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We’ll rescue abducted Dapchi schoolgirls, 4 Buhari assures Nigerians

At last, Prof Iyayi’s killer gets 7 years 6 imprisonment

Ɛƈé Ə Ɩƈ Ƌ Ɠë Court jails 3 5 herdsmen in Benue

#ƆƇ ƌ Ɛƈ ë el-Rufai sues Sen Shehu Sani, demands N2bn damages 4

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 586

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Sports betting, lottery as solution? Ï ôMÕƠ ƌƈƋƋƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ ƍƆ Ɨ MơêƤƄ ƍ ƏƐ ƄƆƐƐƈ Ɨ ƈƋƕô Ï ƋƆƏƈƅ è ƆƔƍƆƏƐ ƆƔƍƏƆ ƗƈƒƆƏ Ɔ Ɛ ƒƈƆƓ

Ladesope Ladelokun, Lagos

ÏÏÏWhen

he won N58.9million after placing just two bets with N800, the news of his big win reverberated across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

Godwin Ighalo, a Professor of Computer Engineering at the Ambrose Ali University, Edo State was deeply immersed in the ocean of joy.

Like the biblical Hannah, he had erred on the side of patience, hoping and believing that fortune would smile on him before he emerged the biggest winner in the annals of sports betting in Africa when he won three years ago.

But the Professor of Computer Engineering made it clear it didn’t happen by accident.

Hear him: “Since my childhood days, I used to have strong interests in probability, relationships, and special intelligence. All these with adequate sports betting research I conducted over the years made it possible.”

Naturally, being an underage punter, it may not be out of place to expect the parents of Taye Ogundipe, 13, to dissuade him from

sports betting. But his biggest win of N50,000 was enough for his parents to give him their nod, thinking he would one day free them from the firm grip of poverty.

When he was spotted at a sports betting centre at Adesan, Ofada Mokoloki Local Council Development Area of Ogun State, Taye told The Daily Times that, “When I won N50,000, my mother took N30,000 and gave me the rest.

I shared what was left with my siblings.’’

For Charles Mba, before he lost his plum job with a bank, nothing really ignited his interest in gambling of any form.

With three kids and a wife as responsibilities, shaking off the temptation of being a regular caller at lotto stands became a tall order, especially when testimonies of big winners around him fuel hope of better days.

Clean-shaven and clad in black suit, he joined other Nigerians in his Jimoh Balogun, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos neighbourhood to perform the daily ritual of visiting lotto stands in the morning to get winning numbers.

Continued on page 4

I am still much relevant in the industry L2 –Adetoun

2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

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News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

Get-rich quick syndrome: Sports betting, lottery as solutions?

Continued from page 1

Though Charles failed to win when the winning numbers were eventually out, he was full of hope.

“It’s a game. You either win or lose. Though I’m not happy that I’ve not won anything, I believe I will win big someday. Here, it’s all man for himself and God for us all. Whatever I can do to make money in legitimate way is okay by me. My brother, no one is ready to pay my bills, even if do, for how long?’’ he told The Daily Times.

Opinions are divided as to the real reason behind what has been described by observers as the huge growth of sports betting industry in Nigeria. While many trace it to the alarming rate of poverty in the land, a handful of others believe passion and the acceptance of the betting culture the world over can’t be divorced from it.

From the young to the old, North to South, West to East, the culture of gambling, observers say, has firmly taken roots.

Investigations by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in 2014, for example, suggested that 60 million Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 40 years spend about N1.8billion on sports betting daily. According to the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, the SMS Lottery and the gaming industry can bring N150 billion and over N300 billion respectively to the coffers of the state.

But baring his mind on the matter, Muslim cleric, Rasak Umoru, said God frowns at any form of gambling, especially sports betting.

Umoru said the Quran recognises it as ‘a social disease’.

“In Islam, gambling is not considered to be a game or frivolous pastime. The Quran often condemns gambling and alcohol together in the same verse, recognising both as a social disease which is addictive and destroys personal and family lives,’’ he said.

He further buttressed his argument with some verses in the Quran: “O you who believe intoxicants and gambling, dedication of stones and divination by arrows, are an abomination of Satan’s handwork. Eschew such abomination that you may prosper’’ (Quran 5:90).

“Satan’s plan is to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer; will you not then abstain?’’ (Quran 5 : 91) However, a psychologist, Dr. John Etim, said sports betting has witnessed a surge in patronage because it provides an avenue to make it fast and beat the rat race.

Etim said: “Ours is a culture of stereotypes. The clear fact that hard work doesn’t pay immediately again in this clime has made every one across all age barriers to choose and follow whatever offers easy money. Here is the thinking, leadership considers their personal gains above our collective well-being, so the response of the masses is therefore find any excuse and means to satisfy themselves rather than look for work, and do their part for residual benefits.

“Sports betting which has been in existence for a long time suddenly saw a surge in patronage because it offers easy channels

to ‘make it’ and beat the rat race.

It isn’t selective of its patrons.

The students craving a better lifestyle, graduates not finding any sensible employment and the older generations under immense pressure to keep the families off the brink of starvation. I know a few pensioners who are fully dependent on sports betting gratias to fend off sudden death.

The list is endless but the thing to note here is that whatever the age grade, sports betting is a saviour that is not selective.’’

According to the Executive Chairman of Committee for the

crisis of confidence within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has filed a defamation suit before a Kaduna High Court against Senator Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna Central).

In a four-count charge that was personally filed by el-Rufai on Friday, the governor is demanding N2billion damages from Senator Sani over his alleged defamatory and malicious statement against him.

The governor is seeking compensation for injury allegedly suffered by him as a result of “the malicious statements” made against him by Senator Sani in order to humiliate him and impugn his integrity.

The governor further alleged that Senator Sani defamed him when he referred to him as a “drunk, loose cannon and an embarrassment to President Muhammadu Buhari”.

According to the governor, the “derogatory remarks” made against him are totally false and injurious to his person in the eyes of the public.

Speaking to journalists after filing the suit, lawyer to el-Rufai, Mr Abdulhakeem Mustapha, dismissed certain insinuations to the effect that the governor, by virtue of immunity clause, lacks the constitutional right to sue any citizen.

Senator Sani, who belongs to the APC faction known as “APC Akida” (true APC), has engrossed in a running battle with Governor el-Rufai since 2015.

But Senator Sani has reacted to the legal action against him by Governor el-Rufai.

According to the lawmaker, he cannot be intimated by such move as he claimed that he has ‘endured’ and ‘overcame’ several of such actions by the governor.

matter the means, is major reason propelling people into it.

Dismissing the claim that bad governance is responsible for it, Ekujumi explained that, “Even when you have good governance, if people have lost their sense of values and honour for hard work and integrity as key to wealth and success, they resort to gambling and other get-rich quick means like kidnapping, ritual killing, and prostitution. This is quite sad”.

Commenting on the matter, a cleric, Venerable Oluseyi Pirisola Continued on page 5

R-L: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman during the 2nd edition of the maritime Stakeholders’ interactive forum tagged: “Implementation of Executive Order I (Ease of Doing Business) in a secure maritime environment” held in Warri, Delta State.

Defamation: el-Rufai sues Sen Shehu Sani, demands N2bn damages ÏÏÏIn what can be referred to as

Protection of People’s Mandate, Mr. Nelson Ekujumi, the growing acceptance of sports betting in Nigeria is a direct result of the resolve of people to get rich as quickly as possible and “loss of value that the enduring route to success is hard work, honesty and integrity.’’

Ekujumi said: “Poverty is a factor that cannot be discountenanced, but most importantly is the lack of values about how to get rich. The loss of value that the only enduring route to success is hard work, honesty and the get rich quick syndrome no

In a statement by his Special Adviser (Political) on Friday, Senator Sani said nothing could stop him from expressing his opinion.

The statement reads in part, “The attention of Senator Shehu Sani has been drawn to a report that Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai has filed a civil defamation suit in the Kaduna State High court demanding N2billion damages.

“The senator is yet to be served but our team of lawyers are ready and well prepared.

“The senator wishes to assure all his supporters and well-wishers that nothing and absolutely nothing can stop him from expressing his opinion on either Kaduna State or national issues.”

The statement added that Senator Sani has vowed to forge ahead in the fight against the governor, saying he had gone through worse battles.

We’ll rescue abducted Dapchi schoolgirls, Buhari assures Nigerians t 4BZT BCEVDUJPO B OBUJPOBM EJTBTUFS Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident Muhammadu Bu-

hari has assured the families of abducted schoolgirls from the Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, that the federal government will do everything to rescue the students.

In a statement made available on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari added that no effort would be spared to bring succour to them.

Listing measures he took when he learnt of the incident, Buhari said, “ When I received the devastating news of the attack on the school and the fact that the local authorities could not account for all the students, I immediately dispatched a

high-level delegation on a factfinding visit to the town. I also instructed the security agencies to deploy in full and not spare any effort to ensure that all the girls are returned safely, and the attackers arrested and made to face justice.

“The entire country stands as one with the girls’ families, the government and the people of Yobe State. This is a national disaster. We are sorry that this could have happened and share your pain. We pray that our gallant armed forces will locate and safely return your missing family members.

“Our government is sending more troops and surveillance aircraft to keep an eye on all movements in the entire territory on a 24-hour basis, in the hope that all the missing girls will be found.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

5 News

Get-rich quick syndrome: Sports betting, lottery as solutions?

Continued from page 4 of the Anglican Communion said: ”The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting or the lottery. The Bible does warns us, however, to stay away from the love of money. “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” - 1 Timothy 6: 10. “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you” - Hebrew 13: 5.

“The scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quickly”. Proverbs 13: 11 says “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished. But he who gathers by labour will increase”.

“Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” –Proverbs 23: 5.

“Also, Ecclesiastes 5: 10 declares “He who love silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This is also vanity”.

“Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches.

We can discern from the Bible principles that God views gambling as a sin.

“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is”. - Ephesians 5: 17.

“Gambling is driven by greed which God hates. “Do you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not

be deceived.

“Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God”. - 1 Corinthians 6: 9 – 10.

“But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints”. - Ephesians 5:3.

“For this you know that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God”. Ephesians 5: 5 “Gamblers hope to gain money through the losses of others but the Bible condemns coveting other people’s possessions. “You shall not covet your neighbour’s house, you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his Ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour’s” - Exodus 20: 17. “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law has said, You shall not covet” - Romans 7: 7.

Gambling, even small amounts can arouse a destructive love of money.

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”- 1 Timothy 6: 9 - 10.

L-R: Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen; Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Gladys Idahor; Chief Judge, Justice Eseohe Ikponmwen; Wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Mary-Ann Shaibu (2nd right), and other stakeholders at the launching of the Edo State Priority Response Plan to End Violence Against Children (E-VAC), at the Imaguero College, Benin City, Edo State.

“Gamblers often rely on superstitions or luck. However, God views such beliefs as a form of idolatry, which is incompatible with his worship.

“But you are those who forsake the Lord, who forget my holy mountain, who prepare a table for Gad, and who furnish a drink offering for Meni” - Isaiah 65: 11.

“Gambling can arouse an unhealthy competitive Spirit which is disapproved in the Bible.

“Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” - Galatians 5: 26.

“Rather than promote a desire to get something for nothing,

the Bible encourages hard work.

“Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink and that his soul should enjoy good in his labour. This also, I saw was from the hand of God”- Ecclesiastes 2: 24.

“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labour, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” - Ephesians 4: 28.

Those who follow biblical advice can “eat food they themselves earn”.

“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither

shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread”- 2 Thessalonians 3: 10 – 12.

“Gambling is bad social policy.

It is bad economic policy and it is bad governmental policy. Moreover, it undermines the moral foundations of society and invites corruption in government.

As Christians, I believe we must stand against society’s attempts to legalise gambling.’’

NSCDC blacklists Bayelsa community as haven for oil theft Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe

Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Bayelsa State Command has lamented the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals in Ikarama Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Godwin Nwachukwu who addressed a press conference on Friday in his office said the people of Ikarama are notorious for oil theft, pipeline vandalism adding that the syndicate had always adopted various “devilish strategies” to frustrate the efforts of NSCDC to stop their practices.

He however said despite all the antics of those alleged evil merchants, the corps had continuously remained resolute

to ensure an end to economic crimes in the area.

Nwachukwu used the occasion to react to the alleged shooting of a member of. Ikarama Vigilance Group, Perekurofa Odoyibo by the personnel of NSCDC last Tuesday when the men went to arrest a suspect He said, “Our anti-vandal team based in Ikarama community responded to a case of sabotage of oil pipelines in the community. The team was only doing its legitimate duty in line with the mandate of the NSCDC. “Our investigation into the incident that happened on the said date revealed that our men did not release a single gunshot. Despite all the harassment, insults and other uncivil means unleashed on our men to stop them from arresting a key suspect involved in the recent vandalism in the com-

munity, our operatives were professional and fired no shots.

“Though the key suspect escaped, they were able to arrest a woman who works with him and knew his whereabouts.

The woman was quizzed and later released. She made valuable confessional statements which we are using to continue with our investigation.”

The Commandant said the community-folks not relenting in their plots to frustrate and blackmail the operations of the NSCDC in the war against oil theft in the area, whipped up public sentiment and tried to ambush the operatives who returned to the community the next day to arrest the key suspect.

According to him, “They (community-folks) demolished the bridge leading to the community, threatened the lives of our men by brandishing all

manner of weapons and even hauled stones at them. To scare them, our men applied simple defensive mechanism by releasing two shots in the air to disperse the violent crowd.

“The authorities of the NSCDC in a swift response to the allegation of shooting of an alleged indigene and being sensitive to issues of human rights, embarked on a fact-finding mission, and requested before the King of the community to take the so-called victim to a hospital for medical examination, but the community refused.

“We hereby state that we are civil defenders with a passion and commitment to ensure that all forms of sabotage, especially pipeline vandalism are brought to an end. Therefore, we cannot succumb to any plot by vandals and their sponsors to stop us from doing our

lawful duty”, the Commandant insisted.

The NSCDC boss who maintained that oil theft, pipeline vandalism are economic crimes with dire consequences, said that apart from damaging the environment and the eco-system, they impinge on national security.

He said the corps maintains the highest level of professionalism while discharging its responsibilities especially in weapon handling, insisting that in the case of Ikarama, nobody was shot and nobody was injured.

He appealed to the people of Ikarama community and other host communities to cooperate with the civil defenders in the important war against pipeline vandalism, stressing that health is more important than the selfish ambition of some evil merchants.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

6 News

Presidency faults TI on corruption rating in Nigeria Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Presidency has faulted the recent report of Transparency International (TI) that corruption is “getting worse” in

Nigeria.

Reacting to the IT’s latest global corruption index, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicty, Mr Garba Shehu, said that the ranking could be a

“political distraction”.

In its latest corruption perception index (CPI), TI said Nigeria dropped from 136 in 2016 to 148 in 2017, out of the 180 countries surveyed.

But the presidential

spokesman said the ranking did not reflect efforts of the federal government in its anti-corruption crusade.

Shehu said that even though The Presidency welcomes constructive

Sen Orji acknowledging cheers from women faithful

criticisms from TI, the organisation has a responsibility to reflect “the larger picture of the concrete and verifiable achievements” of the current administration in the anti-graft war.

He said, “The government is still wondering the criteria or facts used by the anti-corruption watchdog to arrive at its very misleading and unfair conclusions in its assessment of the federal government’s efforts in this anti-corruption crusade.

“It was once unthinkable to touch or prosecute the big men for corruption in Nigeria but President Buhari has ended impunity for corruption.

Today, the Buhari administration has made accountability the bedrock of governance and corruption is no longer fashionable because it attracts consequences.”

The presidential spokesman cited leakages blocked through the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as well as recoveries by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of the strides made by the federal government in the

fight against corruption.

He said that the government has also signed international agreements to recover the proceeds of corruption and “to block the laundering of stolen assets abroad by public officials”.

Shehu further said, “Anybody who knows where Nigeria was coming from would not believe that corruption is worse under the Buhari administration.

“We wonder where they got their facts from. At a time, they are alleging increase in corruption under this government, the whole of Africa is applauding by choosing President Buhari as the continental champion to lead the fight against it.

Nothing can be more eloquent than this.

“In the end, this whole episode may turn out to be just a political distraction, given the strong views some of TI’s patrons have expressed against the Buhari administration.

“This notwithstanding, facts are facts, and those facts won’t cease to be facts even if you don’t care to pay attention to them.”

How Provost, 4 others Court sentences Prof Iyayi’s killer to 7 years imprisonment mismanaged N359m- Witness Doosuur Iwambe - Abuja A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Lokoja has sentenced the dangerous driver, Danladi Baba, who drove recklessly and killed the former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof Festus Iyayi in a road traffic crash on the LokojaAbuja Highway, to seven years imprisonment without an option of fine.

The Chief Magistrate, U. Hussain, who presided over the court lamented the rate of recklessness on the Nigerian roads and cautioned other road users who might tread the same route like Danladi, on the position of the law over dangerous driving and

other lawlessness exhibited on the roads.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi kazeem, on Friday in Abuja.

He said the ruling took place at a Chief Magistrates’ Court 11 sitting in Lokoja where the case was originally instituted in Cop v Danladi Baba SMCM/CR76/2014 case file.

Professor Iyayi, the famous winner of the Commonwealth Prize for Literature, who was born in 1947 in Ugbegwu, Ishan in Edo State was killed in a motor accident on his way to the National Executive

Meeting (NEC) of ASUU in the company of Dr Anthony Monye-Emina and two others in continuation of negotiation with the federal government.

Bisi Kazeem, who spoke on behalf of the Corps said that the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, applauded the judiciary for ensuring that families of victims of road traffic crashes get necessary justice for the loss of their loved ones.

Oyeyemi, therefore, assured the public that erring drivers will now face appropriate sanctions and further urged the motoring public to always abide by established rules and desist from any act that will lead to loss of lives on our roads.

The trial of the Provost of Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, FSMLT, Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudo and four others over their alleged complicity in the diversion of funds to the tune of N359million continued on Thursday before Justice D.D.Longi of the Plateau State High Court, Jos. Others were Yusuf Samuel, Accountant, FSMLT; Ernest Demtoe, Secretary of Tenders Board, FSMLT; Goodluck Echewa, and Esio Udoh, both contractors of FSML. Etukudo and his co- accused are standing trial on a 15-count charge of conspiracy, diversion of funds and official corruption preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The matter, had on December 12, 2017, been adjourned to 21 and 22 February, 2018 for trial to commence de novo, following the re-arraignment of the defendants upon the appointment of former trial judge, Justice Y. G. Dakwak, as the state’s Chief Justice.

However, proceedings were stalled on February 21, after Justice Longi disallowed the witnesses subpoenaed by the prosecution to testify owing to the absence of their names in the proof of evidence.

At resumed proceedings on Thursday February 22, the prosecution presented its first witness, Mrs. Ethel Ekam, former staff of the FSMLT. Led in evidence by Samuel Okeleke, Ekam who testified as PW1, narrated to the court her knowledge of the matter before it.

“I was posted to FSMLT, Jos in November 2006 and transferred out in March 2014. My main duties were: lecturer, head of department, parasitology, project supervisor, project coordinator, practical coordinator and exam supervisor. My ad hoc duties were: hostel supervisor, student affairs officer, secretary, academic board, secretary, senior staff committee, secretary, scientist association, secretary to some organizing committees.

“I was invited by the EFCC to their office in Abuja sometime in March 2014.

On reaching there, I was shown a petition written by some concerned staff of the school against the provost (the first defendant).

I agreed with the petition and adopted it because it was the situation of things in the school at that time.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

7 News

1 killed, 2 injured in Plateau college protest ÏÏÏOne

student was killed while two others sustained injuries as students of College of Education, Gindiri in Plateau, protested against non-issuance of new identity cards.

The protest which took place on Thursday evening later turned violent when security men were drafted to intervene.

However, Cornelius Ka’ankuka, Acting Provost of the College, told Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau and his deputy on Friday that the management had promised to address the students’ demands within two weeks.

Ka’ankuka said that the corpse of the deceased student, Manji Philemon, has been de-

posited at the state hospital mortuary and would be released to the family for burial.

The provost said that the students burned down the school clinic after the injured students were treated and discharged.

Also,he said that 33 vehicles were damaged with seven of them, including the school ambu-

lance, completely burnt.

He said: “The students shattered the windows of the administrative block, the school library and vandalised COASU Corporative Society Shop and looted all goods in the shop including bags of rice and vegetable oil.

“The students also went to the rented residence of the former provost and destroyed some

properties and burnt down two cars that were parked in the premises.’’

Lalong expressed disappointment with the incident in spite of his administration’s efforts to improve facilities in schools in the state.

The governor, who was on the spot assessment visit to the college, vowed to deal decisively with those involved in the ugly

incident.

He said that a committee would be set up to investigate the cause of the unrest.

Lalong said: “After we receive the report we will show an example with those found wanting.’’

The school has been closed down indefinitely, as students were seen parking out of their hostels.

Anambra initiates computer training programme for blind, deaf, dumb

ÏÏÏTheAnambra

Representative of Lagos State Governor and Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Idiat Oluranti Adebule (second right); Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr. Ayodele Subair (right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation & Revenue, Mr. Fatai Lasisi (third right); Chairman, AV Imperial Limited, Mrs. Sheri Williams (third left); Hon. Naheem Adams representing Chairman, House Committee on Finance (second left) and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade (left) during a Stakeholders’ meeting on Fiscalization of Hotel Occupancy & Restaurant Consumption Tax Law at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja…. on Thursday.

NAF trains 500 special forces ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday said it had trained no fewer than 500 Special Forces from 2015 to date.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadiq Abubakar, disclosed this at the graduation of 150 Special Forces at the Regiment Training Centre, Kaduna.

Abubakar was represented by AVM Nurudeen Balogun, the Chief of Training and Operation at the NAF headquarters.

He said between 2015 and 2016, NAF trained 30 regiment personnel on counter terrorism in Pakistan and another 30 officers on Aircraft Anti-Hijack in China respectively.

The CAS said that the regiment training Centre had graduated 300 Nigerian Air Force Spe-

cial Forces personnel in 2017 in two batches.

Abubakar said: “Along with today’s graduation, the NAF has trained well over 500 Special Forces personnel since assumption of office.”

The Air chief said the force had initiated the progressive training of Special Forces which would add to the defence architecture to enable the projection of air power.

He said: “Imbibed the attributes of absolute discipline, honestly intelligence, motivation, Judgement, decisiveness teamwork aggressiveness and courage, among other values.

“I want to you to note that it is the possession of this virtue that binds all ranks in the service.

“The current leadership of the NAF is committed to enthroning

professionalism and as such, the rigorous combat training you received is designed to enhance your professional performance.”

He said that NAF would continue to build a highly sustainable and functional air force that would be responsive and decisive.

Abubakar said: “In this regard, several air and ground related capacity building initiative have been conducted in recent time.”

He said this would enable NAF to have depth flexibibility and capability to operate either alone or in conjunction with other sister services.

He said: “You will be deployed to various locations where your expertise will be required in resolving numerous security challenges across the country.”

Earlier, the acting Commandant, Regiment Training Centre, Group. Capt. Issac Subi, said that the 150 graduating students received training for eight weeks.

Subi said the curriculum of the Special Forces course was structured to make it effective and efficient to meet the ever changing complexities of military operations.

The Head of Israeli Military Training, Roy Zechut, said the trainees in adapting the new skills acquired during the course, would enhance operational success in combating the current terrorists and criminal threats.

Zechut reminded the students of the task ahead of them saying “you will have to prove on daily basis that you belong to the Special Forces family.

State government is organizing a computer training and capacity building programme for virtually impaired and hearing challenged persons across the State.

In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano on disability matters, Hon. Chukwuka Ezewuzie, and made available to journalists in Awka, said the free computer training and Braille literacy instruction for the blind, deaf and dumb (physically challenged persons) would enable them learn computer and make a difference through accessing computer technology and browsing the internet.

It explained that the packages to learn include Microsoft packages, open book application, internet web browser, website

construction, computer repairs, technical assistance among other communication technology.

The statement further explained that the programme which will last for three months will start from fifth of next month and will run from Mondays to Fridays beginning from eight o’clock in the morning at the disability and Human Right Services block, inside Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre Awka, within the premises of the State Ministry of Social Welfare, Children and Women’s Affairs.

It urges interested participants to register immediately for the programme which it said is another way the State Government, is helping the physically challenge persons in the State to access information technology.

Join fight against corruption, Bello urges NLC

ÏÏÏGovernor Yahaya Bello

of Kogi on Friday enjoined the Nigerian Labour Congress to join hands with the Federal Government in the fight against corruption for the development of the country.

Bello who made the call while speaking at the 40th Anniversary celebration of NLC in Lokoja, said the call was necessary in order to ensure the success of the crusade.

