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Atiku: Why I dumped APC as he rejoins PDP in Jada Ward, Adamawa today Ï 6Ɔô ƇƏƆƆ Ɛ Ɖ ƈ ƕ ƍ ƏƐƕ ^

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TIMES SATURDAY Court remands wife in prison for killing 6 ex-Minister’s son husband

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Revealed: Abandoned healthcare centres litter South-East Ï Citizens lament, seek government intervention

Edward Nnachi ÏÏÏIf there is anywhere that epitomizes the parlous state of healthcare facilities in Ni-

geria, it is the South East geopolitical zone. In the region made up five states - Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, it’s a nightmare for

citizens to access healthcare as most healthcare projects exist on paper or at best abandoned.

Continued on page 6

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Obasanjo will make a good actor – Samuel Ajibola

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

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Atiku: Why I dumped APC as he rejoin PDP today at his Jada Ward, Adamawa Myke Uzendu and Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏFormer Vice President

Atiku Abubakar on Friday disclosed that lack of internal democracy, political witch hunt and marginalisation of youths informed his decision to dump the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku, who has been crying of marginalisation and being sidelined by the party, said that he was lured into believing that the APC was determined to abide by democratic processes.

He added that he regretted that the party had not only thrown to the wind all democratic tools but also “instituted a regime of a draconian clampdown on all forms of democracy within the party and the government it produced”.

In a statement made available on Friday by the Atiku Media Organisation, the former APC chieftain said that all humans at times make wrong decisions lured by unfounded rhetorics but added that he has no option than to dissociate himself from a party full of falsehood and deception.

Narrating how he began the romance which has gone sour with the APC, Atiku said, “On the 19th of December, 2013, I received members of the APC at my house in Abuja. They had come to appeal to me to join their party after my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had become factionalized as a result of the special convention of August 31, 2013.

“The fractionalization of the PDP on August 31, 2013 had left me in a situation where I was, with several other loyal party members, in limbo, not knowing which of the parallel executives of the party was the legitimate leadership.

“It was under this cloud that members of the APC made the appeal to me to join their party, with the promise that the injustices and failure to abide by its own constitution which had dogged the then PDP, would not be replicated in the APC and with the assurance that the vision other founding fathers and I had for the PDP could be actualized through the APC. “It was on the basis of this invitation and the assurances made to me that I, being party-less at that time, due to the fractionalization of my party, accepted on February 2, 2014, the hand of fellowship given to me by the APC” Throwing more light on those factors that led to his

decision to dump the political marriage, Atiku said, ‘While other parties have purged themselves of the arbitrariness and unconstitutionality that led to fractionalization, the APC has adopted those same practices and even gone beyond them to institute a regime of a draconian clampdown on all forms of democracy within the party and the government it produced.

“Only last year, a governor produced by the party wrote a secret memorandum to the president which ended up being leaked. In that memo, he admitted that the APC had “not only failed to manage expectations of a populace that expected overnight ‘change’ but has failed to deliver even mundane matters of governance.

“Of the party itself, that same governor said “Mr. President, Sir Your relationship with the national leadership of the party, both the formal (NWC) and informal (Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso), and former Governors of ANPP, PDP (that joined us) and ACN, is perceived by most observers to be at best frosty. Many of them are aggrieved due to what they consider total absence of consultations with them on your part and those you have assigned such duties.”

Atiku maintained that the redirection from the governor could not lead the party to change its mode of operation rather things got worst.

He said, “But more importantly, the party we put in place has failed and continues to fail our people, especially our young people.

How can we have a federal cabinet without even one single youth”.

He also accused the party of paying no attention to the youth, saying that, “A party that does not take the youth into account is a dying party. The future belongs to young people”.

On the strength of these weight allegations he concluded, “I, Atiku Abubakar, Waziri Adamawa, hereby tender my resignation from the APC while I take time to ponder my future.”

But Atiku’s main grouse with the party may be connected with the allegations that the APC not only sidelined him but equally made redundant all members of its National Working Committee loyal to him as well as the recent attempt by the Buhari government to frustrate and revoke all contracts handled by any business entity associated with him.

Worthy of mention is Timi Frank, the former

Deputy National Publicity Secretary who was frustrated from replacing Lai Mohammed when he was appointed the Minister of Information. Frank was also expelled from the party when he moved for the removal of the party’s national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegu.

The ruling APC-led federal government recently revoked the boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) signed with Intels Nigeria Limited, a leading integrated logistics and facilities services provider in the maritime and oil and gas logistics sectors of the country with links to Atiku.

Just as the company was strategizing to recover from this huge setback, the federal government an-

nounced the revocation of the residence permits of the expatriate staff in Intels and five other Nigerian companies.

The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Muhammad Babandede, in a statement, said that the action was sequel to the withdrawal of the operational licenses of the affected companies by the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority. It gave the affected officials November 30 deadline to leave the country or be classified as illegal immigrants.

The affected companies are: Intels Nig. Ltd., Prodeco International Ltd, West Africa Machinery Services Ltd., Net Global System International Ltd., MGM Logistics Solutions Ltd., Oriean Investment Ltd. However, the Media Aide to Atiku, Paul Ibe in a tele-

phone interview, said that the former Vice President is yet to make up his mind on his next political move.

He said that his visit to Adamawa State on Friday was for a function at the American University of Nigeria but did not rule out the possibility of Atiku visiting the PDP ward secretariat to pick his membership form.

Meanwhile, The Daily Times has gathered that Atiku will today rejoin the PDP as he is expected to register at his Jada Ward, Adamawa State, where he will pick his PDP registration card.

In a related development, the leadership of the PDP on Friday beckoned on Atiku to return to the PDP unconditionally where he belongs. The party however stated that there will be no automatic ticket over his ambition.

This was made known by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye during a press conference at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja Adeyeye also informed journalists that Atiku was a founding member of the party where he became a governor-elect and eventually a Vice President but was deceived into the APC. The party’s spokesman said that the party is throwing its doors open for the return of Atiku and any other member who defected from the party but stressed that the PDP is a democratic party as Atiku must adhere to all democratic processes.

He said that Atiku saw the truth and level of deceit in the APC which led to his exit, adding that with his exit, he is now a free person.

Ogun State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Onanuga; Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora; Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele and Mrs. Olabisi Oghogho, when Mamora led group visited the Governor in Abeokuta, Ogun State... on Friday.

APC plans prallel convention on Dec 9, PDP raises the alarm

Myke Uzendu Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) has raised the alarm over plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sponsor a parrell convention during their December 9 National elective convention which will hold in Abuja.

According to the PDP, the move is to give a false impression that the party is still fractionalized and send the wrong signal that the party is still enmeshed in its old habit of imposition of candidates and lack of respect for democratic process.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, disclosed this development on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.

He also stated that the move was parts of the plans

of the ruling party to crack down all opposition parties and make Nigeria a one party state arising from their inability to fulfill their electoral promises.

But Adeyeye stated that the Independently National Electoral Commission (INEC) is aware of the party’s convention activities and will not recognize the efforts of the detractors.

He said, “We are not completely oblivious of the plans by the APC to sabotage our convention. Apart from the internal fighting within the APC, one of the reasons why the party postponed its National Convention to next year was to enable it to monitor closely our convention with a view to destabilizing our party ahead of the 2019 General Elections.

“The planned parallel Convention is one of those ideas of the APC to create

divisions amongst members of our party. It will be most unfortunate for members of our party to allow themselves to be used against the party especially in the light of our recent painful experience.

“These are all part of the agenda of the APC to create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity around PDP members before and after the National Convention. It is also part of the overall strategy of the ruling party to turn Nigeria into a one party state.

“We once again call on Nigerians and members of the international community to be vigilant to ensure that the APC does not institute full blown dictatorship in the country. The only reason why the APC is hell bent on killing the opposition in Nigeria is due to its non-performance and inability to deliver on its campaign promises. They have failed Nigerians and

they know too well that they can no longer convince Nigerians to vote for them again in 2019”.

The party’s spokesman added that the PDP has been addressing some of the issues raised by some chairmanship aspirants and is putting in all efforts to provide level playing ground for all contestants.

He said, “The National Caretaker Committee is willing and ready to address all the concerns of our party members regarding the forthcoming National Convention.

Members should take advantage of our open door policy to ventilate their opinions, concerns and grievances. We will not give room to anybody to find any excuse to sabotage the convention. We realize of course that there is little we can do to dissuade those who have decided to become paid agents of the ruling party”.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Revealed: Abandoned healthcare centres litter South-East

One of the abandoned Health Care Centre at Obollo-Eke, Enugu State Continued from page 1 The Daily Times investigation also found that drugs in most healthcare centres in most state in the South East are expired. Here are snippets...

Obollo Ile and Ofiambela… as home of ‘ghost projects’ After asking at least 10 dif-

ferent people at Obollo Afor, the headquarters of Udenu Local Government Area, about the location of Obollo Ile, there was still no clue. Everyone claimed there was only Obollo Eke and Obollo Etiti communities in the local council but records of uncompleted primary healthcare centres

across Nigeria obtained from by our correspondent from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) mentioned a certain Obollo Ile. “Oga, na Obollo Eke you dey go,” said the driver who convinced our correspondent to board his bus from Obollo

Court remands wife in Suleja Prison for killing ex-Minister’s son husband ÏTrial begins Dec 7 Andrew Orolua , Abuja

ÏÏÏAn

Abuja High Court in Jabi on Friday remanded Mrs Maryam Sanda in Suleja Prison for allegedly stabbing her husband to death.

Justice Yusuf Halilu had remanded Maryham in prison, following her arraignment on two count homicide murder charges for stabbing her husband, Bilyaminu Bello Haliru to death.

The late Bilyaminu was the son of a former Minister of Defence and former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Bello Haliru. The former minister is presently standing trial on alleged corruption charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Maryam Sanda, a nursing mother, was said to have stabbed her late husband severally on the chest and neck region with broken bottle on November 19, 2017 in their Maitama , Abuja residence, which led to Bilyaminu’s death.

The two-count charge dated November 20, was filed same day by the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Command (FCT) Command.

The charge was brought pur-

suant to Section 109 (d) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The prosecuting lawyer, Mr James Idachaba, had urged the court to read the charge to Maryham Sanda to enable her take the necessary plea.

But when the 2-count charge was read to Maryam, she pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Though Idachaba informed the court that the charge was a product of preliminary investigation, he said new facts have emerged which could warrant the filing of an amended charge against Maryham.

Having denied committing the offence, Idachaba requested for a date for the beginning of trial.

Responding, lawyer to Maryham Sanda Useni Musa, said the defence is not oppose to adjournment and urged the court to release her client on bail to enable her attend to her six -month old baby girl.

In his verdict on the matter, Justice Halilu Yusuf declined the oral application for bail on the grounds that it was not formally before the court.

The judge later adjourned the case till December 7 for trial The two-count charge against Maryham Sanda reads

as follows: “That you, Maryam Sanda, female, adult of No.4 Pakali Close, Wuse 2 Abuja, on 19/11/2017 at about 0350hours at No.4 Pakali Close, Wuse 2 Abuja within the Abuja Judicial Division, did commit the offence of culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of one Bilyaminu Bello Haliru, male adult of No. 40 Pakali Close, Wuse 2 Abuja by stabbing him on the chest with a broken bottle which eventually led to his death and you did so with the knowledge that your act is likely to cause his death. You thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code Law. “That you, Maryam Sanda, female, adult of No.4 Pakali Close, Wuse 2 Abuja, on 19/11/2017 at about 0350hours at No.4 Pakali Close, Wuse 2 Abuja within the Abuja Judicial Division, did commit the offence of causing grievous hurt in that you stabbed one Bilyaminu Bello Haliru, male adult of No. 40 Pakali Close, Wuse 2 Abuja with a broken bottle on the neck thereby endangering his life. You thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 240 (g) and punishable under Section 247 of the Penal Code Law.”

Afor market. “We no get anywhere wey be Obollo Ile here, na Obollo Eke and I go carry you reach there.”

So, all of them insisted the place is Obollo Eke village.

Therefore, the journey in a bus returning from the market to the village was inevitable.

All signposts by the roadside say Obollo Eke; could it be a typographical error in the record that says Obollo Ile? Maybe. But the village is not the subject of the ultimate search, rather an uncompleted primary healthcare facility awarded in 2005 by the Federal Government. And, according to information made available by NPHCDA, the project is located at Obollo Ile, Udenu Local Government in Enugu State.

It was awarded to Abduk Nigeria Limited at the sum of N19.1 million. But 12 years after the contract award, there is still no trace of the project.

After another 20 minutes’ trek from the main road through erosion-ravaged road that leads to Obollo Eke Market Square, there stands in the bush a signpost that reads: ‘Early Child Bed Clinic’ — an old healthcare centre with pre-independence buildings looking recently painted but almost taken over by weeds.

No water, no light in Udenu Local Council health centre “This clinic was built before independence,” according to a very courteous Ogbonna Bibiana, the officer in-charge of the clinic, while responding to a question on whether it is the one awarded by Federal Government in 2005.

“And this place is Obollo Eke, not Obollo Ile; in fact, there is no village like that here,” she quips, leading her guest to one of the empty hospital wards with scanty beds.

Bibiana could not have been wrong; there is nothing at the health centre to suggest it was constructed about 12 years ago. The facility does not have the look of a model primary healthcare centre. It has no source of water.

“We rely on rain and stream water here because we don’t have well or a borehole,” she says, and there is no electricity; kerosene lantern and torch are what they use at night even if there are women in labour to attend to.

What looks like a toilet project in the premises of the clinic is an abandoned pit said to have been started and abandoned by UNICEF. The only latrine there is a

filled pit at the health centre which also serves as placenta pit.

“UNICEF said they were constructing toilets and providing water,” she said. “They just dug and left more than a month ago.”

In a community with a high number of local birth attendants, the clinic is not a choice for many pregnant women despite the risks involved. There is no doctor at the government healthcare facility, the real reason most men in the village discourage their pregnant wives from seeking care at the centre.

“Pregnant women don’t even patronise the centre due to a lack of facilities and manpower. We have no doctor; we are only community extension workers,” according to Bibiana, who is a Principal Health Extension Worker.

Showing apparent neglect by the local authority, the Early Child Clinic itself is a source of diseases, with offensive odour oozing from two filled pit latrines.

“We don’t have placenta pit; the latrines also serve as placenta pits,” she revealed. When both the workers and patients want to defecate, we make use of the bush.”

And just behind the hospital building were disposed syringes and needles and other wastes from the centre, in a small carton. The beds are broken down and covered by dust, while the compound has been overtaken by cassava and maize farm owned by Bibiana’s family.

Despite all these, some villagers still patronise the healthcare centre, albeit with reservations. Mamah Everestus, a community leader, who brought his daughter for malaria treatment that morning, lamented the condition of the centre.

“Government is supposed to fund the health centre well; no water, no generator, no toilet, no placenta pit, no drugs,” he fumed. “They are supposed to see what the people in the community are suffering and all of them are eating in Abuja. Look at grasses in a health centre, no worker to cut the grasses.”

But where is Obollo Ile? She suggested it might be the new health centre at Obollo Ishielu or a village called Amutenyi.

“It may be at Amutenyi because that is where they have a new health centre.”

