal Ibrahim”.

The Governor prayed for wisdom, long life and good health for the Emir to enable him continue with his service to humanity and has also called other traditional rulers to continue to ensure peaceful coexistence in their various emirates and has assured them of government support.

Kehinde Akinpelu , Ilorin A governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Mr. Abdulrahan Abdulrazaq has said his vision for the State is to build a foundation of fairness, Justice, equity and inclusiveness.

Abdulrazaq who is running for Kwara top seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) made this while fielding questions from journalists in Ilorin, the State capital.

According to him, he would be fair to all the Senatorial Districts in the sharing and distribution of resources of the State.

“I will be fair to all in the composition of our civil service, avoiding lopsidedness and cronyism. I will give due respect to our traditional institutions”, he said.

He said unlike others he would pursue his dream of development of Kwara such as building of schools, roads, creating a robust healthcare system, urban water supply schemes, paying salaries and pensions considering fiscal realities.

Man, 27, jailed 12 months for break-in, N82, 000 valuables theft A Minna Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a 27-year-old man, Mohammed Abubakar, to 12 months imprisonment for breaking into a house and stealing items worth N82, 000.

Abubakar was arraigned for housebreaking and theft to which he pleaded guilty.

He, however, and begged the court for leniency.

Magistrate Ramatu Adamu, who handed down the verdict, said Abubakar should spend nine months in prison or a fine of N10, 000 on the first count, and three months or a fine of N10, 000 on the second charge.

Adamu also ordered him to pay a compensation of N70, 000 to the complainant, Adebisi Festus.

Police Prosecutor Emmanuel Ogiri had earlier told the court that on Sept. 17 about 10.30 p.m. Abubakar broke into the house of Adebisi Festus and made away with some of items, including cash.

Ogiri said the items included N24, 000 cash, a television set, a pair of shoes, a pair of trousers, one shirt and a native dress all valued at N82, 000.

Journalists warned against fraternising with corrupt Politicians

Participants during a rally to mark the International Peace Day in Lokoja, Kogi State ...on Friday.

Work on Pen Cinema flyover, airport road at advanced stages Benjamin Omoike, Lagos Ongoing construction work on the Pen Cinema Flyover in Agege area of Lagos is now at 60 per cent completion stage, the state government hinted on Friday.

The government also said the 10-lane Oshodi-International Airport Road was now at over 50 per cent completion stage, with an assurance that it would be completed by the end of the year.

The design of the Airport Road includes reconstruction and expansion of the existing carriage to 3-lane Expressway on both directions, construction of 2-lane Service Road in both directions, construction of Ramp Bridge to provide a U-turn from Ajao Estate to Airport, construction of a flyover at NAHCO/ Toll Gate and drainage works.

Others include the removal of Pedestrian Bridge at Ajao Estate and construction of Pedestrian Bridges at Ajao Estate and NAHCO/Hajj Camp, construction of Slip Road to provide access to Ajao Estate, construction of Lay-bys and installation of Street Lights, among others.

Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing projects across the State, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Adebowale Akinsanya, said it was gratifying to note that after delay caused by rains, work had resumed in full swing across the State.

At Pen Cinema project site, the Commissioner, who embarked on the inspection alongside other top government

functionaries, said : “This is part of the review of ongoing projects in the State and we are at the site of the critical one which is the Pen Cinema Flyover along with Airport Road in addition to all other ongoing projects.

“Most of the difficult parts of the work are already ongoing. Overall, we are at about 60 per cent completion stage and right now, we have over 70 major projects ongoing but as can be seen, work is ongoing,” he said.

On the delay, Akinsanya said: “Unfortunately, it is difficult to fight nature and rain has not helped and what we are seeing is the result of the heavy downpour for the last few weeks but the work is ongoing and with the cooperation from the contractors, whatever time we have lost, things will be accelerated.

“We have a good working relationship with Hi-Tech; they are committed to the project and I can assure the people that by first quarter of next year, this project will be commissioned by God’s grace,” the Commissioner said.

Giving details, he said 10 out of the 14 pier walls have already been completed and seven ramps, while the casting of the super structure which is the high beam was progressing well.

He said government was aware of difficulties being experienced with regards to potholes, saying the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode had already directed immediate repairs state-wide.

“I like to thank his Excellency, Governor Ambode for giving us the necessary support. The Governor is committed to the projects and along with this also is the challenge of potholes being experienced in the State.

“We have been directed by the Governor

that once we have a brief window of no rain, the Public Works Corporation has already been mobilized to go all out every where across the State to get everything done within the next three to four weeks and so you will see our men working all over the road,” Akinsanya said.

At Airport Road, the Commissioner said the project was a bit delayed to ensure that the quality of the work was not comprised and to minimize impact on residents, but assured that it would be completed by the end of the year.

He particularly thanked residents and motorists for their understanding and support, just as he assured that the government remains committed to completing all ongoing projects.

“To me, the critical thing is the traffic management because one of the key things we need to do is to minimize the impact on the citizenry. So, we have been doing a lot and work slows down because of traffic management because we want to accommodate the people living around this area and we don’t want to make things too bad for them but as we make more progress, traffic will get better.

“For the people living in this area and the general public, I want to thank you for your understanding and support but please bear with us. This is a temporary thing and come January next year, you will see a brand new road. At the same time, there might be other things going on but the road will be opened. The work is taking some time because quality is very important. We don’t want anything to affect the quality of the work,” Akinsanya said.

A Communication Consultant for Actionaid, Mr Francis Nwosu, on Friday warned Nigerian Journalists against being fraternizing with corrupt politicians in the country.

Nwosu who gave the advice in an interview with journalists in Kano, said Journalists must guard against being exploited by such politicians to the detriment of collective national aspiration.

Nwosu, a retired NAN Deputy Editor-in-Chief, decried the manner in which journalism has been allowed to become dumping ground for many vices.

He therefore called on Journalists to stick to the ethics of the profession so as to effectively tackle the rot threatening the noble profession.

Journalism he said, “had changed from what it used to be in the past, and the media have been facing a lot of government control more than ever.”

According to him, “commercial Journalism” had taken the space thus making the media a ground for money making instead of quality journalism.

My priority will be job creation - UDP Presidential aspirant A presidential aspirant on the platform of United Democratic Party (UDP) has said that job creation would be given priorities of his administration if elected in the 2019 election.

Mr Isiaka Balogun made the promise on Friday in Akure while officially declaring his ambition to run for president.

“If I am picked by the party and elected as president, we are going to give grants and loans to private individuals to start their own businesses across the country but they must at least employ five or six people. ”So, there is a chance that by the end of 2019 our unemployment rate in the country will be less than four per cent,” he said.

Balogun said that Nigeria needs a culture where the youths would have pride in their Nation.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

2019: ‘APC won’t win Bauchi without direct primary’ ...As Oshiomhole wades into Imo crisis

Tom Okpe, Abuja Former Minister of state for health and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi state, Ali Pate, has said that his party may not win the 2019 general election in the state if unpopular candidate is forced on the people.

He believes that direct primary should be used during the primary election so as to test the popularity of all the aspirants.

Speaking with newsmen on Friday in Abuja after his screening exercise by the Screening Committee of the party, Pate, who is among the governorship aspirants campaigning for direct primary said his group has made its case known to the national leadership of APC that without direct primary, winning Bauchi state might be difficult.

He said: “We have made our case, if the party wants to win Bauchi state, it should put forward a credible, popular candidate. At this point, we know that the mass of people in Bauchi state are worried that an imposition will not go well in the general elections so, we placed our faith on the leadership of the party to do the right thing and allow fair process to play out otherwise we cannot guarantee APC winning Bauchi state”.

On his experience at the screening, the former minister said: “There is a structured process that we have been made to participate for the various

offices we are seeking on the platform of the party. I have done mine and for Bauchi state, we have an agenda which is to bring development which has so far eluded our people.

“We have an incumbent governor, we know his term comes to an end in 2019 and we are sure to takeover even as we also believe in the party to do the right thing and ensure that members and aspirants get the justice they deserve if the party wants to succeed in Bauchi”.

Meanwhile, the national chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has appealed to the Governor Rochas Okorocha led faction of the party to take 55 per cent of the party structure in the state while the other group led

by Senator Hope Uzodinma takes 45 per cent so as to achieve lasting peace in the Imo APC. He also said the party may adopt direct primaries in the state to avoid litigations that may affect the candidates of the party, besides saying: “All of you have agreed you are popular, so we may have to adopt the direct primaries mode so that all the aspirants will go and test their popularities”.

Oshiomhole stated this at a peace meeting held at the early hours of Thursday just as he recognized that Governor Okorocha is the leader of the party in the state adding, “I will not allow any body to take him for granted or rubbish his personality”. Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Acho Ihim led the governor’s group while Senator Uzodinma led the other group.

The APC chairman described the first congresses held in Imo State under the Chief John Oyegun led administration as a fraud, stressing the need for the warring members to sheath their sword in the interest of the party.

He noted that, “the essence of this meeting is to seek equity and justice. I respect Governor Rochas because he is one governor that fought to ensure we have APC in Imo State. But now more people are joining the party, the house has gotten bigger, we need peace in Imo state and I am urging you people to reconcile and harmonize.

“I suggested a formula to the Governor. It is not right that under my watch a faction of our members are wiped out. If we don’t work together it will weaken our party and that is why I am suggesting 55 per cent to the Governor’s group and 45 per cent to Senator Uzodinma’s group. Some people are speaking law but I want to win election in Imo State not court cases.

“That is why we have chosen not to talk about the law but coexistence. Court don’t give peace they give judgment. We should talk less about power and talk more of peace. Everybody matters in this business. It can be dangerous to take one for granted. Don’t ever take one another for granted on the day of election and any one of us who have not learnt on former President Jonathan’s mistake is not a politician.

So we must all swallow our pride and embrace peace for the sake of the party”, he stated.

9 News

Short News 31,000 Indian migrants reside in Nigeria - Immigration boss Adebisi Oyindamola, Abuja The Nigerian Immigration Service has revealed that Nigeria currently houses over 31,000 Indian citizens, making them the largest group of foreigners in the country.

In a recent report, the Service said over 81,000 non ECOWAS migrants are currently resident in the Country.

The Migrant residency report, released for the month of August, showed that there were 31,660 Indians living legally in Nigeria.

In a press statement signed by the service Public Relations Officer, DSC S James, on Friday, the comptroller general of immigration service, Muhammed Babandede confirmed the release of these figures is in line with its statutory mandate of the service.

The report shows that 2,694 US Citizens; 3,946 Britons; 17,995 Chinese; 6,295 Lebanese and 1,295 Germans are living legally in Nigeria, nothing that 17,118 foreign nationals from 92 other countries resident in the country.

Multichoice: Empowering young Nigerians Mutiat Alli, Lagos Three years ago, Umar Ahmed wanted a job badly. Having no skill, his chances were greatly limited, especially given the economic situation of the country. Getting a job was, therefore, more in hope than expectation.

Things then changed. One day, he said, he met one Godsman, DStv installer, who told him about the GOtv Sabimen scheme, and asked him to apply. Having no idea of what was required he had to ask Godsman a few questions.

The installer explained to him that the scheme aims to provide young people with a variety of skills, which will ultimately lead to selfemployment.

Ahmed was impressed. He applied to be a GOtv Sabiman and was successful. He was asked to report for a training programme, which subsequently equipped with the skills he had been told of Participants in the scheme are provided training in, among other things, installation of GOtv, resolution of subscribers’ complaints and customer service.

Seed Council gets BPSR award for good service delivery The National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has been awarded the “Silver Level Certificate in Management and Governance Practice’’ by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR).

The council was awarded the prize following an assessment exercise conducted by BPSR to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of its services.

The Acting Director-General of BPSR, Mr Dasuki Arabi, who presented the certificate to the Director-General of NASC, Dr Philip Ojo, at a brief ceremony in Abuja on Friday, commended the council for the feat.

Arabi said that the silver level performance award given to NASC meant that the council had met public expectations in all its essential areas of responsibility, at times exceeding certain expectations, while the quality of its work was generally good.

According to him, the achievement also shows that the council has fulfilled its most critical organisational goals.

The STF Commander General Augustine Chris Agundu with troops at the site of the mining pond in search of the missing retired Army General

Saraki mourns first military gov of Kwara, David Bamigboye Tunde Opalana, Abuja President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed sadness over the death of the first Military Governor of Kwara State, Brigadier General David Bamigboye (rtd).

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the late Bamigboye as a torch-bearer who laid a

solid foundation for the development of Kwara State.

He stated that the late Bamigboye was an officer and gentleman who lived an impactful life and left his footprints on the sands of time.

Saraki stated: “Brigadier General Femi David Bamigboye, led Kwara State through its formative years as the first military governor. His great work and commitment to the development of our State cannot be over-emphasized. He was a true son of Kwara State.