Represented by his deputy, Elder Simon Achuba, the governor said if labour strengthened itself and resolve to fight corruption alongside government, the war would be won with minimum stress.

He said that the nation required repentance in the placement of its values, adding that for corruption to thrive there must be a collaboration between the leaders and the led.

Bello held that Labour, at 40, had come of age to lead the nation and check the activities of the monster called corruption as being pursued

by the Buhari-led administration.

He said the civil service as the engine room of government at all levels was the most effective platform that could be used to check corruption in the system.

The governor explained that the on-going civil service reforms were geared toward restructuring the system to promote productivity and reduce high level corruption that had bedevilled the state.

He assured the workers that January and February salaries would be paid to all genuine workers in the state within the next two weeks and appealed to NLC to continue to cooperate with government.

Speaking earlier, the state chairman of the NLC, Comrade One Edoka, commended the past leadership of the organised Labour in the state and the country.

He said that the present leadership of Ayuba Wabba had been full of agitations in the fight for Kogi workers.

News

8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24 , 2018

Idris sets up task to enforce ban on illegal firearms possession ÎÎÎ. The Inspector Gener-

al of Police, Ibrahim Idris on Thursday set up a task force to enforce the ban placed on illegal and prohibited firearms, ammunition, weapons and devices across the country.

The operation is aimed at the full enforcement of the Firearms Act and to recover all prohibited firearms and illegally acquired weapons.

This, according to a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Ji-

moh Moshood, will enable the Nigeria Police Force deal decisively with herders and farmers’ clashes, kidnappings, armed robbery, cattle rustling, militancy Idris and terrorism.

“A police joint task enforcement team has been set up at the Force Headquarters by the Inspector General of Police, while the Commissioners of Police and the Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the States and Zonal Commands respectively have been mandated to im-

mediately set-up similar Police Joint Task Enforcement Teams in their States and Zones,” the statement read in part.

The task force according to the statement will the mop-up, seize and recover all illegal and prohibited firearms and ammunition from ‘wrong hands.’

“The operation will equally include cordon and search and raid, seizure from any premises, hideouts, dwelling houses or buildings or sites (completed or under construc-

tion) or any other location where these illegal/prohibited firearms are kept or on reasonable suspicion are believed to be kept or being used,” the force spokesperson said.

The IGP according to the statement also mandated Commissioners of Police and their supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police of the 12 Zonal Commands in the country; to immediately commence the mop up operation.

The categories of the prohibited/illegal fire-

arms and ammunition, specified under Chapter F.28 LFN 2004 Fire Arms Act include “artillery, apparatus for the discharge of any explosives of gas diffusing projectile, rocket weapons, bombs and grenades, machine-guns and machine-pistols, military rifles, namely; those of calibers 7.62mm, 9mm, .300 inches, Revolvers and Pistols whether rifled or unrifled (including flint-lock pistols and cap pistols), firearms such as pump action gun of all categories

Stampede as police tear-gas protesting Okpra Varsity NASU

and Any other firearms/ lethal weapons fabricated to kill.”

The police force also said individuals and groups such as vigilantes and neighbourhood watch group under state governments, local governments or town unions, hunters and watch night men who are currently possessing the illegal firearms are given 21-day ultimatum from February 22, 2018, to surrender them to the Commissioner of Police in their state.

Oyegun replies Tinubu, says I support you to the core

By Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia

By Babatunde Opalana, Abuja

The 2018 matriculation of undergraduates of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike took a different turn Friday as heavily armed policemen with soldiers, tear-gassed protesting Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) members of the university.

The matriculation which came unannounced unlike in the past when it comes with pomp and pageantry, was disrupted for hours as the management of the school led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ogbonnaya Otunta, engaged the services of soldiers, the Police, Man O’ War, school security and other security agencies, to contain the protesting union members, who were bent on stopping the matriculation by blocking entrance to the matriculation arena.

Sources have it that the protesters had while chanting solidarity songs, matched to the Senate Building and later invaded the event arena when the police was brought in to disperse them by firing tear gas canisters at them.

This made the students and the parents to scamper to safety.

The protesting NASU members who have been on strike had informed all who care to listen that the school management owes them salaries as well as sacking their members, while spending money for the matriculation which they had wanted to stop by all means.

Consequent upon the letter written by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to the national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in which he referred to Oyegun as a saboteur, the party chairman on Friday replied him, saying that Tinubu has his full support in the discharge of his assignment to reconcile warring partied in APC crisis ridden states.

Tinubu had in the letter said that Oyegun will sabotage his efforts in the task of resolving APC crisis, given him

by President Buhari.

Reacting to Tinubu’s allegations, Oyegun in a letter dated Friday, February 23, said, “I thank you for your letter dated February 21, 2018, for your prayers and good wishes for my health. I wish you the same and pray that our good God keeps you strong and grants you His peace,” “Let me once again formally congratulate you on the peacemaking assignment Mr. President has entrusted you with.

“It is most challenging but I believe you will ultimately justify the confidence reposed in you by Mr. President.

In this, you have my fullest support”, he finally wrote.

L-R: Mr. Lookman Martins; Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Projects, Mrs. Tolu Sadipe; Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Seyi Adisa; and the Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, during the governor’s working visit to the country to understudy modern cattle ranching and business value chain, in Vandel, Denmark...

Al- Mustapha storms Port Harcourt soon Memoye Oghu, Port Harcourt

ÎÎÎ

As the 2019 general elections draw closer, preparations are in top gear by the state branch of the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN) to accord a befitting and rousing welcome to its leader and founder, Major Hamza Al Mustapha (Rtd) who is expected to visit Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital soon.

The Daily Times gathered that the former chief security officer (CSO) to the late maximum military ruler, Sani Abacha was expected in Port Harcourt next week but that the visit had to be moved forward due to unforeseen circumstances.

The presidential hopeful of the party is expected

in the state in continuation of his meet the people tour across the country and to interact with the growing and teeming members of the party in the state.

When contacted, the state Coordinator of the party, Mr Alphine Whyte confirmed the visit but refused to disclose the actual date. “What you heard is actually true.

Our Principal, Major Hamza Al Mustapha is being expected in Port Harcourt.

The plans for his visit are still on and the moment we are through with the arrangements, we will make it public. But for now, we are still on the verge of preparations,” the GPN Coordinator informed our correspondent.

On the purpose of the visit, he said, “Well of course,

Al Mustapha is a Nigerian, he is a friend to Rivers people and you know, we are in political times and there is a party where Al Mustapha happens to be the leader and that is the party which I’m the Coordinator. He’s coming to see the work done so far in the state; let me say meet the people tour.”

Mr. Whyte further said that GPN, which started in the state as a mustard seed has now grown to be a household name. “People are trooping in. We don’t like blowing our trumpet.

When a few people decamp to a party they go on radio and shout so, so number has decamped to our party.

Defections are taking place on a daily basis. People are trooping in, in their numbers to make GPN great,”

he said, adding that many prominent sons and daughters of the state have defected to the party recently.

Although, he refused to mention the names of these prominent politicians in the state that have so far defected to the party because, according to him, many of these defectors are press shy and therefore want to remain anonymous for now and that the party too would strategically not want to let the cat out of the bag yet, we gathered that many politicians across political divide in the state have contacted the party to be on standby if their current parties deny them tickets for the 2019 elections. “It is too early for us to do that for now but I can assure you that they will be known soon,” he stated.

Politics How would you assess the performance of your party and the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government so far?

We know that Rome was not built in a day; and we are talking about changing from one party to the other, we are talking about changing from a party who ruled for 16 years, we have to know our onion and we are on the right track; you can’t say there has not been change in the country, it has to be gradual and if you want to be sincere you would rightly admit that there been progress.

Look at the Nigerians that are returning from Libyan; a lot of them left the country because it was in bad shape, they felt the country could not offer them opportunities for them to fulfill their dreams, they left in frustrations; and now they are getting back because the country is moving forward.

Even people in other places in the world are retuning to set up companies and businesses here.

But you know change is not easy; it is just like when you wash clothes, you have to allow it dry before you put it on; Buhari is a man of dignity, he is respected all around the world, let us give him chance, he would bring the change he promised, we need more patience, what has been damaged for 16 years cannot suddenly change overnight.

But people think he is concentrating much effort in the fight against corruption neglecting other sectors?

I would just say when things are like this, you would say because I don’t belong to his party that is why am being targeted; but you have to realise that fighting corruption was the promise he gave to Nigerians. A lot of people are stealing money, and we say he should not focus on corruption, look at the road and the state of infrastructure, we need to collect the money in the hands of the few and use it for the masses and I want to tell Nigerians that things would work.

Are you saying you are in support of his second term bid?

Buhari deserves a second term; thing would work; it would be gradual, don’t forget that there was much damage done by the previous administrations, the country would soon be a better place for us, I believe the President has good intentions for the country.

What is your reaction to Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter and even that of Ibrahim Babangida?

Everybody has their own mind, the letter was met to do some checkup, and I think the President have accepted it in good faith. I think Buhari would move up from there. We know Obasanjo when he was there as the President; he did not listen to advise, people said he was stubborn and he always follow his ideas; I think he would change for the better, we should give him a chance.

The man at the helm of affairs understands the letter, he would pick the pact, they are close friends, he would know the reason for the letter, and he would pick things up.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

Lagos a shining example of what good governance should be –Fafunmi ≥≥10&11

Ladoja, Lanlehin others still in PDP, Oyo exco intact, says party scribe ≥≥ 12

Buhari deserves second term, his intentions good – Adediran

ADEDIRAN

Hon Adetoun Adediran is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, a former Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and currently aspiring for the House of Representatives. in the 2019 general election.

In this interview with selected journalists adediran speaks on the forthcoming elections and other national issues polls THERESA TEKENAH was there for The Daily Times.

What is your reaction to the Obasanjo coalition?

We now have many parties, I think about 67 in the country, and now you are talking about another coalition.

What I know is that the President has been performing, he is back in the country and he is healthy now and he has been working, lets give him a chance. The people in the third force;

when they were in office, what did they do? Because they are no more in office, they want to form clique to fight the government that is not good. We have a leader in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is working to change things and reposition the party.

How true is it that your party is in crisis?

Buhari deserves a second term; thing would work; it would be gradual, don’t forget that there was much damage done by the previous administrations, the country would soon be a better place for us, I believe the President has good intentions for the country.

9

There is no party were there would not be crisis; because some people would be angry somehow with the state of things. Asiwaju Tinubu would change things, we know people are angry, crisis is normal in party politics, but it would come and go, but I don’t see any crisis like the one we have in the former regime.

You are a former Deputy Speaker in Lagos State, what was the experience like?

Well, I was as the Deputy Speaker, I thank God for the memorable time; we had our issues and we work as a family in the House then. It was not easy; we had 40 people from different background and we tried to be friends to ourselves, it was tasking and challenging, and I thank God for the graces.

My memorable occasions were during my attempt to pass a bill I initiated for the return of environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State. When I moved round the state and realised that the state was dirty. I gave questionnaires round the state and got people’s opinion on the issue; we were still operating only the 20 local government areas then. When the bill was presented on several occasions the Speaker was not around, later I realised that this was deliberate; and I said no let this bill be presented when the Speaker is around, and it was presented when the Speaker came. I remember I met with the state governor and top government officials on the bill and they were happy about it, and later the government presented a bill on that same issue and both including my motion was passed along with the bill into law.

Being a female did you feel threatened, presiding over a House dominated by men?

There is no gender when you talk about the Assembly members, when am presiding as the Speaker they respond with a sir. The issue of gender does not arise, it is not a question. Don’t forget at that time we were just coming from the military regime and people were not sure if democracy would work; I did not allow my gender to control me, when it was right time for me to talk I did, I presented my views the way it should be and I did not allow my colleagues to see me as weak because I am a woman.

How do you react to the assumption that most Houses of Assembly these days are rubber stamp of the executives?

Sometime people think like that, that the Houses of Assembly have been bought and that is because they want accountability and independency.

But there should be cooperation, they should work hand in hand; they should call the attention of government to issues. Thank God for the kind of governor we have here in Lagos State they don’t have much problem because the governor is much on ground and all-round the state projects are going on , he is there for the people and there is no problem.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

Hon. Dayo Saka-Fafunmi, a lawyer and an engineer is the member representing Ifako Ijaiye Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly . In this interview with PATRICK OKOHUE, Saka-Fafunmi speaks on why he has decided to take his representation a notch higher by vying for a seat in the House of Representatives to give his people better representation.

SAKA-FAFUNMI

Lagos, a shining example of what good governance should be –Fafunmi Your political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently set up a national reconciliation committee headed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but considering issues in the party, its inability to hold a national convention since inception and many other issues, what are the things you think Tinubu should pay more attention to in achieving his goals?

Like its rightly said, Tinubu is a living legend and the leader of our party who I strongly believe is in a position to turn around the situation that we have found ourselves whether deliberately or accidentally.

The APC is a party that fits together the ACN, (Action Congress of Nigeria), the CPC, (Congress for Progressive Change), PDP and other minority parties and you will agree with me that when you have such meeting of minds, after sometime if your expectations are not met, such individuals or groups are bound to be disgruntled and in a way to express their unhappiness they probably will be working against the interest of the party and the party will gradually become more fragmented. I don’t see any other leader with such a big heart than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is a well grounded politician, strategist and someone who understands what it takes to hold power, so the appointment of Tinubu to address all these issues in the party is putting a square peg in a square hole, there is no other person who can do it better.

Now, one of the areas I strongly believe that Senator Tinubu should work is to further strengthen the party to give the party its rightful place. One of the things that happens in other countries, because we should not insulate ourselves from happenings around us, in South Africa for example, when Jacob Zuma was alleged to have done some unlawful acts that was perceived as corruption in the eyes of the people, the party was able to rise and take a decision and at the end of the day the position of the party in conjunction with parliament was seen to the very end, but such a thing cannot happen in Nigeria because the party has not been given its rightful place and even the leadership of the party should allow it to evolve from the people, give the people a voice in determining who governs them.

Before Zuma became President of South Africa, I was in South Africa in 2007, 2008, Thambo Mbeki was still President, he was just about two years in office or thereabout and they were already saying their next president will be Jacob Zuma and I asked how did you know and they said in ANC, Zuma will emerge as the leader of the party and from being the leader of the party and since ANC is forming the national govern-

ment he will be the next president. I looked at our case, do we have such provisions in our constitution, do we have an avenue where if we elect anyone into office and that person goes beyond his briefs is there anyway we can address such issues, here you can only address it through impeachment, but it is not easy to achieve and if we don’t build our society and allow our democracy to grow to such a level to the such demonstrated in South Africa. What happened in Zimbabwe cannot even happen in Nigeria, if the military should seize power here it is gone, they will want to remain in power. What I feel the National Assembly should do is to say look we have been on a track for sometimes, we were doing things in a particular way, if other Africans are doing it this other way and are getting better results than us why can’t we look outside our immediate domain and see what we can do better. We don’t necessarily have to copy what is done in America or Britain, look within Africa, see where we have failed, yes we are practicing presidential system of government and they parliamentary, but the essential thing is what the mechanism of governance is that is making them improve and I don’t see why we cannot borrow such ideology and bring it into our own so that we can achieve what others are achieving.

The National Assembly, recently approved the re-ordering of election timetable and it generated uproar in the Senate with some senators saying the action was targeted against Mr. President’s re-election bid, do you see it that way or you think it is in the best interest of the country?

I am not a member of the Senate, but if some members should come out to say that about 59 of them have met and they have seen that it is targeted at Mr President, if that is true, such an act or a bill should not stand. I am one person who strongly believe that a law should not be made because of one person or targeted at

When you look at it there is always a place for everyone, whether you are an elite or an ordinary person, there is always a place for you to fit into the policy. So, by and large I strongly believe that the endorsement he is receiving, though it might be a way to patronise him politically, but it’s a well deserved endorsement, if I have the privilege of endorsing him I will endorse him, because I have seen what he has done and I will continue to endorse him

any individual, you make laws for groups of people, to address a collection of issue in society, not just because of one person. Now, what has been the practice? During elections, it is usually the presidential and National Assembly elections that comes first and after that you have the governorship and state Houses of Assembly and the local government, like that of Abuja municipality. If it is the responsibility of INEC to determine election why are you legislating on it, what is in it for them to legislate on the order of election?

But, it was earlier enacted by the National Assembly and part of the Electoral Act, all they did was to amend their own laws, is there anything wrong with that?

What is the basis for amendment, if you want to reverse the order why not start with the Abuja Municipal election, why not start with state’s houses of Assembly and governorship and allow the National Assembly to follow and then the presidential. You see lets’ make laws devoid of any form of sentiment. I really don’t want to get involved with the politics of the Senate, but if every senator should search his conscience, if the law is targeted at one individual I will stand against it, but if it was done in the collective interest of the country I will stand by it, but for now I cannot take a position because I don’t have the true picture of things.

This administration came to office riding on the wings of anti-corruption crusade, but recently the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, who was suspended by the Minister of Health was reinstated by the President despite the several corruption allegations which are still being investigated by the EFCC, how do you look at this in line with the anti-corruption war?

Well, on that issue I will say you cannot be fighting corruption and at the same time be encouraging corruption and expect to be taken seriously. You can’t be doing selective prosecution if you are fighting corruption. That is why if you look at the symbol of justice, you will see the lady is holding a sword and putting on a blind fold, that is to say that for justice to be served I don’t have to know who you are, whether you are the defender or you are the accused, wherever the balance of justice stays that is where the sword will go. That is justice. In the approach of fighting corruption, if there is allegation against any person, even if it is against the personal assistant of Mr. President, even if it is Mr. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

11 Politics

‘Lagos, a shining example of what good governance’

If you look at other states that are not doing well, go and look at the state of their legislature, they are weak, extremely weak and they are at the whims and caprices of the executives and when that happens there won’t be any meaningful development, because there is no check and balances. I have seen situations where honourable members go to their governors, kneeling down and begging the governors, even for them to even speak to their governors they must be on their knees

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

President’s own brother who is holding a public office that is being alleged, Mr. President should and must allow the person to be investigated, let them come up with the report, if he is exonerated from all the allegations, that is the only time Mr. President will have the legitimacy of putting such a person back to office. But, when someone is being investigated and you now try to cover such a person up by bringing such a person back through the back door, where is justice? Since he is back in the office he is going to hamper investigation, the efficacy of whoever is investigating, documents that ordinarily should have been submitted he will keep them away from those investigating and it will hamper investigation.

Investigation is a process, so, I strongly feel Mr. President should have a rethink on the issue and let the voice of the people prevail on this. He doesn’t have to defend anybody, we know him that he is not a corrupt man, but when you are as white as snow and you are now playing in the midst of dirt, you and I know what will happen to you white garment, so, when anyone is being alleged the proper thing is that let the law take its place, let who whoever alleges prove his case. When you appoint anyone as a minister you have given such person a certain level of authority and the minister has every authority to suspend those under him, he might not necessarily have the powers to remove, and while on suspension is for them to carry out due diligence and if he is clean he is put back in his position without any problem. I have seen some of the unions protesting, I have seen some of the staff in NHIS saying he is a bad influence. While we respected the President the way we did while he was coming to office was because of the precedent he set as military Head of State, he has zero tolerance to indiscipline and corruption, but with the look of things Mr. President still needs to realise that, he is no more a man in uniform he needs to listen to the cries of the people, he needs to sit on issues and look at them dispassionately, irrespective of whoever is involved.

There has recently been an upsurge in the number of people falling over themselves to endorse the Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode for second term, but some people are saying yes Ambode is doing well and deserves to have a second term, but that many of those doing the endorsement however are not doing it in the interest of the governor but for self interest, sycophancy, do you agree?

Well, a good product does not need too much marketing, His Excellency Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has demonstrated that he is a very good product and Lagosians have bought into his own ideology. You see, the business of governance is about ideology, it’s about what you stand for, if you don’t know why you are in government that is when you fall for every trick, because the moment you assume office a lot of proposals, things will come to you and you should know what you stand for, where you belong.

He has demonstrated with his various reforms, be it in environment, health, transportation in every form of reform coupled with unprecedented infrastructure growth that he is someone that thinks outside the box. He has performed many wonders and one of it is the Lekki Epe Expressway, he was able to take away with those big roundabouts that usually lead to those heavy traffic congestions. He was able to lift the face of our

SAKA-FAFUNMI

bus terminals that is being constructed everywhere, now looking like the UK (United Kingdom) city terminals, to take away traffic from the roads to be able to accommodate the increasing population.

Don’t forget that the major obstacle that we have in Lagos is the ever increasing population. Lagos is the only state that is really doing well because of our IGR (internally Generated Revenue), it’s not like the other state governors don’t know what to do, but Lagos because of its seashore has economic advantage over any other state, so Lagos is growing at an unprecedented rate and every state around Lagos and even in Nigeria cannot catch up with it and this leads to influx of more people to Lagos and as a result Lagos is facing a lot of challenges, like transportation challenges, housing, environmental, health and all other challenges and as such Lagos will always be on the heat. That is why the re-engineering, transformation, the repositioning which his Excellency is doing is meant to accommodate all these challenges and in doing that he is able to continue to grow the GDP of Lagos and creating additional jobs. The environment alone is creating about 27,500 jobs and ever since I have been in government we have not created jobs as much as Ambode has done, just look at the Safety Corps.

to endorse him, so anyone who is giving him endorsement without political undertone is a good one, but sycophancy comes in when people wants to be seen to be doing the job and the job belongs to the party. The party brought the governor in and it is the same party that will still bring him in, but sycophancy will set in when people starts forming groups to say we are the supporters of Ambode, we are one party, one body and Ambode belongs to everyone, he does not belongs to one Ambode supporters vanguard or any group for that matter, he belongs to the whole of Lagos and he is the number one member of APC in Lagos State. So, if you look at all these things you will agree that his endorsement is not like some other endorsements that are being orchestrated by the person that is being endorsed.

Most of the people endorsing him are people who have benefitted from his government one way or the other or groups of people who strongly believe in his vision, who share in his ideology and that is good for our democracy. If Assembly members are to endorse him I strongly believe that he will get all the 40 members endorsing him, even the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) member will endorse him as well because they can’t proffer a better solution to the issues confronting Lagos better than he has done

Are you saying no Lagos government before Ambode in this dispensation has created as much jobs?

Yes, in this dispensation, if you look at it, Fashola did well in terms of road infrastructure, in terms of repositioning Lagos, he built on the foundation laid by our leader, Jagaban of Borgu and when you look at that successive governments you will see that this man is bringing a new face to governance, though some see some of his policies as elitists in nature, but when you look at it there is always a place for everyone, whether you are an elite or an ordinary person, there is always a place for you to fit into the policy.

So, by and large I strongly believe that the endorsement he is receiving, though it might be a way to patronise him politically, but it’s a well deserved endorsement, if I have the privilege of endorsing him I will endorse him, because I have seen what he has done and I will continue

You really can’t be sure of that until election time?

Well, let’s wait and see, but the message has been passed that we know that some people might want to play games, but we all know that in the governance of the state, there is no vacancy, the PDP or any other party should wait, we have put a process in place and we have a destination in sight, they should allow us to focus on our journey, because if anything goes wrong in Lagos the whole nation will be affected, because this is the only state where every Nigerian believe they can earn a legitimate living and Lagos is working.

You have been here for the third term and from sources you are now looking towards Abuja, to go the House of Representatives, what is your interest in Abuja?

Let me say that election is a function

of what you stand for, who you are, your political ideology, your relationship and interaction with the people. Today, Asiwaju is not standing election, but whichever party he is that is where all of us will go because we believe in his leadership. A lot of people believe in my leadership and my representation and that informed my decision to want to take representation to a higher pedestal at the National Assembly. Having been here for three terms, it is quite unprecedented and I thank the people of my constituency and the leadership of the party for giving me such opportunity, I know that some are running the fourth term and some will probably come back to run the fifth term. The truth in the matter is that legislative business is not a small business, it is not a child’s play and for you to be well grounded as a legislator it takes more than what you read in text books, you must gather experience, most often, great leaders of the world they build institutions, one of the things that endeared me to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is by constantly ensuring that he builds virile institutions, a virile legislative house and any executive that is thinking of strengthening the legislature is a friend of the masses and till eternity Lagosians will always appreciate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening the legislature.