Continued from page 1

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

News 7

Herdsmen attack: Benue Reps accuse FG of lacking will to tackle problem ÏThreaten self defense if attacks persist Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Benue state House of Representatives caucus on Friday accused President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration of lacking the political will end the persistent attacks by Fulani herdsmen in the state and other parts of the country.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on the need for the federal government to support the antiopen grazing law in Benue state, the lawmakers said the actions of the Buhari administration since the outbreak of the herdsmen vicious attacks is obvious that it lacks the political will to end the herdsmen/farmers clash in different parts of the country.

Spokesman of the caucus, Hon John Dyegh, said the government’s lack of will to end the skirmishes is the fact that no herdsman has been arrested and prosecuted for carrying out the various acts of murder and mayhem perpetrated by Fulani herdsman.

While advocating for support for the anti-open grazing bill from all Nigerians, Dyegh said that this is the only panacea for peace in Benue state.

“Lack of FG support for the law will mean they value animals more than human lives and an indication that Benue people are second class citizens in their own country.

“If we’re pushed to the wall, we will defend ourselves.

Enough is enough,” he added.

According to the caucus, they decided to use the press conference to sound a note of warning to those who have vowed to violate the law and cause crisis in

the state.

“It is also to draw the attention of the federal government and made a passionate appeal to the president to grant full support to the government of the state by giving a standing order to all security agencies to ensure maximum implementation of this wonderful piece of legislation,” he stated.

Furthermore, the lawmaker said that “You are not unaware of the carnage and massive destruction visited on the peaceloving people of Benue by heart-

less terrorists operating under the cover of Fulani herdsmen for some years now.

“While this lasted, economic activities in the state were almost grounded as people abandoned their farms and businesses due to the ravaging activities of AK-47 bearing herdsmen, who constantly invaded their communities, destroyed farms, property, maimed and killed indiscriminately.

“The people of the state lived in constant fear of being attacked, thereby forcing surviv-

ing victims of these dastard acts to abandon their homes.

“Our people are still living with the sordid memories of the massacre in virtually every nook and cranny of the state, particularly in Buruku, Guma, Tarka, Logo, Agatu, Gwer West and Gwer East etc. Thousands of lives and property worth billions of naira have been lost to these inhuman actions of these so called Fulani herdsmen.

“We hereby use this medium to draw the attention of the federal government to the threats

from Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and the unlawful activities of herdsmen who are violating the law and still openly grazing their cattle in Agatu and Apa Local Government Areas of the state.

“We decry the campaign of calumny against Governor Samuel Ortom by this group and want to declare our unflinching support for the governor in the implementation of this law.

“No individual is above the law and the Miyetti Allah cannot be an exception.”

L-R: Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano and President Muhammadu Buhari, during a courtesy visit to the President at the State House, Abuja… on Friday.

Revealed: Abandoned healthcare centres litter South-East Continued from page 6 A ride on a bike from Obollo Eke market square to Obollo Ishielu revealed another health centre, newly built but under lock and key even at 10am. It was constructed in 2015 under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects. There was no one around. Residents, including Bibiana, claim that the centre was giving free drugs to villagers when it was newly opened, which was one major reason pregnant women chose it over the Early Childhood Clinic. However, it does not open until 10am.

With Ekwueme Silas, Head of the Department of Health, away in Enugu attending a workshop, no one was willing to speak. Others claimed they had no permission to talk. Those who volunteered to

speak anonymously said there was no village as Obollo Ile. But when Silas spoke through a telephone conversation, he said there might be a mistake in the spelling of the name of the community.

Though he added there have been rumours about an abandoned healthcare project in the local area council. “…People used to say there is an abandoned project somewhere,” he said. “But I have not come across such a project since 2016 when I assumed office.

“I have not been able to understand the particular community…Obollo and then gini?

Yes, there is Obollo Eke, Obollo Etiti and Obollo Ishielu, probably because you may have gotten the name wrong but we have Obollo-Oye. It’s like Obollo-Oye you want to call.”

When he was told that what is in the record of NPHCDA is Obollo-Ile, Silas replied, “There is no place like that.”

Could it be that the Federal Government awarded a N19 million ghost project? So it seems.

Udenu Local Government in Enugu State is not the only place where a funded Model Primary Healthcare project is untraceable in South East Nigeria. Elsewhere in Ukwa West Local Government, Abia State, another N16 million Model Primary Healthcare project awarded in 2004 to Emjec Nigeria Limited could not be found.

According to a record of uncompleted primary healthcare centres across the country obtained by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), a non-governmental organisation, from NPHCDA,

and made available to The Daily Times, the project is located at Ofiambela in Ukwa East Local Government, Abia State.

After more than two hours searching through Obeaku Village, Ohambelle (the supposed Ofiambella) and back to Ukwa West Local Government secretariat, it became clear that there is nowhere known as Ofiambella, and this is just as there is no uncompleted model primary healthcare centre in the village. Did the Federal Government again award a ghost project in a ghost community?

An existing health centre on the main road of Ohambelle, constructed by Adolphus Wabara, a former Senate President, during his second tenure as the local government chairman of Ukwa West in 1998, is begging for repair.

“We don’t have a Federal Government constructed primary healthcare here in Ohambelle,” says Florence Ekeke, who works at Ohambelle Health Centre.

Ngozi Emeka, Head of Health Department at the local council secretariat, confirmed the non-existence of such a project, stressing: “We have 33 healthcare centres in this local government but we don’t have any project in Ohambelle that is under construction or that is uncompleted.

Even the one in that community is dilapidated. To the best of my knowledge, there is none like what you are looking for.”

Like Obollo-Ile, Ofiambella, from all indications, appears to be a ghost village with a ghost primary healthcare project that had been reported awarded by the government.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Absence of Evans’ lawyer stalls arraignment Peter Fowoyo, Lagos

ÏÏÏFor the second time,

L-R: Former Director, National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Gabriel Orkwor; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Director General, International Institute for Tropical Agriculture(IITA), Ibadan, Dr. Nteranya Sangiga and Chairman, IITA 50th Anniversary Committee, Dr. Kwesi Attah-Krah, during the grand finale of IITA 50th Anniversary celebration in Ibadan, Oyo State… on Friday.

Leverage culture, tourism for economic growth – FG Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏJThe Minister of

Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged states and local governments in Nigeria to leverage their unique culture and tourism products to generate income and create jobs.

In his keynote address at the opening of the 9th National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in Dutse, Jigawa State, on Friday, the minister said the clarion call stems from the fact that the Federal Government has recognized the Creative Industry, of which culture and tourism are integral parts, as a key sector to create jobs and wealth and to earn foreign exchange, as reflected in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 to 2020.

The minister said, ‘’It is common knowledge that all the States and Local Governments have unique products, festivals and outstanding tourism sites. I, therefore, wish to also encourage all the Managers of Culture and Tourism at the State and Local Government levels to make the necessary efforts to develop these products and tourism sites in partnership with the private sector, in order to attract both domestic and international investors and tourists.”

Mohammed said countries like China, Brazil, India, United Kingdom, United States of America, France and Egypt, to mention a few, have mainstreamed culture and tourism as vital parts of their economic agenda to generate income and sustainable employment for their citizens, and redirect

the energies of their youths for productive ventures.

The minister said against the backdrop of the fall in oil prices, the Federal Government was clear - right from the onset - in its determination to enhance the economic fortunes of Nigeria through the diversification of the country’s economy, with a view to reducing poverty, creating jobs, stimulating revenue generation, ensuring effective utilization of local resources and providing sustainable peace and security.

He said, ‘’This is why we have consistently been evolving policies and programs to explore the tourism and culture sector, in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, to reposition Nigeria’s economy. Against this backdrop, the theme of this year’s meeting is apt and in tandem with our Administra-

tion’s avowed commitment to boosting the economy through the non-oil sector.”

He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, in its bid to reposition the sector, has established 14 Cultural Industry Centres with necessary facilities across the six geopolitical zones of the federation to serve as skills acquisition and capacity building centers for the country’s teeming youth and women, with the aim of creating wealth, generating jobs and boosting national GDP. Mohammed listed some of the major challenges facing the culture and tourism sector as the need to package the festivals and other tourist attractions into products that can be marketed and sold, as well as evolving a strategy to increase domestic and international tourism.

N450m fraud: Late service of amended charge on defendants stalls trial Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏThe

planned trial of Mr Dele Belgore (SAN) and a former Minister of Planning, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, over alleged N450million fraud at the Federal High Court in Lagos was on Friday stalled due to late service of the amended charge by the prosecution on defendants.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Belgore and Sulaiman for their role in the $115million allegedly shared by ex-Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, to rig the 2015 general elections.

One of the prosecution witness, Usman Zakari, had at the last adjourned date while been led in evidence by the agency’s lawyer, Rotimi

Oyedepo, told the court how Belgore and Sulaiman, had admitted collecting N450million from the $115million allegedly shared by AlisonMadueke.

Although the witness, while been cross examined

by Belgore’s lawyer, Ebun Sofunde SAN, said it was not contained in the statement he wrote upon the conclusion of investigation into the matter.

When the matter came up yesterday, the EFCC’s prosecutor, Idris Mohammed, told the court of a second amended charge filed on November November 22.

His words:” We have filed a second amended charge dated November 22, 2017 and also filed before the court on same day.

“The defendants were served with the charge, the first defendant was served

on Thursday November 23, while the second defendant was served this morning in the court. The defendants have asked for time to enable them study the charge.

“We are conceding to the request of the defendants to study the amended charge” The defence lawyer, Ebun Shofunde (SAN) and Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), confirmed the submission of the antigraft agency prosecutor.

Shofunde SAN said” I confirm everything that he has said, we were served at the chambers yesterday at 4:17 pm, and I had already left the office”.

Justice Rilwan Aikawa later adjourned the case till November 28 for continuation of hearing.

In the existing five count amended charge, Diezani was alleged to have conspired

with Belgore and Sulaiman on or about March 27, 2015, to directly take possession of the sum of N450 million, which they reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act.

The trio were also alleged to have taken the said funds in cash, which exceeded the amount authorized by law, without going through any financial institutions.

Belgore and Sulaiman were also alleged to have paid the sum of N50 million to one, Sheriff Shagaya, without going through any bank.

According to the EFCC , the offence is contrary to Sections 18(a), 15(2)(d), 1(a), 16(d) and punishable under Sections 15(3) and 4, 16 (2)(b), and 16(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

the arraignment of the suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, otherwise known as Evans, on another two separate charges before an Igbosere High Court, Lagos was on Friday stalled due to absence of his lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje.

An attempt to arraign Evans and others before the court was stalled on November 13 by the defendants’ lawyers on grounds that the prosecution failed to do the needful by serving them the new charges and based on their submissions, the court adjourned till Friday for their arraignment which also failed to take place.

Evans was docked alongside Joseph Ikenna Emeka, Victor Aduba and Okapara Linus in one charge, while the suspected Kidnapper was docked alongside Joseph Ikenna Emeka Ugochukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba in the other.

When the matter came up on Friday, the prosecution led by Ms Titilayo Shitta-Bey, Director of Public Prosecution ( DPP)

informed the court of her readiness to proceed with the case but was restrained by the letter written by Evans’ lawyer Ogungbeje, seeking to stand down of the matter till 12 pm, for the fact that he was before the Court of Appeal for another matter.

The court and other defendants’ lawyers also acknowledged the letter.

Besides, Jude Igbanoi, lawyer to third defendant, Linus, in the first charge also informed the court that he had just taken the brief and needed some time to study proof of evidence and other things.

Based on the application and that of the letter of Evans’ lawyer, the prosecutor urged the court for short adjournment. She told the court that it was not certain whether Ogungbeje would be back by 12 pm he requested and even if he returned by that time, the application of third defendant’s lawyer would still affect the proceedings.

Other defendants’ lawyers did not oppose the prosecution’s application.

The case has been adjourned till January 22, 2018 for further hearing.

We remain committed to workers welfare - Gov Ugwuanyi Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏEnugu

State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has offered assurances that his administration will remain committed to the welfare of its workforce for the rapid development of the state.

Ugwuanyi spoke when he received members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu State chapter, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Enugu, in remembrance of 21 coal miners killed in Iva Valley on November 18, 1949, during their protest for improved wages.

The governor was represented at the occasion by the state Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Okeke The governor said, “My message to the people of Enugu State is to remain committed to the ideals of this government. This government is a government committed to the welfare of the people of Enugu State since its inauguration on May 29, 2015.”

Commending them for their patience and understanding, he added that he was pleased with the synergy that exists between his gove workers, and pledged he would always work to ensure the relationship is nurtured

by fulfilling his obligations to workers.

Earlier, the chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Virginius Nwobodo, said the day will remain a watershed moment for workers in the country, adding that the sacrifice of the slain miners would never be forgotten.

He said, “It is very important because that singular act from the colonial masters was a catalyst that moved the nationalists into action and made them fight with vim and vigour like never before, resulting in Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.”

Urging all tiers of government to take workers welfare seriously, Nwobodo said: “Workers are the pillars of without the workers, there will be no economic growth.

Workers are doing their best to ensure that our democracy succeeds and should be given priority.”

He commended Governor Ugwuanyi for running an inclusive government and for his even spread of development across the state as well as regular and prompt payment of workers salaries.

The courtesy visit was preceded by a series of activities including a rally to commemorate the incident.

Politics

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

No regret serving under Jonathan –Moro –P10

9

In joining APC, I only followed my father’s footsteps – Ojukwu Jnr–P.12

Secondus outlines plans for PDP if elected national chair Myke Uzendu, Abuja An aspirant to the office of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has stated that he will commence massive enlightenment and reconciliation if he emerge as the next chairman of the party.

Prince Secondus disclosed this in Abuja when he returned his nomination form at the party’s national secretariat.

Secondus who was an acting National Chairman of the party and handed over to the present Senator Ahmed Makarfi said that the chairmanship position requires strong and tested hands.

He dismissed as unfounded the allegations that some delegates are opposed to handing over the party’s leadership to those who plunged it into the loss it suffered during the 2015 general election.

He said, “It is largely rumoured to say that we cannot entrust the leadership of the party in the hands of those who led it to lose the last election. The party must learn from its mistakes. What happened in 2015 has happened but we believe that collectively, we will rebuild this party.

“After the conventions, we shall start rebuilding the party and draw back membership.

“My mission is to rebuild the party and reposition it. We want to get members united and do mass mobilisation of members. We shall go ward by ward to rekindle hope in our people.

“This government has failed woefully and people are looking for an alternative,” Secondus said.

He stressed that he has all it takes to recreate the party and reposition it for victory.

“I have the strength, I have the charisma and I have the experience to move the party forward.”

He also added that he has consulted widely, with some delegates and with his governor, Nyesom Wike and expressed hope that he will be victorious.

On micro-zoning of national positions he said, “there was no time the office of the national chairman was micro zoned to any zone. At the Port Hacourt convention, it was zoned to the 17 states of the South while the presidency was zoned to the 19 states of the North.

“The beauty of this democracy is that we want as many people as possible and at the end of the day the better person will emerge.”

The aspirant dismissed the allegation that he is working with the NCC towards his emergence.

“There is no truth that Makarfi is paving way for my emergence as the chairman. I have not held any meeting with him.”

He equally cleared the air on the allegation that he swindled the party of the N11 billion realised from the sale of forms when he was the acting chairman.