“His passage represents a colossal loss to the Government and people of Kwara State in particular and Nigeria in general. I join all Kwarans, and indeed, all Nigerians in celebrating the life and accomplishments of the late General. He will be dearly missed,” he stated.

The President of the Senate commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased and all Kwarans over the irreparable loss.

He prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

NUT seeks curriculum review for Edo schools The Edo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Association of Primary School Heads of Nigeria (AOPSHON) are demanding a review of the education curriculum in Edo. The two bodies made the demand in a communiqué jointly signed by the state’s Chairman of the NUT, Mr Pius Okhuelegbe and his counterpart in AOPSHON, Mr Mike Itua, on Friday in Benin.

The communiqué was issued after the executive committee meeting of the two bodies on Sept. 13.

The unions said that the state’s education curriculum tagged, Edo-Best for Primary Education, was at variance with Nigeria’s basic education curriculum.

The communiqué advised the Edo State Universal Education Board to do all it could to ensure that the content of Edo-Best was in tandem with the national curriculum.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Ondo govt reassures of inclusive development Adewale Momoh, Akure Ondo State Government has assured that no part of the state will be left out in its ongoing infrastructural development drive in the state.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Emmanuel Igbasan, gave the assurance while playing host to the State Coalition of Civil Societies in his office, in Akure the State Capital.

He explained that government has embarked on construction/ rehabilitation of roads brigdes/ culvert across the state, while restoration of electricity to the Southern Senatorial District which have been without public power for the past ten years has commenced.

Igbasan stated further that the present state of the nation’s economy has been responsible for the suboptimal allocation of resources to government at the sub-national level.

“Notwithstanding this situation, the present administration under the

leadership of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is determined to make a difference in the life of the people through judicious application of the state resources,” he stated.

Speaking on the budget preparation process, the Commissioner said that budget should be an expression of the people’s need and aspiration from government and not the other way round, promising that the present government has adopted an inclusive budget preparation process where all stakeholders across the three Senatorial Districts in the State would be carried along.

On the issue of Open Governance Partnership (OGP) the Commissioner assured the Civil Societies that the State would key into the program.

Pastor Igbasan described Arakurin Odunayo Akeredolu as a man of integrity, accountability and a visionary leader, who is poised to open up all the economic potentials of the State for development of its people.

He said the signing into law and the implementation of the Public Procurement Law by the present

government shows the integrity of the Governor, he added that government is building a solid and resilient foundation for investors from home and in the Diaspora.

The Commissioner described the Civil Society Coalition as the mouth piece of the masses and enjoined them to always inform the public on the various programmes and achievements of the government and bring feedback to it.

He therefore solicited for continuous synergy and cooperation with the State government in its effort towards the social economic and infrastructural development of the State.

Earlier in his address, the State Chairman of the Coalition, Mr Franklin Oloniju, explained that the purpose of their visit was to interact with the State government on the need to key into Open Governance Partnership (OGP).

According to him, OGP will not only enhance transparency and accountability in governance which the present administration is known for, but, would also help to block all loopholes in government finances.

Short News Michika lawmaker donates vehicle to party chairman Tom Garba, Yola Lawmaker representing Michika constituency in the Adamawa state House of Assembly (ADHA), Hon Joseph Ayuba Kwada has donated Toyota Sienna Bus to the Local Government Party Chairman, Mr Ezekiel Koji Futu to enhance political activities of the Party This is coming barely a month after dumping the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party to opposition party, Peoples Democracy Party (PDP), in the state.

While given him the car’s key, Ayuba recalled their relationship as cordial and close friends with good wishes to each other, now good political allies, which they intend to maintain till eternity.

He appreciated the incumbent member for a gesture can never be forgotten in his entire life, praying God to double his earnings and grant him his heart desire.

Bamigboye: Gov Ahmed condoles with family Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has consoled the family of Brig. General David Bamigboye (rtd) and the entire Omu-Aran community in Irepodun Local Government, over the demise of the Septuagenarian and first Military Governor of the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abdulwahab Oba, said the Governor received the news of the death of Gen. (Rtd) Bamigboye with rude shock and described it as a colossal loss to the entire state.

“The vacuum left by the demise of the former Governor particularly at this transition period”, the governor said, “will be difficult to fill up, considering his advice and wisdom”.

The statement described the deceased as an embodiment of humility and fear of God, saying that the government and the entire Kwarans will miss him for his selfless service to the state.

Suspected cultist gets N50, 000 bail

Bayelsa State Governorn Seriake Dickson (left) in a warm handshake with the PDP presidential aspirant, Kabiru Turaki during a courtesy call at Government House Yenagoa.

Missing General: Evacuation of pond, national assignment - STF boss Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The Special Task Force Commander, Major General Augustine Chris Agundu, on Friday said the evacuation of a mining site alleged to have hidden the body of a missing Major General Idris Alkali (retired), has become a national assignment not only to unravel the alleged body

of the deceased but to also uncover other heinous crime that must have been hidden under the pond.

Agundu stated this while on an inspection to access the level of evacuation which started on Thursday at Dura Du in Jos South local government area of Plateau State.

The Daily Times recalls that the Nigerian Army on September 3th declared the retired General missing.

However, according to Gen. Agundu, investigations reveal that the body of the deceased might have been drowned in the mining pond which has been over taken by water.

“Following a preliminary investigation, the vehicle of the missing officer was seen close to a pond in this general area and based on this credible intelligence, we had to come here”, Agundu said.

A 25-year-old man, Abdulmumini Oseni, who on Friday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly belonging to a cult known as ‘Eiye’ confraternity, had been granted bail.

The accused is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and belonging to an unlawful society.

Oseni, who resides at Seriki Oro in Ikeja area of Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the offences were committed on Sept. 1 at about 4:00 a.m. at Gowon Estate, Egbeda Area of Lagos State.

Oseni and three others now at large, invaded the complainants’ house with axe and cutlass and introduced themselves as ‘Eiye’ Confraternity members.

According to the complainant, Mr Abubakar Ahmed, they told him that they came to treat his misdeeds.

They said they fought against intimidation and that the complainant shouldn’t dare them.

World Peace Day: Kogi govt canvasses for unity among citizens The Kogi Government joined the rest of the world in marking the International Peace Day, appealing to all and sundry in the state to embrace peace and unity.

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi, who made the appeal in Lokoja on Friday during the Peace Day Celebration, said it was necessary to embrace peace in order to achieve developmental progress.

The event was organised by ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) in collaboration with Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID).

Bello, who was represented by Chief Edward Onoja, his Chief of Staff, said the state had gone a long way as it was recently ranked the second peaceful state from a position of 36.

According to him, only through unity you can have peace and once there is peace, there will be progress and inside progress is where you see infrastructural projects.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, September 22, 2018

11

Even with a billion naira, I’ll never act nude -Femi Adebayo Passionate Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo is sure one of the most hardworking actors in Nollywood joggling various movie sets to attend to the yarning of the people of Kwara State where he is the Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Culture and Tourism. Recently, Femi came tops at the just held Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) wining his father who was nominated alongside him and other top acts. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, he spoke on the winning the award and politics among others You were recently nominated in same category at the just held AMVCA awards; and you won the category, did you see that coming?

The good thing is that I am extremely happy that I am sharing the same category with my father; I was nominated based on my movie ‘Etiko Onigedu’ while my father was nominated based on his own production ‘Adaba’. For me been nomination is an acknowledgement of your hardwork; so winning it was indeed a big deal for me because I never saw it coming and I can tell you that my father is super proud of me.

After the AMVCA awards what other awards do you look forward to receiving?

Receiving the AMVCA like I said was a big deal for me because I have always looked forward to that moment when I will be winning my first award on the platform; like you know in life it is important to aim high; may be the Oscars could be next.

Will it be right to say your father in a way have an influence in your career?

Well working closely with my father gave me a picture and maybe I got the passion from him since he is an actor. I used to take acting as a hobby before it turned to a profession. I wanted to be a lawyer and I went to school to study it. But I later realized that I was having more fun and getting comfortable in showbiz. That was why I settled for acting.

Most of your siblings are also into this profession of yours; don’t you at times feel challenged?

Not at all, seeing my other siblings involving in what I am doing as a filmmaker brings me lots of fulfillment because it shows that we all live in one accord as a family; and I must say our parent are indeed happy because we are all doing well in our chosen fields as a filmmaker. I am super proud of all my siblings.

What are the lessons you’ve learnt from your father?

I have learnt so much from my father and I am still learning. I am using this opportunity to say thank you to him and if I am coming to this world again I wish to come through him. He is an extremely humble man and we learnt that from him. Apart from the fact that he is a talented actor, he is a born leader and we got that attribute from him too. I have been using so many of his principles in my daily activities and it is really working for me. I give it to him and I see him as a major factor behind my success.

Who is Femi Adebayo away from the limelight?

You can give me the opportunity to describe myself and I won’t say sweet things. I am an easy going person, straight forward and I am totally different from the person you see on screen.

But when it comes to work I interpret my roles well and I can go to any extent to achieve it. I do researches very well.

Would you act nude for a price?

Like I said Yoruba movies are meant to promote culture and it is not part of our culture to appear nude. So I would never for any amount.

What is money? For instance let the payment be made with the highest currency in the world, I Femi Adebayo will never act nude, it’s demeaning of our cultural values.

Knowing that your job is demanding, what has been your sustaining power?

I must thank the Almighty for that strength and eternal appreciation to the executive governor of Kwara State, Dr. AbdulFatai Ahmed for his support because with his kind permission, we have been able to do a little in terms of entertainment in Kwara.

Before I came in, the social life was a little backward but gradually it’s taking better shape as so many entertainment show they do in Lagos equally happens here, the cinemas has improved , the popular Laffmattaz is now a regular thing.

To the glory of God, Ilorin to Lagos is about 40min flight and we have three different flights everyday so its easy to come to Ilorin and invest as the case maybe What is your take on youth’s involvement in politics?

Believe me sincerely it is a good idea that youths these days have begin to show keen interest in politics but it is actually sad that when people hear the word’ Politics’ what ordinarily comes to the mind is that there are thieves, they corrupt and if we continue to think that way nobody will have interest in the politics of the country. The fact remains that we have so many truthful politicians in there but as you know the bad eggs will overshadow the good ones. So for me I will tell the youth that now it is our time to get right and happily for us there is not too young to rule bill indicating that a lot of youths can be lawmakers; let us use this medium to tells those grandfathers to go and sit down; retirement age is 65 in Civil Service; so let those people above 65 give chances to the younger ones to come on board and see what we can do.

Gist12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Sexy singer, Soso drops new single, ‘Bad’

Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi, Matlou Tsotetsi, Director, Brand Communication, presenting the certificate of host country to Minister Catherine Afeku, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Ghana

5th AFRIMA: Ghana accepts official host country right Stories by Mutiat Alli The Government of the Republic of Ghana has accepted Official Host Country rights for the 5th All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA-Ghana 2018 with the awards programme of activities scheduled to hold between Wednesday, November 21 and Saturday, November 24 in Accra, Ghana in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA. Leading the Ghanaian government delegation to the media announcement was the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri; Ag. Chief Director, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. VitusOtto Langmagne; Director, Creative Arts Council, Ghana, Ms. Gyankroma AkufoAddo; and Advisory Board Member, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Ghana, Okatakyie Nana Anim 1.

Speaking at the event where she

received the Hosting Right Certificate and the 23.9 carat gold-plated AFRIMA Trophy on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, the Minister expressed her delight at the opportunity given to Ghana to host the biggest music event in Africa.

“We want the people of this beautiful country to see this as a call to duty; a call to every creative artiste in Ghana, from the North to the south, to the east and the west. We, the good people of Ghana, would have to show the rest of Africa and the world that we are up to this task and well prepared to deliver a worldclass music event in Africa”.

Expressing similar enthusiasm, Dr. Ziblim Iddi Barri stressed that the people of Ghana were excited about hosting AFRIMA while also indicating President Nana Akufo-Addo’s interest in the AFRIMA project. “The President has personally demonstrated and expressed his interest in this event, following its presentation by the minister to the cabinet, and the cabinet has also embraced it”.

The Deputy Minister went further to reiterate that Ghana has been a leading

pioneer in the Pan African movement, “Ghana has a history of leading the PanAfrican movement with its first President Kwame Nkrumah being a founding member of the AU, championing the Pan African course, AFRIMA project is in line with deepening the spirit of Pan Africanism in the African continent”, he said.

In his address, the President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada spoke on the objective of AFRIMA as a major communication tool to promote the African heritage through its talents and arts.

Mike Dada explained the values of AFRIMA with an acronym; FACE IT, which stands for Fairness, Accountability, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transparency.