If you look at other states that are not doing well, go and look at the state of their legislature, they are weak, extremely weak and they are at the whims and caprices of the executives and when that happens there won’t be any meaningful development, because there is no check and balances. I have seen situations where honourable members go to their governors, kneeling down and begging the governors, even for them to even speak to their governors they must be on their knees, it does not happen here. In Lagos our leaders have given us a voice for the voiceless, they have defended the very weak to ensure that we have true democracy in Lagos. Because of all that is happening, I have done necessary training here as a lawmaker, I have necessary educational qualifications that will make me perform excellently well if given the opportunity to represent Ifako Ijaiye at the National Assembly. I am not just going there as a lawmaker, I am going there both as a lawmaker and as someone who knows the law. It’s a different thing when you make the law and you make a better law when you know the law, that is what I consider to be my added advantage for me representing the people. I am not saying that the person there has not done well in terms of lawmaking, but the responsibility of a lawmaker transcends lawmaking, it involves representation, legitimising, agenda setting and so many things and I probably will be able to do much more if given the opportunity. It is a contest, that is the beauty of democracy.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

Ladoja, Lanlehin others still in PDP, Oyo exco intact, says party scribe Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Wasiu Emiola has declared that former governor of the state, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and other political bigwigs in the state are still in the party.

He, however, urged members of the public to disregard “the purported harmonisation of the current executive of the PDP in Oyo State.”

Emiola made this known shortly after a meeting held on Thursday at the Bodija residence of Ladoja who doubles as the leader of the party in the state.

He told the teeming supporters and members of the public that the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus had called the state chapter of the party to see the development of alleged harmonisation of State Executive of PDP “as mere rumour.”

Emiola declared that the Party’s Deputy National Chairman, Mr. Yemi Akinwonmi will visit Ladoja as part of measures to douse the tension generated by the news of the alleged harmonisation of the party executive to cater for the interest of an aggrieved group led by a governorship aspirant, Mr Seyi Makinde.

LADOJA

LANLEHIN

He noted that the meeting presided over by Ladoja, which had in attendance, Lanlehin; Chief Bisi Ilaka, Hon. Busari Olayemi; Mrs. Yetunde Ajibola; Chief Ademola Mofolasere; Chief Bashiru Lawal and Dr. Nureni Adeniran among others, resolved that “Ladoja remains our party

leader in the state with an affirmation of vote of confidence on the State executive led by Alhaji Kunmi Mustafa.”

He said “The information concerning the purported harmonisation of the State Executive to cater for some people was a mere rumour and should therefore be

APC sets up committee to resolve Kaduna crisis Barely 48 hours after the factional office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State was demolished, a three-member committee has been raised to mediate on the internal crisis.

The committee would identify the remote and immediate causes of the crisis in its Kaduna State chapter.

According to a statement issued by Malam Bolaji Abudullahi, the APC National Publicity Secretary, the decision to probe the crisis was taken at an executive session of the party´s National Working Committee (NWC).

“The unfolding situation in Kaduna State is deeply regrettable and request all parties in the disagreement to maintain utmost decorum and give opportunity for true reconciliation,” he said.

The building housing the secretariat of a faction of the APC in Kaduna State, was recently demolished by the state government.

The demolished building which is said to belong to Senator Sulaiman Hunkuyi is located at 11B Sambo road.

The Kaduna Geographic Information Services (KADGIS) in a statement explained that the building was demolished for flagrant violation of the land use and non-payment of ground rent since 2010.

The incident happened two weeks after Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the APC consultation, reconciliation and confidence-building team.

Tinubu’s assignment, among others, is to forge cohesion within the APC ahead of the 2019 general election. It involves resolving disagreements among party members and leaders.

It also involves reconciling political office holders in some APC-controlled states and addressing crises in the party`s chapters in Kano, Kogi, Kaduna, Bauchi, Cross River and other states.

The Kaduna State chapter of the APC had been factionalised and had been in crisis for close to two years.

EL-RUFAI According to Senator Shehu Sani, who represents Kaduna central in the Senate, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of the state has pocketed the party.

Sani alleged that El-Rufia was exploiting his proximity to the President to impose his will and unleash terror on APC members in the state.

“Right now, the party is already divided in Kaduna and it is for the national secretariat to note this and we have said it in clear terms,” Sani said.

The three member committee is led by the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Mr Segun Oni. The committee would identify the disagreement and the circumstances that led to the demolition of Hunkuyi´s building and it is to report back to the NWC within a week.

Other members of the committee are the APC National Auditor, Mr George Moghalu and its National Woman Leader, Hajia Rahmatu Alliyu.

The party also re-affirmed that Alhaji Haddy Ametuo remained the party´s chairman in Kogi until its appropriate organ decided otherwise in accordance with its constitution.

discountenanced because the party at the national level cannot tamper with the authentic list of the executive who emerged through due process of the Congresses spearheaded by both the Chairman, PDP Caretaker Committee and State Congress monitoring committee, Hon. Tunde Akogun and Senator Liyel Imoke respectively.”

While referring to an internal memorandum dated November 30, 2017 signed by the immediate past Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and addressed to the National Executive Committee over the Congresses held in Adamawa, Borno, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, Emiola quoted Makarfi as saying that “I am happy to report that Congresses were conducted successfully and Party Executive Officers have emerged in the aforementioned states.”

He further stated that the NEC in its wisdom approved and affirmed leadership of the party in the aforementioned nine states with a proviso that “there are some minor issues arising from the Congresses in Lagos, Kebbi, Kwara, Ogun and Oyo states that can in no way alter the outcome of the Congresses.”

‘Buhari deserves second term’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Do you agree that the number of women in politics in Nigeria has dropped, are you satisfied with the number of women in politics now?

No I am not satisfied, the number has dropped in the Assembly and in politics; but we have them more in the judiciary. When you are talking about elective positions, our people believe we don’t have money power to compete with the men, that is why when we say we have to spend , we are hoping things would change. We should not monetize our political system, because when you take money from a candidate to vote, it means your vote have been bought and they would not care for your interest or have the people at heart.

Our women can’t stand hooliganism, but what I say is; if you want to be in politics you should be able to face it.

They would threaten you with guns; cutlasses and you have to put your foot on the ground. The number of women in politics have dropped. When I contested at that time this issue was not so pronounced, I mean money, hooliganism and the rest, they are becoming too much and we women are not that strong.

Are you in support of the affirmative action bill that was rejected by the National Assembly?

Am not in support of 35 percent affirmative action; why can’t we get 50 percent? Let them give us the chance, at home we cook, wash, take care of the children, and do the rest things so why not give us the equal chance with the men.

Why are you aspiring for the House of Representatives?

We need to give our people the dividend of democracy, am a grassroots person, I listen to my people, I know

what they want; I give thanks to the people; even when I was outside the country, when I came back I saw my poster everywhere, I thank them for that, I also thank them for believing in me, I would stand with them.

Surulere is a cosmopolitan city what are the needs of the people there?

Do you think there is no problem, no matter how developed a city can be, we still have issues with roads, light and several others issues; I can lobby my colleagues and get things for my constituency? You have to say it when you know, when there are issues that are important for your people you must lobby to get the job done, that is what legislative position is all about.

How confident are you that you would get the ticket, or are you thinking of decamping?

No, I would never do that: Even the leaders of the party would tell you this is a serious and loyal member of the party. I have been in the party from the inception. I have been showing my interest for the position for some time now, since 2007 and the party leaders said no, I should give them time; and I rise again and they said no in 2011, all these while I have been working for the candidate that the party present, and this is 16 years after, it is a long time.

I believe this is a long time, if you give birth to a child for that long, it would have grown up by now and say; but it was Femi Gbajabiamila that was in the House of Representative at that time.

We need the representative of the people; someone who would be there for us, whenever the people of your constituency need you. And I want to serve my people because I understand their needs.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24 ,2018

13 News

S’ Court orders INEC to delineate Bakassi LGA Ïd ƕ Ɛ Ɔƕ ƒƆ ƑƇƇƆƏƆƗ Ɔ Ƒ Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), on patrol to maintain free flow of traffic and combat crime across the metropolis with the newly donated power bikes on Thursday, handed over by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, recently.

^ ƇƏƑ ƐƏ Ɛƈ ƏƆ ƅƑƆ Ƈ # ƍƅ ƈ ƈƏƋ é ^#^ Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that Nigerians should hold President Muhammadu Buhari-led Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) responsible for the failure to rescue the missing 94 Dapchi School girls due the contradicting information from the government.

In a statement signed on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP alleged that the Presidency has put Nigerians at risk by deceiving the people and issuing false performance indices suggesting that insurgents have been completely routed out, a situation which made our unsuspecting citizens trust a lie and dropped their guards in the face of real threats and danger.

The statement read, “Without doubt, if the incompetent All Progressives Congress (APC)led government had not

dished out lies to the people in a bid to score cheap political points for its illlucked 2019 re-election bid, more precautionary measures would have been adopted by the affected communities to ensure adequate protection.

“While Nigerians are appalled by APC’s recourse to false indices in critical sectors, it is however, to say the least, an inexcusable height of wickedness to give a vulnerable people a false assurance of security when they are actually in danger.”

The PDP further decried as iniquitous, the efforts by APC-controlled federal authorities to suppress information on the abduction, leading to conflicting reports and frustrating of rescue mission, just because they seek to hide the failures of the presidency in ensuring the safety of Nigerians, particularly in the north.

“We were shocked that in their proclivity to deceive, the authorities earlier informed Nigerians

that some of the girls have been recovered only for the news to turn out to be false.

“While President Buhari has not uttered any word of assurance, Government’s visiting team headed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed only had a whistle stop at the Dapchi school and made no effort to interface or even commiserate with community leaders and parents of the abducted girls, while completely shutting out the media. This only further confirms APC’s insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.

“It is more irking that the President and Commander-in-Chief will publicly provide a day an asymmetry war will come to an end as if acts of insurgency are fought like a conventional warfare.

“It is painful that Nigerians are faced today with a government that has been heavy on propaganda and issuing of false statistics, while playing

down on several atrocities committed against defenseless citizens.

“Under the PDP, Nigerians were never told lies on the true situation of the state of affairs in all sectors, particularly security. The PDP-led government constantly briefed Nigerians and carried all stakeholders along in our concerted effort in securing lives and property in our nation.

“Nigerians and indeed the world must hold the Buhari Presidency and the APC-led Federal Government directly responsible for the abduction of these defenseless schoolgirls as well as the killings in our country today.”

While the PDP stands with the parents of the abducted girls at this moment of their harrowing pains and prays for their speedy return, we implore our security forces to insulate themselves from APC propaganda, take very decisive professional steps to recover our girls and end the killings in our country.

Oyintiloye hails Buhari over Hussain’s NPC appointment

Ï ƍƍƋ ƑƗ R Ƒ #ƆƍƑƐƕ 1 ƒ 9MG Ɠ ƏƗ

ÏÏÏOsun state House of

Assembly member representing Obokun State constituency has commended President Muhammadu Buhari led APC government on the appointment of Senator Mudashiru Hussain as a Federal Commissioner for the National Population Commission.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing experienced individuals into several political offices in the country.

Oyintiloye (APC Obokun)

also congratulated the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress over the appointment, adding that the appointment will go a long way in reassuring members of the party that there is a reward for loyalty.

The lawmaker who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy in the Assembly, described the appointee as deserving

saying Senator Hussein’s loyalty to the party and national development is convincing.

Olatunbosun, however implored the new appointee to deploy his wealth of experience to the task and keep the flag of Osun flying.

Similarly, the lawmaker also congratulated Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori over Independent Newspaper award conferred on her last Saturday.

He described the award of ‘The Most Outstanding

Deputy Governor in Nigeria’ conferred on Otunba Grace as a reward for her contribution to good governance, and love for the common people.

Olatunbosun revealed that the Deputy Governor is a uniquely strong woman who is worthy of emulation especially in her loyalty to the Rauf Aregbesola led Administration.

The Parliamentarian who pointed out that the award is an indication that the APC led government is made up of people of great minds.

Supreme Court has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), to delineate wards in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Delivering a judgment on an appeal brought by the INEC against representatives of Bakassi LGA who were displaced from the Republic of Cameroon, the apex court held on Friday ruled that the people of Bakassi had suffered enough and urged the electoral umpire to “do the needful” in ameliorating their plight by delineating areas in the council.

The respondents in the appeal: Muri Asuquo, Chiefs Antigha Cobham, Bassey Ekpenyong Etim and Effiong Iyam who had instituted the case at the lower court for themselves and on behalf of Ikanga, Esighi, Antigha Ene Eyo and Edihi Idim Ikot Eyi Clans, of Bakassi LGA, respectively, in their brief of argument, had urged the Supreme Court to uphold the February 2012 judgments of a Federal High Court and a Court of Appeal which were in their favour, and to dismiss the appeal filed

by INEC. The people of Bakassi had gone to court to compel INEC to recognise and conduct elections in their carved out wards following the boundaries adjustment by the Cross River State House of Assembly which was in line with Law No 7 of Cross River State 2007.

It would be recalled that the lower court in its verdict ordered the INEC to conduct elections in ten (10) new wards of Bakassi that were created from the old three (3) Ikanga Wards in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state after the Federal government ceded Bakassi to Cameroon.

In the lead judgment of the apex court on Friday, which was prepared and delivered by Justice

John Inyang Okoro, the Supreme Court said: “All we are saying in this judgment is that INEC should take steps to do the needful.”

“The people of Bakassi have suffered more than enough, and that their own representation should not be tampered with. INEC should do something as soon as possible at least to make them feel that they (Bakassi) belong,” Justice Okoro noted.

The Supreme Court further held that the Cross River State House of Assembly “has powers to make laws to adjust boundaries of local governments as it deemed fit” in line with Law No 7 of the state, adding that the law did not create any constituency, but adjusted boundaries of Akpabuyo LGA in order to accommodate Bakassi.

Apex Court agreed with the appellant (INEC) that as the electoral umpire it had the sole power to create constituencies.

Presenting their arguments before the Supreme Court, the respondents (Bakassi representatives) submitted that the state assembly had powers having enacted Law No 7 as a legal compass to locate Ikanga North, Ikanga Central and Ikanga South as Wards in Bakassi LGA, in view of the current realities on ground occasioned by the cession of Bakassi to Cameroon, saying, INEC ought to have effected a consequential amendment in its directory of wards and constituencies in Cross River State.

Reacting to the judgment, the Cross River State Commission for Transport, Hon Nyong Saviour Okon, expressed delight at the decision of the apex court, saying, “on behalf of the government of Cross River State, we have received this judgment with delight.

As a law-abiding people, we will go with the dictates of the judgment.

We will try to get INEC to do the needful,” he said.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

Be peace builders in your host communities, NCNE scribe tells nomadic teachers Smuel Luka, Bauchi

ÏÏÏNomadic

Govenernor Umar Ganduje of Kano state9 second right), Gov Kashim Shettima of Borno state (second left) at the presentation of 1,000 blankets and a sum of N200m to the Borno govt for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Maiduguri...on Friday

NSCDC blacklists Bayelsa community haven of oil theft Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe

Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Bayelsa State Command has lamented the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals in Ikarama Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Godwin Nwachukwu who addressed a press conference on Friday in his office said the people of Ikarama are notorious for oil theft, pipeline vandalism adding that the syndicate had always adopted various “devilish strategies” to frustrate the efforts of NSCDC to stop their practices.

He however said despite all the antics of those alleged evil merchants, the corps had continuously remained resolute to ensure an end to economic crimes in the area.

Nwachukwu used the occasion to react to the alleged shooting of a member of. Ikarama Vigilance Group, Perekurofa Odoyibo by the personnel

of NSCDC last Tuesday when the men went to arrest a suspect He said, “Our antivandal team based in Ikarama community responded to a case of sabotage of oil pipelines in the community. The team was only doing its legitimate duty in line with the mandate of the NSCDC. “Our investigation into the incident that happened on the said date revealed that our men did not release a single gunshot. Despite all the harassment, insults and other uncivil means unleashed on our men to stop them from arresting a key suspect involved in the recent vandalism in the community, our operatives were professional and fired no shots.

“Though the key suspect escaped, they were able to arrest a woman who works with him and knew his whereabouts.

The woman was quizzed and later released. She made valuable confessional statements which we are using to continue with our investigation.”

The Commandant said the community-folks not relenting in their plots

to frustrate and blackmail the operations of the NSCDC in the war against oil theft in the area, whipped up public sentiment and tried to ambush the operatives who returned to the community the next day to arrest the key suspect.

According to him, “They (communityfolks) demolished the bridge leading to the community, threatened the lives of our men by brandishing all manner of weapons and even hauled stones at them.

To scare them, our men applied simple defensive mechanism by releasing two shots in the air to disperse the violent crowd.

“The authorities of the NSCDC in a swift response to the allegation of shooting of an alleged indigene and being sensitive to issues of human rights, embarked on a fact-finding mission, and requested before the King of the community to take the so-called victim to a hospital for medical examination, but the community refused.

“We hereby state that we are civil defenders with a passion and com-

mitment to ensure that all forms of sabotage, especially pipeline vandalism are brought to an end. Therefore, we cannot succumb to any plot by vandals and their sponsors to stop us from doing our lawful duty”, the Commandant insisted.

The NSCDC boss who maintained that oil theft, pipeline vandalism are economic crimes with dire consequences, said that apart from damaging the environment and the eco-system, they impinge on national security.

He said the corps maintains the highest level of professionalism while discharging its responsibilities especially in weapon handling, insisting that in the case of Ikarama, nobody was shot and nobody was injured.

He appealed to the people of Ikarama community and other host communities to cooperate with the civil defenders in the important war against pipeline vandalism, stressing that health is more important than the selfish ambition of some evil merchants.

teachers across the country have been told to imbibe the culture of peace building within and outside the communities they are serving.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) Professor Bashir Haruna Usman gade the counseling Friday during the Opening ceremony of 4- day National Teachers Training Workshop for Nomadic School Head Teachers /Teachers in the North East zone held at Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi which was Supported by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on SDGs. “A lot of issues are involved in our communities that resulted in to clashes, killing, rustling, grazing, ranching. So, as teachers we have to be the agents that will build peace among the communities”.

Usman said.

He added that, “No one would like to see human beings being killed, we have to counsel the children, parents, leaders in the communities on the need for peace building, we have seen enough of this senseless killings”, he added.

Professor Usman further stated that, “It’s our responsibility to step down what we learned at the training workshop to other teachers that are not here with us to achieved the goals we are aiming at”.

The Executive Sec-

retary who reminded the teachers that education serves as the spring board for social and economic change noted that all who have mediated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of people depends on the education of the youth.

The acting Director Department Development of NCNE. Dr Rose Nwaji had earlier said the training was organized to reinforce the earlier teacher training workshops conducted over the years and to redress the mounting educational problems identified in the teaching and learning.

The objectives of the training, according to Nwaji includes developed knowledge and competence on effective use of curriculum guide, equipped participants with techniques of proper record keeping and acquitted them with issues relating environment, culture and target group.

In his remarks the Bauchi state Gvernor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, represented by Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Alhaji Nasiru Yelwa commended The commission for organizing the training, “is timely to organized such teachers training “ he said The governor said, the priority of his administration on education is to keep on organising training and retraining for teachers to boost the education system across the state, advising the teachers to be dedicated to their responsibilities.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

15 News

Magu receives meritorious award ÏÏÏ Acting Chairman of

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal presenting a bag of fertiliser to one of the beneficiary-farmers at the flag-off of fertilizer sales for dry season farming and distribution of improved seeds to Sokoto farmers in Sabon Birni LGA.

Foundation to empower 11, 270 teenagers

ÏÏÏNo fewer than 11,270

teenage girls across some secondary schools in three states in the country would be empowered on life styles, financial literacy, vocational training and sport by a Non-Government Organization, (NGO) Youths empowerment foundation, (YEF) in 2018.

The Executive Secretary of (YEF) Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh stated this during a stalk holders meeting in Lagos state, noting that the foundation was working assiduously to consolidate on it success last year and target more schools, empower more girls across schools in the three states.

Iwalola revealed that about 11,336 teenage girls were direct and indirect beneficiaries empowered by the Goal programme

in 2017, stressing that the foundation was targeting 11,270 beneficiaries in 2018.

She added that it’s GOAL project will continue to reach out to more schools in Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan, using life skills, education, financial literacy and sport to empower adolescent girls.

She said that in 2017, GOAL reached 11,336 direct and indirect beneficiaries and has a target of 11,270 beneficiaries in 2018.

Iwalola added that the YEF’s GOAL project which had been funded by Standard chartered Bank since 2010 has also trained teenage girls in the areas of pressure management, self-esteem, saving habit, investment.

Stressing that the program had enhanced the teenager’s academic per-

formance and equip them with vocational skills and life’s tools to their existence.

She said “We usually run trainings when schools are just starting, when activities are not as high and engage young girls in school based training sessions. Each school recruit 30 girls called peer leaders, these girls in turn reach out to 14 friends through peer education, we found out it is easier and effective to reach more girls through their peers” Iwalola said.

She commended the effort of the Lagos state government and standard Chartered bank towards enhancing life of the girl child in the country.

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Coordinator for Child Protection Network (CPN) Mrs Ngozi Okoro noted that the GOAl project

was commended initiatives that had helped in empowering teenage girls with information on gender based violence, while several others had also been empowered in skills acquisition programmes over the years.

According to her “I am proud of the Foundation programe, I always talk about them, they have reunited girls with their parents, created awareness on Gender Based Violence and their support has helped in protecting our young girls from abuse and neglect,” Ngozi added.

Present at the stakeholders’ interactive programs, were meeting principals, head teachers of several benefiting schools in Lagos state, representatives of some NGOs, the media and officials of the Lagos state ministry of education, among others.

Patronise indigenous products, SON urges Nigerians Samuel Luka, Bauchi

ÏÏÏThe Director General

of the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Osita. A. Aboloma Friday admonished Nigerians to always ensure that they patronize made in Nigeria products with a view to boosting the economy of the country, even as manufacturers of such goods are told to also ensure quality of such products.

The SON Director gave the advice at a two-day workshop organized for NorthEast and North-West zones to sensitize and increase awareness for creation on quality and environmental management systems (ISO 9001 and 14001), for customers, importer, and exporters held at the Development Ex-

change Center, Bauchi.

Aboloma who was represented by the North East Zonal Coordinator, Umar Yakubu, said it was mandatory for Nigerians to always go for made in Nigeria products for the betterment of the economy.

He stated that there is an increase in global demand for quality products, environmental protection and control as a result of the negative impact of the daily activities of people.

The DG pointed out that, “This workshop became imperative owing to the increase in global demand for quality products, environmental protection and control due to negative impact on the environment as a result of our daily activities”.

He explained that the objectives of the workshop

included consistency in the delivery of products and services, increase the quality of services to raise manufacturers staff ’s awareness and improve communication, planning and administration processes.

The SON boss while emphasising on the need for businessmen, bankers and customers to know the importance of goods being delivered to their customers at the appropriate time, said that by so doing SON certified products will be identified everywhere.

According to him, “if this is done, the need of importing goods from abroad will no longer be there.

In her speech the SON North-East Coordinator, Engineer Hauwa Usaini, said that the awareness campaign was to focus

on how to bringing to the stakeholders the imperatives and benefits of subscribing to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.

While calling on companies to comply with quality management system (ISO 9001:2015), and environmental management system (ISO14001:2015), Usaini stressed that by so doing they will understand that they are not only making an effort to improve the standard within.

She added that companies should make it possible for all concerned to lead a better life, saying that it would be a decision they will never regret at anytime About 100 participants drawn from the North East and North West took part at the workshop.

the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, received a Meritorious Service Award from the Centre For Peace and Conflict Resolution.

The award which was presented to him at his office in Abuja, by Prof.

Zainab Duke Abiola, the Coordinator of the Centre, was in recognition of his contributions to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Speaking during the presentation, Prof. Abiola said, Magu was the first individual to receive the award in Nigeria. “This award is in recognition of

your efforts, dedication and doggedness in the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria. You have shown courage and for that we at the Centre decided to honour you with this award in order to support and encourage you to do more.”

She added that if Nigeria must win the fight against corruption all hands must be on deck.

Receiving the award, Magu thanked the Centre for considering him worthy of the recognition. He assured that, he will not be deterred from ensuring that the cankerworm is fought to a standstill in the country.

Niger LGs to spend N52bn for 2018 Saka Bolaji - Minna

ÏÏÏThe

twenty-five local government areas of Niger State have proposed a budget of N52.8 Billion for the 2018 fiscal year.

Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Zakari Jikantoro disclosed this while addressing journalists on the budget proposal for the twentyfive local government areas of the state in Minna.

He disclosed that the state executive council has approved the budget estimate for the councils as part of effort to reposition local government administration in the state.

According to the Commissioner, the revenue estimate of the total budget is 5256,869,980 consisting of statutory Allocation of 39,463,978,879,00 representing 78 percentage of the total projection, internally generated revenue of the councils at 960, 260 493.00 1.90 percent, value added Tax 7,975,864,272,00 representing 15 percent, while 10 percent local Government dues from state internally generated revenue will account for 1,165,046,550,00 or 2.30 percent of the budget.