“No such money missed in the party secretariat. There are organs of the party that could have constituted an investigation. There is no way N11 billion can miss from the party and no one will raise alarm “The money was generated from sales of form and was shared according to

…As Hajiya Ciroma seeks more women in politics “No money is missing. It is blackmail and it will not work,” he emphasised.

Meanwhile, another aspirant for the office of Deputy National Chairman (North), Hajiya Mariam Ciroma said that women should be encouraged to be more active in politics, adding that her emergence will break the jinx.

The former PDP woman leader and former minister of women affairs said that she wants to add value to the party if elected.

“I am going to add value to the party.

The party needs people of character; we shall work with the youths to move the country

SECONDUS our sharing formula. Those who went to conduct elections were also given stipends from the money. Part of the money was also kept to complete the 11 story national headquarters.

“However, when I was away, the national chairman then, not me decided to use the money for some other purpose.

forward.

“We know that so many things have gone wrong and then there is need that we go back to the drawing board. The issue of imposition of candidates, we shall ensure it does not reoccur. The participation of women in politics is very low especially elective positions.

We need to work together with the men

and salvage the image of the country,” she stated.

The aspirant said that her election will be novel as she will be the first female to be elected into the position.

“If am able to get the position, then it will break a jinx and a plus to the party.”

On how she can play leadership role in the North where women are relegated culturally, she said, “political leadership is not religious leadership.

It is politics not religion. It is a cultural mindset and it is changing very fast.

Why should our parents send us to school if we cannot occupy leadership positions?

“Women are taking over leadership positions in other areas and politics should not be an exception.

She debunked the insinuations that her relationship with a particular candidate could affect her emergence.

“The fact that I am working for a particular candidate does not mean that I am not supporting the others. I am a party member and all of them are qualified and they are all my friends.

“We know where we went wrong in 2015. One of the things that went wrong was when we jettisoned the zoning arrangement.

“All Nigerians believe that PDP must come back to power, so we are strategising.

“My message is that I want the delegates to think critically before they vote. They should look at people who are able to deliver this party. It is the responsibilities of delegates to vote according to their conscience and ensure that they move the party forward,” she emphasised.

We are not aware of Makarfi’s presidential ambition -PDP Myke Uzendu, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denied any knowledge of plans by its National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi to contest the 2019 presidential election, saying that the time was not ripe for people to start showing such interest.

Speaking during a media chat at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said, “As for the issue of whether Sen. Makarfi has presidential ambition or not, we are not aware of that. The national caretaker committee is not aware of that and we have not opened the flood gate for people to begin to aspire for position of the president. INEC has not even released timetable.

“I don’t know if they have released any timetable for the presidential election. We in the PDP are concerned now in putting in place a new leadership for the party which we hope will come up or emerge latest by December 9 or 10. That is our preoccupation at the national caretaker committee,” he said.

The party also spoke on issues relating to the senator representing Ogun East senatorial district of Ogun state, Kashamu Buruji who it accused of

…Insists Kashamu must face justice

MAKARFI causing bad blood in the party and subjecting it to endless litigation, but assured that he will soon face justice.

The party’s spokes person said that the party lost Edo and Ondo elections due to his undemocratic activities, adding that he equally obtained an injunction to prevent anybody from probing his activities both the present and the past as well as possible extradition by

law enforcement agencies.

“Here, we need to remind PDP members and Nigerians that it was Sen Kashamu and those he was bankrolling that conducted parallel congresses in Edo and Ondo states. They did not stop there, but took us up to Supreme Court and in the end openly endorsed and campaigned for our opponents, Their actions made us loose the elections “The public should however recall we neither conducted parallel congress in the Osun Senatorial bye-election nor did we campaign for our opponents, we rather directed everybody to work for the party’s nominee and he won. You can clearly see who have been undermining the party’s chances at elections.

“The party will take a decision at the appropriate time on Sen. Kashamu. It may take long, but justice will be done” Adeyeye stated.

His attention was also drawn to the fact that Anambra aspirants just like the National Chairmanship aspirants signed peace treaty and later abandoned the party when they lost at the primary.

“People sign peace accord, We have no way to enforce it. If they flaunted it there is nothing we can do. It is a matter that we will continue to revisit from time to time” he explained.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Since leaving office in 2015 sir, how has it been?

It has been a very difficult period, it has not been easy, settling down after office has circumstances and it has been a very difficult moment, but again I have always insisted that I leave my life by the day and so, I convince myself that I didn’t change dramatically when I assumed office and so out of office, I think I also didn’t change and I think I feel fulfilled because of my attitude to life of not allowing the office to get into my head, provided some levels of quotient for me when I left office. It has not being bed of roses, but I try to cope and hopefully I think things are getting better.

Despite persecution after office, serving under Jonathan?

Well, I wasn’t surprised, because you know while I was in office, one of my lowest point was the tragedy that accompanied the Nigerian Immigration Service; the recruitment exercise and so, unfortunately for me, mischief makers had manufactured lies and stories and planted it in the minds of Nigerians and so as far as they are concerned, I was guilty.

I am happy that the matter is in the court now and very hopefully, Nigerians will get to know the truth because I didn’t set out for the exercise to fail, I didn’t set out to make money out of that exercise.

I honestly cancelled the previous exercise that was criticised by Nigerians as irregular and as an exercise that was anchored on extortion of money from poor Nigerians, I cancelled the exercise promised Nigerians that I was going to enthrone a more transparent and cause effective arrangement for that recruitment exercise which I did. But unfortunately, certain elements within the system plotted for it not to succeed and I didn’t know about it and so the result of that exercise like I keep saying did not make the cause of expectations of the results we expected.

Having said that, I want to leave it as one of the marks I have to live with, for some time.

I look at the whole scenario on what is going on especially the relationship between the government and the people now. Within my own sense of history of African leadership and politics, I am sure that nobody expected anything less.

The only thing that was in the minds of majority of us was the fact that, Nigerians had expected that we had grown beyond the politics of persecution, the realm of politics of persecution who were on the trajectory of enduring democracy, but unfortunately I think from what’s happening, that is not exactly what’s going on now because you know, people say yes, if you want to deal with the perceived, revisit problems of Nigeria, they have to deal with the people apparently; assuming to have contributed to those problems.

I think what many people are asking for, is some level of transparency and fairness, because the problems that Nigerians face today didn’t start from yesterday, it didn’t start from the enthronement of government of the PDP, No! It is a long age set of problems that ordinarily should be tackled headlong and let me tell you, my own perception of problems and solutions is not punishment.

You have identified the problems, stop it from occurring and reoccurring. We cannot continue in the past because that will not lead to progress in this country. So, if certain things had gone wrong in the past, yes fine! What are those things that have gone wrong? How have they gone wrong? Let’s prevent them from reoccurring.

If we live in the past, we will begin to talk about punishment as a panacea for solving our problems which I think it’s not; even armed robbery that carries death penalty, the death penalty has not prevented people from committing the crime.

Do you regret serving under Jonathan?

Looking back today, if I have the opportunity serving under Jonathan, I will serve again.

COMRADE MORO

No regret serving under Jonathan –Moro Minister of Interior , Mr. Abba Moro, spoke to some select journalist in Abuja andbarred his mind on the failed immigration recruitment saga and other national issues. TOM OKPE was there for The Daily Times.

There is this book, it has not been unveiled, but parts of its snippet that we saw as journalists, the author of the book is your former colleague who is the present APC Spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, he said Jonathan does not believe in corruption; Why was it like that as an insider?

Was it that the former President didn’t actually believe there were some people who are ignoble?

One of the greatest wonders by looking back, I have discovered is Bolaji Abdullahi.

Each time I read about his comments about Jonathan and his administration, I kept wondering whether it is still the same Bolaji Abdullahi that was in the cabinet with us, because Bolaji Abdullahi appeared to me at a certain point as a golden boy of that cabinet.

He was in sports, he was in youth development, as a matter of fact, Bolaji Abdullahi was one of the few ministers that combined two ministries as one. I don’t know about his interactions with Jonathan but I know about my interactions with Jonathan and I know that Jonathan as a president of this country was very passionate about Nigeria and moving Nigeria in the right direction.

I think that also informed why Jonathan assembled a lot of eggheads to help him push Nigeria in the right direction. Jonathan definitely knew that corruption was the bane

of Nigeria’s development and throughout my interactions with Jonathan as a president; I never got any impression that Jonathan could condone corruption.

Of course I think what Nigerians should appreciate is the fact that, as human beings, we have different perception of problems. As human beings, we also have different perspectives on how to solve problems.

Jonathan lived an exemplary life in government and so, if I am Jonathan’s minister and Jonathan’s utterances and actions was transparent; I would not need Jonathan to tell me that I should be transparent.

If Jonathan as the president stayed away from Nigeria’s money, he didn’t embezzle Nigeria’s money, he didn’t engage in any superfluous lifestyle, he didn’t build estates for himself, he didn’t accumulate wealth and properties to himself.

If Jonathan didn’t appropriate money for himself and for his immediate family members, Jonathan didn’t allow any sleaze or sleazes in governance and I am Jonathan’s minister, how do I need Jonathan to carry cane and flog me to tow the line, I should know.

Accepting to serve under Jonathan ordinarily meant that I had agreed to live his card in government which many of us did, not looking at the material benefits that our offices would confer on us, but looking at our occupa-

If you are talking about corruption, corruption in Nigeria is an endemic problem and albatross to our development process. Everybody knows about this, and so, those who are claiming to be angels now should know that the days of reckoning will come when everybody will give account of himself.

tion of these offices as service to motherland.

Like I said, all of us, individual Ministers under Jonathan have different levels of interaction with Jonathan. Bolaji Abdullahi certainly had his own level of interactions with Jonathan but if anything as a former Minister, the public servant and a Nigerian - a patriotic one as such, I can only say that his comments about Jonathan and his administration attributed to corruption is the most uncharitable comments I have ever heard for somebody who had served under him.

How do you compare what we are experiencing now in APC government, a lot of allegations of corruption going on and what we experienced under PDP? How would you compare the two?

Well, I want to think that the time for serious comparison is not here. The APC government is still on the throne, it is still on seat and working. So, I believe very sincerely that President Buhari and leaders of APC were elected for the tenure of four years.

I will reserve my comments about their performances especially those that directly affect my life and the life of Nigerians now until after they have exhausted their four years in office. At that point, we would be in a better position to compare because if we are talking about the administration of Buhari and that of Jonathan now, where do we start from?

Is it Jonathan’s two years or five years or six as president? And Buhari’s two years as president or one year as president. So, ordinarily, I would want to reserve my comments about that. I participated in Jonathan’s administraCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

11 Politics

‘No regret serving under Jonathan’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

tion, I was part of it and I am watching that of Buhari’s administration. As a student of history, at the appropriate time, I am going to comment on that.

But let me say, if you are talking about corruption, corruption in Nigeria is an endemic problem and albatross to our development process. Everybody knows about this, and so, those who are claiming to be angels now should know that the days of reckoning will come when everybody will give account of himself.

We will be making propositions, budget propositions and the rest of them and people are watching. If you have budgeted N1trn for power for instance, if at the end of your tenure electricity supply and distributions still remain as epileptic as it has ever been, then somebody is going to ask you questions where has the N1trn gone to? That’s the point I am making.

But I can tell you that nobody can wish away the fact that, right now, in Nigeria, government officials have perpetrated one level of corruption or the other. There is no doubt about that, and so, I am not sure that officials of government at this recent time now can completely exonerate themselves from the endemic corruption that Nigeria is witnessing, because Nigerians know, and the allegations are very obvious that corruption is still here with us.

The incumbent governor of your state was in Jonathan’s government, your colleague then, he has been the governor in the state for close to three years now, what has been your experience when you look at the state generally?

Looking at Benue State under Governor Samuel Ortom, I can say, without prejudice to immodesty, that since the creation of Benue State, that administration has been one of the most monumental failures that we have ever had. Benue State at this moment is tilting towards complete collapse. Benue State under Samuel Ortom quite frankly, and I am not talking politics here, has completely failed the people.

As I am talking to you now, very many Benue public servants have not been paid now for upwards of twelve months. Some sectors have not been paid for upwards of seven months and that is the least that have not been paid.

As I am talking to you now, Benue people have kept the records of all the monies that have accrued to the state under this present administration and they have come to the conclusion that Benue State doesn’t have any business with poverty and non-payment of salaries.

When you look at it from the perspective of infrastructural developments, it is most saddening to note that up till this moment, the state government cannot boast that they have constructed or executed any meaningful project and recently, I have had cause to challenge the governor of Benue State to invite the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria like other states to come to his state.

President Buhari has gone to Ebonyi and other states to commission projects. We have asked that, in those days, I was asking the Vice President who was acting president then; I have asked the governor of my state, Benue to invite the vice president, acting president to come to Benue State to commission one project two years after. And so, it becomes sad when he realized that the salaries of workers are not paid.

COMRADE MORO As I am talking to you now, it is on record that Benue State government has taken a loan of over N70bn since assuming office. Two, three tranches of bailout funds have been dished out to Benue State government for over N20B, Paris London refunds could be made to Benue State, were entitled to statutory allocation from the federation account, no matter how small we generate internal revenue.

The Benue State government keeps complaining about ghost workers, unverified levels of Benue workers and I begin to wonder, two years plus into an administration, you are still verifying the number of workers that you have on your payroll.

Two years after, you are still talking about ghost workers, so, who are these ghost workers and which officials are paying them?

When they talk about ghost workers, I say look, let him not suffer the ordinary person because they don’t know anything about that, it is the government officials who should know, and he should ask them. That’s not supposed to be for public consumption, all we want is that, you have become governor of Benue State and you should solve the problems of Benue State.

Nobody forced you to contest for the governorship position. So, he has become governor and the challenge before him is how to make Benue State better because as I am talking to you now, Benue State is going worst everyday and people are hurt.

Won’t people be saying that you are criticising the governor because you are interested in becoming the governor of the state?

Well, I don’t see anything that is bad about wanting to become governor. I don’t also see anything that is bad about criticising the governor because I want him to know what he is doing wrong and to correct it. The point is this; I am not going to contest the governor of Benue State tomorrow. I am leading today.

I am criticising the governor on the issues that are there for everybody to see. We have asked consistently. How much is the wage bill of Benue State, up till this moment, the governor of Benue State has not been able to tell Benue people and Nigerians how much the salary bill of Benue State is.

I have consistently asked the governor as at the time he took over from Gabriel Suswan

Individual Ministers under Jonathan have different levels of interaction with Jonathan.

Bolaji Abdullahi certainly had his own level of interactions with Jonathan but if anything as a former Minister, the public servant and a Nigerian - a patriotic one as such, I can only say that his comments about Jonathan and his administration attributed to corruption is the most uncharitable comments I have ever heard for somebody who had served under him.

what was the salary bill of Benue State? What is the current bill of salaries of Benue State now, we need to know this, but everything is rather in secrecy, nobody knows and we are saying you have taken loans, you have taken allocations from federation account, you have taken bailouts, you have taken Paris London club refunds, we have internally generated revenue, don’t we as a people have a right to know how much you owe workers? Where are the workers? How much have you generated in its entirety as income for Benue State since you assumed office? How much is the salary bill?

Why are you not paying salaries? What have you done with our money? Other states, Kano, publish virtually every month, the income and expenditure profile of the state.

Those of us who are a little above average in Benue State are bearing the brunt. Every day, people come to ask for money to even feed.