“We use the power of superstars to communicate the beauty, glamour and positive side of the Africa continent to the rest of the world. AFRIMA not only provides opportunities to the nominees but the host country as well, in showcasing the unique artistic, tourism and economic potentials of her culturally dynamic and beautiful cities”.

Only those who don’t have passion for the job give in to sex for role – Kehinde Adeyemi Ace filmmaker, Kehinde Adeyemi has lamented the need for government to weigh in support for the movie industry in terms of making funds available to the creative industry so as to facilitate the production of good movies to the viewers noting that filmmakers are more like mirrors of the society; just like India and America where their government give adequate support; Nigeria should also look imbibe such culture.

Kehinde Adeyemi who has been in the industry for over 20years where he started off with the Yinka Quadri

and Taiwo Hassan’s led Odunfa caucus has since flourish in his career as an actor, film producer and production manager .

Having made appearances in countless movies, Kehinde shot into limelight after featuring in Jide Kosoko’s movie ‘Afomo’ also gave his taught on sex for role which is now rampant in the industry citing that only those who does not have passion for acting will be involved in that but as for him, he is married and doing well.

Giving comparison of the movie industry before what it is now,

Kehinde noted that so many things have changed in the industry compared to when he joined about 20years ago where when you produce a film then, you can relax that the income can be used for something meaningful like getting a parcel of land and all that but reverse is the case now.

A vivid example is when I produced one of my film titled’ Oloko’ marketed by corporate pictures then, after my royalty on it, the marketer called me back and paid extra because they sold more than their expectations.

Afro-pop singer, Asomugha Sonia, known as Soso has returned to the music scene after two years hiatus with her new dancehall single ‘Bad’.

The beautiful singer of a Nigerian and Ghanaian descent took a break from the music world in 2016 after the release of her debut single ‘Kpako’, because the record label she was signed to packed up.

However, on the 31st of August, Soso released her latest single ‘Bad’ to reintroduce herself and reclaim the stage.

Produced by Mr. Sound, ‘Bad’ has been enjoying positive reviews with over ten thousand views since the release of its audio and video on YouTube.

On the inspiration behind the song, Soso said she was inspired by the story of a friend’s sister who caught the negativity of freedom and turned to a wayward lifestyle.

“The main inspiration behind ‘Bad’ was from my friend’s sister who used to be a good girl but got carried away by the level of freedom she had that she

eventually became a bad girl and has refused to go return to her family despite all persuasions ,” she said.

“I realize also that youths of nowadays engage in negative vices and tend to lead wayward lives. So, ‘Bad’ is an advisory song to them, encouraging them to turn away from their bad ways. It is also an advice to parents, telling them to focus on bringing up their children in the right way so they don’t turn bad,” she added.

Born Asomugha Uchechukwu Sonia, the Political Science graduate of the Imo State University says she is back for good although as a lone ranger signed to no record label. She further assured her fans of more hit songs in the coming months.

“In about two months from now I will release another song titled ‘Come to the bar’, I also have a couple of songs that I will be releasing subsequently and these are songs with sounds and lyrics that have never been heard in the Nigerian music space,” she noted.

Soso

Humanitarian Queen, Princess Modupe Ozolua, helps 15,000 people 15 years of being a dedicated Philanthropist and Princess Modupe Ozolua shows no signs of slowing down, the as Nigeria’s Humanitarian Queen recently completed phase 1 of giving free medication to 271,000 children and pregnant women in Edo State.

Through her NGO, Empower 54, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur, Princess Modupe distributed free medication in Edo State from August 13, 2018 to September 12, 2018. Over 15,000 women and children received free Albendazole, Vitamin A and pre-natal vitamins benefited from the first phase of the medical outreach.

Upon completion, 271,000 women and children would benefit.

This programme will be conducted in many states across Nigeria and other African countries.

Her dedication to humanity has earned her many national and international awards and recognitions,

including “Humanitarian of the Year”

by African Award Organisation in Atlanta, Georgia and several special recognition by Elle Magazine as one of 50 Women Shaping Africa.

Modupe Ozolua and some of benefitted kids

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

13 Society Gist

When OAP, Yemi Ajide-Olayinka Between Abisola celebrated her birthday Olufunke Omisade

and heartthrob, Olayinka Afolabi

Stories by Isaac Oguntoye It was all fun and glamour last week Thursday, 13th day of September, 2018, when on air personality and award winning international radio and television presenter, Olayemi Ajide-Olayinka celebrated her birthday The ebony beauty presenter who presents Ko ma flow on Faaji FM every Tuesday afternoon and Eyi Ara on Radio Lagos on Saturdays was well celebrated by her colleagues in the media especially her association- Freelance and Independents Broadcasters Association of Nigeria, FIBAN, an association she has led.

Yemi Ajide, who is also a crossover artiste, is a well known face in the profession of presenters having been in the business for close to two decades.

“What can I say unto thy Lord than to give him praise for his mercies and guidance over me for the last 12 months, it is not by my making that I lived to celebrate my birthday this year again, but God almighty made it possible for me.

Yemi Ajide- Olayinka To Him I returned all the glory“.

Ajide, who together with her husband celebrated their 12 years of marriage last Valentine day, is one of the most talented OAPs in the profession especially in the Yoruba

sector where she is highly respected by her friends.

Ajide, who is also a singer having released an album years back, is one of the pioneers of sound track in Yoruba film industry.

Oba Imoru Ijebu Ode salutes Qibla Fuji as the best Fuji music star, Alhaji Sulaimon Alao Adekunle Malaika was the cynosure of all eyes at the just concluded Ajase Ipo Ojude Oba Day Festival in Kwara State. Music buffs came out massively to watch the Golden Jubilee crooner, Malaika with his band dazzling on stage.

Despite heavy rain that wanted to delay and sabotage efforts of the event committees, fans eventually came out to have fun at the annual festival.

Olupo of Ajase Ipo, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Woleola II saluted the fuji music star, Malaika for his

dexterity on stage and showing great energy while performing his heart out during the event held on Thursday 23rd till Friday 24th August 2018 morning.

Malaika who recently added another title from Qibla to Password of Fuji Music mounted the stage at exactly 12 am. He eulogized God Almighty for sparing his life to see another fruitful year and his fans alive.

Malaika dished out songs from Proper Music album, Super Star, Original and Golden Jubilee respectively.

Malaika

Stylish fashionista, Adekemi Adewunmi endorsed by Ekiti youths The ever delectable woman of substance, Kemi Adewunmi has been tipped by the youth, elders, and political leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to run for the House of Representatives seat of Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2.

The Ekiti State born entrepreneur, we learnt, after several consultations is ready to take the bull by the horn.

Kemi Adewunmi is from Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State. She is the daughter of late Chief Adebodun O. Adewunmi, the Ajiroba of Efon land, and Baba Ijo of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Idagba, Efon Alaaye.

Ms. Kemi Adewunmi is no new comer in the Nigerian politics, her strong desire for better Ekiti led to her wanting to be a member of House of Reps. Within the political sector in Ekiti, Kemi Adewunmi is a force to reckon with because of her strong political influence and structure.

Kemi Adewunmi

Hon. Kemi Adewunmi is in her mid 50’s, a graduate of Business Administration from Shiller International University, London. She holds a second degree in Business Management from La Verne University, La Verne, California, USA. Adorable Kemi Adewunmi is a woman of integrity who attracts enormous influence in political environment over the years and could be considered a power broker par excellence.

Kemi Adewunmi is the Chief executive officer of Kaima Events, a reputable event company in Lagos and also the proprietress of Aimi Private School in Surulere, Lagos. She is a philanthropist to the core and undoubtedly, she has a lot to offer the people of Ekiti. Adewunmi has an unrivalled taste in fashion and her style remains sophisticated and classy.

On Saturday, the 15th of September 2018 Lagos stood still for the glamourous wedding between Olayinka Mayor Afolabi, son of Dr. Taiwo and Mrs. Folashade Afolabi from Ogun State, and his heartthrob, Abisola Olufunke Omisade, the beautiful daughter of Prince Olayinka and Mrs. Omoyajowo Omisade from Ile-Ife in Osun State.

The father of the groom, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, (MON), is a Nigerian business magnate and lawyer. He is the founder and C.E.O Of SIFAX Group, a conglomerate that deals in Shipping and Oil and Gas, while the bride’s father, Prince Olayinka Omisade is a descendant of royalty in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The groom, Olayinka Mayor Afolabi, is a graduate of Accounting from Coventry University, U.K. He works at SIFAX Marine Services, as a Director and Business Development Manager, He also owns the Grill Outlet located in Ikoyi Lagos. His heartthrob, Abisola Omisade, who just relocated from the U.K is a graduate from one of the Ivy League schools in the U.K. and an HR Manager by profession.

The couple’s love story began when they met at the groom’s sister’s grand ball event in the U.K and that beautiful union has led to their wedding ceremony.

The Church wedding which was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos had in attendance, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, Special Adviser to tThe Ogun State Governor on Health, Mrs. Foluke Bello, and many other important personalities.

The exhortation was next, which was delivered by one of the officiating ministers, which was followed by the charge and declarations where the intending couple, Abisola Omisade and Olayinka Afolabi took their

The Afolabis

marriage vows in the presence of God and the congregation.

Series of hymnal renditions were led by the choir, after which was the exchange of rings between the couple, which serves as a symbol of their unending love for each other.

The reception ceremony between Abisola and Olayinka Afolabi was a fun filled affair. It had the crème de la crème of the Nigerian society in attendance and was packed with performances from top notch Nigerian music artistes like 2baba, Mayorkun, and Reekado Banks. This of course didn’t come as a surprise as one of the brothers of the groom is Damilola Afolabi, popularly known as L.A.X, one of Nigeria’s foremost recording artiste.

The event which was moderated

by Tunde Adewale, a.k.a Tee-A, had personalities like Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and wife, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, Hajiya Binta Masari, First Lady of Katsina State, Dr. Tokunbo AwolowoDosunmu, who was the chairman of the occasion, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Pastor of the Trinity House Ministries International, Senator Florence ItaGiwa, Chief Mike Inegebese, CEO, Ineh Mic Motors, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ogun State, Dayo Adeneye, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Olori Ladun Sijuade, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chairman/CEO, BISCON Communications, and many more great personalities.

Leading the entourage of traditional rulers was the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, the Elegushi of Ikate land, HRM Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Olowu Of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, the Ojora Of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire, and royals from Katsina State, Alhaji A.L Kaita and Hajia Aisha Abdulkareem Kaita.

14

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Mixed Grill Why TV, radio stations refuse to play my song - Fresh Fela Stories by Mutiat Alli Afro-beat music artiste, Diwa Godfrey Muapa, a.k.a ‘Fresh Fela,’ who claims to have intentionally styled his brand of music after the late afro-beat maverick, Fela AnikulapoKuti, has lamented Nigerian TV and radio stations’ refusal to air the audio and visuals of his latest song titled ‘Wahala dey for Naija’. According to the aggrieved singer who takes after his mentor, Fela, by making conscious music, their refusal to air his song was hinged on the excuse that the message is political.

“I feel so bad because I thought writing Nigerian wrongs will pass a message to the masses and the only and easiest way is the local TV stations but they refuse playing it.

How can a message travel while you have not sent it”, he lamented.

He added that if their excuse for not airing it was because he didn’t grease palms, it would have even been better. But according to him, they said TV stations didn’t even request for money from him but refused to play his song.

“They don’t want money but they are afraid because the song is political, that if they go ahead to play it the government may shut down their stations. Its only one radio station, Wazobia Fm that has been playing”, he said.

Speaking further, he boasted that this sad experience will have no pose no form of setback to his passion for making conscious music or his music career.

“It has not and will have no effect on my music career as an AfroBeat singer”, he bragged.

He further stated that threats from government or anybody to quit making conscious music will not disturb him.

“No I am not afraid of threats from the

Cobhams Asuquo drops new song, ‘Starlight’

Fresh Fela

government or anybody. I know I will die one day so any way is a way. I believe that threats will only affect me and not my music.

I believe that if I pass away or I give up in life my message will not give up”, he said with confidence.

Following a successful and much appreciated live performance at the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Cobhams Asuquo has released a new song that he titled, ‘Starlight’.

‘Starlight’ is the latest instalment by the ‘One Hit’ crooner as he continues to advance his promising singing career.

Produced by the multi-award winning producer and composer, Starlight is a love song dedicated to lovers and everyone hoping to find true love?

Here’s how he captures his muse for his new single; “This song is for that Starlight in your life. Starlight is light reflected from the stars that illuminates your way. It never goes out; it’s there, day and night (the Sun is also a star) “This song speaks to that. It’s my love letter, my ‘thank you’ for always being there. To the one who stayed when things were rough, to the one who encouraged when I was glum, to the one who noticed when I was off and to the one who caused me to hum (just so you know, stars hum”.