He further revealed that capital receipt is estimated at 1,001,719, 786 or 1.98 percent of the budget, adding that, the 2018 budget estimates is slightly higher than the 2017 estimates for the councils by N400million as the total

estimate of the previous year was pegged at N52.3Billion On the Recurrent expenditure for the 2018 budget for the councils, the commissioner said is sum of 34,440,938,116_00 representing 68.11 percent of the entire budget size comprising of personnel cost of 13.6 Billion naira, overhead cost 5.666billion naira or 16.45 percent of the estimates.

Speaking on the possibility of the local government areas in the state borrowing money from financial institutions to finance the budget, the commissioner noted that while the possibility cannot be ruled out the state government will not encourage it unless there is a short fall in the projected revenue inflow. “ When we get to that bridge we will know how to cross it because we may forward a supplementary budget to the state Assembly to accommodate such a situation.”

He expressed displeasure at the poor revenue generation by most councils but, assured that plans have reached advance stage to employ tax consultant to boast the revenue generation of local governments and ensuring that relevant tax laws are reviewed to enable local governments to bringing more people into the local government tax net and enhance the revenue profile of the councils.

Foreign News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, February 20 , 2018

Ghanaian court sentences 2 to 16 years jail for causing financial loss to state ÎÎÎ For causing the coun-

try a financial loss, a former government/public servant has been sent to jail by a Ghanaian court.

According to local news report, Abuga Pele, former Member of Parliament (MP) was sentenced by Accra high court to six years in prison, for his role in causing financial loss to the state.

The case brought against him was during his tenure as head of a state agency, the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial

Agency (GYEEDA).

The court also sentenced a private service provider, Philip Assibit to 10 years in jail over the same case. He was convicted for defrauding by false pretence and dishonestly causing financial loss.

The GYEEDA scandal was exposed by a private news network, in the country in 2013. The former government which Pele belongs to started legal proceedings against him leading to today’s conviction.

The two were charged before the courts in 2014. Mr

Pele was at the time alleged to have entered into an unlawful agreement with Mr Assibit, prevailing on the state to make payments when no work has been done.

Mr Assibit is said to have made false claims for payments to the tune of 3.3 million cedis as services provided to the erstwhile National Youth Employment Program.

The said amount included developing an exit program and securing a grant of 65 million cedis from the World Bank.

Women reveal how their husbands tortured them with anal sex ÎÎÎA cross section of women have revealed that their husbands have strenuous method of punishing them through anal sex.

A recent BBC report in” her Choice”” a true-life of Indian women, revealed that for such women, whenever their husband talk of punishment to them, it would be anal sex, which they claimed to be excruciatingly painful.

“By punishment, he meant anal sex.

He knew that it was extremely painful for me and he used it as a tool to torture me”’ reported one of the women.

He and his elder sister left for the office.

I was now alone and

struggling with my thoughts.

One of the victims disclosed” It felt as if that night wouldn’t pass. I had a throbbing headache and couldn’t stop crying. I don’t remember when I slept off.

I woke up to find my husband standing in front of my bed with last night’s question: “So, what have you decided? Is your answer yes or no?”

After a few hours I gathered the courage to dial my father’s number and told him that I couldn’t live with my husband anymore. #HerChoice is a series of true lifestories of 12 Indian women. These accounts challenge and broaden the idea of

the “modern Indian woman” - her life choices, aspirations, priorities and desires.

“I was afraid that my father would be angry but his response amazed me. “Pack your bags and get out of there,” he said.

I took a book, gathered my educational certificates and rushed towards the bus station.

After boarding the bus, I sent a message to my husband. “My answer is ‘no’ and I am going back home,” it said. After that I switched off my mobile phone.

After a few hours, I was home, surrounded by my family. I had left my husband’s house after only two months of marriage.

Blac Chyna’s sex tape leaks elicits legal action

Blac Chyna

ÎÎÎ

Rob Kardashian’s ex Blac Chyna has featured in a graphic leaked sex tape, even as she denies she is not the one.

However she has insisted that the latest porn take does not belong to her, even as her lawyer has continued to receive death threats and has filed legal action.

According to agency report, the video of Blac Chyna, 29, the former stripper turned reality star which showed her explicitly performing an intimate sex act on an unidentified male started as trending topic on Twitter on Monday morning according to DailyMail.

Chyna is currently single after her break-up with Rob, who was clearly not the man in the video.

Chyna’s lawyer told TMZ she was taking legal action against the tape, in which the topless 29-year-old was clearly visible.

Lisa Bloom tweeted: “Revenge porn - posting explicit images without the consent

of everyone in those images is a crime, a civil wrong, and a form of domestic abuse.

“It’s also a way to try to slut shame women for being sexual. Girls have killed themselves over revenge porn. It’s not a joke.”

Chyna - born Angela White - has five-year-old son King Cairo with former partner Tyga and one-year-old daughter Dream Kardashian with ex-fiancé Rob. Chyna is in the middle of a lawsuit against former fiancé Rob and his famous family, including sisters Khloe and Kim, half-sister Kylie Jenner and mother Kris.

S. Sudan to hang S. African over support to rebel leader ÎÎÎ For aiding a South Su-

danese rebel chief, a South African retired colonel William Endley has been sentenced to death by hanging,

by South Sudanese court.

According to agency report, he was convicted of conspiracy and attempting to overthrow the government of South Sudan.

Retired colonel William Endley, 55, was found to be providing advice to formervice-president-turned- rebelleader Riek Machar, whose forces have been fighting a civil war since 2013.

Machar is currently exiled in South Africa even though forces loyal to him continue to engage government forces in armed combat.

The security and humanitarian situation in South Sudan has not in the least abated. Clashes have been reported between the government and rebel forces across the country. It has led to displacements internally as hundreds also cross the border into Ethiopia and Uganda.

South African William John Endley Former First Vice-President Riek Machar still remains in exile whiles the regional bloc IGAD continues its efforts to mediate in the crisis. The parties have recently met in Addis Ababa for revitalized talks.

President Kiir declared famine as a national disas-

ter in 2017 due to a biting drought that threatened most displaced persons. At a point state of emergency was declared in three restive regions. Several U.N. bodies have decried the security and humanitarian situation in the country.

U.S. pop star Madonna prophesies Malawi’s future president ÎÎÎ

Madonna

A prophecy on the South African country, Malawi’s future president which many have said may eventually come to past, was recently released by United States pop stare, Madonna.

Madonna has recently declared during the recently celebrated president’s day in the United States that her adopted son from Ma-

lawi, Banda, would one day become Malawi’s president.

According to agency report, the 59 year old American singer and songwriter referred to as the ‘Queen of Pop’ since the 1980s, made the ‘prophesy’ to her over two million followers on Twitter, posting a picture of herself with her 12 year old son, David

Banda.

“On President Day I celebrate the future president of Malawi, the warm heart of Africa, Banda,” Madonna tweeted.

Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in America.

Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President

George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government.

Madonna has three other children adopted from Malawi namely Mercy James and twins Stella and Estere, and has been previously accused of bullying Malawi state officials and demanding VIP treatment.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

17

18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

FEATURES

s

Oil spill: Bayelsa community, NSCDC draws battle line

The main spill point

Akam James, Yenagoa There is palpable tension in Ikarama community in Yenagoa Local Government area of Bayelsa state, as angry indigenes protest over allege shooting, abduction and oppression by men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps.

Displaying several placards with inscription such as “No employment, only pollution”, “Crude oil has become a curse rather than being a blessing to Ikarama”, “No single person employed by Shell and Agip, yet our farm lands have all been polluted”, Ikarama women are unhappy over attempted murder”.

According to the aggrieved protesters, made of community elders, women and mostly youths, said an oil spill site was discovered on the 20th of February in the community, adding that at midnight the same day a team of security men of the NSCDC invaded the community and abducted a woman and shot a young man who questioned their actions.

An indigene, Washington Odoyibo, said: “It was yesterday we noticed this spill and observed that crude oil has spread from the spill site to Akotowa Lake. When I returned this morning to take another look at the Lake, I saw some fishes dead and decaying.

You know that once crude oil enters into an environment like that, fish will die.

“It would be nice if the government can take positive action on this matter. Although the Lake which is impacted appears bushy, it is a fertile lake; that has much fish presence.

We know that majority of the oil spills in Ikarama environment are declared as Sabotage by Shell and the regulators, but not all are caused by third party interference; some occurred as a result of equipment failure or operational errors. In this particular incident, the cause is not known yet because they have not come for Joint Investigation Visit (JIV).

Even if they will come for JIV, they will come with personnel of the Joint Military Task Force [JTF] to chase our people away from the site and so we hardly witness and know the cause of some of the spills.

He further stated that the company was very much aware of the incident, ‘’Yes, the company is aware. I say so because yesterday (Wednesday) one of their Supervisors came

to this spill site with Hon. Ishmael Ogbou, a Shell contractor. So I know for sure that Shell is aware. And this spill, according to those who first saw it, occurred on Sunday, 11th February, 2018’’ ‘’The community environment had not experienced oil spill for about two years before we are seeing this recent one. Even then, the last spill which happened then, was an incident of equipment failure [about two years ago]. Shell and the regulators confirmed that incident to be as a result of equipment failure.

It was God that touched those set of regulators and Shell who came for the JIV then”.

According to Mrs. Preye Ofurumazi, who was visibly sad and rolling on the ground, “This morning, around 3:00am the Civil De-

fense people just came and arrested a woman in her house, for no reasonable course” When a fellow community person heard of it and rushed out and tried to know why such should be at such an hour and without permission from community leaders; one of them then came down from their vehicle and said ‘’we are going to settle the matter here, it is a small thing’’. And because cash was not readily available and our people were putting heads together on how to rescue the lady from the security men peacefully, before we knew what was happening one of the NSCDC operatives just came down from the vehicle and starting shooting.

That was how it happened, nothing else.

That was how the bullets hit my brother.

My brother who was hit by bullets has five children and a wife. We have no parents or any influential/rich person in our family to fight for us. That is, it. The authorities should hear this’’.

A youth leader, Comrade Benjamin warder said “Let the world hear, this is the second time the NSCDC is invading Ikarama community. Our silence must not be taken for granted. The Shell Petroleum Development Company [SPDC] should hear. Being an oil producing community is not a crime. As I speak with you we don’t have even a single person working in SPDC or the Nigerian Agip Oil Company [NAOC]. We have oil wells all over; we have pipelines in our environment. Our farmlands have been degraded due to oil activities and at the end of the day, what we get is unnecessary arrest and invasion” This injustice has to stop; the youths are

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

19 Features

‘Bayelsa community, NSCDC draws battle line’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

seriously angry. What is happening right now must be known to the world. It is enough and, enough is enough. As I speak to you, a lady who has children has been taken away to unknown destination. Her whereabouts is not known for the meantime. But we know she was taken away by men of the Civil Defense.

They cannot deny; this is one of the bullets they wasted (showing ERA the discharged bullet). They cannot deny; we know them.

A youth of the community named Perekurofa Odoyibo was shot by the Civil Defense and he is lying critically in the house now. We won’t take it lightly if anything happens to him’’ The visibly worried wife of the shot victim confirmed that her husband was shot in the arm and on both feet and could no longer move at the moment and that the family would be denied of his contributions towards the family upkeep.

According to Mr. Udoji Orukori, man whose wife was taken away, said “I live at over side [across the Taylor Creek] of the community. Last night, around 3:00am I was in the forest. I am a logger and everyone in the community knows about this; that my means of livelihood is timber work, before I came back SPDC called; that oil spill is on the pipeline and that I was responsible” They came and collected my wife and; I don’t know. In fact, before I came back from my journey my wife was not in the house.

The house has been scattered. My son called me and informed me that ‘’they have carried mummy’’. I then asked what was happening.

When I came home [from the forest] I didn’t see my wife.

The next step, when I was walking towards the bridge I heard gunshot and people were shouting on this side of the community.

I heard up to three gunshots. There was confusion, even chiefs and youths that came out that night; nobody understood what was happening. Since then, I don’t know where my wife is. That is the problem’’.

In their separate investigation, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (Era/foEN) with other NGOs who visited the site, described the incident as quiet unfortunate, adding that an NGO who visited the site was harassed and humiliated by the men of the NSCDC in the area.

They alleged that they were almost detained because they didn’t take permission

Community folks...not happy

from the security operatives before doing their private investigations.

Meanwhile ERA observed that “It is important to state unequivocally that, from the signs of newly dug mud and excavation at the site of spill; the cause is Highly thought to be that of sabotage; a third party spill incident.

Who was responsible is a matter left for proper investigation” They also noted that A link has been established between the recent oil spill and the action of personnel of the NSCDC at Ikarama.

It would be recalled that about two years ago a similar raid was carried out by the Civil Defense; also at night and the paramount ruler of the community was one of the victims; as he was arrested [taken away in the night].

Houses of some youths were also raided with a view to arrest and property destroyed, allegedly by the Civil Defense; about two years ago. That incident too was linked to oil spill incidents which happened at that time. And, the Environmental Rights Action visited and documented what happened. This was the hindsight which made ERA Field Monitors to assume before leaving Yenagoa, that the current violence [alleged shooting and arrest] by the NSCDC in the community won’t be unconnected with the current oil spill.

While security agencies cannot be denied going about their constitutional duties, suggestions and demands can be made to express

commendation or condemnation for actions and processes taken or applied by the specific security agency while trying to address security issues beneficial to all. All civilized societies are governed by laws and, whenever laws are not obeyed; the ensuing scenario could be anarchy.

Similarly, Civil Society Organisations/ NGOs; most of whom are registered with either the state government or Federal government agencies like Corporate Affairs Commission should be allowed their freedom to operate without hindrance by security agencies. Besides the freedom of movement which is guaranteed all citizens by the Constitution; NGOs equally have the right to work in their thematic areas; except an environment prohibited by law. Our communities are not military or security formations which should be avoided or permission be sought before any visit by NGOs. They further demanded that “The victim of the alleged shooting should be treated by the NSCDC; take responsibility.

The Bayelsa State Government, in collaboration other relevant agencies and oil companies; should engage communities, especially oil producing communities on issues relating to oil spills and related conflicts; including investigation of spill incidents and how such matters are concluded.

The regulatory agencies and Shell should

carry out JIV and document the incident properly; no matter the cause.

While the NSCDC has the responsibility of ensuring the protection of critical national assets in the interest of all Nigerians; Officers and men should recognize the fact that there are others in the field working towards similar objectives, of ensuring the protection of private and public property, Social justice, Human and Environmental Rights, etc, etc. as no single organization can do all. These other organizations include the media and CSO/NGO practitioners. Instead of trying to intimidate or deny them their rights to freedom of movement, association and work; the NSCDC should rather seek to protect the rights of these Nigerians. In this connection, there is need for proper enlightenment of Officers and men.

Communities should be properly engaged by oil companies and government for the surveillance and protection of oil installations/ facilities and, establish more harmonious relationship among the stakeholders.

The Federal and State Government should take adequate steps to ensure that the world does not leave us behind; efforts are made by other nations to move away from fossil fuel to new sources of energy; the renewables. Government should invest in renewable energy.

In a swift reaction, the Bayelsa state command of the NSCDC in a statement signed by the PRO, Mr. Dauzo Izonfate, called the community a notorious for oil theft, pipeline vandalism and syndicates who have adopted various devilish strategies to frustrate the efforts of NSCDC. The statement noted that their anti-vandal team based in Ikarama community responded to a case of sabotage of oil pipelines, adding that the team was only doing their legitimate duty in with the mandate of the NSCDC. The statement reads “Our investigation into the incident that happened on the said night revealed that our men didn’t release a single gunshot, despite all the harassment, insults and other uncivil means unleashed on them to stop them from arresting a key suspect involved in the recent vandalism, they were professionals and fired no shots.

Though the key suspect escaped, they were able to arrest a woman who works with him and knew his whereabouts. The woman was quizzed and later released. She made valuable confessional statements which we are using to continue with our investigation.

The management of the corps in a swift response to the allegation of shooting an indigene and being insensitive to issues of human rights, embarked on a fact finding mission, and requested before the king of the community to take the so called victim to a hospital for medical examination, but the community refused.

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

Some of the things you need to know about mobile phones

is the standard at the moment, offering 54Mbps and 100mtrs range. 802.11n is now being introduced, which offers 600Mbps speed and 300Mtrs range. A phone with wifi will allow internet access only if a wireless access point is nearby.

SMS - Simple Message Service. A text message.

MMS - Multi Media Service. This uses GPRS to send a message containing graphics and sounds to another phone.

GPS - Global Positioning System. This is used to pinpoint the device’s location using geo-stationary satellites in orbit.

A phone with GPS may not necessarily have sat-nav capabilities; the sat-nav function will almost always require separate software in order to provide directions. You may see the acronym A-GPS. This stands for Assisted GPS, and uses data downloaded from the Internet in order to provide a faster Time For First Fix (TFFF) when initially looking for the satellites. Don’t worry if your device does not have Internet access when using an A-GPS device; all it does is take longer to lock onto satellites initially.

PDA - Personal Digital Assistant. A device that provides PIM (Personal Information Management) functionality.

In simple terms, this is a Calendar, Contacts, Task list and Messages. In reality, a PDA device usually refers to a touchscreen phone.

Smartphone - The term Smartphone now means any handset that can offer email, Internet and an organiser. Technically though, a Smartphone is a device running Windows Mobile Standard (nontouchscreen).

USB - Universal Serial Bus. This is a standard form of connector on Personal Computers. A device that allows connection via USB simply means that you can attach your computer and phone together via a USB flylead in order to transfer files or charge the device.

Blackberry - A device made by Research In Motion (RIM). The Blackberry is now synonymous with email devices.

Corporations that want to use Blackber-

rys will need to install Blackberry Enterprise Server in their network to run alongside an email server such as Microsoft Exchange. Consumer Blackberrys can use many widely-known email accounts such as Yahoo, Hotmail and POP3 accounts.

Android - A mobile operating system developed by Google. Android is essentially a form of Linux running underneath a customised Java programming interface. It is designed to compete with the iPhone.

Windows Mobile - A mobile operating system developed by Microsoft. It comes in two varieties; Standard (non-touchscreen, or Smartphone edition) and Professional (touchscreen, or PocketPC edition). Windows Mobile is a derivitive of Windows CE, a version of Windows build to run on small simple devices. It is the most mature mobile operating system in terms of availability of applications and support, but is looking more static than other operating systems.

Symbian - A mobile operating system owned in part and used largely by Nokia.

It is the most widely-used “smartphone” operating system, although this statistic depends on the definition of “smartphone”. iPhone - A product developed by Apple, it is an expansion of the iPod but with PIM and cellular capabilities. The new 3GS can use a Microsoft Exchange server to provide PIM functions, therefore placing it within the business marketplace as well as the consumer zone.

VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol.

Rather than a voice conversation taking place using an analogue line or cellular phone connection, VoIP takes an analogue sound, converts it into data packets and sends it over a data network (such as the Internet). VoIP is mostly used in corporations to save money on phone bills, but applications such as Skype take advantage of widespread always-on broadband connections to provide clear-quality voice conversations. Some phones have the ability to use Skype through their

GPRS and 3G connections.

Tethering - Connecting a mobile phone to a computer or laptop so that the phone can be used as a mobile modem. This means that a laptop can go onto the Internet through the phone. Most mobile providers do not allow tethering without additional contract terms and money.

The Best Solution For You? The more features a device has, the more expensive it is. So what is the best solution for you?

Below are some of the most common requirements followed by a recommended product. Each solution will require some research into finding the best tariff deal in your country. I would STRONGLY recommend that you signup to an unlimited data tariff if you are going onto the Internet or receiving emails. I have a horror story about a £12,000 data bill because a guy gave his 3G card to his kids for three weeks. Also, do take out insurance on your handset. Most providers are pretty good at supplying replacement handsets, and you will thank yourself when you do break your phone.

1. I want a device that can make and receive phone calls. I want to send and receive text messages. I will be using this for personal infrequent use.

Solution - Standard handset. Any classic handset will do. Budget dictates in this circumstance, but don’t kid yourself; if you just need to talk on the move, something small and shiny will be more than enough.

2. I want a device that I can make and receive phone calls. I want to send and receive text messages and emails. I want to access the Internet. I want to take pictures and send them to email addresses and other phones. I want this to work with existing email addresses. I want a device that will require little in the way of configuration. I will be using this for frequest personal use.

Solution - Blackberry Storm or Perl 3. I want a device that I can make and receive phone calls. I want to send and receive text messages and emails. I want to access the Internet and Intranets. I want to take pictures and send them to email addresses and other phones. I want this to work with existing email addresses and/or an existing corporate mail server.

I want a device that can be customised and work on different networks. I want to run different applications for creating and editing documents. I want to run music and videos infrequently. I will be using this for heavy personal use and/or business use.

Solution - Windows Mobile Professional 4. I want a device that I can make and receive phone calls. I want to send and receive text messages and emails. I want to access the Internet. I want to take pictures and send them to email addresses and other phones. I want this to work with existing email addresses. I want a device that can be customised and work on different networks. I want to run different applications for entertainment. I want to run music frequently. I will be using this for heavy personal use.

Solution - iPhone or Android-based Device 5. I want a device that I can make and receive phone calls. I want to send and receive text messages and emails. I want to access the Internet. I want this to work with an existing corporate mail server.

––

Mobile Phones The modern mobile phone is a minature computer. However, the complexity does mean that it is very hard to find the handset right for you. I’m not a saleman and am not going to try to tell you what device to buy. I can arm you with the knowledge to make that decision though and give you a general pointer into what kind of device you should be considering.

There is a lot of confusion about mobile phones and their technology. Hopefully, the below will help and guide you around the world of mobile phones.

Acronyms As with most areas of IT, the mobile phone industry is chock-full of acronyms. Here they are!

GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications. This is your traditional mobile phone signal that allows the sending and receiving of voice and data. It is a cellular network; all devices connected to GSM are done so via a mast providing coverage in that cell.

GPRS - General Packet Radio System.

GPRS is generally used to simply mean “all data via GSM”. Technically though, GPRS is a data service that provides up to 56 Kilobit per second (kbps) data, which is about 5K a second download speed. If you can get a mobile phone signal, you can usually get GPRS. This is also referred to as 2G. EDGE - Enhanced Datarates for GSM Evolution. As the definition suggests, this should be a step above GPRS, and in some respects, it is. EDGE can be easily deployed on an existing GSM network, therefore the upgrade is a cheap one for your mobile operator. However, the top speed is about 1Mbps, which is about 100K per second. EDGE is sometimes referred to as 2.5G 3G - 3rd Generation. 3G is a collection of sub-standards (some count EDGE as being a 3G technology. I refuse to accept this due to the download speeds and the relatively poor adoption by all except Orange). Speeds range between 396Kbps up to 14Mbps.

HSDPA - High Speed Data Packet Access. This is a 3G technology and can hit speeds up to 14Mbps, meaning downloads up to 1.4Mb per second. At this moment in time, I have seen a maximum of 7.2Mbps supported by UK operators such as T-Mobile and Virgin.

HSUPA - High Speed Uplink Packet Access. This is another 3G technology, hitting speeds up to 5.2Mbps (500Kb download per sec).

Bluetooth - A short-range wireless technology that is used mostly to connect devices together for short sessions. Using Bluetooth, you can connect a device to a handsfree kit, a computer, a mouse/ keyboard or to another phone temporarily. The tricky thing about Bluetooth is that each Bluetooth-enabled device can support certain services, and it is not immediately clear what services a device will support. For example, most devices support the Handsfree Bluetooth service.

This means that you can use a car kit or an earpiece to take and receive your calls.

However, the device might not support Object Exchange (OBEX), meaning that you will be unable to send files to other Bluetooth devices. Most Blackberrys do not support the OBEX service.

Wifi - Wireless Fidelity. This is used to connect phones and computers to a wireless access point near the device’s vicinity.

Wifi has different standards that dictate its maximum speed and range; 802.11g

Source: eskillsalliance.mita@gov.mt or visit www.mita.gov.mt

Change of Names 21 AMEGO GRACE

I formerly known and addressed as AUDU GRACE now wish to be known and addressed as AMEGO GRACE . I was born on 23/08/1994 not 23/08/1983. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

In some of my documents including my Identity Card my name was written as SALAKO-AYODEJI BOLA IYABO while in some other ones including my Certificate it was written as SALAKO BOLA.The names refer to one and same person.

Now I wish to be known as SALAKOAYODEJI BOLA IYABO. All documents bearing the names are valid, General public to please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that am the same person bearing ADEBISI DAMILARE ISHOLA, ADEBISI DARE ISHOLA, ADEBISI DAMILARE and ADEOLA OLUWADAMILARE ADEBISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADESHOLA DORCAR MOSES

I, formerly known and addressed as ADESHOLA DORCAR AJEWOLE now wish to be known and addressed as ADESHOLA DORCAR MOSES. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AKINTOYE OLASUNKANMI BOLUWATIFE I formerly known and addressed as AKINTOYE BOLUWATIFE OLASUNKANMI RYAN now wish to be known and addressed as AKINTOYE OLASUNKANMI BOLUWATIFE All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

x

BRIGHT FAITH ONYEOGALI

I formerly known and addressed as AMOADZAH FAITH ONYEOGALI now wish to be known and addressed as BRIGHT FAITH ONYEOGALI . I was born on 27/05/1976.