Everyday parents of children in schools come to ask for school fees. Every day, people die of common ailments because they cannot afford hospital bills.

As I am talking to you, a sizable number of Benue people cannot afford two square meals in a day, that’s the truth. So, are we going to keep quiet? When obviously you know that monies accrue to the state government monthly?

Just look at the prospect of somebody working for seven months without salary. He has a wife, he has, maybe four children, two in the university, one in the secondary school, one in the primary school; how do they feed? How do they cope? If they fall ill, how do they go to the hospital? I know how much hospital bills I had paid so far? I know how much school fees I had paid so far.

And how many people will have access to Abba Moro? And for how long without any paid job? For how long will I be able to pay school fees? I can’t pay school fees for everybody. How many people are available to pay school fees? So, the public servants that are not receiving salaries are on the wrong side of this government.

If you look at it, it impacts even on the life of ordinary Benue person because the public servants receive salaries, he goes to the market to buy, so the trader benefits. He goes to the shop to buy, so the man in the shop benefits, so, if you don’t pay salaries, the trader doesn’t benefit, he can’t sell.

On the issue of security, the anti-grazing bill or law, has he done well there?

Let me tell you, people might say I criticise Ortom because I want to be governor. Quite frankly, I would love to be governor of Benue State, but I am not contesting to take over from

Ortom. That’s the truth!

Of course, when immigration issues came up, they said I was raising money to go and contest for the governor. I didn’t do that. Now, I am talking, complaining about Benue people that are suffering.

Let me tell you that the anti-grazing law is good. I was one of those persons that insisted that the bill must be passed by the House of Assembly and that the governor must ascent to it to become law because at a point, the Fulani herdsmen were moving around our people with careless abandonment and nobody rose in defense of our people and at a certain point the government of Benue State through its proxy, chairman of Agatu LG signed an agreement with the Fulani herdsmen, paving way for them to graze their cattle in certain parts in Benue State, specifically Agatu LG and we rose against it, I rose against it and I insisted that it was the betrayal of the people.

Now, the governor for the first time listened to our cries and the cries of the people and decided to provide the solution by enacting the anti-open grazing law in Benue state.

If you look at the whole scenario, you would think that, the law was not well totaled because there is no gainsay that the Fulanis and the farmers have lived together for a long time, the activities appeared not to have impeded the activities of others but in recent times, it has become obvious that the activities of Fulani herdsmen have become a bit of problem to the ordinary farmer in Benue State.

So, the agitations for some levels of control is deemed imperative. But in trying to provide for the farmers in Benue State, in trying to control the activities of Fulani herdsmen as it affects the lives of ordinary persons, some thoughts should have been given to also the life of Fulani herdsmen, because they have lived in Benue for long; some of them don’t have another home.

One, some enabling environment should have been provided for ranching. Two, sufficient time should have been given for ranching or ranches to be built, because you don’t wake up from the rock side of the bed and say look, stop open grazing, go and put your cows in ranches.

Where are the ranches? I am not asking government to provide the ranches but like I was saying, if rearing cattle is one business that the Fulani man does, and the atmosphere or condition is no longer favorable towards doing it, if the Fulani man is given six months, given one year, he cannot build ranches to control the cows, then he would be thinking of alternative business, he could sell off the cows and go into another business.

As it is now, the timeline between the passage of the bill and the assenting to the bill to make it law in Benue State and the time that has been given to Fulanis of agreement either put their cows in ranches or be penalised is not enough and I think that time has made the implementation of the law a little bit difficult.

Lastly on Benue, I know you will be happy for your party to take over the state in 2019, how strong and how acceptable is PDP in Benue State now?

Benue State is a PDP state. Benue State is dominantly a PDP state. Let’s forget about that.

The governor himself, almost everybody in APC is virtually PDP. Majority of the people in APC now are PDP people. So, Benue State has always been a PDP state and then, I think that the people at the helms of PDP in Benue State made some fundamental errors which allowed opposition party, APC to come to power in the state.

But let me also tell you that the PDP in Benue State at the time of election in 2015 was very vulnerable because PDP had been in power in the state for sixteen (16) years.

And so, when the APC came with the mantra of change, there was excitement in the air because the ordinary meaning of change was that things were going to get better.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

In joining APC, I only followed my father’s footsteps – Ojukwu Jnr Tom Okpe, Abuja First son of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu; Emeka Ojukwu (Jnr.), has disclosed that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by his belief that the South East must occupy its rightful place in the national governance and the political decision making process of the country.

Ojukwu, speaking at the national Secretariat of the party in Abuja while being formally received into the APC by the party’s National Leadership led by the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and accompanied by the Party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Engr. Segun Oni; National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Emma Eneukwu; National Auditor, Chief (Dr.) George Moghalu and Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman, Mr. Edwin Ikhinmwin.

Recall that Ojukwu (Jnr.) made his declaration in Awka at a rally for Tony Nwoye, the APC candidate for the November 18 Anambra governorship election.

He said: “I decided to lead by example.

I have been talking about this for a while and I decided it was time to take the step forward. It is a challenge; there are some people that will not be happy about that, but you have to be bold, take a step and let people understand where you are coming from and why you are doing what you are doing.

“APC have been seen in our part of the country as the ‘other’, and I believe we are now showing that the APC is a party that can contend equally with any other party in the South East and do well. We now know that Igbo people are part of the APC, the APC are part of Igbo and Igbo are valued part of the Nigerian nation. We hit around the 25 per cent mark in terms of votes in the Anambra election which is not bad, given where we are coming from. I think in the future, we are going to do lot better.

“Let me say this about my father, we shouldn’t take our history and our past

ODIGIE- OYEGUN to be shackles that hold us in one place, rather they should be stepping stones and building blocks to get us moving towards the future. When my father came back from exile, he had the option to join an ethnic-based party but he chose to move to the centre and there was a reason for that.

“You need to be at the table where decisions are being made. If you are not there, you will always get the short end of the stick, you will be marginalised.

That is the message I want to help to propagate. This is a much bigger party than the one I came from, so I put myself at your service to help us achieve our dreams. For me, anyway I can help to push this message forward, I am ready”.

While formally receiving Ojukwu into the party, the APC National Chairman said his entry will be a major asset in the APC’s ongoing drive to mainstream the South East in the national governance and political decision making

OJUKWU JNR process in the APC. Oyegun said: “I thank you for choosing the APC, a family that is practical in its political orientation. It is significant that you chose the platform of the final rally at Awka to make your very significant statement. I noted particularly the interpretation of your illustrious father’s interpretation of joining the NPN and the significance of being part of the party’s decision making process such that for anybody who seeks to represent a large group, nationality of that nature, it is critical that he seeks to be where decisions that may affect his people are made. I hope the lesson went home, it is a lesson we will continue to propagate, particularly in the South East because we hold the region very dear.

“I have no doubt that your appearance in Awka also contributed significantly to the progress we have made in Anambra State and we are looking forward to being able to propagate that to the other

South East states as we start approaching the next set of elections.

Oyegun said despite losing the recent Anambra governorship election, the party’s performance clearly showed that progress is being made in terms of the party’s appeal and inroads in the South East.

“I consider that we have made a lot of gains in spite of not winning Anambra State. But it is clear if people interpret properly that the APC, given the base from which we were starting, given the kind of intense propaganda that goes out there, the South East is against the APC - whether it is religion, ethnic or even historical - we have made some progress.

“But we are not resting on that. We are immediately setting up a team to study the elections, to look at whatever significant issues it has thrown up, to find ways in which we can improve our performance as we spread into the rest of the South East, basically to tell us what we did not do right in Anambra State which we need to correct as the electoral processes begin in the rest of the South East. We hope it will throw up valuable lessons that will help us perform much better in subsequent elections in the South East.

“I truly welcome you, there is no question at all that your name is an asset, what you stand for is an asset and we hope that in the next few months you will be much more closely integrated within the party structure at national level and of course in the South East.

“For people to join us at this time is a clear indication that they understand what is going on and are ready to put their names, reputation, energies, and resources behind our effort to rebuild the country and be part of this process of change. This is a struggle that we must win. The nation cannot afford to lose, because greatness beckons and unless we get our acts right, we are not going to get there,” he said.

Osinbajo charges youths on membership of political parties ahead of 2019 Patrick Okohue with Agency Report Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has urged youths in the country to join political parties ahead of the 2019 elections to enable them to be voted into political offices.

Osinbajo, who was represented

by Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, made the call at the Emerging Political Leaders Summit in Abuja.

He said that it was not enough for youths to always complain about bad leaders, but that they needed to break the status quo by taking the chance to be elected and create the transformation they needed for a change.

“Youths have a challenge in their hands for the future of our coun-

try; so, I advice you not to sit down and fold your hands and be lamenting over bad leadership or politicians.

“Get down to business, organise and do something to become elected political youths; after all, Enahoro became a leader in this country at the age of 23 and later moved a motion for the nation’s independence at the age of 27.

“The leaders there today will vacate the place tomorrow so if you, the youths don’t start preparing today by getting mentored and learning the ropes, there is no way you will perform very well if the mantle of leadership falls on you tomorrow; so there is need for you to go in there and participate,’’ he said.

Osinbajo, however, advised

youths not to expect that from the day they start participating in politics they would become the president of Nigeria.

He said that it was not realistic and would not happen, but that they needed to start gradually from the ward level and move up to local government level and to state “before the presidency’’.

Mr Kingsley Moghalu, former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said that youths had the power to change their destiny to a better future by participating in politics from the grassroots.

Moghalu said that what the country needed was a democratic revolution at the polling units, adding that for it to happen the citizens should recognise that they had the power to change and improve

governance.

“If they don’t exercise that power, if they keep selling their votes for N2, 000 so that they will eat today, their children will have no jobs in the future.

“It is high time Nigerians stopped seeking immediate gratification; they always love what they can get now and that is killing us as a nation.

“If this continues, then the citizens are just as irresponsible as the leadership they condemn,’’ he said.

Moghalu said that the next line of action lay with the citizens, adding that “we have talked enough, the politicians don’t listen, they keep carrying on in their old ways.

“We have had enough but if that is true, then we must act like we have had enough and take up the challenge to change the status quo.’’

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

13 News

Gov Emmanuel presents N651.5bn for 2018 Budget

By Bassey Willie, Uyo

ÏÏÏThe

government of Akwa Ibom state has proposed a total sum of 651.500 billion naira as the estimate for government during 2018 fiscal year of the state, as against 485.792 budgeted for the 2017 fiscal year.

Governor Udom Emmanuel announced this on Friday when he presented the 2018 budgetary estimate, tagged: “budget of consolidation and industrialization” to the state house of assembly in Uyo. According to the governor, the total recurrent expenditure was pecked at 92.697 billion naira, capital expenditure takes 437.674 billion naira while the consolidated revenue fund charges was put at 651.500 billion naira.

The governor said the total projected revenue of the state for 2018 is estimated at 289.000 billion naira as against the approved revised provision of N188.500 billion for last fiscal year, which will encompass the internal generated revenue, statutory allocation, deprivation fund, retained revenue from parastatals , value added tax and budget support fund.

He informed the house of assembly that the total pro-

jected capital receipts shows that 75.174 billion naira will be transferred from the consolidated revenue fund, which will comprise of the balance of 362.500 billion naira realized from internal and external loans, grants, ecology funds, reimbursement from federal government on road and other infrastructure, investment income and the refunds from excess loan deduction and other exceptional income.

The estimated also earmarked the sum of 10.526 billon naira for educational sector in the state, social sector takes the sum of 28.139 billion naira, law and justice sector take 355.851 billion naira, while the economic sector will take the sum of 355.851 billion has been estimated to boost the economy of the state among other sectors.

He revealed that the 2018 budget of the state is prepared in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS), adding that the policy framework of the 2018 budget of the state is to actualize the economic power of the state through industrialization and sustainable publicprivate sector initiatives that will open up opportunities for growth and improved living standard of the citizens.

Taraba to prosecute tax defaulters Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo.

ÏÏÏTaraba

Governor, Darius Ishaku has said that the State Government would begin prosecutions of tax defaulters from 1st April, 2018.

Governor Ishaku stated this while delivering a speech at a town hall meeting held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo.

At the event, ‘Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS)’ organised by the State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), Ishaku added that the state government has given notices to individuals at all levels who have income assets to declare them and pay all the outstanding taxes on or before 31st March, 2018 or face prosecution.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Anthony Jellason, the Governor noted that the notice to declare all assets with offenders facing prosecution is coming just as the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, then Acting President, had on 1st July 2017, called on individuals to voluntarily declare their assets to government and pay their 5%

income tax on or before 31st March 2018.

He however, called on individuals and organisations who have assets on the state to comply with the directive to avoid being harassed or embarrassed.

“Taxpayers that declare their assets and income would be required to pay only their outstanding tax liabilities with the assurance that they will not face any criminal prosecution for tax offences and tax investigations”, “Early participants may also benefit from forgiveness of overdue interest and penalty”, he said.

Earlier, in his address of welcome, the Executive Chairman, Taraba State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), Dr. Siman Ambita’a, described Tax as a compulsory contribution imposed on individuals, businesses and corporate organizations carrying out economic activities in or within the State in accordance with the law.

He further said that Taxes are levies imposed upon a taxpayer by a governmental organisation in order to fund various public expenditures.

He noted that it is the desire of his government to reinvigorate agriculture and agro allied industries by making the sector attractive and responsive to the

national requirements, saying this is achievable when the government build a strong fiscal regime through the expansion of the revenue base and elimi-

nate wastages and leakage in expenditures.

Receiving the budget proposal, the speaker of Akwa Ibom state house of as-

sembly, Barr Onofiok Luke assured the governor that the assembly will assess the budget document properly, and give it a speedy passage.

L-R: Secretary of the Victim Support Fund, Amb. John Gana; Executive Director of the fund, Prof. Sunday Ochoche and other officials, during their visit to Mubi General Hospital in Adamawa State to console victims of Mubi Mosque suicide attack… on Thursday.

Adamawa to settle medical bills of Mubi bomb blast victms Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏGovernor

of Adamawa State, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrila Bindow has directed that medical bills of all the Mubi bomb blast victims and the survivors of the killings in Kikon/ Shafuron communities of Numan local government areas be settled by government.

Bindow made this pronouncement when he paid a visit to survivors of the bomb blast that rocked a Mosque in Mubi Town, killing many worshipers and injuring scores, early morning of Tuesday.

Sen Bindow who was not adept at containing is emotion, was taken round the wards to commiserate and pray for the victims.

Among them were children and adults with various degrees of injuries.

He told journalists in an interview that his administration is doing every thing possible to ensure peace and harmonious coexistence among communities.

According to him “Adamawa State is well known for peace and hospitality and wandered why some

bad elements are hell bent in making life unbearable to the entire people of the state.”

A closed door security meeting was convened and in attendance were traditional rulers, community leaders, political appointees, Nigerian Army Brigade Commander, representative of the State Commissioner of police and relevant stakeholders.

Anyim is still being detained at EFCC - Ozekhome Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

ÏÏÏ

A senior lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said on Friday that former Secretary to the Federal Government Chief Ayim Pius Ayim is being held by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), under duress and undue influence.

He said in a statement that contrary to newspapers publication that Ayim has been released.

“The truth is that Ayim is still held in EFCC custody till this minute, inspite of fulfilling all administrative bail conditions laid down for him, including deposit of his international passport “Ozekhome who is Ayim’s solicitor said that is he being compelled under duress and undue influence to sign all manners of self incriminating and property stripping documents against his will.