The 2018 GTBank Fashion weekend set to hold in November From Saturday, the 10th to Sunday, the 11th of November, 2018, fashion enthusiasts all over the world will be treated to an unparalleled exposé of Africa’s finest in fashion at the 3rd edition of the GTBank Fashion Weekend.

Holding in Lagos, one of Africa’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, the twoday event will bring together renowned fashion personalities from around the world and budding small businesses in the local fashion industry to create the biggest fashion experience in Africa.

Now in its third year, the GTBank Fashion Weekend has become the premier consumerfocused event that places African fashion on the global stage and helps small businesses in the local fashion industry thrive. The first and second editions of the event, which held in November 2016 and 2017 respectively, brought together over 250,000 people to interact with some of the best minds in the global fashion space and directly patronize more than 200 indigenous small businesses in the local fashion industry.

The GTBank Fashion Weekend, which is free to attend, will feature fashion and

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Segun Agbaje

entrepreneurial master classes facilitated by internationally renowned fashion experts as well as runway shows that will present the latest in fashion styles and design trends. With an overall vision of Promoting Enterprise, the Weekend will provide more than 130 small businesses with free stalls to showcase and sell the finest ensemble of apparels and fashion accessories. There will also be pop-up

stands where budding indigenous designers will display their works and interact with some of Africa’s most passionate fashionistas.

Commenting on the 2018 GTBank Fashion Weekend, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Segun Agbaje, said “We are delighted to put together the largest showcase of the talents, innovation and enterprise that abound in Africa’s fashion space. This year, we are going further than before to transform this event into the critical meeting place for everyone involved in and passionate about African fashion in order to unlock greater growth opportunities for small businesses in the industry and build capacity across the entire fashion value chain.”

He further stated that“Beyond empowering small businesses with the expertise and networks that they need to thrive, the GTBank Fashion Weekend has become a major event in the social calendars of people across the continent and beyond, and as a bank that is passionate about enriching lives, we will continue to drive initiatives that add value to our communities and deliver amazing experiences for our customers.”

Cobhams

Greenview Awards to give out 3 brand new cars in maiden edition As Ramsey Noah, Bovi, Davido, others get nomination

Bovi

Top stars that include Davido, Tiwa Savage, Ramsey Nouah, Funke Akindele-Bello, Bovi and more have been nominated in the maiden edition of Greenview Awards set to hold on the 11th of November 2018.

The Greenview Awards stand for recognition of ingenuity in the entertainment industry

(Music, Movies and Comedy) with the aim to celebrate talented individuals who have made impactful contributions through the showcase of their creative abilities. The award will be a yearly event debuting in Lagos, Nigeria with plans to extend across Africa as a whole.

3 brand new cars will be given out in 3 of the categories

up for voting. The award show also promises to set standards that would be the talk of town even weeks after the event as the organizers are leaving no stones unturned in making sure every aspect of the event gives a premium experience.

The nominees have been carefully selected and fans all over will have the

opportunity to decide who they want to take home the prestigious awards as the automated voting results will be displayed live on the website after the award show. Voting for nominees however commences on the 23rd of September via the website only on www. greenviewawards.com

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

15

Why AMCON fails to recover N5.4trn debt – CJ Motolani Oseni, Lagos

Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya (2nd right); Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Habib Aruna (right); Special Adviser/C.E.O, Lagos State Public Works Corporation/Drainages, Engr. Temitayo Erinle (middle); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Olujimi Hotonu (2nd left) and Project Manager, Hitech, Engr. Willie Barkhuisen (left) during the inspection of the ongoing Pen Cinema Fly Over, on Friday, September 21, 2018. Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya (2nd right); Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Habib Aruna (right); Special Adviser/C.E.O, Lagos State Public Works Corporation/Drainages, Engr. Temitayo Erinle (middle); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Olujimi Hotonu (2nd left) and Project Manager, Hitech, Engr. Willie Barkhuisen (left) during the inspection of the ongoing Pen Cinema Fly Over... on Friday

CBN releases $317.52m, CNY 58.40m into forex Retail SMIS Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has continued its intervention in the retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) by injecting a total of $317.52 million in that segment of the market in addition to CNY58.40 million in the spot and short-tenored forwards segment.

The figures obtained from the apex

Bank on Friday, revealed that the US dollar-denominated interventions were only for actors in the agricultural and raw materials sectors while the Yuan was for Renminbi denominated Letters of Credit.

Confirming the figures, the CBN’s Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor said that the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement (BCSA) with the Peoples’ Bank of China had continued to receive encouraging

responses from customers.

While noting that Friday’s sale was the fifth in the series of interventions, he said the BCSA was achieving its major objectives of reducing the use and influence of a third currency transactions; reducing the pressure on the naira exchange rate; easing trade transactions between Nigeria and China and maintaining financial market stability in Nigeria.

Okorafor assured that the CBN would

remain committed to ensuring that all the sectors of the foreign exchange market continue to enjoy access to the needed foreign exchange by Nigerians.

The Daily Times recalls that the Bank on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 intervened in the inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market to the tune of $210 million.

Meanwhile, $1 exchanged for N361 at the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the foreign exchange market, while CNY 1 exchanged for N53.

NNPC gives reasons for contractors-funding contract Idu jude, Abuja The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru has explained why it has resorted to contractor-financing of its pipeline and other facilities development in recent times in the Industry.

Delivering the Keynote speech at the Nigerian International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference (NIPITECS 2018) Tuesday in Abuja, Baru said that the recourse was to get around the prevalent funding challenge in the country.

He noted the arrangement has enabled the corporation to aggressively build the pipeline infrastructure within the Gas Master Plan as exemplified

in the recent award of the AjaokutaAbuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline and all ongoing downstream pipeline infrastructure rehabilitation effort.

The NNPC boss, represented by Dr. Babatunde Adeniran, Chief Operating Officer, Ventures, stressed that pipelines remained the cheapest way of moving products across any distance.

He however, noted that pipeline operation and construction in Nigeria had been an expensive undertaking.

Baru therefore, challenged members of the Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PLAN) and other stakeholders to proffer solutions that could transform and enhance pipeline business in the country.

The GMD said maintained that such solution must be able to resolve

the challenge which has hindered the growth and viability of pipeline venture in the country.

Emphasis should not be on what has been done in the past but to seek quicker, better, cheaper and more effective ways of how things should be done to achieve the feat, he added.

“The poser I will like the conference to address is: Is cost really an inhibitor or is it the security challenges or financial models that are not properly structured and above all how do we make the pipeline business a financially viable investment?

“How do we build partnership with the required technical expertise to assemble new technology basedindustries that are cheap to operate and can deliver products that are both locally and internationally

marketable,” the GMD stated.

Earlie, Engr. Geoff Onuoha, Chairman of PLAN, expressed delight at the high level of support accorded the association by the NNPC Management, assuring that the pipeline professionals would not only pick up the gauntlet and tackle the challenge posed to the group by the NNPC GMD, but would continue to work with other stakeholders to ensure the in-country viability of pipeline business.

The Acting Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Engr. Chidi Izuwah, commended the NNPC Management for embracing the contractor-financing model in the AKK project, noting that such an option should be replicated wholesomely in respect of other mega industry projects.

Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice Adamu Abdu Kafarati, has said there is the need for judges in Nigeria to support the recovery efforts of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since the corporation was established as a central element of government’s response to financial crisis in the country.

Justice Kafarati made the remarks at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja when he addressed federal high court judges at an interactive session between the NJI, AMCON and federal high court judges.

Describing AMCON’s assignment to recover over N5 trillion for the country as a national assignment that must be supported by all stakeholders especially the judiciary, the Chief Judge also highlighted the crisis that would have hit the Nigerian economy if government did not establish AMCON at the time it did.

He said, “ AMCON coming to save the banks in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised, so the corporation must be supported with firm judicial processes to recover the outstanding debt because AMCON also borrowed money to rescue the banks.

“My Lords, banks are drivers of the economy as they supply its oxygen.

That is why during the 2008/2009 financial crisis in Nigeria (partly triggered by global financial crisis, and partly by domestic activities), government intervened to support the banks by bailing them out in order to allow the financial system to continue functioning. In the absence of government intervention in the banks through the vehicle, which AMCON provided, a number of banks in the country would have failed thereby inhibiting banks from playing their crucial roles in the economy like payment of services to households and companies extension of credits, savings accounts and financial insurance among others.”

Justice Kafarati further said: “The interruption to the critical service that banks provide, and the likely loss of confidence in the system that would have followed, would have led to widespread disruption and ultimate collapse of the financial system in Nigeria. AMCON was thus created in 2010 as the most important step towards resolving non-performing loans in the banks.

“This was effected through the injection of capital into the ailing banks in consideration for equity.

“Recognising the grave systemic risk posed by high level of bad debts otherwise known as non-performing loans, AMCON was set up to manage the assets transferred to it with a view to maximizing their value through eventual sale or orderly liquidation.”

He said the judiciary must therefore collaborate with AMCON to recover every outstanding debt because with the purchase of the NPLs, AMCON, he argued, is expected to maximize the value of asset recoveries and minimize costs to taxpayers.

Business Times 16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

TEF to launch world’s largest digital platform for entrepreneurs Motolani Oseni The Tony Elumelu Foundation has concluded all plans to launch the world’s largest digital platform for African entrepreneurs and the African entrepreneurship ecosystem - TEFConnect.

According to the Fioundation, TEFConnect will officially be unveiled at this year’s TEF Forum, taking place on October 25, 2018, at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria.

Speaking on the launch of TEFConnect, the CEO of the Foundation, Parminder Vir Obe said that TEF is simply about empowering African entrepreneurs.

“First, we launched the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, to provide 10,000 African entrepreneurs over a period of 10 years with seed capital, mentorship and training.

Next, we convened the full entrepreneurial ecosystem at the TEF Forum to foment engagement and deliberate discussions to change the narrative of Africa. Now, we are scaling our impact by connecting African entrepreneurship ecosystem on a single platform,” he said.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme has attracted over 300,000 African entrepreneurs as applicants, trained and funded 4,460 to date, while democratising access to opportunity.

TEFConnect is an open source platform, which will provide bespoke tools and content to catalyse business development for millions across the continent, through technology and directly applicable content.

Positioned as the “Facebook for African Entrepreneurs”, the TEFConnect platform is a contemporary, intuitive, informative and user-friendly go-to entrepreneurship space,that provides five specific benefits to its users, among others: The one-stop digital home for entrepreneurship ecosystem players, including entrepreneurs, incubators, investors, academia and the private sector, providing news, informative resources, entrepreneurship events and opportunities.

Excess sugar in the body not caused by fruit juice - Expert Godwin Anyebe A wellness expert, Dr. Bisi Abiola has postulated that most of the excess sugar in the body is caused by sweetened foods and not pure fruit juice, urging people to increase their juice intake without fear of side effect.

Abiola disclosed that the simple sugar found in whole fruit and fruit juices is mostly in form of fructose affirming that the amount of sugar in fruit juices does the body no harm.

Abiola said this in Lagos during her monthly wellness dialogue series - a programme supported by Chivita as part of its public enlightenment campaign on the benefits of “100 per cent fruit juice.”

The Wellness expert, who is also the

Managing Director of Indulge Nigeria Limited, noted: “Sugar in per cent fruit juice always comes with the fruits that have been juiced. It is never added. Accordingly, the World Health Organisation takes account of natural sugars contained in fruit juices in the ‘free sugars’ category.”

She stressed that 100 per cent fruit juice contains fructose – an equivalent of raw fruits they are made from – explaining that some fruit juices are sweeter than others as the products they extracted from differ in terms of sugar content and flavour.

According to her, there is no positive correlation between fruit juice and health risks such as obesity, cancer, diabetes and dental decay.

She said: “Juice is an important source of nutrients, and 100 per cent fruit juice makes a valuable contribution to your daily intake

We’re utilising Ecological Fund to remedy gully sites in Edo – Gov Obaseki Titus Akhigbe, Benin City Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that the state has been taking advantage of the Ecological Fund to remedy gully sites in Auchi, Fugar and Agenebode axis in Edo North Senatorial zone and other areas of the state.

The intervention came after works were completed at the Ewu, Ibore and Queen Ede gully sites carried out by the state government and its partners.

Addressing journalists at the commissioning of the Erosion and Flood Control Projects in Agenebode, EtsakoEast Local Government Area of the state, Obaseki, said that his administration was doing a lot in collaboration with the Federal Government to tackle erosion and flooding across the state.

Represented by Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, the governor said that the state government has completed 18 flood control projects and is mapping out more strategies to mitigate flooding in the state.

Obaseki noted, “We are looking at afforestation and planting of more trees and

grasses to prevent erosion and flooding in the state. We have embarked on sensitisation campaigns in flood-prone areas and have also commenced assessment of the damage.