All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

UKORO SOLOMON CHINEDU

I formerly known and addressed as IROANUSI FRANKLIN MUNACHIMSO now wish to be known and addressed as UGOCHUKWU FRANKLIN IROANUSI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS AUGUSTINE GLORIA AMAKA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU GLORIA AMAKA now wish to be known and addressed asMRS AUGUSTINE GLORIA AMAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

That I was formerly known and addressed as AGBO NNAMDI, that I now wish to add CHIGOZIE to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as AGBO NNAMDI CHIGOZIE. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

BABABUNU I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IBRAHIN BABABANU MAINA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BABABUNU IBRAHIM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

This is to confirm that the names OKORO CHIBUEZE MICHAEL and OKORO NZUBECHI KINGSLEY refers to one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO CHIBUEZE MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and the general public should please take note.

MRS TAIWO OLURANTI AKINDUYITE

MERCY ODION JOHN I formerly known and addressed as MERCY ODION IJESOH now wish to be known and addressed as MERCY ODION JOHN . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as HAMED OMOLOLA MISITURA now wish to be known and addressed as ADESOYA OMOLOLA . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS TAIWO OLURANTI AKINDURO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS TAIWO OLURANTI AKINDUYITE . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OLARIBIGBE AFUSAT OLUWATOSIN

CHANGE OF NAME AND CONFIRMATION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MUOLOKWU BENEDITH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OBIORA BENEDITH ADA . All former documents remain valid. Anambra State Education commission and General public should please take note.

IKENGA IMAOBONG CLAIRE LIBERTY

I formerly known and addressed as ISONY MICHAEL LIBERTY now wish to be known and addressed as IKENGA IMAOBONG CLAIRE LIBERTY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ONYEKACHI CHIZOBA CLARA

Formerly known and addressed as EDITH EDENAGBON, now wish to be known and addressed as OYAMENDAN DORA STELLA. That my correct date of birth is September 26, 1964 and not March 17, 1976. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS NYIA DORATHY CHINASA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EGBO DORATHY CHINASA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NYIA DORATHY CHINASA . All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS AWOTILE IYABO COMFORT

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADENIYI IYABO COMFORT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AWOTILE IYABO COMFORT. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

DATA DABOTA GREEN

I formerly known and addressed as NWABUDE CHIZOBA CLARA now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKACHI CHIZOBA CLARA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DATA ALLISON now wish to be known and addressed as DATA DABOTA GREEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME

That I was formerly known and addressed as NNEJI ESTHER, that I now wish to add NWANTA to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as NNEJI NWANTA ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take notes.

SOFOLUWE I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SOFOLUWE OLUSESAN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SOFOLUWE OLUSESAN ISAIAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

ABDULKARIM INUSA

This is to certify that my correct name is ALIHEUKWU MIRIAN UCHECHI and not OKPURUKA MIRIAN UCHECHI and ALIHEUKWU MIRIAM UCHECHI as was wrongly written in my documents (First School Leaving Certificate and WAEC) also my correct date of birth is 7th April, 1995 and not 7th March 1995. All former documents remain valid. Banks and the general public should please take note.

ADEREMI ISIAKA MOHAMMED

I, ADEREMI AKANGBE MOHAMMED ISIAKA hereby restate that I am still the one and the same person referred to as ADEREMI ISIAKA MOHAMMED and / or MOHAMMED AKANGBE ISIAKA, all erstwhile documents remain valid. The general public and other affected institutions should please take note.

x CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addresses ABDULKARIM INUSA ADAMS now wish to be known and addresses as ABDULKARIM INUSA. And my correct date of birth is 2nd March 1976. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as OSENI AFUSAT OLUWATOSIN, now wish to be known and addressed as OLARIBIGBE AFUSAT OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

x UGOCHUKWU FRANKLIN IROANUSI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYIA CHINENYE SYLVIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGBO CHINENYE SYLVIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OKORO BENJAMIN CHINEDU, now wish to be known and addressed as UKORO SOLOMON CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS OBIORA BENEDITH ADA

MRS AGBO CHINENYE SYLVIA

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

That I was formerly known and addressed as ONAH MARYROSE, that I now wish to add OGOCHUKWU to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as ONAH MARYROSE OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take notes.

EMMANUEL FRIDAY

Formerly known and addressed as OBI FRIDAY UCHE now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL FRIDAY. all former documents remain valid,general public should please note.

NOSIRI

OLADAPO

ASAGBA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWEKE EBELECHUKWU NOBLE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS NOSIRI EBELECHUKWU NOBLE. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLADAYO SOLOMAN OKEOSISI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLADAPO SOLOMON AYOBAMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED SAMUEL FELICIA TITILAYO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ASAGBA FELICIA TITILAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED TAKE NOTE.

IGWE CHRISTIANA ADENIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as CHRISTIANA ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as IGWE CHRISTIANA ADENIKE due to change in my marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public should please note.

MAURICE NMENI

Formerly known and addressed as MAURICE JAMES, now wish to be known and addressed as MAURICE NMENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. xOLANREWAJU KOLAWOLE TITUS I formerly known as Kolawole Lanre. Now wish to be known as Olanrewaju Kolawole Titus. All former documents remain valid.

General public and CAC should take note

EDE IFEANYI SAMUEL I formerly known and addressed as EDE ONYEDIKA I. now wish to be known and addressed as EDE IFEANYI SAMUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

UGOTA CHARLES UGOCHUKWU

I formerly known and addressed as FELIX UGOCHUKWU CHARLES now wish to be known and addressed as UGOTA CHARLES UGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

AGU NNEKA CYNTHIA I formerly known as AGU NNEDINMA CYNTHIA now wish to be known as AGU NNEKA CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take notes.

ADESOYA OMOLOLA

OBINYELU EBELE JULIET

I, formerly known and addresses as MISS NNAMDI CHINWENWA COLLETE now wish to be known and addresses as MRS. WOYIKE CHINWENWA COLLETE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ODUMADE FOLASHADE SEKINAT

I formerly known and addressed as BISIRIYU FOLASHADE SEKINAT now wish to be known and addressed as ODUMADE FOLASHADE SEKINAT . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

JAMES AUDU

I formerly known and addressed as OBI EBELE JULIET now wish to be known and addressed as OBINYELU EBELE JULIET. All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONUCHE AUDU now wish to be known and addressed as JAMES AUDU, correct date of birth is 1st OCTOBER 1992.

All former documents remain valid, General public to please take note.

OZOUGWU CHRISTIAN MAXWELL

x CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as OZOR CHRISTIAN MAXWELL, now wish to be known and addressed as OZOUGWU CHRISTIAN MAXWELL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS ADEYEMI BOLANLE MUIBAT

I formerly Known and addressed as MISS Soleye Bolanle Bukky now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS Adeyemi Bolanle Muibat. All Documents and Certificates bearing my former names remain valid. NYSC, Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

UDEH EUCHARIA IJEOMA I formerly known and addressed as CHIME EUCHARIA IJEOMA now wish to be known and addressed asUDEH EUCHARIA IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UGOH CLETUS ONWUCHEKWA I formerly known and addressed as CLETUS UGOH and ONWUCHEWA UGOH CLETUS now wish to be known and addressed as UGOH CLETUS ONWUCHEKWA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

CHUKWUBEZE PATRICIA UJUNWA

I formerly known as OKAFOR PATRICIA UJUNWA now wish to be known as CHUKWUBEZE PATRICIA UJUNWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take notes.

UGWUOBA PROGRESSIVE CATTLE DEALERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MUSA ALI 2. MAHMUDA IBRAHIM YANLI 3. MUSA MOHAMMED MARAZU 4. ADAMU DAHIRU ABDULLAHI 5. ABDULLAHI SULEIMAN AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To help members who are in needs Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from date of this publication.

Signed Trustees

MRS. CHINWENWA x WOYIKE COLLETE

This is to confirm and certify that IKHEKA JOY GREG-GOLD is the same person as IKHEKA JOY. That I henceforth wish to be known and addressed as JOY IKHEKA OMOSIBO. That I was born on the 14th of February, 1979. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

x JAMESLORD ADEIZA MOSES I, formerly known and addressed as JAMESLORD ADEIZA USMAN now wish to be known and addressed as JAMESLORD ADEIZA MOSES. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIADIKOBI CHIAMAKA NWOKIKE

I formerly known and addressed as OGOCHUKWU NNENNA NWOKIKE now wish to be known and addressed as CHIADIKOBI CHIAMAKA NWOKIKE. My correct date of birth is 16th June 1995. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

OKOLO JOSEPHAT

I formerly known and addressed as OKOLO JOSEPHAT AJULUCHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as OKOLO JOSEPHAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

x CHRISTOPHER CHIDERA UDEH I formerly known and addressed as UDEH VALENTINE CHIDERA now wish to be known and addressed as UDEH CHRISTOPHER CHIDERA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that ENEKE HELEN AGBOMMA , ANEKE HELEN AGBOMMA and ALEKE HELEN AGBOMMA refers as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as ALEKE HELEN AGBOMMA. My correct date of birth of is 25th Dec. 1979 All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to inform the general public that my name ANISMBA NNAEMEKA COLLINS was wrongly written in my bank account but now wish to be corrected and addressed as ANUMBA NNAEMEKA COLLINS. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public should please take note.

News

22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24 , 2018

How Provost, 4 others mismanaged N359m - Witness ÎÎÎ The trial of the Pro-

vost of Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, FSMLT, Jos, Plateau State, Dr. Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudo and four others over their alleged complicity in the diversion of funds to the tune of N359million continued on Thursday, before Justice D.D.Longi of the Plateau State High Court, Jos. Others are Yusuf Samuel, Accountant, FSMLT; Ernest Demtoe, Secretary of Tenders Board, FSMLT; Goodluck Echewa, and

Esio Udoh, both contractors of FSML. Etukudo and his co accused are standing trial on a 15-count charge of conspiracy, diversion of funds and official corruption preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The matter, had on December 12, 2017, been adjourned to 21 and 22 February, 2018 for trial to commence de novo, following the re-arraignment of the defendants upon the appointment of for-

mer trial judge, Justice Y. G. Dakwak, as the state’s Chief Justice.

However, proceedings were stalled on February 21, after Justice Longi disallowed the witnesses subpoenaed by the prosecution to testify owing to the absence of their names in the proof of evidence.

At resumed proceedings on Thursday, the prosecution presented its first witness, Mrs Ethel Ekam, former staff of the FSMLT. Led in evidence by Samuel Okeleke, Ekam who testified as PW1, narrated

to the court her knowledge of the matter before it.

She said: “I was posted to FSMLT, Jos in November 2006 and transferred out in March 2014. My main duties were: lecturer, head of department, parasitology, project supervisor, project coordinator, practical coordinator and exam supervisor. My ad hoc duties were: hostel supervisor, student affairs officer, secretary, academic board, secretary, senior staff committee, secretary, scientist association, secretary to some organiz-

ing committees.

“I was invited by the EFCC to their office in Abuja sometime in March 2014.

On reaching there, I was shown a petition written by some concerned staff of the school against the provost (the first defendant).

I agreed with the petition and adopted it because it was the situation of things in the school at that time.”

Ekam narrated to the court how a 7-member committee had been nominated by the school for foreign trainings in the United Kingdom and Ethiopia,

but was not informed or mobilized accordingly, despite the funds being allegedly disbursed to some other persons.

“I was the sixth person on the list of nominated committee members to travel to Ethiopia for professional conference and to travel to the UK for professional training. I am here to say that I did not travel for any professional training. I was never paid any duty tour allowance or estacode for journeying abroad in respect of that training”.

Sokoto farmers get N1.4b fertilizer subsidy ÎÎÎ Sokoto state government said it will spend the sum of N1.4 billion to subsidise the price of fertilizer for its farmers in the 2018 cropping season.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this in Sabon Birni LGA at the flag off of fertilizer sales for dry season farming and distribution of improved seeds to farmers across the state.

“We have bought 500,000 bags of fertilizer at the cost of N6,800 per 50kg bag but we have decided to sell the product to our farmers at the subsidized cost of N4,000 per bag. In all, we are spending the sum of N1.4 billion to subsidise the product.

“This intervention becomes necessary in view of our determination to boost agriculture in the state and to encourage new entrants into the sector.

“We will continuously explore other avenues to grow the agricultural sector bearing in mind that it is the largest employer of labour for majority of our citi-

zens,” the Governor added.

In all, Tambuwal said the government will buy 25,000 metric tons of fertilizer at the cost of N3.4 billion for the dry season farming alone in the state.

According to him, the state government will construct 1000 tube wells to assist dry season farmers as a result of shortage of water being experienced at the Goronyo Dam. On seeds, the Governor said the ministry of agriculture has procured farobrand rice seedlings at the cost of N281 million to be distributed to dry season farmers free of charge, while another N9.5 million worth of seedlings for carrot, onion, water melon and garlic have been bought for the farmers to assist in improving their yields.

“This in addition to payment of N20 million counterpart funding to the State Agricultural Development Project (SADP) for the provision of Tube wells to farmers and motorcycles to monitoring officers in 2017.

GLOBE AFLAME GLOBAL MINISTRY.

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

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. PASTOR UGOCHI PROSPER CLEMENTINA OBAFEMI. 2. PASTOR ADEKUNLE IDOWU OBAFEMI. 3. REV. CHARLSE ODELADE. 4. PASTOR (MRS) CHOICE OGBECHE. 5. REV. JOSEPH ENAIYEKAN. 6. BARR (MRS) OLAOLUWA ELIZABETH AKINREMI. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE WORLD. 2. TO EQUIP TRAIN AND BUILD THE PEOPLE IN THE PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORD OF GOD. Any objection/s to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguyi Ironsi Street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the day of this publication.

Signed By; TRUSTEES.

6 suspects apprehended by the Lagos State Neighborhood and Security Corps(LNSC) over alleged cultism, rape in Lagos....on Friday

NSUKKA VULCANIZERS ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OJOBOR GODWIN CHIJIOKE 2. ODUME FELIX CHINWEIKE AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To faster the Spirit of comradeship among members of the association.

2. To promote peace and harmony among the members in particular and the town in general.

3. To show people the benefit of togetherness by sharing not only in the periods of joy but also in the periods of sufferings.

4. To promote the safety of road users with our perfession.

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

Signed OJOBOR GODWIN CHIJIOKE

AKINYEMI TAJUDEEN IYANDA

ADEBIMPE TAOFIKAT ADEWALE.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINYEMI TAJUDEEN IYANDA ADUFE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINYEMI TAJUDEEN IYANDA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBIMPE TAOFIKAT RAHEEM, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBIMPE TAOFIKAT ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Diamond, other Banks, General public and authorities concerned should please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

23 News

Sagay stepping on many toes – Buhari

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said that chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption, Prof Itse Sagay, is stepping on many toes in the bid to defend his administration.

He said this when he received Ogiame Ikenwoli, the olu of Warri and some prominent Iteskiri

sons, including Sagay, at the presidential villa in Abuja.

The president described Sagay as a man of conviction whom, he emphasised, was doing an exceptional job. ‘‘Thanks for producing a man like Prof. Itse Sagay, who is defending us robustly and stepping on many toes in the process.

If he’s not a man of conviction, he couldn’t have done that,” he said. ‘‘What he is doing is exceptional. Despite coming from a minority area, he’s showing overwhelming influence at the centre. ‘‘Prof, I never had the opportunity to thank you personally for all you’re doing. Thank you very much.”

He assured the people of Niger Delta that his administration would continue to support rapid development in the region by consolidating on all ongoing projects and initiating new ones to create more economic opportunities and jobs for the people.

The president reiterated his administration’s com-

mitment to maintaining peace and security in the Niger Delta for economic and social activities to thrive.

According to him, developing the region remains a priority for his administration, adding that under his watch every region in the country would witness increased investments in critical infrastructure.

He promised to look into some of the concerns raised by the delegation including the dredging of Escravos bar for Warri and Koko ports, the gas revolution industrial park and EPZ project in Ogidigben, the ecological challenges in Ode-Itsekiri, Ugborodo, Orere/Yanagho and Ogheye-Eghoroke, among others.

Ease of doing business: Amaechi assures stakeholders of safe maritime domain …As Dakuku calls for more support delivered a goodwill mesÏÏÏThe Minister of Trans- who sage called on the industry portation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi has assured stakeholders in the maritime sector that the Federal Government will leave no stone unturned in actualizing its goal for a safer and more secured maritime domain in the Nigeria maritime space.

The Minister who said this during a one-day stakeholders’ interactive forum held in Warri, Delta State with the theme; “Implementation of Executive Order One (1) - Ease of Doing Business in a secure maritime environment” noted that one of the factors militating against the success of the maritime sector is insecurity in the Niger Delta region, which he said is also hampering the growth and development of the region.

Amaechi also used the opportunity to charge the Stakeholders to collaborate with the government in order to actualize its policies and also join force together to frustrate efforts by saboteurs who are bent on distorting government’s efforts of realizing a robust and crime free maritime domain.

“We must resist the efforts of some unscrupulous individuals trying to frustrate government’s efforts in ensuring safety and security of our maritime domain, because private interest should not and cannot supersede national interest. On our part at government, we will do all we can to ensure we secure the Nigerian waterways”, Amaechi said Speaking further, the Minister also commended the efforts of the Agencies under the watch of the Ministry of Transportation for their astuteness in ensuring that the sector gets the desired attention and challenged them not to rest on their oars in ensuring that the Federal Government’s policy on ease of doing business is realized.

In the same vein, the Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside

players to continue to support government policies.

The DG who described the maritime industry as a multi-stakeholder industry that plays an important role in the growth of the nation, noted that without the sector, we cannot fund the budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“In our industry, all of us are equally important and have our different roles; but it is only when we work synergistically that we can accomplish great results. For us in NIMASA, we have our eyes on the ball and the different achievements made in recent times is because of the roles of the different Stakeholders”, Dr. Peterside Dakuku stated.

He also said that in the past few months the Agency has made significant progress in various areas such as; sponsoring 298 cadets to do sea time training in United Kingdom and Egypt; Nigeria has moved up in ease of doing business; also it is a fact that because of the New Cabotage Compliance Strategy (NCCS), in the past six months we have had over 200 seafarers onboard different Cabotage vessel, amongst other developmental initiatives.

Speaking further, the NIMASA DG hinted that the Agency is in talks with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) which is at its advanced stage, leading to the engagement of over 100 brand new Cabotage vessels in the oil and gas industry.

Dr. Peterside also used the opportunity to thank the Minister of Transportation for his focused and dynamic leadership he has provided for the sector and assured him of the unalloyed support of the Agencies under his watch, working towards a common goal to reposition the maritime sector. “At the end of the day, the industry will be better for it and we will all benefit”.

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State (third left) receives the ‘Governor of the Year Award’ plaque from the National President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Comr. Ibrahim Khaleel (second right) while the state President of the Union, Comr.

Godwin Ayendi (second left) and other state presidents watch at the Government House, Calabar.

Alleged N2bn Fraud: EFCC tenders documents against Aliyu

ÏÏÏThe

trial of a former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu, on eight counts of money laundering to the tune of N2billion continued on Thursday.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the prosecution tendered documents before Justice Yalim Suleiman Bogoro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Minna, Niger State, to establish the complicity of the defendant in the alleged offence – a statement by the agency’s Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said.

According to the statement, a branch head of Zenith Bank situated at Paiko Road, Minna 1, Niger State, Nma Abubakar Mohammed, who testified as PW3, told the court that the defendant made withdrawals of 10million naira each in 80 places using the account of I.D Sabin Investment Limited.

Led in evidence by Ben Ikani, counsel to the EFCC, Mohammed, said he was invited by the agency sometime in June 2014 to clarify some transactions on the

account of I.D Sabin Investment Limited, an account owned by Saidu Nma-Aba Idris.

The witness narrated the procedures required for opening an account in his branch saying: “The customer will obtain account opening form.

If it is a corporate account, the customer is required to bring all documents especially from the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC. There must be two eligible referees, there must be board resolution authorizing the opening of the account.

“There must be means of identification. There must be public utility receipt.

The signatories must provide their passport photographs. They must also give their mandate on how the account is to be operated and any other document required shall be involved”.

According to the witness, I.D Sabin Investment met all the requirements while opening the account.

When asked to tell the court about the inflows into

to the account, Mohammed said, “Going through the statements of account, there were withdrawals of 10million naira each in eighty places and some other withdrawals”.

The prosecution sought to tender the account opening package in evidence, after it was shown to the witness and identified but, Nasko’s counsel, Mamma Mike Osuman, SAN, objected to the admissibility of the documents on the ground that they did not satisfy the provisions of Section 104 (1) (2) and (3) of the Evidence Act. Osuman took time to fault each of the documents and urged the court to reject it in its entirety.

Aliyu’s counsel, Olajide Ayodele, SAN, also aligned himself with Osuman’s position.

In response, Ikani urged the court to discountenance the objections of Osuman describing it as “unfounded”.

After listening to the submissions of the counsel, Justice Bogoro held that the document from FIRS; the

PHCN document dated February 28, 2013; the two-page National Identity Card and the documents from Corporate Affairs Commission (Certificate of Incorporation) were inadmissible.

He believed that the documents, being public documents needed proper certification from appropriate authorities.

However, the judge ruled that “the other documents from the Zenith bank including: Application To Opening a Corporate Account; Letter of Set Up, Signatory, Information Form, I.D Sabin Investment Limited’, addressed to the branch manager Zenith Bank PLC Minna, A Document Physical Visitation Report of Zenith Bank, Authority to Debit an Account dated March 2, 2013, Customer mandate, Corporate Account Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment Form, Zenith Bank”, duly certified by the PW3 were admissible.

“I shall admit the documents each in evidence”, the judge said.

Bako Kontagora Stadium approved for Niger Tornadoes

T

a he Nigeria Football

Federation (NFF) has approved the use of Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna for Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna in the ongoing 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Information Of-

ficer, Niger Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Malam Mohammed Mohammed made the disclosure in Minna on Friday.

Mohammed said that the NFF approved the stadium on Thursday for use by Niger Tornadoes

for all their home matches.

“After renovation of the stadium, supervised by top management of the ministry of sports; Bako Kontagora Stadium had been fixed with new state of the arts facility.

“It is as a result of this

development that the NFF deemed it fit to approve the stadium for all the home matches,’’ he said in a statement.

The statement added that Niger Tornadoes would engage Abia Warriors of Umuahia at the stadium on Saturday in the

Page 24

NPFL Match Day 10.

Before now, Tornadoes had played two seasons in Lokoja, Kogi, as a result of the renovation of Bako Kontagora Stadium where they finished 11th position respectively in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017.

Saturday, February 24 2018

WAFU Cup: Ghana defeat Nigeria

Infantino hails NFF, says Russia is 99% set for World Cup

N

igeria has failed to reach the finals of the maiden West African Football Union (WAFU) Women’s Cup after losing 5-4 on penalties to Ghana The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time before both teams proceeded to penalties in the match played at the Treichville Sports Park Stadium in Abidjan. Alice Ogebe opened scoring for Nigeria in the eighth minute with Faustina Ampah sending in the equaliser for Ghana nine minutes later.

Proceeding to penalty shootout, the Super Falcons lost 4-5 to the Black Queens.

Falcons will take on Mali for the third place position while the Black Queens will face hosts Cote d’ Ivoire in the finals.

F

IFA President Gianni Infantino has poured encomiums on the Amaju Pinnick –led NFF, saying the Nigerian Federation has shown excellent vision and focus and has taken giant strides over the past two years. The world’s number one football administrator, who also condoled with the NFF and the family of Kano Pillars’ player Chinedu Udoji who died in a car accident on Sunday night, stated this and more at the post –FIFA Executive Football Summit press conference in Lagos on Tuesday: NFF Presentation: I will start by commending the support that we got from the NFF for this program. Excellent work was done by the NFF team to facilitate the holding of the Summit and FIFA is grateful for this. The presentation by the NFF President was brilliant, and it captured the great work that the administration has done over the past two years.

The plan for Mini-Secretariats and Football Pitches in all the States of Nigeria deserves applause and support of everyone involved in Nigerian Football.

FIFA Executive Football Summit: The Summits are the lifeblood with which we intend to run the game henceforth.

Each is a meeting of between 15 and 20 Presidents and General Secretaries of Member Associations drawn from three confederations. Here, we had people from Europe, Concacaf and of course Africa. We discussed the future of youth competitions, including the idea of increasing participating teams for the finals of the boys and girls’ events, and to make it annual instead of biennial. However, it would now be one championship and not of different ages.