Inspite of these and

the clear provisions of sections 35 and 36 of the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the EFCC has bluntly refused to release Ayim to go and attend to his poor health, his lawyer stated.

Ozekhome (SAN) called on the law enforcement agency and the Attorney General of the Federation to respect the rule of law and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999

which they have sworn to protect and defend by promptly ordering Ayim release forthwith.

He maintained that the claim by the EFCC that Ayim has been released was “a lie from the pit of hell intended to deceive the world and divert attention from the gross abuse of the human rights of Ayim who has been kept under inhuman and degrading conditions” unlawfully for the past nine days.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Gowon wants Kanu to pursue dialogue, seek development for Ndigbo

Umahi tells corps members to shun social vices, as Ahmed charges them for nation building

Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏMembers

ÏÏÏThe former Head of

State, Gen Yakubu Gowon, has urged the leader of the banned Independent People of Baifra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to pursue dialogue with the various arms of government in order to address issues affecting the South- East rather than seeking disintegration that will only lead to loss of lives.

Gowon also advised the IPOB leader to seek better ways in engaging the federal government on developmental strides that has been said to have eluded the South- East by discuss-

ing and addressing issues that will aid development in the region.

Gowon stated this on Friday in Jos, during a lecture he delivered at the National Institute For Policy And Strategic Studies (NIPSS), with a theme titled ‘Unity In Diversity’, ‘Chatting a new way to collaborate.”

Gowon said, “My young friend Nnamdi Kanu was not born during the civil war which was declared ‘No Victor, No Vanquish’: it is sad to recall what happened at that time; the best way to seek redress is dialogue.

“Kanu should pursue healthy conversation on

issues he is not comfortable with as it affects his people: this is the only way we can collaborate effectively and have things resolved amicably”.

The theme of the lecture which also connotes, ‘Responding to the current challenges of nation building in Nigeria”, also challenged the federal government to address the wanton killings by Fulani Herdsmen which has become embarrassing to the country.

He said one of the ways to finding solution to the problem of the bandit’s herdsmen is to find those supplying them arms as

the Fulani’s in the past do not carry arms.

On the stability of the country, he lauded former President Goodluck Jonathan for handing over power to the present administration, adding that, it is disheartening when you read on the pages of newspaper how Jonathan aides are being harassed, saying if he had not handed over power, the country would have been in chaos by now.

“Look at what is happening in Zimbabwe, thank God the the new President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has said they will not harass Mugabe”, he added

L-R: Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina; Chairman of occasion, Sam Ohuabunwa; former Governor, Anambra State, Peter Obi; National Publicity Secretary, Oodua People Congress, Yinka Oguntimehin and Corp Public Education Officer, Federal Road safety Corp, Bisi Kazeem, during the 2nd Anniversary Lecture/Awards of Global Patriot Newspapers in Lagos… on Thursday.

Flush out quacks, commissioner urges NAPPS

Titus Akhigbe,Benin

ÏÏÏRivers

State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Tamunosis GogoJaja has called on the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS to flush out quacks in their midst and employ only the services of qualified personnel in their institutions.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the 11th annual conference of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and made available to newsmen in Benin City.

The Commissioner

said the quacks in their midst have given the qualified teachers among them bad names and that the association must do all in its power to cull them out and reposition the teaching profession.

The Commissioner commended NAPPS for leading in the provision of quality educational service and for partnering with the administration of the executive governor of the state in ensuring that the educational system is not left the way it was met but improved upon.

Earlier, President, NAPPS, Dr. Sally Adukwu-Bolujoko in her welcome address, while highlighting the strengths,

challenges and prospects of private schools in Nigeria, challenged school owners to build a strong and respectable association that could stand the test of time and that which the Nigerian people could look up to.

She said the school owners have the responsibility to build human capacity for the nation and thus must increase their capacity to meet that mandate.

Sally stressed that proprietors must develop ways of raising funds to keep their schools alive in a volatile economy in the face of multiple levies and high interest rates by commercial banks.

Delivering the lead pa-

per titled “The Challenges of Funding Private Education in a Volatile Economy, Prof. Nath M. Abraham of the Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, highlighted a volatile economy as one characterized by uncertainties, instabilities, fluctuation of prices of goods and services causing frequent rises and falls of returns on investments.

Prof. Nath further encouraged school proprietors not to give up but to adopt turn around strategies that will guarantee that they continue providing quality service that will guarantee greater access for children.

Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki, Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin of the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC), deployed to Ebonyi State yesterday cautioned to shun social vices such as corruption, ethnic bigotry, religious intolerance, violence and indiscipline in the course of their service to the nation.

Also, Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has charged corps members to be prepared for the rigours of nation building by taking active part in the various trainings during the orientation course.

David Umahi, of Ebonyi made the call during the swearing-in ceremony of 2017 batch ‘B’ at the permanent Orientation Camp, Old Macgregor College, Afikpo charged them to be exemplary, dedicated and committed in all they do both at the Camp and throughout their Service year.

Represented by the Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Charles Emeka Akpuenika, the Governor further warned the Corps members to take full advantage of the Camp activities to enrich themselves by dedicating themselves to the lessons that they would learn from the activities prevalent in the Camp.

“I urge you to be prepared to follow in the footsteps of your predecessors who have done very well over the years in contributing meaningfully to the development of the State.

I wish to say it here that I am proud of the lofty achievements of the NYSC in the State over the years”.

In her address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Iluebbey Regina. E. advised the prospective Corps members to play an active role in ensuring that the nation remains indivisible and indissoluble by emphasizing the merits in the togetherness and unity of the nation.

The State Coordinator who charged the Corps members to shape up and adapt themselves adequately to the demands and expectations of the orientation camp to enrich their knowledge and expand their horizon.

“Your Excellency sir, let me use this medium to inform you that a total of 2,232 prospective corps members deployed to the State has reported and has been registered. Out of the number registered 1,071 are males while 1,161 are females.

“Some of the major challenges confronting us at the moment included broken down walls of the camp fence making the camp community vulnerable to trespass by

people who have no business inside the camp”.

Ahmed made the call on Thursday while declaring open the 2017 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 1) orientation course at the NYSC permanent Orientation Camp, Yikpata, in Edu local government of the state.

The Governor was represented at the occasion by the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Susan Oluwole.

“As you commence your one-year national service formally today, you will be fulfilling in a special way, the hopes and aspirations of our great country, which put premium on moral and physical development of youths for a better and greater tomorrow.

“The onus now rest on you tom be physically, psychologically and socially ready to face the rigours of nation buildings as full fledge adult Nigerians, who are well imbued with attributes of good citizenship, patriotism and discipline,” Ahmed said.

The governor reminded the Corps members that they will be exposed to various trainings during the 3-week orientation exercise to prepare them for future challenges as leaders of tomorrow.

“You are to adopt a serious and conscientious approach to the various activities of the orientation course in order to be able to face the numerous challenges of the assignments that lie ahead.

“You must not in any way, allow frivolities to affect the needed commitment in achieving the expected qualities of future leaders, which the NYSC scheme is designed to prepare you for,” the Governor added.

He appealed to the Corps members to justify the confidence reposed in them as leaders of the country by making patriotism, discipline, good conduct, honesty and hardwork their watchwords.

“You should always present yourselves as worthy ambassadors of your various families and indeed the NYSC scheme, by exhibiting the sterling qualities of ‘Service and Humility as enshrined as the motto of the NYSC,” Ahmed said.

Earlier in his welcome address, NYSC Coordinator, Mr Remigius Amaefule said 1, 922 Corps member were registered at the close of the registration exercise by 12 midnight on Wednesday.

Amaefule informed the Corps members that their freedom would be curtailed during the orientation course as there will be strict observance of regimentation of their activities.

News 15

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Agitations threaten unity of Nigeria - Saraki

By Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏThe

President of the Senate, Excellency (Dr) Abubakar Bukola Saraki has said that agitation across the length and breadth of Country has threatened the existence and unity of Nigeria.

Speaking at the Southern Senators forum retreat in Calabar on Friday, Dr Saraki said “There are agitations across the length and breadth of this country that threaten our unity. And this time round, the threats are multi-faceted, and the vagaries of modern times have made the issues even more chal-

lenging than in the early post-independence era.

“This retreat is a very commendable initiative, and the timing is extremely well-judged. As a nation, unity is a prerequisite for development, stability and greatness.

Unity is the first focus.

Without unity, we can achieve nothing. And yet we know that, since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, our unity has never been more challenged than at the present time.

“However, it must be emphasised that Nigeria is not alone in this predicament. In Africa and the rest of the world, similar agitations are causing governments and those

they rule over to question their continued coexistence, amid new and persistent threats to their unity. The ripples of Catalonia’s failed referendum bid are still being felt in Spain.

Consequently, the Senate President noted, “In all of this - the ability to dialogue, to listen to one another, to seek to understand the other person and to accept each other’s differences – is important in this issue of unity. Indeed, unity must exist before you can even talk about restructuring or reform.

Dr Saraki said, “How do we stay together? How do we do this? How do we deliver on the task entrusted in us at this critical time?

“Numan killings are never ethno religious cleansing”- CAN insists

By Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏThe

Adamawa Chapter of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) under the leadership of Bishop Dami Steven Mamza insist that the killings of Fulanis in Kikon and Shafuron communities of Numan Local Government Areas is never an ethno religious cleansing against the Fulani Muslims.

Mamza refuted an earlier Press statements issued by the Muslim Council of Adamawa State informing the general public that the killings “is rather an

ethno -religious cleansing against the Fulani Muslims by some extremist Bachama Militia in that area.”

Bishop Dami in Press statement deeply condemn the killings of the innocent Fulani Women and children and call on the government to bring to book the perpetrators of the wicked act to forestall any future occurrences.

“We equally are aware that tensions are high as photos of those killed are being circulated and watched by the general public. In the interest of peace and to cut the spiral of violence, CAN Adama-

wa state chapter calls on the general public to disregard any insinuation of painting this conflicts as a religious one. CAN wishes to categorically state that this has nothing to do with religion. Our Christian Religion states in the fift commandment that “Thou shall not kill “ (Ex. 20:13,LK.18:20). Life is sacred and belongs to God. No one has the right to kill for whatever reason.” It reads The statement continue to read that :”We will not be dragged into the evil spell of a religious conflict because we do not know who these perpetrators are nor those behind it.

Lagos demystifies ‘ember’ months with no drinkdriving advocacy Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏThe

Lagos state government in conjunction with Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM, has started an advocacy to check incidents of drinkdriving resulting in fatalities among drivers in the state during the end-of-year festivities.

According to Kofoworola Awobamise, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, while speaking at the official flag off of the Road Show at the Lagos Traffic Radio office complex in Agidingbi, Ikeja, on Friday; she said the event was a welcome development, especially coming at this crucial time of the year.

“For me this is a welcome advocacy, especially at this time of the ember months usually associated with accidents. Like the G.M has said, accidents do not come as a result of the name of the months but as a result of careless driving. A lot of the careless driving we get is as a result of drink-driving.

“Basically, what we’re saying is that you should not drink while driving and if you must drink, don’t drive.

It’s a message to all Lagosians. You do not have to drink and drive if we’re to take accidents of our roads. It’s a very good initiative and we must say kudos, first to His Excellency, to have allowed this to happen at the Traffic Radio, and to the G.M and his wonderful team for putting this together and to let the whole world know that Lagos is working and we’re out to minimise deaths on our roads,” she said.

L-R: Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe; Secretary to Jigawa State Government, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Isu Gekpe, at the 9th National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in Dutse, Jigawa State, on Friday.

NUJ decry non-execution over 100 MoUs signed by Gov Ben Ayade,

By Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council has decried the non execution of over 100 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) claimed to have been signed by Governor Ben Ayade within and outside Nigeria.

The Union in a eleven-point communiqué issued at the end of its congress and signed by

David Odey, Iloke Egbe and Monday Mbah made available to our correspondent, decried the attitude of the Governor Ayade particularly as he has not fulfil any of his promises ever since he came on board.

“That there should be projects to show for the over 100 MoUs signed by the state government with investors. That the Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, should always honour all the promises he makes”

The Union said “After an exhaustive deliberation on the appalling state of government owned media establishments in the state and other dilapidated infrastructure as well as other pressing issues by members of the union at the congress, it was unanimously resolved as follows: “That the attention of the state government be drawn to the abject neglect of the state owned newspaper, the Nige-

rian Chronicle which was in the past a flourishing outfit that circulated daily to as far as Kano but has now become a shadow of its past with decrepit facilities and cannot circulate up to Ikom within the state after it declined to a weekly “That the state owned broadcasting corporation, CRBC, that used to run for 24 hours now barely runs for 7 hours due to poor funding and urgent steps should be taken to revive the outfit.

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

ANALYSIS

s

Atiku’s defection from APC and 2019 race Patrick Okohue To say that the resignation on Friday of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was long expected by the vast majoritt of political watchers is to state the obvious.

Atiku is one who many knew was going to make the move sooner than later going by recent development in the political cycle between the Adamawa -born politician and leadership of both the APC and the government which has led to no love lost among them.

To start with, Atiku’s presidential ambition has never been a secret. In fact, in 2007 while still serving as the Vice President on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he defected to the Action Congress (AC) to pick its presidential ticket to run against the then candidate of the PDP, the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua but lost and in 2015 he contested the presidential primary of the APC with the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari with other aspirants and lost.

But with his utterances of late, especially from when Buhari fell ill and was hospitalised in a London hospital, it has become obvious that it is only a matter of time before the Turaki Adamawa declares his ambition. However, with the return of Buhari and his full recovery, it had become clearer that if Atiku must run, then he has to seek an alternative platform.

The realisation that Atiku was going to seek alternative platform has made many members of the PDP to be wooing him to return to the party to help nurture it back to winning ways and possibly pick its presidential ticket to run against Buhari.

This ambition of Atiku many political watchers have also pointed out has been responsible for the travails of the former Vice President whose business interest has been allegedly receiving the rough side of the government, leading to the cancellation of the multi billion naira contract between Intel, a company where Atiku has substantial interest with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) which has been runnjng for several years, even though the management of the NPA claim its action has no political undertone. But the recent withdrawal of work permit of some Intel expatriate staff even when the National Assembly is still trying to wade into the matter is a clear indication that there is more to the matter than those involved are telling Nigerians.

Atiku is definitely not a man afraid to fight political battles. Prior to the 2003 elections, it took the intervention of some prominent Nigerians to prevail on him not to contest the presidential

Atiku Abubaka ticket with his then principal, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, because it was clear that should he run against Obasanjo, he was likely to win, so for anyone to have thought that Atiku would back down from his ambition because of intimidation would be to have underestimated him.

Prior to his defection from the APC, political watchers had accused Atiku of being in talks with the PDP with the aim of getting the automatic ticket of the party.

The PDP sources had informed another media house that some of the governors and past governors of the party, including other leaders of the PDP, are amenable to his return and would most likely back him in his bid to secure the ticket of the PDP. However, Atiku, in the discussions with the PDP leadership, was said not to be leaving anything to chance and has asked for a guarantee that he would secure the ticket of the party for the 2019 presidential election before jumping ship.