We have also started the distribution of relief materials. People should not build on low-lands because the sea-level is rising as a result of climate change.”

Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Senator Benjamin Uwujumogu said that the projects were executed by the Ecological Fund Office in the Presidency aimed at to controlling floods issues in the affected area.

He said over 48 projects were being executed by the Ecological Fund Office to tackle problems of desertification, soil erosion and flooding in the country.

“Before now, the people of Agenebode and environs have been suffering from flooding occasioned by heavy downpours but the Federal Government has brought succour to them by constructing a drain system measuring about 15 meters high,” he added.

The Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, His Royal Majesty, Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, commended the Federal and state governments for tackling the flood problems in the area.

of Vitamin C,” she explained.

“A glass of pure orange fruit juice is also a good source of folate and potassium. It is a difficult task for children, and harder for adults to eat the five recommended portions of fruit a day, a problem readily solved by ready to drink fruit juices like Chivita per cent Fruit Juice.”

Abiola admitted that the sugar scare is overshadowing the positive contributions that fruit juice makes to the national health.

However, she noted that research supports favourable effects of fruit juices on lipid profile and blood pressure.

“With regards to dental decay, there is no major evidence of a link with the consumption of fruit or fruit juices, except when related to feeding bottles in early childhood. In a methodical review of the evidence, there exists no reliable evidence of negative impact of 100 per cent fruit juice on health, including body weight, cardiovascular disease and risk of type two diabetes”, she noted.

UNAIDS, StarTimes to increase HIV/ AIDS awareness via mobile apps Joy Obakeye The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and StarTimes are collaborating on increasing HIV/ AIDS awareness among young people through a mobile online video application.

First Lady of the Republic of Malawi, Gertrude Mutharika, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé and StarTimes Group Vice President, Guo Ziqi at a meeting tagged “Value of new media in African HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaign” in Beijing on Monday, said the use of mobile application will create more awareness in Africa.

The meeting noted that new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths are more likely to occur among young people in Africa because HIV/AIDS prevention information and knowledge don’t reach out to young people efficiently.

It has been an urgent issue for global HIV/AIDS Prevention Campaign to engage more young people in prevention.

Michel Sidibe said at the meeting: “We have seen progress in most countries today, but the biggest challenge that we face is complacency. The young people, they don’t have information, they don’t have knowledge, so they don’t protect themselves…

So, information, knowledge and education, and that’s why StarTimes is very important for us.”

He continued: “I just want to say sharing information, bringing knowledge and making sure that we can change young people will be key for ending AIDS.” Sidibé noted that for most African countries, 70 percent of the population are below the age of 35 and they are not getting information. “Our recent approach will completely change the situation and help us to go for a

generation free of AIDS.” With smartphone use and internet penetration soaring, Africa is set for a communication way revolution. Similarly in Europe, US and China, more and more African young people, get used to watching stream videos on phones.

“Based on this trend, StarTimes launched its video streaming service in African market with StarTimes App in June. Within 3 months, StarTimes App has had 8 million downloads and the figure is expected to be 15 million at the end of this year,” said Guo Ziqi, with noting that StarTimes App right now is streaming the “Zero Discrimination” PSAs as a trial cooperation with UNAIDS through the online video platform.

Malawian First Lady and former president of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against AIDS, Gertrude Mutharika said that Malawi has significant and rapid growth in the number of mobile phones and subscribers over the last two decades.

According to Mutharika, the majority of people who buy phone are for using social media communication as well as a source of information. It is for this reason that we revise HIV prevention strategy and seeks to explore social media technology and platforms to reach out to young people.”

“I found that the launch of StarTimes App for HIV prevention is very timely and appropriate.

This will greatly enhance our national efforts to reduce HIV infection, particularly on young people. I looking forward to working closely with StarTimes and UNAIDS in Malawi,” she remarked.

During the meeting, Guo introduced the China-Africa Cooperation project, “Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages”, which would be undertaken by StarTimes, and proposed to explore possible ways to help popularize HIV/ AIDS prevention information and knowledge in African rural areas with the platform.

L-R: George Oko-Oboh, Regional Executive, Abuja & North, Heritage Bank Plc; Emmanuel Adesoye, Chairman NPA board member, Ifie Sekibo, MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc; Hadiza Bala-Usman, MD of NPA and Vice President International Association for Ports and Harbours (Africa) and Ijeoma Uche-Okoro, Director Legal Services, FMOT, at the day-one International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Africa regional conference, themed, “African Ports & Hinterland Connectivity,” holding in Abuja.

POLITICS TIMES g Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

17

Lagos 2019, Tinubu and the stranglehold of a leader Alade Tasma On the 29th of May 1999, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former Senator was sworn in as the 13th governor of Lagos State and the 3rd chief executive of the state, having defeated his former political leader and mentor, Chief Dapo Sarumi who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the January 9th, 1999 governorship election.

Little did Tinubu who won the election on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the political party founded and nurtured by the leaders of the Yoruba social cultural group, the Afenifere, settled down as the governor of the state than he moved against the leadership of the group.

Tinubu was said to have kicked against the decision of the Afenifere leaders led by Chief Abraham Adesanya to set up a monitoring team to ensure governors of the South West States elected on the platform of the AD do not derail from the programmes and policies of the group on whose goodwill the governors won election into office in the South West.

Senator Kofo Akerele Bucknor, Tinubu’s deputy and a notable member of Afenifere became first major casualty of Tinubu’s opposition to the ideology of the NADECO leaders as he moved against Bucknor and had her impeached by the State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Olorunnimbe Mamora.

The State House of Assembly was perfectly under Tinubu’s control throughout his two term tenure.

Bucknor’s crime was that she declined to join her boss, to oppose the leadership of Afenifere in setting

Tinubu

Fashola

Ambode

up a monitoring team to monitor the performance of the South West governors. Tinubu was alleged to have told Afenifere leaders that there can never be two captains in a ship, saying he remained the elected governor and is not ready to be subjected to any control by the Afenifere.

Tinubu was to later become more or less an emperor after he survived the “political tsunami” allegedly blown into the South West by the Olusegun Obasanjo led PDP government in 2003 which claimed five of the six governorship seats in the South West. The governors that lost out in the ‘hurricane PDP’ included; Lam Adeshina of Oyo State, Bisi Akande, Osun, Niyi Adebayo, Ekiti, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Ogun and Adebayo Adefarati, Ondo living only Bola Tinubu behind and thus becoming an emperor.

Tinubu was alleged to have

frustrated Chief Ganiyu Daudu, a notable Afenifere chieftain and Lagos State chairman of AD as well as other notable Afenifere leaders out of the party, thereby becoming the ‘Alpha and Omega’ of the ruling party in the state.

It is on record that Bola Tinubu as governor had three deputies in his eight year reign as he also got Chief Femi Pedro, a bank chief executive whom he brought to replace Akerele Bucknor removed two weeks to the end of his tenure and sworn in Ikorodu born politician, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye as his third deputy in his eight year rule making him the only governor in the country with that record.

Tinubu was said to have began the process of acquiring the state for personal interest when he endorsed the candidacy and successfully installed a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Babatunde Rilwan

Akiolu as the Lagos monarch among over 10 Princes of Lagos including Chief Adekunle Ojora who vied for the throne in 2003.

Having secured the head of traditional institution of the state in his pouch through the crowning of Akiolu, Tinubu went ahead to restructure the ruling party in the state, putting his loyalists in key and sensitive positions after edging out the remnants of Afenifere in the party. As a result of this, members of Afenifere, led by Chief Ganiyu Daudu in the state moved into the alternative platform, the Progressive Action Congress (PAC), under which Ganiyu Daudu contested the 2003 governorship election in the state but lost to Tinubu.

The Alliance for Democracy (AD), later metarmophosed into the Action Congress AC, in what political analysts described as a way to completely erase the traces of Afenifere in the success of the party.

In what appeared as show of political force and overbearing political influence on the state, prior to the 2003 general election, Tinubu instructed the Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District at the Senate, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi to re-contest the senatorial seat from Lagos West thereby giving way to his then commissioner for Home affairs, Musiliu Obanikoro to fly the party flag of the party at the central Senatorial district.

Members of the party, especially those in Lagos West were said to be rattled by this decision, especially when Tinubu was alleged not to have consulted leaders of the party in the zone before the decision was taken.

However, Tinubu had his way and both Tokunbo Afikuyomi and Musiliu Obanikoro won the election and became Senators representing Lagos West and Central Senatorial districts respectively.

Tinubu was again in 2003 in another show of political force; he

12 years after he left office as governor, Tinubu has continued to play major role in who gets what in politics and governance, traditional institution, trade unions, especially, the NURTW as well as religious organisations in the state. In the ongoing impasse between him and Governor Akinwumi Ambode, Tinubu was said to be hell bent and remains adamant that Ambode will not get the party ticket for a second term despite several appeals and persuasions by top citizens in and outside the state.

used Rt. Hon. Olorunnimbe Mamora, a relatively political underdog until he was made the Speaker of the State House of Assembly in 1999 to defeat Chief Dapo Sarumi, a known political force and leader of the Primrose group, the political group that nurtured and threw Tinubu into political limelight at the Lagos East Senatorial election.

Sarumi had contested on the platform of Progressive Action Congress (PAC), while Mamora, flew the flag of the Action Congress. Sarumi had opted for a Senatorial seat in 2003 after losing the governorship election in 1999 to Tinubu, his political son.

Tinubu again was to show off his firm grip of Lagos when in 2007 he anointed his Chief of Staff, Babatunde Fashola, though, a legal practitioner, but a political greenhorn. The sole endorsement of Fashola by Tinubu to succeed him initially generated bad blood among party chieftains, top political office holders who were more politically experienced than Fashola.

Amidst all the protest and crisis that followed the anointing of Fashola, Tinubu had his way and Fashola became the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) at the 2007 governorship election and with Tinubu as the sole financial of the election, Fashola emerged the winner, thus becoming the 14th governor of the state.

Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria however allegedly fell out with his godfather over what has remained a top secret disagreement till date towards the end of his first term in office, but for Fashola’s achievements in office which attracted public sentiments in his favour and sent a very strong signal to Tinubu who has become a political emperor and his lieutenants of an impending negative consequence should Tinubu go ahead to deny Fashola the opportunity to fly the party’s flag for his second term in office.

Some party chieftains were said to have waded into the matter and eventually prevailed on Tinubu who allegedly rolled out an undisclosed terms and conditions before Fashola was allowed the party ticket for his second term in office.

Again, in 2014, Tinubu was said to have informed his top lieutenants and the leadership of his political group, the Mandate, the most powerful political caucus within the party in the state that he had anointed Akinwumi Ambode as the next governor to succeed the then incumbent, Raji Fashola and that they should go and ensure his emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2015 Governorship election.

Ambode, a former Accountant General in the state was relatively unknown in political circle in the state.

Tinubu’s choice of Ambode initially was said to have generated protests and complaints from his disciples who

Continued on 18

Politics Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

2019: Our objective is to remove APC in 2019 - Bafarawa Stories by Patrick Okohue A presidential aspirant on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has said that the major goal of all the presidential aspirants on the PDP platform is to remove the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) from power by 2019, saying that he would support whoever emerges from the primaries.

Bafarawa, who stated this at the PDP secretariat in Lagos, said that he was not aspiring to become President because he wants to make money, stressing that his antecedent and performance are there to speak for him.

He added that he would not leave the PDP even if he loses the primaries, stressing that he would support any of the aspirant that clinches the presidential ticket of the party and work towards the victory of the party in the election.

Bafarawa who is a former governor of Sokoto State, said that his administration would give priority to creation of jobs, providing basic health care and revamping the education system in the country if he is elected has the President of the country after next year’s elections.

Speaking further, the Presidential aspirant, stressed that having been in governance and politics for decades, he

had the requisite experience to lead the country out of its current woes, while urging Lagos PDP to support his bid to clinch the party’s presidential ticket.

“We may have several aspirants in the PDP for the presidential ticket, but let me say that our main aim is to

dislodge the APC from power after next year’s elections. And that is what we would do.

“I would not dump the party if I don’t pick the Presidential ticket of the PDP, I would work for whoever emerges and the eventual victory of

claimed Ambode was neither known to them nor party loyalists, but the Jagaban still had his way, Ambode emerged the APC candidate and went ahead to win the governorship election thus becoming the 15th governor of the state.

As the 2019 general election draws nearer and Lagos State as well as others prepare for the election, fillers has it that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has again fallen out with Akinwumi Ambode and had vowed not to support the governor for second term of office, he was alleged to have anointed a former commissioner for commerce and industry in the state, Babajide Sanwo Olu as a replacement to Ambode.