Nigeria, having won the FIFA U17 World Cup an unparalleled five times and been at every youth tournament for the girls, is one of the foremost countries in world football with regards to youth competitions. We praise the commitment of the Government and people of Nigeria to youth competitions and football generally.

Aigbogun

Alice in action

Aigbogun invites Udoh, 27 others to Flying Eagles F

lying Eagles head coach, Paul Aigbogun has called to camp 28 players as the seven-time African champions begin preparations for the qualifying series for 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Enyimba’s Ikouwem Udoh, who won the Young Player of the Year award at this week’s Aiteo NFF Football Awards, has been called alongside Super Eagles B teammates, Peter Eneji and Nur Muhammed as well as Nasarawa United Douglas Achiv, Akwa United Adesina Gata and Kano Pillars’ fleet-footed mid-

fielder, Alhassan Ibrahim.

Kano Pillars’ Nazifi Yahaya and MFM FC’s goalkeeper Ospino Egbe are also invited.

All invited players are to arrive at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja between Sunday, 25th February and Monday, 26th February with their international passports, birth certificates and training kits.

The 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations will be staged in Niger Republic.

Nigeria swept the African U20 titles in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and

2015, and won silver medals at the Fifa U20 World Cup in 1989 and 2005 after finishing third in the old USSR in 1985.

All the invited players: Ikouwem Udoh (Enyimba), Peter Eneji (Plateau United), Nur Muhammed (El-Kanemi Warriors), Wasiu Abdulazeez (Enyimba), Aniekieme Okon (Akwa United), Valentine Ozounwafor (Enyimba), Aminu Nuhu (Akwa United), Nazifi Yahaya (Kano Pillars), Isa Ndala (Nasarawa United), Adesina Gata (Akwa United), Alhassan Ibrahim (Kano Pillars), Douglas Achiv (Nasarawa United), Jamilu Muhammed

(Kano Pillars), Mubarak Abdulsalam (Wikki Tourists), Sadiq Abdullahi (Nasarawa United), Akila Jadima (MFM FC), Charles Agbo (El-Kanemi Warriors), Frank Kappe (Katsina United), Idris Said (Niger Tornadoes), Ospino Egbe (MFM FC), Malachy Chibuzor (Rivers United), Sunday Anthony (El-Kanemi Warriors), Abiodun Joseph (Sunshine Stars), Nurudeen Mudashiru (ABS FC), Waheed Adebayo (MFM FC), Mubarak Ejiogu (Niger Tornadoes), Detan Ogundare (Kogi United), Amos Obasogie (Insurance FC)

under Aisha Falode for their persistent drive for new innovations.

“I must thank the government of Lagos state for their interest and support for a worthy project like the NWFL Champions Shield.

“It’s the first of its kind, we have had Super 6, Super 4 as well and I know it’s a matter of time for the huge investment in women football to be clear to all to behold.

“Nasarawa Amazons versus Rivers Angels NWFL Champions Shield clash

is a good one between mutual friends and sisters.

“Off course, everybody knows that Nasarawa Amazons are not pushovers in women football in the land.

“A good match and platform to say Happy New Year to all interests as well as herald the new league season.

“Both sides are titans but not rivals though at the level of coaching the aim is to win every match be it ceremonial or competitive.

“That’s the watchword and mindset at Rivers Angels to win always, that has been our calculation and philosophy and I pray God will grant us the favour.

Okon, Danjuma upbeat about champions shield M anagers of Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons, Edwin Okon and Chris Danjuma have said the upcoming Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Champions Shield will be a feast of the best of women football between unarguably the very best teams in the land.

The harbinger of the new women football league season as well as the premiere of the best of the best will hold on Sunday, March 04 at the soccer temple, Agege International Sta-

Pinnick

dium in Lagos.

The NWFL Champions Shield maiden edition is ably sponsored and supported by the government of Lagos state under the amiable leadership of ever sports loving governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

The NWFL Champions Shield dramatis personnel are the 2016/17 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) champions, Nasarawa Amazons and the 2017 Aiteo Cup winners, Rivers Angels.

Okon said the NWFL Champions Shield clash against the Lafia landladies is not revenge contrary to wide perception among women football interests rather a match between closely-knit sisters aimed at showcasing the rich flavour of women football to the entire world.

“Revenge match I would say outright no but a good game that will go a long way to boost the image of the women league.

“I must thank the NWFL leadership

25

Saturday, February 24, 2018

EXTRATIME

FIFA assured of security in Russia

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IFA said on Friday it has every confidence in its security measures at the 2018 World Cup in Russia after hooliganism in the host nation came under fresh scrutiny.

The world football body’s assurance came in the wake of violent incidents involving Spartak Moscow supporters on Thursday in which a policeman died of a heart attack.

The officer died in hospital in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao.

He had been taken there when the regional police force was trying to stop street battles between supporters of Spartak and Athletic.

The street battles had occured before their UEFA Europa League last 32 second leg tie at the San Mames stadium.

Nine people were arrested following the clashes.

Spanish newspaper El Mundo said two Russian ultras were taken to hospital with injuries, one with stab wounds.

The 2018 World Cup begins on June 14 in Russia and local authorities are putting strict security procedures in place to control hooligans, including Russian fans.

They had caused trouble at the 2016 European Championship in France and other soccer events.

“As far as security for the 2018 FIFA World Cup is concerned, FIFA has complete trust in the security arrangements and comprehensive security concept developed by the Russian authorities and the Local Organising Committee,” a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters via email.

“As demonstrated during the FIFA Confederations Cup last year, Russia’s already-high security standards have been adapted to meet the specific needs of such major sporting events.

“Naturally, FIFA is also in constant contact with all stakeholders regarding the ongoing risk assessment, which enables the implementation of overall preventive measures in cooperation with national and international enforcement authorities.”

Spartak won the match 2-1 but were knocked out of Europe’s second-tier club competition 4-3 on aggregate after losing the first leg 3-1 in Moscow.

Wenger

‘Arsenal Wenger lost to focus’

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rsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has hinted that his players were complacent ahead of their Europa League round of 32 second leg clash against Ostersunds.

The Gunners were beaten 2-1 on Thursday night , but progressed into the next round with a 4-2 aggregate win.

“We were not at the races in the first half. The second half was much better. Our energy was higher and we were in control. We were complacent in the first half, not focused and had

no ideas on the ball.

“It’s better not to talk too much tonight and focus on our next game.

“I think the team in the first half was not at the level you expect. It was not easy for the defenders as we lost the ball early and didn’t screen the ball well.

“Ostersund might not have a glamorous name but technically and collectively they’re a good side,” Wenger told the media afterwards.

Scott proposes tighter gun restrictions on school shooting sports

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Rick Scott proposes restrictions on buying guns for school safety

lorida Governor Rick Scott announced a proposal on Friday to increase restrictions on buying guns and to strengthen school safety measures after a gunman killed 17 people at a high school in the state last week.

Scott said he would work with state lawmakers during the next two weeks to raise the minimum age for buying any kind of gun in Florida to 21 years old, with some exceptions for younger military members and law enforcement officers. Long guns, including the semiautomatic AR-15-style assault rifle used in the Feb. 14 attack, can be bought by people as young as 18 under current law.

According to Reuters, the Republican governor also said he would change laws to make it “virtually impossible for anyone who has mental issues to use a gun.” He wants to ban the sale and purchase of bump stocks, an accessory that transforms a semiautomatic rifle into a weapon able to fire hundreds of rounds a minute.

He called for a mandatory law enforcement offi-

cer in every public school and for mandatory “active shooter training” for student and faculty.

Staff members returned for the first time on Friday to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, now the site of one of the deadliest school attacks in U.S. history in which 14 students and three faculty were killed.

The attack at the school last week has inflamed the national debate about gun rights. Many of the student survivors of the massacre have since advocated for tougher gun-control laws. They have been widely interviewed on national television and have traveled to meet politicians in Tallahassee, the state capital, and U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House.

Nikolas Cruz, a 19-year-old former student at the school, has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder. Authorities have said that Cruz, who was expelled from Stoneman Douglas High last year for unspecified disciplinary problems.

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Saturday, February 24, 2018

EXTRATIME

Another Russian athlete fails drug test

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obsledder Nadezhda Sergeeva, a Russian athlete, has tested positive to a performance-enhancing drug at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the Russian bobsleigh federation said in a statement on Friday.

Sergeeva tested positive to the drug on Sunday, making her the second Russian athlete to fail a drug test at the games so far.

The result came five days after a previous doping test returned a negative result for her.

“On Feb. 13, her sample was clean. The team’s medical staff did not prescribe the drug to the athlete.

“The Bobsleigh Federation of Russia and the athlete herself understand the extent of their responsibility and understand how what has happened can have an impact on the fate of the whole team,” the federation said.

Earlier this week, Russian curling medalist, Alexander Krushelnitsky, agreed to hand back his mixed-team bronze medal after testing positive for meldonium, which can boost endurance.

The new development is a major blow for the country’s hopes of regaining its Olympic status and would have allowed its athletes march with the Russian flag at Sunday’s closing ceremony.

It was hoped that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would lift its suspension on Russia’s Olympic committee.

That prospect is now severely complicated by the second positive test of a Russian athlete.

Russia now accounts for two out of four positive tests during the Games.

The IOC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The news came a few hours after hundreds of Russian fans roared in celebration when teenage figure skater Alina Zagitova delivered their team’s first gold medal.

Scene from the clash

Police, fans died during clashes between fans of Athletic Bilbao, Spartak Moscow

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police officer has died during clashes between fans before Athletic Bilbao’s home Europa League match against Spartak Moscow at San Mames.

The officer from the Ertzaintza – the Basque Country’s police force – reportedly suffered a heart attack.

More than 500 officers were deployed for the fixture and reports say at least five arrests were made.

“Our condolences to colleagues, friends and relatives of the Ertzaina deceased in act of service,”

Bilbao police said.

After the game, the La Liga club tweeted: “Our heartfelt condolences to the family and companions of the deceased officer today.

“The Athletic Club shows its strongest rejection of the violence generated around football.”

Videos of the violent clashes showed supporters firing fireworks at each other on the streets.

European football’s governing body Uefa said it “strongly condemned the violent clashes”.

The clashes came on the same day a Russian, wanted for attack-

ing an England fan during the Euro 2016 riots in Marseilles, was arrested in Munich while travelling to the match in Bilbao.

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy offered his condolences and condemned the violence.

“My appreciation to Ertzaintza, for their efforts to protect those who know how to enjoy the sport,”

he tweeted.

La Liga president Javier Tebas added: “Ultra violence has claimed the life of a public servant – that’s enough. La Liga will continue with our policy of combating the ultra phenomenon, until its total eradication.” Spartak won the second leg 2-1 but Athletic went through 4-3 on aggregate.

Paul Pogba must be managed in the ‘right way’, says Antonio Conte

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helsea head coach Antonio Conte says Paul Pogba is a “fantastic” player and his Manchester United coaches need to “find the right way to manage him”.

Pogba’s form was recently criticised by his manager Jose Mourinho, who also denied reports their relationship has become strained while defending the position in which he plays the midfielder.

Pogba was not in the startling eleven against Hudder-

sfield and Sevilla after being hauled off against Newcastle the week before, but Mourinho has praised the Frenchman’s professionalism in handling the situation.

Conte managed Pogba at Juventus and the pair won two Serie A titles together, as they prepare to clash when the Blues travel to United live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday.

“We are talking about a fantastic player. My expec-

tation is to see him on the pitch,” Conte said.

“Every coach has to find the right way to manage him.

Pogba is showing at United he is a top player.”

Conte and Mourinho’s have aimed several barbs at each other during the season and they failed to shake hands at the end of Chelsea’s 1-0 win over United at Stamford Bridge earlier in the campaign. Mourinho has indicated he is willing to bury the hatchet and Conte said: “In the past both said things. For me it’s ok. I’m not interested to speak about this topic.”

Antonio Conte, who managed him at Juventus, says Paul Pogba is a top player who must be managed in the ‘right way’

27

Saturday, February 24, 2018

EXTRATIME

I

t could hardly have gone much worse for Eve Muirhead, except perhaps if she dropped a stone on her foot and bashed her thumb with the hammer. Even then it would be close.

What a thoroughly underwhelming way for the Scot and her team to give up the chase for gold, going down 10-5 against Sweden in the semi-finals with the gentlest of whimpers.

Yes, the Swedes are an excellent side. Fifth best in the world, by ranking, and a good bit better going by Olympic form, but, to paraphrase an old headline, no one expected them to make turnips of Britain quite like this.

The narrative out of the team would have it a little more upbeat, of course.

‘We did ourselves proud,’ said both Muirhead and Anna Sloan in separate interviews. ‘As a team we battled hard,’ added Muirhead.

The disappointment is that by their own high standards, this was a flat and uninspiring performance, a defeat that almost passed by unchallenged. Indeed, Britain never looked the better side and didn’t lead at any point before shaking hands on defeat with an end to spare.

They will have a chance to win bronze on Saturday against Japan, but it will sting for Muirhead that in her biggest tie since finishing third at Sochi 2014, she couldn’t touch her recent form.

‘We’re absolutely gutted,’ Muirhead said. ‘I know it will take time to get over

Great Britain were beaten 10-5 after Sweden won three against the hammer in the seventh end

Britain lose Olympic women’s curling semi-final against Sweden that loss. Any semi-final you lose is very, very hard. We had a good opportunity.

‘Four years ago we came through a semi-final loss (against Canada) and got a bronze medal. As a team we learnt a lot four years ago and hopefully we will play well for that bronze medal.

‘Every team is tough. Japan lost a world final couple of years ago. But we are going to come back here looking for the bronze medal.

‘I have never said I am coming here just for the gold. I have trained hard

over the last four years to come to the Olympics and as a team we come out and play the best we can. We came up short against a very good Swedish team but we did ourselves proud out there. As a team we battled hard.’

The pivotal moment came in the seventh end. Sweden were leading 5-3 and Muirhead, with the hammer, had a shot to pick up two, possibly, three points.

Instead she clipped the Swedish guarding stone and gave

up three in one go, falling 8-3 behind.

‘Of course as a skip you have to make these shots and if not, against a strong team like Sweden, you are always going to be on the back foot,’ Muirhead said.

‘There was a pressure there and we play well under the pressure. But sometimes you can’t make all the shots. It was a very tough shot. I am gutted I missed those kind of draws but it happens.’

The expectation on Muirhead had been considerable coming into these Games and it has grown in the past week as Britain have stalled in sight their target of five medals. That was set by UK Sport in return for £32m of funding and curling’s slice was a considerable £5.6m.

Given curling’s rather quirky nature, the scale of its funding usually comes in for some scepticism at this point every four years. That will only intensify if Muirhead and team fall short against Japan.

Sharing the load with the Scot is Billy Morgan, who is a fringe contender for a Big Air medal on Saturday.

McGregor hungry for a rematch

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ou never really thought he would stay away did you? Conor McGregor is coming back and it might even been sooner than anticipated.

The Irishman’s bullish message on Instagram was written by a fighter not content to simply to sail off into the sunset with a boat-load of cash, but one desperate to prove his mastery in the octagon once again.

The 29-year-old’s last MMA fight was in November 2016. He was stripped of his featherweight belt, his lightweight title is about to get taken away too but the self-titled ‘champ champ’ is spoiling for a return. The big question is, who will he fight?

McGregor’s reign as king of the 155-lbs division is coming to an end. Relentless Dagaestani wrestler Nurmagomedov and ‘El Cucuy’ Tony Ferguson will compete for the belt on April 7 at UFC 223.

Dana White has already acknowledged that McGregor will be stripped at some stage to add legitimacy to that fight, but also

Nate Diaz famously submitted McGregor at UFC 196 and there could be a third fight added that the Dubliner is first in line for a shot at the new champion.

Many believe the staggering ability of Nurmagomedov to take down world class fighters and

beat them to a pulp on the floor would be cryptonite to McGregor who is only regarded as Superman on his feet.

Nurmagomedov has never been beaten. He talks

to his opponents during the fight, telling them they’re in the way of his dream of becoming champion. He even yelled at White mid-fight through the cage, begging for a title shot. The 29-year-

old is a terrifying proposition but McGregor is not impressed.

After Nurmagomedov demolished Edson Barboza in December, the Irishman wrote: ‘That Daegestani was

dog s*** the other night, you’s are all nuts. Game full of sloppy bums asking to be slept. Pay me my worth and kings back.’

Of course, for McGregor and that ‘sloppy bum’ to face off, Nurmagomedov will have to see off Ferguson.

Nurmagomedov has never been beaten. He talks to his opponents during the fight, telling them they’re in the way of his dream of becoming champion. He even yelled at White mid-fight through the cage, begging for a title shot. The 29-year-old is a terrifying proposition but McGregor is not impressed.

After Nurmagomedov demolished Edson Barboza in December, the Irishman wrote: ‘That Daegestani was dog s*** the other night, you’s are all nuts.

Game full of sloppy bums asking to be slept. Pay me my worth and kings back.’

Of course, for McGregor and that ‘sloppy bum’ to face off, Nurmagomedov will have to see off Ferguson.

28

Saturday, February 24, 2018

EXTRATIME

FIFA ends involvement in Neymar bonus dispute

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ifa has ended its involvement in Brazil forward Neymar’s dispute with his former club Barcelona over an outstanding bonus payment of 43 million euros ($53.5 million), world soccer’s ruling body said on Friday.

A spokesperson from the organisation told Reuters via email that as the dispute had been submitted to different bodies, understood to be the Spanish court system, FIFA was not in a position to mediate.

“The Fifa administration informed the parties to the dispute that based on the long-standing and well-established jurisprudence of FIFA’s deciding bodies, it did not seem to be in a position to continue with the investigation of the affair,” the spokesperson said.

“The proceedings were therefore closed for formal reasons.”

A spokesperson for Neymar said last month that the Brazilian was suing Barca over the non-payment, saying the Paris St Germain player was due the amount plus 10 percent interest on the bonus he agreed for signing a new contract with the La Liga side two years ago.

Barcelona paid Neymar the first part of a signing bonus after he agreed a new fiveyear deal in 2016.

But last August the Spanish club said they were suing Neymar for breach of contract and wanted him to return the money he received before joining Ligue 1 club PSG for a world record transfer fee of 222 million euros ($273.13 million) in August 2017.

Neymar, 26, has scored 19 goals in 19 league games for PSG, helping lift them 12 points clear at the top of Ligue 1, although the French side need to stage a comeback against Real Madrid if they are to remain in the Champions League.

PSG lost the first leg of their last-16 tie at Real 3-1 and host the 12-times European champions in the return leg at the Parc des Princes on March 6.

Arsenal to face AC Milan in Europa last16 A

rsenal have been draw to face Italy’s AC Milan in the last-16 of the Europa League.

Arsene Wenger’s side limped through to Friday’s draw courtesy of a 2-1 home win over Ostersund, completing an aggregate 4-2 victory over the

Norwegian minnows.

But the Gunners will have to up their game against a talented Milan side who are targeting the competition after a disjoined league campaign.

The last time these clubs met, back in 2012, Milan won a Champions League knockout

tie 4-3 on aggregate, despite suffering a 3-0 loss in the second leg at the Emirates.

Moscow CSKA v Lyon Marseille v Athletic Bilbao

Last-16 draw in full Lazio v Dynamo Kiev RB Leipzig v Zenit St Petersburg Atletico Madrid v Lokomotiv

Sporting Lisbon v Viktoria Plzen Borussia Dortmund v FC Salzburg Milan v Arsenal

Dortmund’s Batshuayi says he heard monkey noise

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Neymar

ichy Batshuayi says he heard “monkey noises in the stands” as Borussia Dortmund knocked Atalanta out of the Europa League in Bergamo.

The on-loan Chelsea forward tweeted: “2018 and still racists monkey noises in the stands … really ?!

“Hope you have fun watching the rest of the Europa League on TV while we are through.”

Dortmund won 4-3 on aggregate after Marcel Schmelzer cancelled out Rafael Toloi’s opener for the Italians.

Last month, Atalanta received a suspended one-game stand closure after Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was subjected to racist chants during a Serie A game.

Michy Batshuayi in action during the encounter with Atalanta at the ongoing Europa league

29

Saturday, February 24, 2017

Saturday, February 24, 2018

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

P

ierre-Emerick Aubameyang may be cup-tied for Arsenal in European competition but the Gabon striker spurred his team-mates on alongside his girlfriend and kids on yesterday.

Arsene Wenger’s side welcomed Swedish minnows Ostersunds to the Emirates after a comfortable 3-0 win away in the first leg.

But it was a far more testing affair in north London as the visitors scored twice to set hearts racing among Aubameyang and the rest of the home supporters, only for defender Sead Kolasinac to ensure the Premier League side progressed to the last-16.

Aubameyang cut a relaxed figure alongside model girlfriend Alysha Behague and their two children as they watched from the warmth of an executive box.

He wore a Nike jumper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang watched Arsenal in the Europa League with his girlfriend and kids with some black jogging pants for the disappointing European night.

The extravagant striker let fans in on his experience through his Instagram story where his sons Curtys and Pierre Jnr, both clad in Arsenal merchandise, featured.

With Arsenal looking short of ideas in attacking areas, the return of Aubameyang for tommorrow’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City will come as a welcome boost.

It will be Aubameyang’s second trip to Wembley in an Arsenal shirt having started the north London derby defeat to Tottenham recently and he will expect to deliver a better showing for the cup final.

The Gabon striker has looked lively since his January move from Borussia Dortmund to the Emirates and will be expected to bring goals to Wenger’s team as they bid for a top-four finish.

Aubameyang, girlfriend, son daughters watch Arsenal reach Europa League last-16

Aubameyang at work

The pair have two children together and with the striker cup-tied, they enjoyed a family night

Jermain Defoe with his son, displaying passion for round lether game

19

Defoe’s return a lift for Bournemouth – Howe

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ournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes striker Jermain Defoe’s return to fitness has given everyone in the squad a lift ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

The 35-year-old Defoe, who has scored three league goals this season, returned to firstteam training this week after suffering an ankle injury in December.

“It is a big lift for everyone to get Jermain back,” Howe told a news conference yesterday.

“He is a natural goalscorer.

Anyone that has scored the goals he has in his career, naturally it is going to give the squad a lift to see him back with us.

“Will he be in the 18 against Newcastle? You’ll find out later.”

Bournemouth lost 4-1 at Huddersfield Town in their last league match, ending their nine-match unbeaten run in the competition.

Despite sitting 10th in the standings, Howe said his squad has no room for complacency with 11 matches remaining this season.

“Although the league table looks good in terms of position, the gap of points between us and the teams beneath us is not big and there are a host of teams tightly congested together,” he added.

“We have a lot of work to do and I am under no illusions that we have to deliver.”

Newcastle are three points behind Bournemouth in 13th spot having secured a 1-0 win over Manchester United in their last league game.

Saturday February 24, 2018

EXTRATIME

30

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anchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been charged by the Football Association for ‘wearing a political message, specifically a yellow ribbon’.

The FA said the yellow ribbon worn by the former Barcelona boss on his jacket in support of imprisoned Catalan politicians was in breach of its kit and advertising regulations.

Guardiola, whose side face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, has until 6pm on Monday to respond to the charge. He wore the ribbon during Friday’s pre-Carabao Cup final press conference.

Guardiola has worn the ribbon in support of the imprisoned politicians Jordi Cuixart and Jordi Sanchez. They were incarcerated during the row over Catalan independence.

It is understood that Guardiola was twice warned by the FA over wearing the yellow ribbon before being charged for wearing it during the game against Wigan.

It also emerged on Friday that Guardiola was subjected to a bizarre spot-check when he arrived at Barcelona airport last week, as Spanish police searched his private plane to see if he was smuggling leading Catalan politician, Carles Puigdemont, into the country.

Guardiola’s plane landed at Barcelona-El Prat airport and after its passengers had disembarked, with the Manchester City manager still on-board, several members of the Guardia Civil police boarded to search the plane.

They left shortly after without saying anything to Guardiola.

Back in the terminal Guardiola was told the police had been looking for Puigdemont who is currently believed to be in exile in Belgium.

Puigdemont served as president of Catalonia up until October 2017 when he led a referendum on Catalan independence from Spain that was declared illegal.

He declared unilateral independence after the vote, and the Spanish government responded by imposing direct rule, dismissing Puigdemont, and calling new

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Guardiola in hot soup

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regional elections.

Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia say police sources confirmed to them that the plane search was ‘purely routine’ and that they were not aware members of Guardiola’s family were aboard.

Guardiola was born in central Catalonia and has a long association with the region, having both

played and managed Catalan club Barcelona.