According to one PDP source, “The secret discussions are ongoing with a wing of the leadership of the PDP and this has encouraged the former vicepresident to start consultations with

It is clear to politically literate minds that it will only be a matter of days before he returns to the PDP and when he does that, then it will be clear to all Nigerians that the 2019 political race has indeed commenced. critical leaders in the northern and southern parts of the country.

“However, Atiku has informed the PDP leaders who have approached him to guarantee him the nomination of the party for the presidential election before he can leave the APC, as he does not want to be messed up for the third time.”

It was also learnt that several governors of the party, including Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who had earlier declared his intention to contest for

the presidency in 2019, would most likely be receptive to an Atiku candidacy.

Another source in the party explained that despite Fayose’s declaration, the Ekiti governor was most likely positioning himself to secure the vicepresidential ticket of the PDP. He explained that the reason Atiku may already have the backing of PDP chieftains stems from the fact that he is widely regarded as the most prepared for the presidency and is also considered acceptable to several constituents in both the southern and northern parts of the country.

However, chairman, Board of Trustees, of the PDP, Senator Walid Jibrin, has said that there would be no automatic ticket for Atiku in the coming 2019 general election.

Senator Jibrin said that although the ex-VP has not informed anybody of any intention to defect back to PDP after dumping the party for APC ahead of the 2015 election but maintained that PDP, however, is ready to accept Atiku if he makes a come-back journey.

Senator Jibrin also said that if Atiku plans to come back to the party, then “he should come as an equal partner” to contend with other aspirants already in the party for the ticket and not expect to be given an automatic ticket.

According to him, “Has he told you he is returning to the PDP? We are ready to accept him to our party but he should be ready to work for a waiver.

“The North met in Abuja to say that any candidate from the North can contest. Let us get them. I think they are getting set now.

“For now, we have a former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau; former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido; a former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and so on, preparing to vie for the PDP presidential ticket.

“If the PDP grants Atiku a waiver, he should then join the cream of presidential aspirants in the party to fight for the ticket in 2019.

“If the PDP considers Atiku for the automatic presidential ticket, what about those in the party who are showing interest? Should we throw them away? If he is coming, he should come as an equal partner.

“We are ready to accept him; but he must follow the rules of the game.

First, he must undergo primaries like any other person, and he must fight for the presidential ticket.”

Though Atiku in his letter of resignation did not indicate which party he was moving to, but said he is pondering on his political future.

However, it is clear to politically literate minds that it will only be a matter of days before he returns to the PDP and when he does that, then it will be clear to all Nigerians that the 2019 political race has indeed commenced.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

19 Features

‘There’s need to help the less privileged ’

Edward Nnachi

The economic crunch hitting Nigerians in this harsh business environment is pushing majority of her citizenry to the precipice of economic hardship, forcing many into some illicit acts to survive. The worst hit is the less-privileged in our society ¬— the widows, orphans, mentallydisabled, physically challenged and the visually impaired, among others.

In the face of all this however, the rich and the “have-arrived” in the society have been urged to imbibe the spirit of helping the have-nots (the less-privileged ones) around them, as this will not only help save thousands of lives languishing in penury and reduce crime in the country, but also enrich the givers more than before.

This charge was given by the founder, Odi-Ajaye Victorious Garden Ministry (OVGM), Pastor (Dr.) John Olushola Ojo, at the ministry’s Quarterly Widows/ Less-Privileged People’s Forum held in Ogba, Lagos recently.

Pastor Ojo used the opportunity to appeal for support, collaboration, partnership and synergy from both private and public organisations in the country to join hands together in order to adequately save the down-trodden in society from myriads of challenges facing them daily.

The widows, orphans and others who came from different parts of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states looking traumatised by hardship.

They all went home with new clothes and food stuffs including

Pastor Ojo

rice, beans and Semovita. Many with minor financial needs were given some token by the founder.

Others who had spiritual needs and sought for counseling were counselled and prayed for, a dimension suggestive that the OVGM is not just a foundation, but a centre for divine guidance and spiritual insight.

After praying for the widows, orphans and the blind numbering up to 1,000, Pastor Ojo said he decided to be doing this because, “If we don’t reach out to the needy with the resources God has blessed us with, then it means we are not even grateful to He who gave riches to us in the first place.

“We are imploring well-meaning Nigerians to come forward and cooperate with us in taking care of

the widows, orphans, disables, and the less-privileged people in our society. This is a step which will help curd terrorism, theft, early child marriage and other criminal activities in our society”, he said.

The man The only surviving of six children of his mother, Pastor Ojo had a beginning that attracted God’s mercy and intervention. The man who attempted to take his three times, tells his story: “From what I heard, my stepmother swore to kill us all. My mother took me to Osun state for a crusade and while there, she was instructed never to take me to my father’s house again - and till today that am 82 years, I have never for one day stepped into my father’s house. As a result of this,

I harboured a lot of bitterness.

What you heard about me and suicide is true: when my situation got too severe, I attempted suicide three times on Carter Bridge, Lagos but God did not let me succeed. Afterwards, I decided not to kill myself again.”

“So, whenever I see somebody going through bitterness and problems I quickly remember my experience. Therefore, I made up my mind to be wiping out people’s tears in any little way I can. I thank this God who saved me during that period; and there is nothing in my house, no matter how big that I cannot give out to people.”

The Daily Times learnt there was time when the philanthropist had over seven people living with him. “Those who could read, I sent them to school and those who could not read I asked them to go and learn a trade. All that you see here today came from my personal savings. I don’t have any organisation anywhere sponsoring me in the course of this. Whatever I get as increase, I take my tithe out of it and then donate the remaining for the support of this initiative.

A retired radiographer with the Lagos State Hospitals Service Commission, Lady Evang. Aluko Olokun, beneficiary said it was worthy of mention that Pastor Ojo had been wearing the garment of giving and caring for widows and the less-privileged right from his tender age and added that 99 per cent of his life was dedicated to putting smiles on the faces of the hurting ones in the church, community and the society.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

20 Foreign News

Mnangagwa, from deposition, exile, Gang-raped, murdered along with husband in sworn in as Zimbabwe’s new President Jharkhand’s Latehar

INDIAN Colonel ACCUSED OF RAPE in Shimla

ÏÏÏ

A woman was allegedly gang-raped and murdered along with her husband in Ranchi Jharkhand’s Latehar district on Friday, police said.

Ranchi is the capital of the Indian state of Jharkhand, According to police, unidentified people barged into the house of 32-yearold Kirtu Bhuiya, gangraped his wife and later

hacked the couple to death.

The incident occurred at Lawagara village of Latehar district. Family members said the couple have three children aged six, eight and 12. The reason for the murders is not known.

Police said they are investigating the incident and trying to trace the killers.

The bodies were sent for post-mortem.

Colonel accused of rape case gets three-day police remand ÏÏÏ

A colonel has been remanded in policy custody for allegedly raping a colleague’s adopted daughter.

As per her police complaint, on November 20, she was called by the accused Colonel to his house near Lakkar Bazar in Shimla, where he promised to get her introduced to some people who could help her in the modelling career.

Agency report posited that the 56-year-old Colonel arrested the previous day for allegedly raping a fellow officer’s adopted daughter was on Thursday remanded to three-day police custody by a local court even as the girl, in her statement recorded under section 164 of the CrPC, reiterated her charges against him.

Shimla Superintendent of Police Soumya Sambasivan said a medical examination of the girl had been done, but because of some doubts on the report and the findings, the matter had now been referred to the state’s Forensic Science Lab (FSL). “The girl, in an FIR lodged on November 21, had stated that beside the accused Colonel, there was also another person at his

house. Today, she modified her version and we have accordingly amended the FIR. As per her new statement, there was no third person at Colonel’s house where the alleged incident happened,” the SP said.

Meanwhile, the police have taken into custody the mobile phones of the girl and the Colonel to analyse their locations and call details.

After the Colonel’s arrest on Wednesday, the police had examined his WhatsApp posts and call details, which reportedly established that the girl had sent him photographs and some messages.

In her complaint, the 21-year-old girl, who is an aspiring model, has said that her father, a Lieutenant Colonel at the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), was called for a party at the ADC club on November 19, where she had met the accused officer. On being told that she was an aspiring model, the Colonel assured her help saying he had some connections in Mumbai. The next day, the Colonel called her father and asked him to send some photographs of her on WhatsApp, which she did.

Bonny Amadi with Agency Report

ÏÏÏ

The case of cat with nine lives manifested in Zimbabwe on Friday as the country’s former vice president, deposed and sent on exile by the former president Robert Mugabe, has returned to be sworn in as the country’s president.

Emerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as Zimbabwe President in a ceremony at a packed stadium in the capital, Harare on Friday.

His swearing in follows the dramatic departure of Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power.

According to agency report, the former vice-president’s dismissal earlier this month led the ruling ZanuPF party and the army to intervene and force Mr. Mugabe to quit.

Mr. Mnangagwa, who had fled the country, returned from exile on Wednesday.

Nicknamed “the Crocodile,” Mnangagwa took over the reigns as Zimbabwe’s second president.

It was his driving ambition to take over as

leader which set off a bitter succession battle with Mugabe’s 52-year-old wife Grace, triggering the crisis that toppled the long-serving president, who resigned on Tuesday.

Mnangagwa was dismissed as vice president

by Mugabe on November 6, but the situation quickly turned around in his favor.

With his dismissal triggering a military takeover and mass street protest,

which ended with the ousting of Mugabe and Mnangagwa catapulted to the centre stage.

A former close Mugabe ally, Mnangagwa’s initial fall from grace appears to have been engineered by the first lady, who lobbied her husband to back her own political ambitions.

It was the climax of a long feud between the pair over who would replace the ailing and increasingly frail

93-year-old leader.

But Mnangagwa’s dismissal alarmed the army, with the generals quickly moving in, staging a military takeover which brought him down within days.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s former president, Robert Mugabe has been granted immunity from prosecution; sources close to the negotiations was quoted to have said on Thursday.

Zimabwe’s news president

Egypt’s Sinai terrorist attack on mosque kills over 235 people

...President declares state of morning ...Leaders condemn attack

ÏÏÏ

Terror attack on the African continent has continued to gather momentum, as Egypt falls to yet another terrorist which left over 235 people dead.

An attack which occurred in a mosque in Al-Arish on Friday killed 235 people and injured at least 109, according to Egypt’s prosecutor general.

Agency report said that the attack was an explosion due to an improvised explosive device (IED), according to local media reports, and coincided with the weekly Friday prayers. Local media reported that unknown militants opened fire at civilians after the explosion. A state of emergency has reportedly been declared in North Sinai.

The attack which took place during Jum’ah (Friday prayers) also left hundreds injured The attackers according to agency report, were said to have detonated a bomb and subsequently shooting

at fleeing worshippers and ambulance workers at the Al Rawdah mosque in Bir al-Abed, west of the city of El Arish.

“They were shooting at people as they left the mosque. They were shooting at the ambulances too,” a local resident whose relatives were at the scene told Reuters.

It is considered one of the deadliest attacks in the re-

Egypt’s terrorist attack mourners

gion beset by Islamic State militants. The government has declared three days of mourning after a high level security meeting was held at the presidency.

The attack has received widespread global condemnation with Togolese leader Faure Gnassingbe and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, being the earliest to comment.

Militants have mostly tar-

geted security forces in their attacks since bloodshed in the Sinai worsened after 2013 when Sisi, then an armed forces commander, led the overthrow of President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Meanwhile, Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah AlSisi will meet with security officials to be briefed on the attack.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

21 News/Public Notice

Gov Ahmed presents N181bn budget for 2018 Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏKwara State Governor,

Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has presented a budget estimate of N181, 886, 056, 555.00 for the 2018 Financial Year.

Laying the budget before the lawmakers at the State House of Assembly yesterday, Governor Ahmed said the proposed budget reflects an increase of N15,781,009,150 or 9.5% compared to the 2017 Revised Appropriation.

Tagged “Budget of Sustained Growth and Prosperi-

ty”, the sum of N75,204,257,902 representing 41.3% is for recurrent expenditure, while total sum of N106,681,798,630 which represents 58.7% is earmarked for capital expenditure.

Under the recurrent expenditure, N46,567,379,761 representing 62% is allocated as overhead cost which includes subventions to parastatals, support grants and contributions including overhead cost of tertiary institutions in the state. Personnel cost is expected to gulp N13,918,001,894 or

18.5% of the total recurrent expenditure.

Governor Ahmed explained that the 2018 budget proposal is formulated using the zero-based budgeting approach and its projections were based on the federal government adopted assumptions of oil price benchmark of $45 per barrel and oil production estimate of two point three million barrels per day.

The economic affairs sector has the highest allocation of N53,744,166,521.00 which represents 54.4% of the total

capital expenditure, while the health sector is allocated N23,918,380,992.00 representing 22.4%.

The Education Sector has an allocation of N12,628,47,156 which represents 11.8%, while general public services has N7,550,770,62.00 representing 7.1% of the total expenditure.

Governor Ahmed said the government recorded 71% implementation of the 2017 budget with modest achievements in key sectors despite the economic challenges.

Lawyer seeks court order to remove IGP from office Andrew Orolua, Abuja

eral of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The suit marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/1157/17, was brought pursuant to Order 3 rules 6 and 9 of the Federal High Court civil procedure rules 2009.

The plaintiff who expressed deep concern over the failure of the IGP to honour and enforce court orders posed five questions for the court to determine.

“Whether by the true interpretation of Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended) the 1st (IGP), 2nd (Ibrahim Idris) and 3rd (Police) defendants respectively

are not under absolute legal obligation to obey and enforce court judgements in any part of Nigeria.

“Whether considering the continuous and flagrant disobedience of court judgements by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants, the 2nd defendant is still a fit and proper person to remain in office as the Inspector General of Police and Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Federation” “Whether the 4th defendant being the Chief Law Officer of the Federation is not under legal obligation to advise President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to remove the 2nd defendant

MRS OGUNBUNMI OMOWUNMI

CHUKWUDI ADOLPHUS

I formerly known and addressed as Miss AMODA OMOWUNMI SHAKIRAT now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs OGUNBUNMI OMOWUNMI SHAKI,All former documents remain valid,General public please note

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUDI OJINMA ADOLPHUS, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUDI ADOLPHUS. All former documents remain valid.

Diamond Banks and the general public should please take note.

OBIAGWU CHINENYENWA EKWUTOSI I, formerly known and addressed as OBI CHINENYE NWAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as OBIAGWU CHINENYENWA EKWUTOSI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

AMARI VIVIAN UJUNWA

MRS MADUKA GIFT CHINASA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as UFONDU VIVIAN UJUNWA, now wish to be known and addressed as AMARI VIVIAN UJUNWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MADU GIFT CHINASA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MADUKA GIFT CHINASA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OGECHI AUGUSTA and CHIBUEZE OGECHI refer to one and the same person, but henceforth wish to be known and addressed as CHIBUEZE OGECHI AUGUSTA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ILOJEME CATHERINE IFEANYICHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as UHARA CATHERINE IFEANYICHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OGBU EBUBECHUKWU MIRACLE

AJOGWU BENETH EJIKE

ÏÏÏA

Lagos-based legal practitioner, Ademola Odusote has asked the Federal High Court, Abuja for an order directing the Attorney General of the Federation to advise the President to remove the Inspector General of Police from office for failure to enforce court orders.