Tinubu was said to have mobilised his political machineries through mandate group to ensure the emergence of the 53 year old technocrat as the party candidate for the February 2019 governorship election.

In line with the alleged directives and body language of Tinubu, top APC leaders in the state and almost all the 20 local governments and 37 LCDA bosses have openly identified with Babajide Sanwo Olu and evidence of this was made manifest at the official declaration of Sanwo Olu at City Hall on Sunday.

Jagaban was alleged to have turned down all emissaries and pleads on behalf of the embattled

was an experienced politician who had worked assiduously for the progress of the party and all over development of the country.

Dosunmu said that the state chapter of the party would support his effort to clinch the presidential ticket of the party, calling for unity among party leaders ahead of next year’s general elections in the country.

“Welcome to Lagos State and the Secretariat of our party, you are an experienced politician who have seen it all and we are with you, but our party must be united ahead of next year’s elections,” Dosunmu said.

Guber aspirant empowers youths with skills in Lagos

Bafarawa

Lagos 2019, Tinubu and the stranglehold of a leader Continued from 17

the party in the overall elections.

“My administration would focus on providing jobs, improving health infrastructures and revamping the education system if am elected the President after next year’s elections.

“My government would be for the masses and I have been in governance for long and have the requisite experience to lead our party to victory in the election,” Bafarawa said.

Speaking earlier, the Lagos State PDP Secretary, Muiz Dosunmu, welcomed Bafarwa and his entourage to the Secretariat of the party and the state, noting that the former governor

Ambode claiming that his hands are tied.

Ambode has been accused of several unconfirmed allegations ranging from bad treatments of party leaders, senior citizens of the state, neglect of party faithful, replacement of the PSP operators majority of whom are party members and financiers with the non effective Visionscape among several other ‘sins’ that are currently flying around especially in the social media.

Political analysts and watchers in the state were however are of the views that Ambode’s dilemma might not be unconnected with a direct conflict of personal interests between Tinubu and his godson.

The former governor who made his wife, the former First Lady of the state, Oluremi, a Senator representing Lagos Central was alleged to have directed Senator Muniru Muse who was then representing the Senatorial district at the Senate to drop his second term ambition and pave way for Oluremi’s emergence.

The APC National Leader who is being referred to as the ‘Lagos Oracle’ and whose words remain laws is noted to be the fixer of almost everything in the state. He installed his daughter, Folashade Tinubu Ojo the leader of market men and women association in the state thus making his daughter to succeed his foster mother, late

Alhaja Abibat Mogaji as the Iyaloja General amidst silent protests and complaints by some old horses within the market association who were close lieutenants of the late Abibat Mogaji.

The elderly members of the association expressed their displeasure over the unilateral action of Tinubu over the association, but dare not engage in an open protest and confrontation with Jagaban for fear of moving the state market task force against them and their business premises.

12 years after he left office as governor, Tinubu has continued to play major role in who gets what in politics and governance, traditional institution, trade unions, especially, the NURTW as well as religious organisations in the state.

In the ongoing impasse between him and Governor Akinwumi Ambode, Tinubu was said to be hell bent and remains adamant that Ambode will not get the party ticket for a second term despite several appeals and persuasions by top citizens in and outside the state.

“Tinubu remains our leader in Lagos and the national leader of our great party, whose position, view and directives are always treated with utmost respect, however, I will appeal to his conscience not to play God on the current issue of Ambode’s second term,” an APC chieftain who pleaded not to be named appealed.

The gubernatorial candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Lagos State, Mr Owolabi Salis, has said that over 46,000 students were trained in various skills in the state under his empowerment programme.

Salis made the disclosure at the Graduation of the Lagos Youth Skill Acquisition Training and Employment Programmme on Thursday in Surulere Local Government Area of the state.

Salis said that the programme had 29 skills acquisition centres in almost all the local government areas of the state.

He noted that the centres had so far trained and graduated youths in the last five years from different skills acquisitions such as bag and shoe making, fashion designing, make-up, video production and soap making among others.

“We have 29 centres in the state and it has not been easy financing all these centres. However, my joy as a parent is to see these youths graduating to acquire skills in order to be financially independent.

“Apart from bag making, shoe making and fashion designing, we have a training on building and road construction, but it is a pity that many youths are shying away from the skill.

“At the moment, we have trained 25 students, while four of them have already secured contracts at the LekkiEpe area,” he said.

Salis noted that the programme was not politically motivated because the students that had been trained so far were not selected based on party affiliation, but was initiated to give back to the society, especially the youth.

He said the programme had nothing to do with politics because he had been into the youth empowerment before he joined politics some years back.

“I initially started in Shomolu in Lagos which I believe I can sustain with 3,000 dollars in a month, but before I know it, we recorded success stories from the students that were trained.

“Shomolu is now graduating its third batch, Ajeromi Ifelodun is also graduating its third batch, Amuwo Odofin is doing its second batch at the moment,” Salis said.

He noted that the Ikotun centre

would be graduating 700 students, while 500 students would be graduating at Imota in Ikorodu on Saturday.

Salis therefore, advised Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria goods because it would promote excellence and improve on the economy.

On his part, the Coordinator of the programme, Mrs Abiola Afolabi, said the centre had trained and would be graduating 320 students from different skills acquisitions at the Surulere centre.

She said the centre trained them on catering, adire making, makeup, hairdressing, shoe making and soap making, just to mention a few.

Afolabi, while presenting certificates to the 320 graduands, said the programme would develop the beneficiaries to become entrepreneurs and financially independent on their own.

“Most of the graduating students have now become trainers and we have now trained people that will become entrepreneurs in Surulere and with God on our side, this programme will be a continuous one in Surulere.

“We have a low turnout of students from Surulere because the area is elitist, hence, it has very difficult for us to get them trained.

“It was not an easy thing to convince parent for their children to partake from the three months training programme,” he said.

Afolabi noted that there are some centres where it empowered 800 youths from areas such as Alimosho, Mushin, Badagry and Epe. The coordinator urged the beneficiaries to make use of the skills they had acquired to make money for themselves.

Afolabi said some of the beneficiaries had started making money from the skills they had learnt, adding that they could also start small for those that do not have enough capital to start big.

She thanked Salis for financing the tutors, offering other logistics support and ensuring the success of the empowerment programmes.

The coordinator said the gubernatorial candidate believed that once he empowered people, then he had already empowered the nation.

ARTS & CULTURE TIMES g19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Ooni empowers over 100 students with sewing machines, establishes Ojaja Fashion Institute Stories: Chris Onuoha About 100 students who made up the lucky beneficiaries that received some tailoring materials from House of Oduduwa Foundation was present at the Ojaja Fashion Training Programme launch in Lagos by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife during a gala night to mark the end of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN 2018) show.

Special guests at the event include Her Excellency; Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of the governor of Ogun State; Olugbon of Orileigbon, Oba Olushola Alao and his Olori; Senator Ita Giwa; Senator Daisy Danjuma, Chief Mrs. Opral Benson; Chief Dele Momodu; Princess Abbah Folawiyo and host of other influential personalities in both fashion and business who has contributed much in the growth of fashion industry.

The lucky recipients were in high spirit as they were presented to the Ooni by the coordinators of the programme, Chairman of the House of Oduduwa Foundation, Chief Jide Fadairo and Princess Ronke Ademiluyi for a royal blessing. The students while appreciating the Ooni presented a song and thanked him for coming to their aid. Esther Awosunle, one of the students who spoke on behalf of the group praised the Ooni for his untiring efforts towards helping the needy in the society particularly the youths. She thanked him for facilitating the project and disclosed that “had it not been the Ooni who empowered the project, we would have been sitting at home doing nothing.” She also praised the good effort of the Institute’s coordinator, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, CEO of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria, who took her time to fish them out from their various places and encouraged them to come and learn for free. “Having received free training, sewing machines and other tailoring materials, we can work on our own to help our families,” says Esther.

The coordinator of the Ojaja Fashion Training Institute, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi while talking to the press said; “I am happy about it.

The launch today shows that all the while the Ooni has been the grand patron of the Africa Fashion Week both London and Nigeria, he has allowed himself to see the benefits from what designers do in the fashion industry and to see how we can benefit from it. His aim is also to help young women and men who want to go into the fashion industry. It is the AFWN project that gingers him to open the fashion institute because he saw that the designers were part of the fashion week programme, and how they have used it to promote made in Nigerian and Africa products.”

“Currently the training is free including the hostel accommodation, equipment and logistics, all facilitated by His imperial majesty.

Other benefits of the institution is exposing the students to some international programmes and engaging them officially to design costumes that will be used for cultural festivals like the Osun Olojo festival and other events within Ife, Osun State and beyond. The duration varies.

It runs from three months to a year and when they graduate, they stay on their own and earn a living with it,” Princess Ronke added.

Speaking, Chief Fadairo thanked the Ooni for supporting the project and other numerous projects the foundation is embarking on. He however, extolled the virtues of the Kabiyesi for empowering youths in the country and making them better citizens. “Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has been doing everything towards upgrading and upholding the cultural and traditional values of his people; therefore providing help

The beneficiaries of the Ojaja Fashion Institute gesture at the event. for these designers. Every other setup is also is not relenting to empower them meaningfully. to equip and breed designers who will serve He just wants to encourage people in fashion the purpose of upholding African culture and and entertainment industry by setting up this tradition for the outside world to see.” fashion institute so that the proceeds can also be The special guest at the ceremony, Olugbon utilised for charitable people in the society. And of OrileIgbo, Oba Olushola Alao said; “The having engaged me as part of his initiatives, he Ooni is so passionate about our youths and he wants the project to be institutionalised it in the

entire country to support the less privileged.”

Meanwhile, the event also coincided with the grand finale of the 2-day Africa Fashion Week Nigeria show with international and local designers showcasing the richness of African fabrics and design. About 20 designers across African participated in the show.

MUSON’s 22nd Festival will be excitingly entertaining – Gboyega Banjo The Music Society of Nigerian (MUSON) in its 22nd edition of their annual music festival which kicks off from October 17 – 28, 2018 has promised to be excitingly exceptional and entertaining. “Judging from the lineup of new programmes to jazz up the annual fiesta that has hold the entire music lovers spell bound during our previous shows, this year’s, will for sure thrill our ever increasing audience,” says the organisers. “The new introduced programmes will certainly increase and wet the appetite of our audience and also help push our vision further.”

The programmes include the ‘T.Y. Danjuma MUSON Opera Endowment’ dedicated to the retired General’s 80th birthday to hold on Oct 19 and 21, ‘Quand L’est Rencontre L’ouest’ – a concert in partnership with Friends of Azerbaijan Organisation on Oct 22, ‘Festival Jazz Party’ supported by Dangote Group that holds on Oct 26 and ‘Legends, Kings & Kingdoms’ – a musical in partnership with Seeing through the Arts & Declassical Arts & Entertainment on Oct 19 and 21.

Also, there will be the usual ‘Music Meets Art’–

an Art exhibition in partnership with Society of Nigerian Artists starting off the festival on Oct 17 followed by ‘MusiQuest/Youth Concert’ – a platform for self-expression and discovering young talents.

The famous festival personality programme, ‘My Kind Of Music’ will hold on Tuesday Oct 18. Others are ‘MUSON Day’ – MUSON Chamber Orchestra with Tunde Sosan on Oct 25, Chevron sponsored festival drama ‘such is Life’ on Oct 27 and Total Nigeria sponsored festival gala night on Oct 28 to round up the event.

In a pre-festival briefing last week at MUSON foyer, Onikan, Gboyega Banjo, the Chief Executive Officer, MUSON, alongside other festival committee board present, comprising Chief Femi Williams, Dr. (Mrs.) Femi Akinkugbe, Mrs. Francesca Emmanuel , Mrs. Nimi Akinkugbe, Princess Banke Ademola and Emeka Nwokedi explained that MUSON has done much in developing music in the country and beyond. Others present are Oliver Enwonwu, President, Society of Nigeria Artists, Adedamola Adeniyi, from Dangote Group and Mrs. Billura Bayramova from Friends of

Mr, Gboyega Banjo, MUSON CEO and others at the MUSON Festival 2018

Azerbaijan Organisation.

Speakers after speakers harped on the importance of music and how the society should appreciate MUSON’s effort in training some Africa’s best musicians in all genres. However, the festival comprising numerous genres of the theatrical practice which has been seen as an elitist delight alone have been debunked by the organisers saying, “It may be an initial perception on the mind of many in the past but currently, we have weaved various programmes for everyone to enjoy including children.” MUSON is known for its classical and orchestra based performances including the Classical music training programmes. These however, according to some schools of thought, carved out peculiar audience that attend their shows, but subsequently, the narrative has changed thus bringing forth other entertaining programmes that are meant for everyone in the society.