Speaking in December, he said: ‘I do that because in Spain two specific people who defend something like the vote, something the people in command do not agree (with), are in prison. It’s unfair.

‘To make a rebellion on something like that, you have to be something tough to be in prison.

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And they are still there. So, while they are not out, always here (points to ribbon) will be shared with me.

‘Because, okay, they can suspend me for doing that, but the other people are in jail.

‘If they want to suspend me — UEFA, Premier League, FIFA — it’s okay.’

While political messages have been banned for a number of years around football games — which was the cause of the annual poppy controversy with FIFA — UEFA changed their rules this season to only ban offensive messages.

The FA did not change their own policy, as they did not consider the poppy to be a political symbol.

The City boss was criticised by his rival Jose Mourinho for being allowed to wear the ribbon prior to the club’s game against Manchester United.

‘I’ve known Pep for many years,’ he said. ‘I think I know what Pep feels about his country. To have it in football, I don’t know the rules.

‘If the rules allow us to do that, he is a free citizen to do it, but I am not sure if the rules allow any political message on the pitch.

That’s just my doubt. I think I wouldn’t be allowed to, that’s just what I think.’

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31

Saturday, February 24, 2018

EXTRATIME

Raheem Sterling

Raheem doubtful for Sunday’s match

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aheem Sterling is struggling to be fit for Manchester City’s English League Cup final against Arsenal on Sunday but Gabriel Jesus could return, club manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday.

“He had a muscular problem. I don’t know if he will be ready for Sunday,” Guardiola said of forward Sterling as he looked ahead to his first final match as Manchester City manager.

There was better news on Brazilian forward Jesus who has not played since the final day of 2017, having suffered a knee injury, with Guardiola saying he is improving every day.

“Having Gabriel Jesus back (soon) is such a big boost to us. You need all the players, like the full backs, to be fit and available,” he said.

Guardiola is bidding to win his first trophy for Manchester City.

But, in spite of the importance of the occasion, he said he has not been tempted to reverse his policy of playing second-choice goalkeeper Claudio Bravo in Cup games.

The Colombian will start in goal at Wembley on Sunday with Brazil’s Ederson on the bench.

“Every fan has his own opinion, but I am the manager and we are here for Claudio. Without him, we are not here,” Guardiola said.

Manchester City will be without Fabian Delph for the final match after he was red-carded against Wigan Athletic, where they were surprisingly beaten in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday.

That result, Guardiola said, will need to be put out of their minds against Arsenal.

“I always say I prefer to play a final match having won a game,” said the Spaniard, who won 11 of his 12 Cup final matches during his spells as manager of FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

“I would love to have not dropped out of the English FA Cup but we have to stand up, recover and focus on the next game.”

Sam Eggington beats Dale Evans to retain welterweight titles

Evans announces retirement from boxing W

elshman Dale Evans, who was involved in a fatal fight with Mike Towell in 2016, has announced his retirement from boxing, saying he has lost his hunger for the sport.

Scottish fighter Towell suffered a brain injury in a bout with Evans in Glasgow 17 months ago.

The 25-year-old Towell was knocked out in the fifth round of the scheduled 12-round

fight and died in hospital the following day.“After some time out and questioning if I would fight again, a big fight was offered,” Evans, 26, said after being offered a European title opportunity.

“As always I jumped at it. But the spark, the hunger and the determination wasn’t there.

“Just worry and fear, I’ll openly admit.

“That’s why I have made the decision I have.”

Evans, from Carmarthenshire, turned professional in 2011 and was trained by former WBU middleweight champion Gary Lockett.

He suffered a British welterweight title loss to Bradley Skeete last July and retires with a record of 13 wins, four defeats and two draws.

Evans fought just twice after the Towell tragedy, beating Kevin McCauley on points before losing a unanimous deci-

sion to Skeete.

After Towell’s death he had vowed to win a British title in the Scot’s honour.

“Maybe I set the bar a bit high for myself or maybe I wasn’t as good as I thought I was, I don’t know,” he posted on his personal Twitter account.

“Boxing has been a big part of my life – it was my life.

“I haven’t achieved what I’d have like to, but I done alright I guess.”

Wawrinka forced to retire in Marseille

S

Stan Wawrinka retired from active lawn tennis game due to another head injury

tan Wawrinka suffered another injury setback as a knee problem forced him to retire against qualifier Ilya Ivashka at the Open 13 Provence in France.

Three-time grand slam champion Wawrinka’s previous campaign was cut short by a knee injury and an issue surfaced again in Marseille, where he called it a day after two games of the second set.

Wawrinka had a problem in the seventh game of the

first set, which he lost 6-4, and the second seed decided he could not continue in the second when it was tied at 1-1.

Nicolas Mahut and Tomas Berdych each came from a set down to respectively beat sixth seed Gilles Muller and Stefano Travaglia.

Filip Krajinovic beat Gilles Simon in straight sets while Karen Khachanov only dropped three games in progressing past Mischa Zverev.

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Business & Economy B1

Daily Times Nigeria

Dangote Refinery: Hyundai wins $58m contract to construct LPG tanks Page B3

PENGASSAN visits Agencies, proffers solutions to lingering fuel scarcity

AfDB campaigns for the support Agriculture in Africa Page B8

FEC approves N2.2bn for FCT infrastructure projects

By Idu Jude, Abuja

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved requests of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) amounting to N2.2 billion for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Bill Clinton Airport Drive as well as for the procurement of field materials for the FCT Water Board.

Bill Clinton Drive, the spur

road directly linking the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Road with the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway is a major national and international gateway to both the city and the country.

In his presentation, the FCT Minster, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello noted that the road, which was constructed in the early eighties and has since exceeded its lifespan of 20 years is currently in seri-

ous need of rehabilitation.

The scope of work includes removal of existing bitumen and pavements as well as carrying out asphalting, resurfacing shoulder dressing and provision of surface water drainage among others.

It could be recalled that the Bill Clinton Drive rehabilitation project is coming on the heels of the recent conclusion of works on the Bill Clinton Interchange and bridge last

Saturday, February 24, 2018

year. The completion which brought about a new lease of life for motorists on that road was in keeping with the commitment of this Administration to completing all ongoing critical infrastructure projects.

In a related development the FEC also approved FCTA’s request for N273 Million for the provision of field materials for the delivery of quality potable drinking water for FCT

residents.

In doing this, the administration was mindful that the provision of steady and uninterrupted potable drinking water supply to residents of the Federal Capital Territory is very necessary to meet World Health Organization(WHO) standards as well as the Nigerian Drinking Water Quality Standards.

With these projects, the pledge of the FCT Minister to emphasise effective delivery in the coming months is on course.

Another 132kv transmission line vandalised in Enugu - TCN Myke Uzendu, Abuja

L/R Director Flight Operation Arik. Capt Adetokunbo Adekunbi, Chief executive officer Arik capt Roy Ilegbodu and Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency Hon. Jones Onyereri during House Committee On banking and currency visit to Arik headquarter on Friday ...in Lagos.

AMCON has repositioned Arik for profit - Reps Myke Uzendu, Abuja

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking and Currency, Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Onyereri, has commended the present management of Arik Air for the good work it is doing to turn around the fortunes of the carrier.

The lawmaker also commended the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) for repositioning Arik Air for profit Speaking with journalists when he led members of the committee on surprise visit to Arik after a guided tour of the airline in Lagos, Onyereri stated that from what the team saw on ground, Nigerians

stands reassured of the safety of Arik and it’s survival because the Arik management have positioned the airline on the path to profitability, which he said will propel Arik to reclaim its prime spot in the aviation sub-sector of the Nigerian economy.

A statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communication of AMCON, Jude Nwauzo, quoted Hon Onyeriri as paying glowingly tribute to Arik especially its aircraft spare parts store.

He said that he was satisfied with the fact that the airline has enough spare parts to carry on with seamless operations, which he stated is reassuring to the flying public.

He added, “To the extent of safety,

the amount of spares parts in Arik Airline’s store is huge, we are completely impressed. They have brand new tyres, spare engines and that is comforting enough.”

Reacting to the rumour that there are chances of Arik Air being named the national carrier, the chairman said that was beyond the committee for now, stating that there were so many things to be considered before such a development could happen.

He also commended the management style of Capt. Ilegbodu and his team, which encourages transparency, accountability and strict adherence to global aviation best practices.

The Daily Times recalls that the

committee had earlier in February promised Nigerians that they would soon pay a visit to Arik and Aero airlines for what he described as on the spot assessment of recent positive developments at the two airlines since they were taking over

by AMCON when he said, “We owe it a duty to Nigerians to visit some of the critical institutions AMCON was mandated to take over in the interest of the nation.”

The airline’s incumbent management led by Capt. Roy Ilegbodu as Chief Executive Officer assumed office in February 2017 after the intervention of AMCON in the airline, which prevented imminent death of the Arik Air.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported vandalisation in the 132kV Double Circuit transmission line being constructed by Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) from New Haven through 9th Mile to Nsukka.

In a statement signed by the General Manager (Public Affairs) of TCN, Ndidi Mbah, yesterday in Abuja, the vandalisation was perpetrated by unknown persons on Tuesday, 20th February, 2018, at the Eziama Nike village in Enugu East, Enugu State.

According to an assessment of the site of the incident carried out by TCN engineers, the vandals carted away two spans of conductors, insulators and other accessories from the towers and transmission lines through which the company plans to feed the new 9th Mile 2x60MVA 132/33kV Substation and the Nsukka 1x30MVA substations.

TCN further reiterated that the vandalised double circuit lines would slow down the pace of work on that line route and hinder prompt energizing of the two new transmission substations, as the transmission lines would have to be completed before the substations can be energized.

According to the statement, another transmission line was recently vandalized along Alulu Nike, still in Enugu State destroying four towers. These unpatriotic acts it said, are threatening transmission expansion efforts in the state, as time and funds which would now be put into replacing the vandalized lines and towers instead of completing and energizing them.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

System collapses cause N3.85bn damage to power infrastructure Stories by Simon Ugwu

Six system collapses recorded in January 2018 by the Transmission Company of Nigeria has culminated in the damage of nine vital components, which will cost the company N3.85 billion to procure the relevant equipment and rehabilitate within nine months, The Daily Times has gathered.

It was learned that the equipment includes a 1x150mva, 330/132kv T1A Mitsubishi power transformer in Jos, which was completely burnt and will take N850 million to replace.

Another major burnt equipment was the 1x30mva, 330/33kv T2 Toshiba transformer at Gusau substation, which would

require N300 million for a total replacement.

Other damaged equipment includes 1x100mva, 330/33kv SPECO power transformer at Ejigbo substation, 1x60mva, 132/33kv ABB power transformer at Katampe substation, 1x60mva, 132/33kv power transformer at Aja substation, 1x60mva, 132/33kv power transformer at Benin substation, and a 1x60mva, 132/33kv power transformer at Okene substation, which were completely lost.

The facilities, it was gathered, will cost the company about N500 million each to replace. It was also gathered that TCN might have lost many other equipments, including switch gears, breakers and isolators within the period.

Chamber of commerce energy experts brainstorm on power challenges Experts on renewable energy from KPMG Nigeria and the GreenElec met on Thursday, during a breakfast meeting organised by the Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce at EKO Signature to discuss the problems and significance of electricity challenges in Nigeria.

Senior Manager, Power and Utilities in KPMG, Mr. Ayotunde Funsho, who spoke on the topic “Overview of Renewable Energy in Nigeria and Challenges of Increasing Rural Access,” stated that Nigeria “has the potential for becoming a renewable energy giant in line with the potentials in the

country.”

Also, Executive Vice President, GreenElec, Dr. Albert Okorogu, said that solar and/or wind-powered electricity could be cost-effective in areas where electricity could not be supplied and Nigeria has enormous potentials of alternative energy, especially with solar power generation as a practical alternative to supplement Nigeria’s power supply.

He said: “GreenElec’s mission is to exploit Nigeria’s rich and abundant natural resources to provide electricity to a vast majority of Nigerians, especially those distant from the national grid.”

Lafarge establishes 16mw power plant for communities Stories by Simon Ugwu Ashaka cem PLC, a subsidiary of Lafarge Holcem, has begun the construction of 16-megawatt captive power plant for its host communities.

The Managing Director of the company, Malam Rabi’u Abdullahi, stated this while briefing newsmen Thursday in Ashaka town of Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe state.

Abdullahi said the N11 billion project, which was part of its corporate social responsibilities, commenced in 2017 and was expected to be completed in 2019.

“We want to stop taking power from the national grid; we want it available

for the people of the region, to enjoy,” he said.

The Managing Director said Ashakacem had three main areas of focus in terms of corporate social responsibilities, namely, education, youth empowerment and health.

He said in the area of Education, the company had constructed primary and secondary schools.

He also said Ashakacem would collaborate with the newly established Gombe State Polytechnic, Bajoga, to deepen artisanship programmes.

Abdullahi said in the area of Youth Empowerment, many youths had been trained in different trade, adding that some of them were employed and working in the company.

L – R shows Adeyemi Osoba, Head, Branch Network, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director/CEO, Odu’a Investment Company Limited and Bola Adeeko, Head, Shared Services Division, NSE during a Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange today in Lagos.

Afreximbank Elevates two, names Obi Emekekwue, Chandi Mwenebungu directors Ganiyu Obaaro The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the appointment of two staff members to Directorship positions to head its Communications and Events Management Department and Treasury and Markets Department respectively.

Obi Emekekwue was named Director and Global Head of the Communications and Events Management Department while Chandi Mwenebungu becomes Director of the Treasury and Markets Department. Prior to the appointments, Mr. Emekekwue and Mr. Mwenebungu were respectively heads of the Communications and Treasury functions at the Bank at the level of

Senior Managers.

The Bank’s Communications and Treasury functions, which had operated as units, were upgraded to full departments in 2017 as part of a general reorganization of the Bank.

Emekekwue joined Afreximbank in 2012.

Prior to that, he had worked for the United Nations from 1994, serving last in the Press Office of the Department of Public Information at the New York Headquarters.

His United Nations career included serving variously as Public Information Officer, Media Specialist and Programme Specialist in several agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and

Obi Emekekwue, Director and Global Head, Communications and Events Management.

as Communications Specialist at the United Nations Country Team in Papua New Guinea from 2006 to 2007.

Emekekwue began his professional career at the Nigerian Television Authority, Ibadan, followed by a short stint at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, before joining the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) where he served as the United Nations/North America Bureau Chief from 1989 to 1994.

He holds a Master of Arts in international relations and a postgraduate certificate in international law and diplomacy from St. John’s University, New York, and a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Mr. Mwenebungu, who joined Afreximbank in

2013, has over 20 years’ experience in the area of treasury and finance working in the finance services industry in Africa and Europe. He holds a master’s degree in accounting and finance. He is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (FCCA), and an associate member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT).

He previously worked as the Head of Treasury and Investments for International Insurance Company of Hannover (Inter-Hannover) in London and Cigna International (Europe) in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Prior to his relocation to the United Kingdom, he worked in the treasury function of Nedbank Malawi Limited.

Chandi Mwenebungu, Director, Treasury and Markets.

Business News Wind Industry applauds presidential intervention in firms The South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) has applauded South Africa’s newly elected President, Cyril Ramaphosa, for his commitment to stabilising state-owned enterprises.

The President’s vision was echoed by Finance Minister, Malusi Gigaba, during yesterdays Budget Speech.

“We applaud President Ramaphosa’s unequivocal commitment in the State of the Nation Address to intervene decisively to stabilise and revitalise stateowned enterprises for the benefit of our country’s economic future,” said Brenda Martin, CEO of SAWEA. The industry is similarly pleased that the Minister of Finance acknowledged the Minister of Public Enterprise’s instruction to Eskom to conclude all Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s) with independent power producers, the wind energy association said in a statement.

SAWEA has also confirmed support for President Ramaphosa’s emphasis on nationbuilding, through restorative measures grounded in consultation, transparency and accountability.

“We support the call to place youth at the centre of the economy, to enable their inclusion in the economy and welcome the incentives that will be provided to businesses to contribute more, direct opportunities to young entrants to the Industry,” added Martin.

SAWEA appeals to President Ramaphosa and the Ministers of Finance, Energy and Public Enterprises to ensure the achievement of a firm date for duly procured Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement conclusion, by no later than March 31st, 2018, when key legal documents will expire.

The industry continues to anticipate Eskom’s co-operation on all related requirements for the conclusion of PPAs, which will allow the country’s renewables programme to get back on track.

Power plant

B3

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

Dangote Refinery: Hyundai wins $58m contract to construct LPG tanks Stories by Simon Ugwu Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., one of the world’s largest shipbuilders and industrial equipment manufacturers, said yesterday that it has received a $58 million order to build 15 bullet tanks for storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for Dangote Oil Refining Company, Africa’s largest refinery, beginning in April 2019.

Dangote Oil Refinery Company (Dangote) is constructing an integrated refinery and petrochemical complex in the Lekki Free Zone near Lagos. The refinery is expected to be the world’s biggest single-train facility, upon completion in 2019.

Estimated to cost $9 billion, the refinery will produce EuroV quality gasoline and diesel, as well as jet fuel and polypropylene.

The project is expected to generate 9,500 direct and 25,000 indirect jobs. Nigeria is estimated to hold approximately 37 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, which is the second biggest in Africa. The country, however, imports majority of its refined products due to lack of domestic refining capacity.

The new refinery will double Nigeria’s refining capacity and help in meeting the increasing demand for fuels, while providing cost savings. The refinery site covers an area of 2,635ha on the Lekki Free Zone near the Lekki Lagoon. The

location will enable easy transshipment of refined petroleum products to the international market.

The processing facilities at the refinery include a crude distillation unit (CDU) and associated facilities, a mild hydrocracking (MHC) unit, residual fluid catalytic cracking (RFCC), naphtha hydrotreater and RFCC gasoline hydrodesulfurisation (HDS) unit, as well as alkylation units.

Additional processing units include a set of units supplied by DuPont to produce clean fuels.

These units include the STRATCO alkylation unit and the MECS sulphuric acid regeneration (SAR) unit. The MECS DynaWave® sul-

phur recovery unit and BELCO EDV fluid catalytic cracking unit are also include.

Sulphur recovery and hydrogen generation facilities and a polypropylene unit are also part of the refinery. The hydrogen generation complex will consist of two steam methane reformer (SMR) units.

It will generate 200,000Nm³/h of hydrogen and steam, which will be used to produce sulphur-free fuels. The refinery will feature infrastructure facilities such as a pipeline system, access roads, tank storage facilities, and crude and product-handling facilities.

A marine terminal, including a breakwater, jetty and harbour, is also part of the refinery.

In addition, an administrative building, guardhouses, fire station and pump stations will be part of

FirstBank supports media evolution, sponsors the 2018 Social Media Week Adesola Afolabi

L-R, Ambassador Chiedu Osakwe, representing the Vice President; Alhaji Abdullahi Mahmoud, Former Director, FBN Holdings Plc; Chidi Anya, Director, FBN Holdings Plc; UK EKE, MFR, GMD, FBN Holdings Plc; Mallam Bello Maccido, Chairman FBNQuest Merchant Bank; and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, President, Council of Nigeria Stock Exchange at the Corporate Governance Rating System Certification Ceremony 2018, held at the Civic Center, Lagos ... on Thursday.

FG pledges support for Ondo’s moves to develop mineral resources The federal government on Friday said it will support efforts being made by Ondo State government to develop the numerous mineral resources in the state.

The minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, stated this in Ondo while flagging – off the production of 1.5million Granite marbles and dimension stones at Afo Community in Ose local government area of the state.

He said the state will relive the country from importing huge amount of Granite marbles for local construction factories and other consumers.

Fayemi informed that the state will soon begin producing asphalts from the production of Bitumen which will commence before the

year ends.

The minister disclosed that 3.5 million meters of Granite marbles are imported into Nigeria out of the four million Granite marble consumed in the country annually.

Fayemi who noted that with the 1.5million annual production of Granite marbles and dimension stones in the state, said the project will save the county hard earned foreign exchange, create employment opportunities and substitute for import.

His words, “I want to thank Mr. Governor for the Flag-off of this project. The importance of solid mineral, particularly dimension stones in our country cannot be over emphasized “Every year in Nigeria, we con-

sume about four million square meters of granites marble in this country. Out of that four million that is consumed and utilized by our construction factories and various consumers, only about half a million is produced locally, so we import 3.5million meters of dimension stones like this from China, Italy, Spain and all other country where they produce this.

“This is a much larger factory of dimension in Ondo state. What this does is that it saves Nigeria hard earned foreign exchange. What is produced locally here, which will be cut, polish by them and I can see it here, If not something better than what you can from China and other places it will compete favorably with them.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its sponsorship of the 2018 Social Media Week (SMW), Lagos, scheduled to take place from February 26 through to March 2, 2018 at the Landmark event centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which is Africa’s largest tech and digital media event would convene business leaders, global thinkers, entrepreneurs, Fintech firms, and media entrepreneurs. The Bank is sponsoring this event for the third time to facilitate the evolution of technology in Africa with focus on having everyone who attends for business or pleasure, powered up the digital way.

The Bank will be hosting a panel session at the event to deliberate on the topic “Financial Inclusion: Banking the Unbanked” on Monday February 26, 2018. The panel which will be moderated

by Ugo Dre, CEO, Nairametrics will have the Team Lead, Product Design at FirstBank Digital Lab, Munachimso Duru; CEO, Cowrywise, Razaq Ahmed; and CEO, Fint.ng, Chiwete John-Njokanma as panelists.

FirstBank will be activating its Digital Lounge at the event where participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Bank’s digital products and services. The Bank will also host an App Fair all through the event to give SME technology entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their apps at the digital lounge.

There will be exciting games with several prizes to be won such as iPhone X, smart bracelets, power banks, free airtime and cash prizes. Participants will have the opportunity participate in the FirstBank ‘Expressions on cards’ campaign and can pick up their customized cards at the event.

Tours&Travels

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

BPE privatises 142 enterprises Stories by Simon Ugwu with Agency report D i r e c t o r- G e n e r a l , Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr Alex Okoh, said the bureau privatised 142 enterprises from inception in 1993 to date.

A statement by BPE’s Head of Public Communications, Amina Othman, in Abuja, said Okoh stated this while receiving House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation on an oversight visit to the bureau.

Okoh told members of the committee that out of the privatised enterprises, 94 had been monitored, adding that 63 per cent of the enterprises were doing well while 37 per cent were not performing.

He attributed the poor record of the non-performing enterprises to operating business environment in the country in which many private or privatised public enterprises had closed down or relocated to neighbouring countries.

Okoh, however, said that the committee had commenced a thorough review of the non-performing enterprises to ascertain the issues affecting them.

He said that 63 enterprises were privatised through core investor sale, nine through guided liquidation, one through sale to existing shareholders, five through public offer and two, through liquidation.

“Eight were privatised

through private placement, 41 through concession, two through debt/equity swap and 11 through sale of assets.

“Five are in agric mechanisation, eight in automobiles, seven in banking and insurance, six in brick making and six in the cement sector.

“The others are 10 in energy construction and services, 12 in hotels and tourism, eight in oil and gas, four in paper and packaging.

“Nineteen are in solid minerals and mining, seven in steel

and aluminium, four in the sugar sector, 26 in marine transport sector, 19 in power and one in telecoms,” he said.

Okoh listed the new initiatives embarked upon by the bureau to include Afam Power and Yola Distribution Company privatisation and concession of Terminal B of Warri old Port.

According to him, others are the restructuring and commercialization of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), partial commercialisation of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), restructur-

ing and commercialisation of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

He also said the bureau had embarked on reform and commercialisation of three of the nation’s national parks and other initiatives in the power sector.

Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Mr Ahmed Yerima, had said that the committee was at the bureau to have first-hand information on its activities.

He added that the visit was also to ascertain BPE’s com-

pliance with provisions of the 2017 Appropriation Act in line with the resolution of the House that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) complied with the Act. Yerima, however, assured that the committee would use its powers to ensure that BPE’s mandate was not usurped by MDAs, saying that any attempt in that direction was an infraction on the Constitution of the country.

New personalised safaris and tour operator launched in Namibia Orlando Safaris, based in Windhoek, has opened its doors to domestic and foreign tourists and offers a full service for arranging and booking safaris throughout Namibia.

Naturally exclusive Orlando Safaris roots lie in Namibia, where the business began and the inspiration for the business came from an idea on a piece of paper to provide fullservice tours and safaris with a ‘naturally exclusive’ flavour.

The philosophy Orlando Safaris comes from the owners’ true love for Namibia, not only to preserve wildlife and natural wonders but to share them with the rest of the world.

Orlando Safaris is named after one of the owners, Namibian born and raised Orlando Haraseb, an exceedingly gifted tour guide, who has won numerous international accolades and is one of Namibia’s premier birders as

well. His love and knowledge of Namibia, its flora and fauna permeate through the very core of Orlando Safaris.