This is contained in a suit filed on Wednesday at the Federal High Court Abuja by John Obor Esq on behalf of Odusote against the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, the Nigerian Police Force and the Attorney Gen-

BALOGUN DOYIN I formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN DOYIN JAMES now wish to be known and addressed as BALOGUN DOYIN. I was born on 08/08/1981. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

EDUNJOBI AFOLABI ADETUNJI Formerly known and addressed as EDUN AFOLABI ADETUNJI, now wish to be known and addressed as EDUNJOBI AFOLABI ADETUNJI. That EDUN AFOLABI ADETUNJI and EDUNJOBI AFOLABI ADETUNJI refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MARGRET OLURUNFEMI AYODELE

I formerly known and addressed as MARGARET IDOWU SADIQ and AYODELE MARGARET IDOWU now wish to be known and addressed as MARGRET OLURUNFEMI AYODELE .

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

MRS EKELOJUOTI ADENIKE I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEKUNLE ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EKELOJUOTI ADENIKE. This is due to change in marital status.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as EBUBE MIRACLE SAMUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as OGBU EBUBECHUKWU MIRACLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ALLIBALOGUN NOSIRU OLAJIDE

ALABA ABIMBOLA OKIKIOLA

Formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN NOSIRU OLAJIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as ALLIBALOGUN NOSIRU OLAJIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS ADANMA OMOTAYO ADEYEMI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADANMA OMOTAYO SHOSAN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADANMA OMOTAYO ADEYEMI . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ALABA ABIMBOLA now wish to be known and addressed as ALABA ABIMBOLA OKIKIOLA . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

MRS MOROUNRANTI EBUNOLUWA AYINKE AGBE-DAVIES

Formerly known and addressed as MISS MOROUNRANTI EBUNOLUWA AYINKE VIGO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MOROUNRANTI EBUNOLUWA AYINKE AGBE-DAVIES. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note

from office as the Inspector General of Police on the grounds that the 2nd defendant is in continuous breach of provisions of section 287 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) thereby posing immense threat to the sustenance of our democracy.

Whether considering the continuous and flagrant disobedience of court judgements by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants, the 2nd defendant is still a fit and proper person to remain in office as the Inspector General of Police and Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Federation.

MRS CHUKWU NKEIRUKA MIRACLE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OMAH NKEIRUKA MIRACLE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWU NKEIRUKA MIRACLE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note

UHARA CATHERINE IFEANYICHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as EZE BENETH EJIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as AJOGWU BENETH EJIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ABDULAZEEZ TOLUWALASE

I formerly known and addressed as JAMIU AZEEZ ALABI and JAMIU ABDULAZEEZ TOLUWALASE now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH ABDULAZEEZ TOLUWALASE. I was born on 05/11/1993 not 05/12/1993. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

UCHECHUKWU BENNETH

Formerly known and addressed as UCHE BENNETH IDELI, now wish to be known and addressed as UCHECHUKWU BENNETH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

APC has failed Nigerians –Fasehun Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏFounder

and president of the Oodua Peoples Congress, (OPC) Dr Frederick Fasehun has taken a swipe on the federal government, describing the All Progressive Congress (APC) led administration as a failure in actualising the dreams and aspirations of the nation when Nigerians massively voted for it in 2015.

Dr. Fasehun said the change mantra upon which the Muhammed Buhari led APC promised the people has only brought about more hunger, looting, darkness and joblessness upon the nation’s young population.

He said of the government “ you promised change and we massively supported you, but what you have done is not different from the immediate past government Nigerians thrown out of power. Nigerians are hungry, graduates lack job opportunities and this is a signpost to anarchy”.

The OPC leader, who spoke at the National Peace rally organised by the Yoruba sociocultural group held at the Sagamu interchange on the Lagos Ibadan expressway charged President Buhari to go after those who looted the nation’s treasury and recover the stolen funds.

NWAISHIENYI EMILIA CHINENYE

I formerly known and addressed as OBAYI EMILIA CHINENYE now wish to be known and addressed as NWAISHIENYI EMILIA CHINENYE.All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

Dr. Fasehun described those who carted away billions of the country resources as mad and challenged the federal government to address the country’s wobbling economic situation.

He however took a swipe at President Buhari challenging him to rise above been a sectional leader and prove to be the President of Nigeria “ the President must prove to Nigerians that he is just not a village President but the leader of over 170 million Nigerians.

The country’s situation is becoming unbearable. The President should sleep and think over the situation and make necessary corrections where they are needed”, he said.

Also speaking on the persistent gridlock on the OshodiApapa expressway, the OPC Chief affirmed that the federal authority has conspired to stifle the economy of the South West hence the poor response to the horrible experience motorists and commuters are made to undergo on the road.

IFEBIRI FRANCISCA NGOZIKA

I, formerly known and addressed as OKORONKWO FRANCISCA NGOZIKA, now wish to be known and addressed IFEBIRI FRANCISCA NGOZIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

INAKU REJOICE VICTORIA

I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU REJOICE CHINAMUNWA, now wish to be known and addressed INAKU REJOICE VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LEVITES CLUB INTERNATIONAL ENUGU This is to inform the general public that the above named Club 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. REV. CYRIL OBIDIMUSO KASIMANWUNA - Chairman 2. PASTOR UCHE KASIMANWUNA - Secretary 3. BARR. CHIOMA NNAMANI - Legal Adviser AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1) To propagate the gospel and raise youths.

2) To study known and do the word of God. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: REV. CYRIL OBIDIMUSO KASIMANWUNA -Chairman

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS This is to inform the general public of the loss of original title documents in respect of Plot 42 New Town Layout, Enugu, Enugu State registered at Lands Registry, Enugu particularly Deed of Sub-Lease and Deed of Assignment registered as 49/49/699 and 2/2/1465 respectively belonging to D.O.N.E International Ventures Limited of No. 143 Oloje drive, Alaba-Ojo Road, Lagos.

All efforts to trace the above mentioned documents proved abortive. The General Public and any Authority concerned should please take note.

22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

ÏÏ

News 23

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 25, 2017

No APC Gov is leaving party with Atiku - el-Rufai Mathew Dadiya, Abujaar

ÏÏÏ

Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, has said that none of the governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will defect with the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who just resigned from the party.

The governor spoke to journalists after the Friday Jumat prayer at the mosque in the Presidential Villa, Abuja while reacting to the exit of Atiku from the APC on Friday.

On whether some APC governors would defect and follow Atiku to his new party, el-Rufai said, “That I am sure of. I can speak authoritatively

about it because I’m in touch with my colleagues.

“The only governor that he would think will go with him, the governor of Adamawa State has already endorsed President Buhari for the 2019 election.

And there are many governors, I will not mention the number but a majority of the APC governors have already taken the position that the president should run for a second term in office.”

Governor el-Rufai also said, ”Atiku is not and has never been a threat to Buhari. We are confident that the way to preserve our party and preserve and advance the interest of Nigeria is for Mr. President to run for a second term.

I’m curious to see which APC governor

will go with Atiku.”

The Daily Times recalls that Adamawa State Governor Jibrilla Bindow had previously declared his support for Atiku whom he acknowledged as the sponsor of his governorship election.

The governor had in December 2015 disclosed that Atiku gave him N500million for his campaign.

But shortly before Atiku defect from the APC, the Adamawa State chapter of the APC pledged support for President Buhari if he declares to run in 2019.

Atiku, who hails from Adamawa State, has contested the presidential couple of times without success.

‘Why Army raided notorious criminals, killed 9 gang members’ Memoye Oghu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ

Nine members of a dreaded criminal, kidnapper and cultist gang gang, Mr. Johnson Igwedibia, popularly known as Don Waney were last Wednesday night killed by security operatives in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) in Rivers State.

In a reprisal attack for leading the Army to raid Don Waney’s hide-out, his gang members were said to have in the late hours of Wednesday night attacked operatives of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) in Omoku town. In a gun duel that ensued, nine of the gang members were killed while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

Trouble began when Don Waney’s gang killed two OSPAC Operatives and an innocent civilian in Omoku and Okposi towns respectively, all in ONELGA last Sunday.

In response OSPAC, in collaboration with troops of the 6th Division of the Nigeria Army last Monday raided the criminal hideout and camps of the notorious gang

leader, where, after an hour gun duel Don Waney was suspectedly killed while several of his gang members escaped with serious gunshot wounds. The gallant troops however arrested seven persons; including two ladies all suspected to be gang members in his palatial home in Aligwe, a suburb of Omoku town as well as discovered several skulls, skeletons and shallow graves.

Nevertheless, security operatives strongly believed that Don Waney was killed in the shoot-out and secured the services of divers to comb the waters of the Orashi River, their escape route with the hope that the corpse would float thereafter.

Jubilant crowd trooped out to the council headquarters when news of the death of the dreaded kingpin filtered into town. “Over 3000 people trooped out to the council headquarters. What they told us is that they shot him in the process when he wanted to escape, that he will not survive the gunshot wounds; that they have sent divers because he fell inside the water as he wanted to escape through that place. So, the following day we did not see anything, no result, no dead body.

Oxford Varsity, World Bank task FG on poverty in Nigeria Nosa Akenzua, Asaba L-R: Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Shehuri; Federal Controller of Power, Works and Housing in Ebonyi, Idowu Olusola Afolabi; Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Prof. Bernard Odoh and Special Assistant to the State Government on Housing, Prince Ajah Igwe, during the inspection of the ongoing National Housing Project at Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi… on Friday.

FRSC decries alcohol, hard drug hawkers at motor parks

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ

The Enugu Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Edward Zamber has said the commission is out at tackling the menace of hawking alcohol and hard drugs at motor parks describing hawkers as agents of darkness who are encouraging drivers to have accidents.

Zamber stated this in Nsukka on Friday during the 2017 flag-off of Ember Months campaign rally titled “Right to life on highways, Not Negotiable”.

Zamber who was represented by the state sector operation commander, Mr. Jude Eke advised motorists to resist the temptation of drinking alcohol and other things that can cause accidents when they want to drive.

“We will continue to do our best to

ensure safety on our roads but drivers and other road users should complement the commission’s efforts by doing their part,” he said He urged drivers and other road users to drive safely during the Ember months adding that FRSC would continue to do its best to ensure safety on the roads.

In a remark, the Unit Commander, Nsukka Command, Mr. Shuaibu Bello, said ninety per cent of road accidents in the country are as result of human factors.

He said some of the human factors that resulted in road crashes were drivers over-speeding, lack of concentration, tiredness, driving under the influence of alcohol and dangerous over-taking.

“Research has shown that human fac-

tors contribute ninety per cent of road accidents that have consumed many lives and rendered millions physically disabled.

“This rally is aimed at educating our drivers, motor-cycle riders, tricycle drivers and other road users on how to imbibe safety culture while driving.

“Drivers should know that is only when you are alive you will reach your destination and drive the next day, “he said He urged transporters and National Road transport workers to ensure that their drivers obey road signs and traffic laws by ensuring regular training of their drivers.

“A good driver before embarking on any journey checks the state of his vehicle to ensure its worthiness for the trip.

ÏÏÏ

The Authorities of Oxford University and World Bank have tasked the Federal Government to urgently fish out the poor as well as the vulnerable in the country, saying “Nigeria’s poverty is worrisome”.

According to the national coordinator of the Social Safety Net Programme, Mr. Peter Papkar this onerous task of identifying and enumerating the poor and the vulnerable was to reduce poverty, if not totally eradicate it in the near future.

He said “the country poverty rate is not only worrisome but also a threat to the world, hence the international bodies are ready and willing to assist in reducing it”.

Papka who noted that Federal Government is happy with the World Bank and others moved to bail out the country from its poverty level, said Federal Govern-

ment had since keyed into the programme and has gone to about 25 states to carry out the assignment.

The National Coordinator said at a training in Asaba that the office of the Vice President had taken proactive measures to tackle the problem by organizing training for members to visit the rural communities to identify and enumerate the poor and the vulnerable who are the optimize beneficiaries of the programme.

To this end, he said a total of 62 persons drawn from 9 of the 25 local government area of Delta State have been trained on community based target team to do the job.

He explained that the training was equipped the participants with requisite ideas on the task of identifying and enumerating the poor and vulnerable in their various local government area to serve as a guide for government intervention in the 9 Local Government Area.

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Stories by Frank Jumbo with Agency Report

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lmina Sharks defender Farouk Mohammed could play in the Nigeria Professional Football League after interest from giants Enyimba FC. The Black Stars B defender has revealed that the former CAF

Ghanaian defender, Farouk Mohammed reveals Enyimba’s interest Champions League winners have tabled an offer which is currently being considered by his managers.

“I signed a two-year contract with Elmina Sharks which I played one season while in Division One, so having played one more season in the Premier League, my contract with the club has ended,” he

told FOX FM in Kumasi.

“I have offers from Enyimba FC of Nigeria and Accra Hearts of Oak, but comparatively Enyimba FC is ahead due to the nature of their offer. You know that football is now all about the money and I may join Enyimba FC sooner,” he added.

Farouk Mohammed had a great season with the Sharks, winning MVP awards on some occasions which culminated in earning him invitation into the Black Stars B. He was a member of the Black Stars B side that traveled to Ouagadougou for the 2018 CHAN qualifier with the Local Stallions of Burkina Faso.

Amun, Adepoju salute Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Ighalo

Aiyegbeni

Ighalo, Ideye expected in Kano for IDPs charity match

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uper Eagles forwards Odion Ighalo and Brown Ideye have been named in the team of Africa Legends scheduled to face Kano Pillars Football Club in a charity match on Dec. 14.

The match is scheduled for the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano and it is being organised for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East of Nigeria.

The duo will be among several other star footballers who will sweat it out to raise awareness on the plight of the IDPs. Former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu confirmed to newsmen in Kano on Friday that the two players have agreed to be part of the charity match tagged “Match4IDPs’’.

“I have spoken to Ighalo and Ideye and they have agreed to be part of the awareness match for the IDPs on Dec. 14,” Kanu said.

He listed other notable stars expected for the match to include South Africa’s Lucas Radebe, Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Nwankwo Kanu and Senegalese El-Hadji Diouf.

Speaking also, the match’s Chief Coordinator, Abi Goodman, said some Nigerians in diaspora have also agreed to join the train to create the needed awareness on the IDPs’ plight.

“These Nigerians in diaspora include Detective-Sgt. Bassey Osagie who is the Toronto Police Service Representative at the Toronto Youth Cabinet at City Hall, as well as Zainabu Otiti-Obanor.

“Osagie is a Nigerian-Canadian who volunteers for the Canada Health Mission Outreach and provides extended health care for the poor and under-privileged.’’

Goodman added that a number of ambassadors and Nollywood stars, such as Ali Nuhu, have also been confirmed to be available for the event.

She also said the programme has already got the backing of the Kano State Government and the Emirate Council.

“This is why we will also hold an auction night in Kano, where the legends will auction their autographed jerseys and other personal effects to build up the charity fund,’’ Goodman said.

Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos to visit Nigeria

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Farouk

razilian superstar, Roberto Carlos is set for a maiden visit to Nigeria having been confirmed for the Real Madrid Foundation Clinic Nigeria website launch in Abuja on December 18.

Inigo Vallejo (Africa and Middle East manager) has also been confirmed for the event, which will also be used to unveil the activities of the foundation next year.

The Project Director of SPR Luxury Limited Yomi Umar said the launch would usher in great projects targeted at the youths who will be the direct beneficiaries of the foundation’s activities.