Dr. Mrs. Femi Akinkugbe, the stand-in festival chairman noted that if music and art can be properly harnessed, that sector of entertainment industry will certainly take over from oil as a big money spinner in the country. She also stressed the effects of music to human longevity and how it also forms the vital basic developmental formation in every child. “I see MUSON’s vision as part of education that Nigeria needs and it will take the effort of the government to apply this vision into our system to make it work,” says Dr. (Mrs.) Akinkugbe.

Mr. Banjo while reeling out the programme of events disclosed some of their challenges which include lack of support from government and others.

According to him, in other clime where centers like MUSON exists, government help sustains the centers with special grants, having noticed that it attracts tourists and foreign exchange. But here, the running of the center is only through the efforts of the members, patrons and some corporate bodies that have interest in our vision.

Others in the same vein lend their voice in encouraging support from government and corporate bodies to the running of the Centre.

Meanwhile, Emeka Nwokedi disclosed MUSON’s new initiative to take the MUSON exam centers to other parts of the country so as to have the presence of MUSON across the states. According to him, this is in response to numerous calls to replicate what MUSON is doing at the Centre in Lagos and also let classical music lovers across the states to participate in MUSON’s programmes.

Classified 20

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

LPPC withdraws SAN rank from lawyer Ikhide Ehighelua over misconduct Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja Following allegations of gross abuse of court process, the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) on Friday announced the withdrawal of the nomination for conferment of the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on a lawyer, Mr Ikhide Ehighelua.

Announcing the withdrawal in a statement made available to The Daily Times on Friday, the LPPC Secretary, who is also the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hdizatu Mustapha, said that Ehighelua’s nomination for award of SAN on July 12, 2018 has been withdrawn.

She said that Ehighelua has also been barred from applying for the award of SAN for the next five years or five applications beginning from 2019.

“Besides, Ehighelua could apply after expiration of the period for the rank subject to good behaviour as assessed by the LPPC,” she stated.

According to Mustapha, the decision was Correction of name

‘’That while the appeal was pending, lkhide Ehighelua, Esquire participated in the institution of a new Suit No. HCK/ 61 /2018 at the High Court sitting in Kwale, Delta State on the same subject matter, between the same parties and seeking the same reliefs as in Suit No. A/36/2017 which was pending at the High Court Issele-Uku and subject of Appeal No. CA/B/220/2018. ‘’That on the 30th day of July 2018, when the Motion ex parte was granted, lkhide Ehighelua, Esquire personally moved the motion for the interim injunction against the defendant and obtained all the injunctive reliefs that were dismissed in Suit No. A/36/2017and subject of Appeal No. CA/B/220/2018. He subsequently wrote a letter dated 31st July, 2018 to the Executive Governor of Delta State notifying him of the existence of the Interim Injunction above. ‘’That lkhide Ehighelua Esquire being an officer in the temple of justice and an aspirant to the exalted position of Senior Advocate of Nigeria has conducted himself in a manner which is clearly in contravention

arrived at during the Emergency Meeting held on the 20th day of September 2018, when the LPPC by virtue of Section 5(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act, CAP L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 as amended, considered the petition written against the nomination of lkhide Ehighelua Esquire for the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. ‘’The Committee after a careful evaluation of the facts of the petition, the written reply by the respondent and attached documents, found the petition meritorious; that is the respondent knowingly engaged in gross abuse of court process on the following incontrovertible facts, namely: ‘’That lkhide Ehighelua, Esquire instituted Suit No. A/ 36/2017 at High Court lssele Uku, Delta State wherein he filed a motion for interim injunction which was dismissed for lack of merit. ‘’That lkhide Ehighelua, Esquire subsequently filed a Notice of Appeal at the Court of Appeal, Benin Division and which appeal was properly entered by transmission of records to the Appeal Registry Benin in Appeal No. CA/B/220/2018.

Mabekoje Oladunke

MONEKE JOSEPH

I formerly known and addressed as Omordion Michael,now wish to be called and address as Omorodion Michael. All former documents remain valid Authority concern and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Sotinoye Oladunke Oyinade now wish to be known and addressed as Mabekoje Oladunke Oyinade ,All former document remain valid and general public please take note

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MRS. ENIOLA OLUWAPELUMI

CHANGE OF NAME /CONFIRMATION NAME: I formerly known and addressed as IFEANYI JOY IHUOMA,now wish to be known and addressed as CHINKE JOY .This declaration is due to no marriage certificate.and that I am the same person bearing both names. All former document remain valid.

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MRS EZE VICTORIA

CORRECTION OF NAME/ DATE OF BIRTH

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UGWU NKEMJIKA

MRS. JANET JOSEPH

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IGU NKIRUKA OKOWU

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OFORKA NWANNE

EGWUONWU CHINWE

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MASTERPIECE AID INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION This is to inform the General public that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporative Affairs Commission, Abuja for Registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. UMOREN VICTOR SILAS 2. MRS. GRACE IME AFIA 3. MRS. ROSE VICTOR SILAS AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To provide aid to the needy, society and the world at large.

2. To provide exceptional skills development, training and mentorship.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Agulyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 Days of this publication Signed MR. UMOREN VICTOR SILAS

FASIDA FOLASADE

formerly known and addressed as JENNIFER ONYEBUCHI OJIRIDIKE now wish to be known and addressed OBI JENNIFER ONYEBUCHI. And my correct date of birth is 10/8/1990. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public should please take note.

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IBRAHIM ISHAKA

Formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM ISMAIL ABDULLAHI Now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM ISHAKA ISMAIL.All former documents remain valid General public and Authority concerned please take note.

This is to inform the general public that my name was wrongly written on my account details as SAMSON ALOYSIUS instead of UJAH KENNETH ONYEKA.My correct name is UJAH KENNETH ONYEKA. Wrong Date of Birth is 16th April, 1982 Correct Date of Birth is 16th April, 1987

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Kemi Abigeal

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OGBODO PROSPER

ADDITION OF NAME

That I was formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUEMEKA CLETUS, a that I now wish to add MBAKWE to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as MBAKWE CLETUS CHUKWUEMEKA. All former documents remain valid.

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with the provisions of paragraph 22(2) (a) E: (c) and 23(a), (b),(c)& (d) of the 2018

I will not stop defending my people no matter the threat - Ortom Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja

Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has said that no matter the threat against his life, he will not stop defending the people of Benue State.

While reaffirming that the antigrazing law has come to stay, Governor Ortom said that he will resists attempt from outside forces from repealing the law.

The governor spoke at the event of the Maiden Public Lecture organised by Conference of Benue Journalists (CBJ) with the topic: “The Effects of Herdsmen and Farmers Crises on Food and Security in Nigeria” on Friday in Abuja.

Lamenting the plight of the people in various Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPs) in the state, the governor said that a family of 20 comprising a man, 4 wives and 16 children have been displaced.

He insisted that ranching was the only way to ensure peace and added that nothing will stop the anti grazing law in the state.

“I stand on the path of truth and on the defence of my people who elected me. As long as I am alive, I will continue to defend my people and the unity of this country.

HILARY GLADYS

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NNAM KINGSLEY

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MRS GEORGE GODWILL

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PUBLIC NOTICE CHAMPIONS LIBERTY CHRISTIAN CENTRE

This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied for registration under the part “C” of The Companies and Allied matters Act of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ANUOLUWAPO MAYOWA ADEYINA 2. SISTER FELICIA TEMITOPE ADEOSHUN 3. BROTHER NATHANIEL CHRISTIAN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. Worship Celebration: To raise a spirit filled and word-based people that will offer a true quality worship unto God in celebration of their Redemption 2. Teach, Preach, Pray and Impact: To feed God’s precious and redeemed people with sound instruction in the word of God 3. Communion (Fellowship): To promote and propel love, unity and peace through caring, sharing, giving and visitation fellowships with one another as one great precious redeemed Family of God 4. Evangelism/Mission: To mobilize God’s precious redeemed people with a burning desire for the lost through aggressive and reconciling strategies for both personal and mass soul-winning Evangelism and Mission outreaches 5. Discipleship (Stewardship): To raise an orderly, decently and disciplined people with the Heart of Servicing maturing the Body of Christ and for leadership services 6. Social Welfare: To minister to the dear social need of our environment/community through our welfare strategies: Hospital, prison, Orphanage and needy ministry etc Any objection to this generation should be forwarded to the Registrar General Affairs Commission, 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within28 days of this publication SIGNED : SECRETARY

Guidelines of the conferment of Senior Advocate of Nigeria’’.

MARTIN SAMUEL

AYANG ENAGU AZUOM

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UKA NOYO

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Ekwemchukwu Oluchi

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“Over 200 people who would have been in school are currently at home while about 500 thousand IDPs are scattered across various camps in the state. Some died while running away from death.

“When the Sharia law was enacted in Zamfara State, Benue indigenes who were not comfortable with the law relocated back to their state. How can we achieve development in midst of lawlessness” Ortom said.

He added that over 200 herdsmen have been arrested out of which 49 have been convicted.

Earlier, a professor of Archaeology of the Ahmadu Bello University, Prof.

Zacharys Anger Gundu said that the herdsmen were the biggest destabilising factor in Nigeria.

He linked the killings to international agenda which according to him, Nigeria has been strategically targeted.

Blaming past leaders of the state over their failure to address the problems at the initial stage, he called on the people of Benue State to resist moves by desperate politicians and enemies of the state from imposing a governorship candidate on them.

“People should not sit in Abuja and decide who will become the governor of Benue State because by the time we do so, we will lose hold of our ancestral land.

“The politicians are just concerned about their personal interest. Our politicians need to understand that there is an agenda and until we come together to stand for ourselves, time will come when we will lose everything” Gundu said. as SHAKA EGIEMEH

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MRS. CHIAMAKA MARYJANE

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MISS MARY YAKUBU

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UBAWIKE OGECHI

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SAMSON CHUKWUMA

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OLUWASEUN AYODEJI

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

For The Record

21

Should the PDP go for Dankwambo?

Bonaventure Melah If what we are hearing currently is true, that many leaders and other strategic stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are narrowing down their choice of presidential candidate for the 2019 Presidential election to the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, the reasons for their preference of him may not be far from the following factors: 1.

Education and quality leadership training Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, the Talban Gombe is a well educated and highly accomplished technocrat. He is the most educated among all the peoples aspiring for the President’s office from across all the serious political parties for the 2019 race. Dankwambo is an accountant, banker and financial administrator before becoming a politician. He holds a degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a Masters Degree in Economics from University of Lagos before proceeding to Igbinedion University where he obtained a Doctorate in Accounting.

The Gombe State Governor has trained at some of the most prestigious financial and leadership institutions in the world among which are Harvard University-on Global Financial Systems (Crisis, Prospects and Solutions); Duke University DCID, Durban on Budgeting and Finance Management programmes.

He was with Coopers and Lybrand for a few years before joining the Central Bank of Nigeria from 1988 to 1999 when he was appointed Accountant General of Gombe State and later Accountant General of the Federation. Dankwambo contested and won election to become governor of Gombe State in 2011 and was sworn in 29th May, 2011.

2. Accountability and Transparent Service Record Although he has served in different capacities from state

Executive Governor, Gombe State, His Excellency, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo to national and back to state as Commissioner in Gombe State, Accountant General of the Federation and back to Gombe as Executive Governor for nearly eight years, Dankwambo still maintains the best service records of accountability, transparency and high level of morality and decency. In spite of occupying different positions where he takes major financial decisions, no one has accused Dankwambo of stealing or misappropriating public funds.

3. Age: At 56 Dankwambo is one of the youngest among all the contenders for the PDP presidential flag. Most of the other aspirants are either in their 60s or 70s which makes Dankwambo a youth friendly candidate.

As Governor,

he has demonstrated in practical terms that youths are very critical partners and stakeholders in nation building by initiating and executing several youth-focused policies and programmes as well as appointing many young people as commissioners, advisers and assistants.

4. Versatility and National Outlook Maybe because of the many schools he attended as well as his working experience which has made him see and interact with many people from across many part of Nigeria and the world, Dankwambo is said to be very accommodating of others, irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds or leaning.

Some have described him as

the most detribalised leader Nigeria would ever have if he eventually becomes President, which they say is very necessary for the country to dig out its best eleven to unleash their innate potentialities to rescue Nigeria from its current sorry state in terms of economy, unemployment and poverty.

5. Track Record of achievements Among all the spirants gunning for the PDP flag, Dankwambo boasts of the best record of achievement both as Accountant General of the Federation and as State governor. One cannot but agree with some analysts that he has been an inspiration to young people while serving as example to other leaders

in Nigeria due to the fact that he has built a reputation as a prudent manger of scarce resources and meticulous administrator. He is reputed to have recorded the highest level of achievements since the creation of Gombe State.