Keys to an unforgettable experience The company has partnered

with the best suppliers who share the same level of professionalism, expertise, enthusiasm and drive. The safari vehicles have been specially selected for comfort, safety and reliability. These vehicles have been

handcrafted so that every guest has a comfortable window seat, equipped with super deluxe reclining seats (seven-seater + driver), with good back support.

No employment opportunities in China for Nigerians – Envoy Mr Wale Oloko, the ConsulGeneral of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Guangzhou, China, on Monday admonished young Nigerians aspiring to travel to China for employment purposes to look elsewhere.

Oloko told the Newsmen in Lagos that it had been and would continue to be difficult for unskilled Nigerians to secure even menial jobs in China.

The consul-general, however, said that it was only “exceptionally skilled’’ Nigerians in artificial intelligence, Information Technology and other areas that could be considered for employment in China.

“Nigerians wanting to travel to travel to China for em-

ployment must appreciate the fact that China currently has a population of about 1.4 billion people.

“And the Chinese government has to first be able to provide employment for the Chinese.

“And besides that, there is the language barrier for Nigerians wanting to get employment in China to contend with.

“Let me, therefore, say that there are not many employment opportunities for Nigerians or other foreigners who want to travel to any part of China to do menial jobs,’’ he said.

The consul-general said that it was only those Nigerians who were ‘’exceptionally good’’ in some areas yet to be

Nigeria and China explored by the Chinese that were likely to be offered employment in China.

Oloko, who was visiting

Nigeria so as to strengthen China and Nigeria relations, said that China was currently favourable to Nigerians who

would be visiting for studies, tourism and business purposes.

He said that the over 70, 000 Nigerians that travelled to the Guangdong Province in 2016, had visited the Chinese province for business, tourism, education and healthcare issues.

The bilateral relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have expanded on growing bilateral trade and strategic cooperation.

China is considered one of Nigeria’s closest allies and partners.

China is also one of Nigeria’s important trading and export partners, with trade relations hitting the 2.7 billion dollar mark in 2017.

Ambode

Tours & Travels

B5

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, February 24 2017

Olu of Warri visits Buhari, appeals for rehabilitation of Warri, Koko ports

By Simon Ugwu with agency report

THE Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwole, has appealed to the Federal Government to hasten action on the rehabilitation of Warri and Koko ports in Delta State so as to minimize the incidence of restiveness and rejuvenate economic activities in the area.

The Paramount ruler who paid a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, Friday, at the President’s office, Presidential Villa, Abuja, decried the deplorable condition of the ports which he said had been abandoned by the government.

But President Buhari has assured the natural ruler that the people of Niger Delta that his administration would continue to support rapid development in the region by consolidating on all ongoing projects as well as initiating new ones to create more economic opportunities and jobs for the people.

While receiving the Olu of Warri, President Buhari reiterated the Federal government’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Niger Delta for economic and social activities to thrive. The President told the monarch and his delegation that developing the region remained a priority for his administration, adding that under his watch every region in the country would witness increased investments in critical infrastructure.

He appealed to the people of Niger Delta to complement ongoing efforts by the Federal government to bring more development in the region by maintaining peace, security and harmony.

President Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femu Adesina, promised to look into some of the concerns raised by the delegation including the dredging of Escravos bar for Warri and Koko ports, the gas revolution industrial park and EPZ project in Ogidigben, the ecological challenges in Ode-Itsekiri, Ugborodo, Orere/Yanagho and OgheyeEghoroke, among others.

The President also used

Olu and Buhari the occasion of the visit by the Royal Majesty to commend Itsekiri people for producing men of strong convictions like Prof Itse Sagay, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anticorruption (PACAC). He said, ‘‘Thanks for producing a man like Prof. Itse Sagay, who is defending us robustly and stepping on many toes in the process. If he’s not a man of conviction, he couldn’t have done that. ‘‘What he is doing is exceptional. Despite coming from a minority area, he’s showing overwhelming influence at the centre. ‘‘Prof, I never had the opportunity to thank you personally for all you’re doing. Thank you very much,’’ the President said.

The Olu of Warri, who commiserated with the President over the loss of his two extended family members, also commended him for achieving his campaign promises on the fight against insurgency and corruption, as well as the successes recorded in reducing criminal acts of vandalisation of oil

and gas facilities in the Niger Delta. Addressing State House correspondents after the closed-door meeting, the Olu of Warri, accompanied by the immediate former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan called on the Federal Government intervention in the deplorable condition of the Koko and Warri ports.

He said, “Warri port and Koko port are very good and solid ports that are not working. While other ports in other areas are working, ours are just left unutilised and so we want the ports to be activated so that they can start working. That will mop up a lot of youths from the Okenwole , who attributed the menace of youth restiveness in the areas to the absence of activities at the ports, noted that “when the ports were working there was no restiveness in the area.” According to him, “Apart from that, there is also the gas city, it is a fantastic project.

“ The last president did the ground breaking before he left but since then nothing has been happening. “We ment to hasten action on it because that will mop up the over 300,000 youths from the streets. When all of our youths are engaged the restiveness will be minimized.

“We have the Koko road, that road will open up the area, and allow economic activities to expand. We have the escravos road, the railway that is going on now, we want it to come to the are. ,”By that, the economic activities will thrive better and Nigerians will be happy for from journalists, former Governor Uduaghan enumerated some other challenges facing the people of the area including insecurity, ecological problems and infrastructure among other critical issues.

He said they were the main issues that were discussed with the President during problem of

access to the

ports is very critical. Delta has six ports and to be able to get to the ports there is a place call escravos bar which has been very shallow.

Even the water channel is highly stilted and so we appealed to the federal government to dredge the escravos channels so that the bigger ships will be able to come into the ports of delta especially the Warri Ports.”

Meanwhile, at a separate audience with Dr Ado Ibrahim Atta 111, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, President Buhari thanked the royal father for his continued support of his administration. In his remarks, the Ohinoyi of Ebira land commended the President for his renewed interest in reviving the Ajaokuta Steel and expressed the hope that the project will come back to life and be inaugurated under Buhari’s administration. ‘‘You are a man of hope, courage and action. May all the good things you want for Nigeria come to pass,’’ the Ohinoyi said.

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, February 24 , 2017

B6

Tours & Travels

Okowa felicitates with monarch on 10th coronation anniversary G OV E R N O R Ifeanyi Okowa on friday congratulated, Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom on the 10th anniversary of his ascension to the ancient throne. Okowa in a statement in Asaba, friday signed by his Chief Press Secre-

tary, Charles Aniagwu, commended the monarch for making Uvwie kingdom peaceful and investor-friendly since he ascended the throne of his forefathers ten years ago. Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso (JP), Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom (left) being congratu-

lated by Professor Akii Ibhadodeh, the Vice Chancellor of FUPRE The Governor noted that His Majesty’s ascension to the throne has brought lasting peace to the once troubled Uvwie kingdom.

“Uvwie Kingdom has metamorphosed from a once troubled king-

Uwvie

dom to a peaceful and investor-friendly kingdom since His Royal Majesty ascended the throne ten years ago. His Majesty has worked so hard with his Council of Chiefs and the youths to maintain peace in the kingdom and I have no doubt that the Uvwie of today is positioned to be the commercial nerve centre of Delta State.” “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I warmly felicitate with HRM Emmanuel Sideso (JP), OON, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom on his 10th coronation anniversary. The Governor joins the people of Uvwie Kingdom in celebrating His Royal Majesty with good health, wisdom and strength to continue reign in Uvwie Kingdom. Continuing; “As

Okowa

a bastion of culture and tradition, Umogu, has played significant role in the promotion of harmony among Uvwie people and their neighbours. The Governor thanked the people of Uvwie for reposing confidence on the monarch as well as giving him the needed support and cooperation in the past ten

years on the throne.

“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to give you good health and wisdom to pilot the traditional affairs of your kingdom and offer valuable contributions to the development of our dear Delta State,” the Governor said.

Belmond acquires historic Tuscan castle in Italy Belmond has announced the acquisition of Castello di Casole, located within easy access of Florence and Siena. The intimate, 39-room hotel sits within 1,500 acres of farmland, vineyards and olive groves - one of the largest private estates in Italy.

The historic castle joins Belmond’s portfolio of Italian icons including Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence, Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice and Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino.

Roeland Vos, president and chief executive officer, commented: “I am delighted to announce the addition of the stunning and historic Castello di Casole to the Belmond portfolio. The Belmond brand continues to gain momentum and this acquisition marks the latest step in our journey towards realising our strategic growth plan. We believe this stunning castle, steeped in Etruscan history, builds on our past experience of acquiring distinctive, timeless properties and restoring them to their iconic status through strategic investment.

Belmond Castello di Casole fully encapsulates ‘The Art of Good Living’, combining culture, nature and wellbeing to create memorable travel experiences and special occasion events.

A storied past Steeped in history, Belmond Castello di Casole dates back to the 10th century, owned by Italian aristocratic family, the Bargalis, who for generations farmed the landscape and latterly by acclaimed cinematographer Luchino Visconti whose films The Leopard and Death in Venice embody the ‘Golden Age of Cinema’. Visconti’s parties at the castle were legendary, attended by Hollywood glitterati.

Multi-sensory escapism The hotel’s spacious all-suite rooms are all designed to honour the rich and rustic traditions of Tuscany, full of terracotta and golden colours with period antique furnishings and original stone floors. Many feature private gardens that blossom with aro-

matic white roses in summer.

The heated outdoor infinity pool offers sweeping views across the golden hills and valleys of Tuscany and guests can enjoy a range of activities within the rich natural countryside including truffle hunting, mastering

the genuine art of Tuscan cooking, hiking and cycling through the estate’s 100 acres of vineyards and olive groves as well as its neighbouring hamlets. The spa, located in the vaulted wine cellar, features restored stone walls and Etruscan artefacts.

Belmond

expects

to

invest bishment of the hotel over four years, including the addition of two new villas, bringing the resort’s total key count to 41.

Business Features B7

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

PENGASSAN visits Agencies, proffers solutions to lingering Simon Ugwu The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called for rehabilitation of the refineries, depots and other oil and gas infrastructural facilities as the solutions to end the current rounds of fuel scarcity in the country.

A statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, PENGASSAN, Comrade Fortune Obi said that the senior staff trade union expressed concern at the current fuel scarcity and attendant man-hours and energy Nigerians lost to queuing at fuel stations and considered this embarrassing to a nation.

According to the him, “when its leadership paid courtesy visits to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF), the Petroleum Training Development Funds (PTDF), Petroleum and Pipelines marketing Company (PPMC), and the House of Representatives, all stakeholders in the industry must proffer enduring and sustainable ways to end the persistent fuel crisis and prevent such from rearing its ugly head again.

While addressing the managements of the agencies and the legislators during the visits, PENGASSAN President, Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson, lauded them for their various roles in ensuring that Nigerians are protected from feeling the pangs of the vagaries of global price regime of petroleum products, and prevented collusion and restrictive trade practices harmful in the sector.

At PPPRA, Comrade Johnson said, “We want sustainable steps to be taken to end the persistent fuel crisis that has inflicted undue hardship on Nigerians. Let me reinstate our call for increase local refining by ensuring that the nation’s refineries work at maximum capacity.

“Government should involve the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in rehabilitation and repair of the refineries; our refineries are due for a major expansion and ‘debottlenecking’, development of new strategies in ensuring adequate and sustainable crude supply to the refineries. Government should also fast track processes that will encourage private sector involvement in local refining.

“We are equally calling on the Federal Government to rehabilitate and upgrade all depots in

Fuel Crisis

the country, while there is need to carry out an overhaul of all pipeline networks to ease distribution and supply of petroleum products.”

At the headquarters of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF), the leadership of PENGASSAN led by Comrade Johnson, called on the agency to continuously engender policies that will enhance the Agency’s responsibilities in the value chain to ease petroleum products transportation.

The PENGASSAN also advised the government to address the issue of surrounding the integrity of pipelines by repairing and replacing damaged pipelines to enhance supply of

crudes to refineries and export terminals as well as distribution of refined products to all the depots.

“We have to reinstate that unless there is increase in the Government’s commitment not only to maintain but also to rehabilitate and repair as well as replace ageing and ruptured pipelines, there will continue to be challenges with the distribution and supply of petroleum products to all parts of the country.

“This will also negatively impact on local refining due to inadequate supply of crude through the pipelines to the refineries. The dream of gas to power, and domestic and industrial gas development policies

of the Government will be unrealised.

“The NNPC and security agencies should ensure security of lives of staff of PPMC/ NPSC/SML in oil and gas installations, as they are always at the frontline of repairing damaged pipelines and protect pipelines from being vandalised. There should be improved surveillance with the use of modern technology, adequate implementation of pipeline right of ways and location of security agencies’ offices in “black spots” along pipelines.”

Meanwhile the PENGASSAN president canvassed for the remove all encumbrances associated with importation of refined

products into the country and enhance infrastructural facilities, such as construction of additional Single Point Mooring and extension of such into the deep waters to enable berthing of large vessels, to ease the challenges of importation at the House of Representatives.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable Yakubu Dogara, agreed with the PENGASSAN that there is no other alternative to improving local refining as a solution to the fuel crisis; adding that the House will do all within its power to enact enabling laws to increase local refining.

As a major stakeholder in the oil and gas industry, PENGASSAN president told the gathering at the head office of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in Abuja that there should be collaboration between the government and companies to ensure security of oil and gas infrastructures.

“The government needs to collaborate with oil and gas companies to put in place more formidable security strategies and mechanisms, including intelligence gathering and sharing, as well as use of modern surveillance techniques and equipment to secure oil and gas pipelines.

“We also appeal to the vandals and economic saboteurs to desist from destroying the nation’s economy, thereby hampering development,” he said.

Business Review

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, February 24, 2018

AfDB campaigns for support of agriculture in Africa

By Simon Ugwu The President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has made a strong case for increased American and global investments to help unlock Africa’s agriculture potential.

He made the remarks as the Distinguished Guest Speaker, at the USDA’s 94th Agriculture Outlook Forum in Virginia on Thursday, on the theme The Roots of Prosperity.

According to Adesina, “For too long, Agriculture has been associated with what I call the three Ps – pain, penury, and poverty. The fact though is that agriculture is a huge wealth-creating sector that is primed to unleash new economic opportunities that will lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.”

Participants at the Forum included the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue; Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Stephen Censky; President of the World Food Prize Foundation, Kenneth Quinn; Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Robert Johansson; Deputy Chief Economist, Warren Preston; and several top level government officials and private sector operators.

Adesina appealed to the US private sector to fundamentally change the way it views African agriculture.

“Think about it, the size of the food and agriculture market in Africa will rise to US $ 1 trillion by 2030. This is the time for US agri-businesses to invest in Africa,” he said. ‘’And for good reason: Think of a continent where McKinsey projects household consumption is expected to reach nearly $2.1 trillion and business-to-business expenditure will reach $3.5 trillion by 2025. Think of a continent brimming with 840 million youth, the youngest population in the world, by 2050.”

The U.S. government was urged to be at the forefront of efforts to encourage fertilizer and seed companies, manufacturers of tractors and equipment, irrigation and ICT farm analytics to ramp up their investments on the continent.

“As the nation that first in-

Adesina Agric farmer

Adesina

spired me and then welcomed me with open arms, permit me to say that I am here to seek a partnership with America: a genuine partnership to help transform agriculture in Africa, and by so doing unlock the full potential of agriculture in Africa, unleash the creation of wealth that will lift millions out of poverty in Africa, while creating wealth and jobs back home right here in America,” the 2017 World

Food Prize Laureate told the Forum.”

Adesina told more than 2,000 delegates that the African Development Bank is spearheading a number of transformative business and agricultural initiatives.

“We are launching the Africa Investment Forum, as a 100% transactional platform, to leverage global pension funds and other institutional investors to invest in Africa in

Johannesburg, South Africa from November 7-9.”

The World Bank, International Finance Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Islamic Development Bank, are partnering with the African Investment Forum to de-risk private sector investments.

The African Development Bank is also pioneering the establishment of Staple Crop Processing Zones in 10 African countries that are expected to transform rural economies into zones of economic prosperity and save African economies billions of dollars in much needed foreign reserves.

“We must now turn the rural areas from zones of economic misery to zones of economic prosperity. This requires a total transformation of the agriculture sector. At the core of this must be rapid agricultural industrialization. We must not just focus on primary production but on the development of agricultural value chains,” Adesina added. “That way, Africa will turn from being at the bottom to the top of global value chains.”

In his keynote address U.S.

Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, said: “The U.S. Administration has removed more restrictive regulations to agriculture than any other administration. Our goal is to dismantle restrictions that have eroded agricultural business opportunities.”

“Agriculture feeds prosperity and accounts for 20 cents of every dollar. As global prosperity grows, it in turn fuels the demand for more nutritious food and business opportunities,” he added.

In his concluding remarks, Adesina informed participants about a new $ 1 billion initiative, Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) to unlock Africa’s huge potential in the savannahs.

Expressing strong optimism that the future millionaires and billionaires of Africa will come from agriculture, Adesina said: “Together, let our roots of prosperity grow downwards and bear fruit upwards. As we do, rural Africa and rural America will brim with new life, much like I witnessed in Indiana, during my time as a graduate student in America.

Then, we will have changed the 3 ‘Ps’ to – Prosperity, Prosperity and Prosperity!”

v

Life&

TIMES Saturday, February 24, 2018

I am still much L relevant in the industry –Adetoun P

2

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 24, 2018

My husband is my greatest fan - Adetoun -

Critics speak out that the gospel for mainly those who do music for passion? Are you in this for passion or business? music and the music itself is my career. If you do what you do well, you will be celebrated in the industry.

you are consistent and truthful to what

sounds. What inspired this?

I guess since my project fame days song. It had opened my mind to another genre of music which I added to my skill to make it what it is today.

How has life been since Project Fame?

Life has been awesome. It has been one great experience after the other.

and make some appearances. I also released my worship medley during the process.

Would you say married life affected your music career?

Not in anyway. My marriage has been a blessing to my ministry because that understands my career. He helps

me and always pushes me to work more than I can do for myself. He is my number one fan. in the last one year. Tell us about them.

baby which was in early 2017, then

2018.

Is Adetoun strictly a gospel musician?

Yes, I am a gospel musician. I am not swayed to do anything else.

What is next for you?

I am planning to release couple of

thanks to God for the grace so far. featuring some A list music artistes

Nercy Aigbe

Most embarrassing moment as an artiste?

That I cannot forgot. It happened when I forgot my lyrics

spotlight for sometime...

Tell us something not many know about you? on Ibadan, by the grace of God. Are there any other projects that you

focused on building my brand How do you intend to make the accepted one? niche for myself in the industry.

Though it was a long process old me, I can tell you it was for myself which I infused in

the

recognition

beautiful fans.

Life&

has

been

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Gist L3

Mutiat Alli

Adekunle Gold shares emotional journey in new song ‘Ire’ Adekunle Gold releases a new song and music video titled

song singing:

Lagosians excited as MTV Shuga Season 6 Launches Rhyme n Reason Set Show In Africa With Lagos Premiere!

Dates at Terra Kulture

will

introduce

new

Society circle L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Isaac Oguntoye

Professor Michael Omolewa Messages to Aare Ona Kakanfo

Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa, notable academic and former diplomat who has served Nigeria for two terms as Ambassador cum Permanent Delegate to UNESCO will delivered a paper on the essence and stool of Aare Ona Kakanfo in Yoruba nation; at a lecture being organized as part of a reception in honour of Gani Adams, on

his ascension to the stool of the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land.

The reception which held in Lagos on Friday, 23rd February at Lagos Television was filled with interesting atmosphere of cultural showcase, fashion display, entertainment variety and music, while prominent Nigerians, Obas and chiefs, top government officials, foreign diplomats, culture enthusiasts and media executives among other notable personalities are in attendance.

As expected, Professor Omolewa’s paper contributed a great academia, given his reputation as an erudite scholar, education historian and culture enthusiast, who has contributed immensely to the preservation and promotion of Black heritage.

While at UNESCO, Omolewa facilitated the recognition of Osun sacred grove in Osogbo, Osun State as a world heritage site, including the establishment of UNESCO Category 2 Institute for African Culture and International Understanding in Abeokuta among other achievements.

Currently Emeritus Professor of the History of Education at the University of Ibadan and Emeritus Professor of History and International Studies at Babcock University, Nigeria, Michael Omolewa, a national honors winner of the Officer of the Or-

Is Bola Shagaya Desperate?

der of the Niger (OON), is a Member of the Faculty of the Jerusalem Institute for Multicultural Studies in Bethlehem, Israel, Member of the Governing Council of the International African Institute in the UK and Member of the Governing Board of the International Research Centre in Beijing, China.

Hon Jude Idimogu’s Faith his people.

It is no longer news that Oluwad-

President, Yemi Osinbajo, and Seun Bakare, son of billionaire oil magnate and fashion enthusiast, Hajia Bola Shagaya are set to get married.

As the preparations hot up, so also some rumour mongers are busy with different tales. Some are of the opinion that, this is an opportunity for a one time businesswoman who had rolled with the high and mighty

house and at the party level. This we learnt of the 8th National House of Assembly sleepless night as some of them have started representing the people of Oshodi/Isolo

what surprises many is the religious

break the jinx in the Lagos state house of assembly is leaving no stone unturned as -

a member of Redeem Christian

that, the happily mar-

-

party, All Progressive Congress from

Nigerian businesswoman and fashion enthusiast who has enjoys Forbes

little or nothing has been heard about

fully forged strong bonds with four Nigerian First Ladies, Maryam Baban-

ent wife of the president, Aisha Buhari but was

Party still maintain

move. For the past two years now, she has been running helter skelter not to lose some of her numerous mansions within and outside Nigeria

with the member ing to the people of

not penetrate through Aisha Buhari.

bringing the dividend

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 24, 2018

L5 Society circle

Between Kayode Fayemi and Opeyemi Bamidele If information reaching us from the grapevine is anything to considered, then one can say the incessant rift between Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Michael Opeyemi Bamidele who is inside sources, there are strong indications that Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, M.O.B has accepted to step down for his boss in exchange for an offer of a senate seat.

He revealed that M.O.B promised his boss who visited MOB in his Law Chamber today (Tuesday) that he has since re-election.

It was squealed that Bamidele, who had earlier declared his ed with a senatorial ticket by Fayemi “You need to see how happy and sincere the two leaders

said. described it as a brotherly one and “to fraternise with a brother.” He praised Bamidele for his noble decision to step down for Fayemi, and noted that political intrigues, which made unfortunate and past story.

warmly,” he said, adding: shame to bad people, everything is now going according to plan. said “you just wait till we win the race, he can never regret step-

Top Socialite, Tunde Debasco, gets Federal Appointment!

Close ally of Ogun state governor, Otunba Babatunde Onakoya popularly known as Debasco have started sending congratulatory messages to one of the most respected politician cum socialite. The ever-busy vice chairman of Benin Owena River socialite cum farmer turned politician said the appointment will spur him to thority. Meanwhile, he also said the success of this government depend on how stakeholders work together for common interest of Nigerians by shunning impunity.

Hygiene L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Mutiat Alli

Simple morals you develop at home

The saying word “Charity” in the saying, “charity begins at home” should be replaced with “Morals”. Many simple morals you adapt to from home are being taken for granted. Proper practice and exhibit of these morals will do so much good in our beloved country.

It will also save us embarrassment Have you ever been pressed in urine on the toilet seat and its ears?

Well, this mess is usually caused by ignorant men and boys who misdirect their manhood when urinating. You are supposed to pee “IN” the water closet, not pee “ON” it. Doing this at home may be excused, probably because you have a cleaner to do the chores but either ways, you would be wrong to continue this habit. Taking the nasty habit to houses you visit and public of you either. You will also be inconveniencing other users.

Another simple thing most people miss or sometimes, forget to do is “Flushing” after use. There is a purpose for the Lever or button attached

The “number 1” usually refers to “simple use of the convenience.”

That is urinating and cleaning up.

The “Number 2” refers to the serious business that seems to rare its head call of nature! The main point of this paragraph is to point out common habit people portray, that is, using conveniences for serious business (Pooping) when you go visiting people you leaving your home is part of the morning routine you follow while preparing to step out. When you wake up, use the rest room, take the time to release the waste in your body and clean up yourself.

Greeting those you meet around you quiet naturally and do not like saying “hello” or “good day” to people. This is tract favours and possible assistance.

Parents have always taught their children to greet older people and not

Forgetting to clean up this mess can irritate the next user especially at the

Respect is a part of every Nigerian culture These are few morals we tend to take for granted. They are things we take from home to the outside world.

noticed you are responsible.

theless, “Do not wash your dirty linens

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 24, 2018

L7

F

L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, February 24, 2018