Among the areas he has been scored number one are security, education, health, agriculture and food as well as poverty alleviation. The creation of a unique version of the almajiris educational formula known as Tsangaya Primary School system by his administration has also earned him commendations and awards from local and international agencies while Gombe under Dankwambo has been rated as one of the most peaceful states in recent years.

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

Anthony Joshua heavier than Alexander Povetkin after he defends title at Wembley

Britain’s world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will be over a stone heavier than his veteran Russian opponent Alexander Povetkin when he defends his title at Wembley on Saturday.

Joshua — whose International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association and World Boxing Organisation titles will be on the line — weighed in on Friday at 17 stone 8 pounds (111.5 kilogrammes), whilst 39-year-old Povetkin tipped

the scales at 15st 12lbs.

Joshua, 28, has admitted to feeling under “tons of pressure” as he returns to the scene of arguably his greatest triumph, an 11th-round stoppage of former champion Wladimir Klitschko last year.

Joshua, the 2012 Olympic champion in London, comes into Saturday’s contest — with 80,000 spectators expected — having won all 21 of his professional bouts, although his last fight, against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker in

g22

Cardiff in March, saw him go the distance for the first time as a pro before he secured a unanimous points decision.

Povetkin, like Joshua a former Olympic champion with his moment of glory coming in Athens in 2004, served notice of his punching power on the undercard of that bout, with a sickening knockout of Britain’s David Price.

The only blemish on the Russian’s 35-fight record is a 2013 points defeat by Klitschko.

NFF: Football enthusiasts rejoice with Amaju Pinnick on his re-election Some football enthusiasts have congratulated Amaju Pinnick on his reelection as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), saying it was a deserved victory.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the elections into the NFF Executive Committee for 2018 to 2022 tenure which took place in Katsina on Thursday, saw Pinnick polling 34 votes to re-emerge as the NFF President.

Former NFF president, Aminu Maigari finished second with eight votes, while Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former NFF SecretaryGeneral came third after securing only two votes.

He was followed by Chinedu Okoye, the proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC which didn’t poll any vote.

A cross section of football enthusiasts who took to their twitter handle to congratulate Pinnick on his achievement, noted on Friday that it was indeed a well deserved victory.

Joseph Adebayo, a medical doctor, said it was a good day for Nigerian football and praised other contestants for their magnanimity in conceding defeat.

“Good day for Nigerian football!

Congratulations @PinnickAmaju and kudos to the other contestants for

displaying magnanimity.

“I hope we can now put the ‘Giwa-effect’, and its attendant shenanigans behind us,” he said.

Toye Okueyungbo said, “Hoping this election will sort out all the outstanding issues in NFF.” Tunde King reacted to Okueyungbo’s tweet saying, that there was still a need to boot out the “beret man” of which Okueyungbo said, “I concur.”

“Congratulation @PinnickAmaju a magic will lead you and give you wisdom to direct this ship and take Naija soccer to greater height in Jesus name amen.

Congratulations,” King added.

Bamidele Joseph reacted to King’s tweet saying, “…Magic or what leads? In whose name? I know it’s not in the name of Jesus Christ.”

“Sir nothing can be done if the Lord did not authorise it,” King re-tweeted.

Njemjika Nwachukwu said Pinnick’s victory was a welcome development. “@PinnickAmaju Welcome news. He’s done well, reform oriented, brought us into regional & global reckoning in football,” he said.

Adeleye Emmanuel, on his part said, “Congratulation Mr Pinnick, but we need a better approach to our football in Nigeria,

and not politics football.”

Samuel Owolabi advised Pinnick to make the development of the country’s league his top priority in his second tenure.

“Congratulations @Amaju pinnick, this time make sure you develop our league and make it more attractive for people to watch,” he tweeted.

Adejobi Adeleye said, “Oh! I’m so happy I can’t stomach this, a good day for Nigerian football.

“Now time to get back to work and win both AFCON & AWCON.” Idy Patrick said, “Boss congratulations, more God’s wisdom to do the right things for Nigerian football,” he tweeted.

Khalid Toheeb said, “Congratulations to the great man Amaju Pinnick continue your good work, please put more effort in re-building football in Nigeria.

Obi Uchendu congratulated Pinnick but wondered why Okoye who was one of the contestants could not poll even a single vote.

“Congratulations to @PinnickAmaju.

By the count of the votes it means that Chinedu Okoye did not even vote for himself! Shame.

Chinedu Okafor replied Gubis tweet saying, “Exactly my thoughts but maybe they asked them not to vote.”

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s father named new Gabon co-coach Former captains Pierre Aubame and Daniel Cousin have been named as co-coaches of Gabon after the dismissal last week of Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho, the country’s football federation said.

Aubame is the father of Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang while Cousin, who was a forward at Rangers and Hull City, previously acted as team manager in charge of

logistics.

Francois Amegasse, another former national team skipper, takes over Cousin’s role.

“We hope these three former captains will transmit their experience to the players,” said a statement from the federation.”

Camacho, a former Spain coach, was fired last week after a run of only two wins in 17 matches in charge over the last two years.

‘I am unemployed’ – Ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, has said he is unsure of his next move after acute leukaemia ended his career July last year.

Ikeme was first choice for Nigeria and Wolverhampton Wanderers before being forced to quit and resume chemotherapy instantly.

The 32-year-old received support globally during his recovery.

Although, he was offered a coaching role with Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ikeme says he is a bit confused about what to delve into.

“I am not sure what the future holds. I am unemployed and just taking it day by day,” he told the BBC Sport on Thursday.

“I would love to go and learn from the Nigerian FA. Come to Wolves and learn a little bit from them. Maybe do a bit of media

work.

“I am not anxious to jump into something because being with my family is my priority at the minute.

“I wake up every morning happy to be here.”

The illness meant Ikeme was unable to go to the World Cup. He was named as the team’s 24th squad member despite missing out.

“The World Cup was the hardest thing, football wise, for me to deal with,” he said.

“When we played England at Wembley in June, I felt ‘it should have been me’. It was the same during the first match of the World Cup. It is not a case of life not being fair, more that every kid wants to play at one.

“I watched the matches through multiple angles. Even though I had my own issues, I couldn’t think the games didn’t matter. I had an emotional

involvement.

“They were my team-mates. People I class as friends. When Argentina scored in the last minute to knock us out, I was angry in my living room. I felt bad as a fan. I felt sad for my team-mates and sad for Nigeria.

“I can’t explain how joyous playing for Nigeria was for me. To know my whole family was proud. To know I was representing 200 million people who are mad about football. I love it there.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, September 22, 2018

23 Sports Times

Japan’s Naomi Osaka muscles into Tokyo semi-finals Japan’s Naomi Osaka exuded a major champion’s aura Friday as she dispatched Barbora Strycova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Pan Pacific Open semifinals, despite being nowhere near her best.

The third seed, who stunned Serena Williams to capture the US Open title earlier this month, failed to hit the same heights she did on that historic night in New York.

But she still had too much firepower for Strycova in Tokyo, advancing to face either Italy’s Camila Giorgi or former world number one Victoria Azarenka in the last four.

Eighth seed Strycova had little answer to her opponent’s venomous hitting and the world number seven bagged the first set with a sledgehammer forehand that almost tore the racquet from the Czech’s hand.

The 20-year-old Osaka, contesting her first tournament since becoming Japan’s first Grand Slam singles winner, never looked back against a player 12 years her senior, another forehand rocket bringing up a first match point.

Strycova saved that one but moments later, Osaka fired a bruising serve into the body to extend her current winning streak to nine matches.

“I’ve played her three times and each time it’s been very hard,” said Osaka, who reached the Tokyo final in 2016.

“I don’t feel any extra pressure playing in Japan,” added Japan’s latest sporting celebrity, who has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was raised in the United States.

“I’ve improved a lot of things in the last few years and I feel excited playing here.”

Earlier, fourth seed Karolina Pliskova saved two match points before the former women’s topranked player ended American qualifier Alison Riske’s run with a 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4) victory.

The Czech, who smashed a racquet in disgust after squandering multiple chances at 5-5 in the deciding set, completed a “lucky win” with a sliced backhand that Riske wafted into the net after two hours, 40 minutes.

“It was an important win for

me,” said Pliskova after reaching her first Tokyo semi-final.

“I saved a couple of match points — she was a little bit better than me but you need a bit of luck in tennis. I’m just happy to be able to fight back.”

Pliskova faces Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the last four after she upset second seed Caroline Garcia 6-3, 6-4.

Garcia blew an early break to allow Vekic to take the opening set and the Frenchwoman suffered a carbon-copy letdown in the second, the Croatian ending her misery with a backhand winner.

Iwobi reveals how Unai Emery improved his game Super Eagles star, Alex Iwobi, has stated that Arsenal’s players are “working a lot harder in training” under Unai Emery.

The Gunners won the fourth match in a row against Vorskla in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Iwobi impressing on the left side of the attack.

The Nigerian has now spoken about how Emery has changed his game, since replacing Arsene Wenger in the summer.

“He’s a new manager, a new system,” Iwobi told ESPN after the match on Thursday.

“Like I said, we are buying in to new ideas so it will take a bit of time but we’re slowly getting there.

“Obviously we are winning games now, we just have to keep being

consistent and keep on pushing.”

Iwobi then went on to describe life under the new boss thus: “He demands a lot, we are working a lot harder in training, running a bit more,” he said.

“But as you can see, we are buying into his ideas and we are enjoying our time with him.

“We are not going to dwell on the past, we are always looking forward to the next game.

“We learn from our mistakes, like we have done.

“We have got four wins on the bounce now so we have just got to keep on going keep this momentum going and try to get as many wins as we can, like I’m saying.”

Gary Cahill says he may have to quit Chelsea in January because he is finding the lack of playing time “very difficult”.

The 32-year-old joined the Blues in 2012, but he has yet to make a single appearance for Chelsea this season.

“I don’t want to jump the gun but as things stand at this time, probably, yes [I might have to leave in January],” Cahill told The Mirror.

“First of all the team’s doing well which is the most important thing. Having been a big part of things for six years, seven years and played a huge part, not just a squad player, I’m definitely finding it difficult this year to deal with that situation.”

The England international has fallen behind Antonio Rudiger,

David Luiz and Andreas Christensen in the pecking order and has accepted that “sometimes you have to make tough decisions” for the progression of your career.

Despite this, he revealed that he hasn’t broached the subject with Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri yet, instead waiting for the Italian to be “comfortable” with selecting him.

“To go under a new manager, learn a new way of defending and new ideas that he has I am sure he didn’t feel comfortable in putting me in,” said Cahill.

“So there’s no arguments from my point of view, hence why I’ve not seen him. When you’re winning games you have to sit tight and suck it up and deal with it.

“For me to do this all season is going to be very difficult.”

Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy given one-year driving ban

Europa League: Unai Emery sets new record after Arsenal beat Vorskla 4-2 Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, became the first coach to win 32 games in the Europa League, after he guided the Gunners to a 4-2 victory over Vorskla Poltava on Thursday.

Emery’s men dominated the group stage tie from start to finish, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring twice against the Ukrainian side.

Danny Welbeck and Mesut

Gary Cahill: I may leave Chelsea in Janaury

Ozil put Arsenal 4-0 up, before Vladimir Chesnakov and Vyacheslav Sharpar hit two brilliant consolation strikes late on.”

Emery has great pedigree in the Europa League, winning the title on three separate occasions with Sevilla.

And his 32nd match win is the most of any manager in the competition.

Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been banned from driving for a year after accumulating 24 points on his licence.

Police reported him to the courts after he failed to say who drove his Mercedes car when it was caught speeding four times in less than two weeks.

Mendy, 24, denied being behind the wheel but was convicted of four charges of failing to provide information.

The Frenchman was also fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £185 costs.

His licence was endorsed with 24 points – six for each offence.

Officers had sent documents to his home, requesting the identity of the driver but he did not respond to letters, Manchester Magistrates’ Court was told.

He was criticised for not attending the hearing.

“We are dealing with four offences here, two on the same day, and it’s a serious matter. They have been completely ignored and I think it is discourteous that he is not here so we can talk to him about it,” said magistrate chair Michael Blackhurst.

His lawyer Gwyn Lewis asked to accept the disqualification on his behalf, arguing: ”I deem him present by my presence.”

The offences relate to four separate incidents of speeding – the first on 8

February, the second a day later and the third and fourth in the early hours of 21 February.

The speeds recorded were not disclosed in court.

Mendy was out injured for seven months with a knee injury until April 2018.

“It’s unfortunate that he wasn’t the driver, but that is not the issue, it’s that he has not corresponded,” said Lewis.

“He is aware that he is being disqualified and is not driving currently.

It’s the first time he has been at court in this country and he is not originally from here. This is his first disqualification and it has been explained to him how serious this is.”

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2018

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