Umar said former Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos, who is the foundation’s ambassador, and Vallejo’s presence at the launch would inspire some of the participants, who will also aspire to become top professional players.

“I am happy to inform you that we have confirmed the presence of Carlos and Vallejo at the website launch. They are both committed to the event and we will be happy to have them,” she said.

She stated that the maiden clinic in February would bring together youth between the ages of seven and 17 to enjoy the best of coaching from top managers and former players.

Umar said, “Our target is to avail the participants the rudiments of the round leather game. We also intend to keep the records of all participants and monitor their progress.

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anny Amun, a former Super Eagles Assistant Coach at the France ‘98 World Cup, has described Yakubu Aiyegbeni as a player who had paid his dues in domestic and international football.

Amun spoke in Lagos against the backdrop of Aiyegbeni’s retirement on Wednesday in London after he turned 35.

Shortly after he announced his retirement, the former Super Eagles striker thanked all who had played one role or the other in his career.

“I would like to officially announce my retirement from professional football today,” Yakubu told Sky Sports on Wednesday in London.

“Thank you for the memories,” he said.

Aiyegbeni played for Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Everton FC all of England and made 250 Premier League appearances as well as scored 96 goals in a career spanning 20 years.

He started his professional career in the Nigerian league in 1997/1998 season when he plied his trade with Julius Berger FC of Lagos (now defunct).

He also played in Israel with Macabi Haifa FC before moving to Europe in 2003.

The “Yak” as he was fondly called is the 3rd best all-time scorer of the senior national team 21 goals.

He featured three times for fourth-tier side Coventry City this year before being released by the club.

The former assistant coach of the Super Eagles added that Aiyegbeni would be remembered for his selfless performance for the national teams.

“Aiyegbeni is still young but the fact remains that he has paid his dues as a club player and a national team player who has represented Nigeria at the highest level of football.

“He was most times noted for his response to national duties and did so well.

“I think he must have prepared well for life after retirement because he is still young and not be in the ranks of those claiming that Nigeria has not done anything for them.

“Nigeria has done everything for them at least they have the opportunity of wearing the national jersey which others did not have, they need to prepare well for the future and not wait on Nigeria,” he said.

Similarly, a former international Mutiu Adepoju, said that Aiyegbeni would be remembered for his contributions to the national teams during his playing days, adding that he was dedicated.

“Most of us will remember him for his contributions to the national team as a striker who scored many goals.

“He is one of the few dedicated players around ready for call-up and wearing the national colours.

“He has done well, he is a good player and very well respected; I wish him well,” he said.

Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers… Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifiers… Russia 2018 World Saturday, November 25, 2017

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Eleven clubs set for South West PreSeason Tourney

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Stoke City target former Watford star, Ighalo

Ighalo

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Rohr submits World Cup programme

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uper Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has set Nigeria’s Russia 2018 plan rolling by submitting his World Cup programme to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The Chairman of NFF Technical Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh confirmed yesterday that the Franco-German coach has submitted his programme to the federation.

The plan details where the coach would want the team to camp leading to the World Cup and the number of friendly matches he will like to play.

Nigeria qualified for her sixth World Cup finals last month in a manner that left no one in doubt about the ability of the Eagles to excel on the global stage.

The Super Eagles were unbeaten in six matches and secured their ticket as the group winner with one game at hand from a tough pool made up of Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia.

Yusuf said the Technical Committee will consider in details Rohr’s proposal and make recommendations to the NFF board for ratification.

“I can confirm that Rohr has submitted his programmes. The Technical Committee will look at it and table our findings to the board. NFF will make the details of the programme public as soon as it is approved,” he said. Rohr, who once handled the national teams of Burkina Faso, Niger and Gabon is currently in Europe, keeping a tab on the form of the players he plans to use for the World Cup. In spite of its talented crop of players, Nigeria has never advanced beyond the second round at the quadrennial tournament, achieving that milestone in the 1994, 1998 and 2014 finals.

Rohr

ark Hughes’ Stoke City has joined the chase to bring Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo back to the English Premier League in spite of the former Watford star’s £190k-a-week salary.

According to Birminghammail.co.uk, West Brom, Newcastle United, Southampton, Everton and West Ham are also linked with the striker, who joined Chinese Super league side, Changchun Yatai for £30 million last year.

Ighalo played a prominent role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup, with his goals accounting for the massive victories over Cameroon and Algeria.

He was Watford’s leading goal scorer in their successful promotion bid from the Championship to the English Premier League in 2015 and also accounted for 15 goals in his debut season in the top flight.

Reports from Italy suggest the 28-yearold could be on the move back to England, where his family has stayed. Crystal Palace and West Brom showed interest in Ighalo last year, but they were put off by the financial demands.Speaking of his willingness to return to England, Ighalo said before leaving for China last year, “I have my family here, the kids are in school here, they have their friends here and getting that stability is never easy when you keep moving your family. But what can we do? Life goes on.”

Ighalo is currently pre-occupied with his orphanage, the Ighalo Orphanage Home, which has been completed and would be opened next month.

Meanwhile, Ighalo has admitted he would love to play against England at next year’s World Cup because he still remembers the good time he had in the country while playing for Watford.

leven football clubs are set to jostle for honour at this year’s annual Zonal Pre-season Football Tournament scheduled to hold between December 3 and December 8.

The Chairman, South West Football forum, Seyi Akinwunmi, who also doubles as the first vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), confirmed yesterday that the competition will serve as a platform for clubs playing in the league to assess their teams.

“The regional tournament could serve as an appraisal for the team on their preparedness for the new season. That is, the tournament is aimed at giving the clubs campaigning in the league a veritable platform to assess their team before the commencement of the league,” he said He also said that the regional championships will provide a synergy for football developmental programmes among the south west clubs. “It is also an avenue for the discovery of young players in the South West Zone,” he remarked.

Some of participating teams include; MFM FC of Lagos, Sunshine Stars of Akure, Remo Stars of Sagamu, Crown FC of Ogbomosho and Spartan FC of Lagos.

Faleye

3SC star, Faleye yet to hit camp, declared missing

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hooting Stars on Thursday said one of their attacking midfielders, Sunday Faleye, had yet to report to work ahead of the new season.

Faleye joined the Ibadan club on a three-year contract from an amateur outfit in Lagos last season and became a regular after scoring with his first touch at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan when he was brought in as a substitute against Lobi Stars.

He scored five league goals for the team during the season.

3SC team manager, Dimeji Lawal, said Faleye had not informed the National League club why he had not joined up with his teammates ahead of the upcoming season.

Lawal said, “We have not seen Faleye and he has yet to communicate with the club. He was paid like others when the club paid the last salaries of the players.

“He has refused to report for training, and after several efforts to reach him were unsuccessful, we have to let the world know the situation. He is still our player because his certificate is still with us. He has two more years on his contract.”

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the player lost interest in the club after they were relegated from the Premier League to the lower division last season.

The source claimed that Faleye had attracted interest from some of the Premier League clubs who will play continental competitions next season.

The source said, “I think he became tired of Shooting. He definitely doesn’t want to play in the lower league. He has suitors among the big clubs.

El-Kanemi and MFM are said to be looking for him.

“He became a prized asset after his impressive showing for 3SC last season. He can actualise his dreams but he must respect the contract he signed with 3SC. This has been the problem with young players who are ambitious.”

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Klopp trusts Moreno despite Sevilla shocker J

urgen Klopp still trusts Alberto Moreno “100 per cent” after the full-back faltered badly in the midweek Champions League draw at Sevilla.

Moreno, returning to his home city, gave away the free-kick and penalty that led to his former club’s first and second goals, as Liverpool squandered a 3-0 half-time lead to take only a point away from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

The Reds face Premier League champions Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday, in what is likely to be another stern test of Moreno’s defensive credentials.

Klopp could opt for James Milner at left-back - the England international replaced Moreno in the 63rd minute on Tuesday - but the manager maintains an unshaken belief in the Spaniard’s abilities.

“I had a talk, of course, to Alberto and I am really happy about his shape, I am really happy about his performances,” said Klopp, who confirmed Emre Can is a doubt to face Chelsea due to a muscular issue, while Adam Lallana and Joel Matip remain on the road to recovery.

“Yes, I know in this game it was obviously [not his best] and that’s then really my responsibility. I could have done different things and obviously it was difficult in Seville with all the circumstances; everyone was talking to him like a family member. He left there but a lot of people are still there who he knows well.

“If you lose one, two or three per cent of concentration and come a little bit too late and that’s how it started. My response would have

been to think about the line-up or change or change earlier or whatever. It’s not the player to blame, I am 100 per cent responsible for that.

“I told him I still trust him 100 per cent, so for me the game is over. How you concede the goals is not important anymore after the game, only for the analysis but not for anything else.

“We know how we came into the situations and that’s what we have to change.”

Barca offers Messi record $100 signing bonus

Fellaini yet to renew contract at old trafford ose Mourinho has admitted

J Unsworth questions Everton players´ commitment

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avid Unsworth suggested some of his Everton players fell below “the minimum requirement” of giving their all in Thursday’s 5-1 thrashing at home to Atalanta.

Already eliminated from the Europa League, Unsworth named a muchchanged XI at Goodison Park, where the Toffees found themselves still in the game at 2-1 down with four minutes of normal time remaining.

But a porous defence - which has now conceded 16 goals in six matches under Unsworth - was breached three times in the closing stages, leaving the interim manager far from pleased after giving some members of his squad the chance to impress ahead of Sunday’s trip to Southampton.

“I’d like to think every single player is hurting the way I am at the moment and if they are not then they shouldn’t be here at this great club,” said Unsworth.

“The minimum requirement is 100 per cent effort. Only those players will know themselves when they look themselves in the mirror at night.

“The players who have been asking me for opportunities to play in the first team were given that. “I asked the players to make it difficult for me to leave them out of the team on Sunday and the majority have probably made it very easy for me. “The manner we capitulated [in] just isn’t acceptable and the players know that.

“What you can’t do at this level is carry players. When your best player is an 18-year-old kid Beni Baningime who’s only had a couple of firstteam appearances that tells you all you need to know. “Players need to take responsibility - senior players, foreign players, young players. Everton fans will be disappointed with what they saw and so am I.”

I don´t know what you want – Mourinho blasts critics

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ose Mourinho has defended Manchester United’s style of play while insisting he is not paying too much attention to the gap to Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s City lead rivals United by eight points, with the Etihad Stadium outfit also receiving plaudits for a free-flowing approach that has seen them net 40 times in 12 league games this term.

However, Mourinho disputed the suggestion that any side plays with more ambition than his own as United prepare for the visit of Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

“To have more ambition than we have at home is quite difficult,” said the United boss. “I don’t know who is more ambitious than us.

“We played against Newcastle with Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford,

Anthony Martial, Juan Mata, Romelu lukaku; the full-backs are not full-backs, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young are wingers not fullbacks.

“So I don’t know what you want.”

With the Brighton game followed in quick succession by clashes with Watford and Arsenal, United have an opportunity to close in on City, who they face on December 10 – but that is not at the fore-

he is concerned Marouane Fellaini could leave Manchester United as he has yet to agree a new contract.

Fellaini’s deal expires at the end of this season and he reportedly rejected the offer of an extension this week, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs rumoured to be interested in securing his services.

The Belgium international has become an important figure under Mourinho, who is hoping for a positive resolution.

Having acknowledged his worry at the situation, the manager said: “It is a discussion between the player and the board.

I’m not involved in contracts, in deals.

“I respect both; I respect the player because he has the right, has the right to decide his future, and I respect the board because the decisions and the discussions are under control.

“I just wait, wishing they will have an understanding, but it’s out of my control.”

United face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday as they look to dent the eight-point lead Manchester City hold at the Premier League summit.

front of Mourinho’s mind.

“We cannot think about the gap,” he added. “We cannot think about the gap to City, to the fifth position.

We just have to focus on ourselves and in matches.

“It’s probably the first time this season with three Premier League matches in one week, with a couple of days in between matches, but I think every team is prepared for

that, even when I look to teams with other ambitions I see fantastic squads so I think the teams are going to cope with the week.

“Obviously, for us, Brighton, Watford, Arsenal is a very important week. But let’s focus on Brighton, ninth in the table, good team, difficult to beat, don’t concede many goals, have a mix of physicality, aggression, quality, creativity.

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ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP… ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP…

Moyes wants more ref protection for Carroll

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est Ham manager David Moyes believes Andy Carroll’s physical approach means he is being unfairly targeted and deserves greater protection from match

officials.

The striker was sent off at Burnley last month for picking up two cautions in as many minutes - both for raising his arm in aerial challenges.

Carroll escaped any punishment for a similar offence almost immediately after kick-off in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at Watford Moyes’ first game in charge of the Hammers - and was later booked for an off-the-ball trip on Richarlison, seemingly in retaliation to a couple of perceived fouls shortly beforehand.

“I actually think when the ball goes up everybody is already saying it’s a foul against Andy,” Moyes said ahead of his first home game, against Leicester City on Friday.

“If we are now saying you can’t use your arms for leverage that isn’t in the rules of football.

“When he was booked, he had just been scythed down by two people. If that had been anyone else out there from outside this country then they would have gone down and taken a free kick. Andy didn’t.

“He stays up, is hit by two people and gets zero protection.

I’ve said ‘Andy you’re going to have to change and adapt so that isn’t a situation,’ but I think it’s becoming ridiculous.

“It has to stop that in every tackle Andy goes for is a foul, because I don’t believe that’s true.

“From minute one, every time Andy Carroll plays, is everyone going to say, ‘that’s a foul by Andy Carroll’ “If we do we’ve got to say if you’re 6ft 4ins you better go to basketball and stop being a centre-forward. I hope that now we are playing at home the crowd will support Andy in everything he does.”

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Stoke to offer Crouch fresh deal

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ark Hughes revealed Stoke City are set to offer Peter Crouch a new deal as the striker continues to impress in the twilight of his

career.

The 36-year-old, whose contract expires in June, is yet to start a Premier League match in 2017-18, but his eight substitute appearances have yielded three goals, worth a total of four points to the Potters.

Crouch needs one more to surpass Jonathan Walters as Stoke’s record Premier League goalscorer and take his tally to 44.

And Hughes believes the milestone moment will come sooner rather than later, with his side preparing for a trip to Crystal Palace at the weekend.

“It is one that he will break. Peter is an exceptional player and a great guy as well,” said the Stoke boss.

“I think people concentrate too much on his age, in terms of where he is in his career. It is a credit to him that he is playing at the level he is.

“I may be doing him a disservice saying he is 37, but he has at least two or three more years at this level.

“We will more than likely offer him another deal very soon. We would like to think that he will be here for a long time – I will probably speak to him today about it actually.”

Wenger plays down Welbeck injury fears

Salah not Liverpool´s only threat - Conte

rsene Wenger has revealed Danny Welbeck’s half-time withdrawal at Cologne on Thursday was pre-planned and not due to a recurrence of his groin injury.

The striker was making his first appearance since October 14 in the 1-0 Europa League loss, but came off at the break for Alex Iwobi.

The change sparked fears that Welbeck - with just 27 Premier League outings in the previous two seasons due to injury - had suffered another setback ahead of Sunday’s trip to face Burnley.

Wenger, though, has allayed those concerns.

“It was planned before the game that he would only play 45 minutes,” the manager said.

“He has only just come back from injury, and we have three more games on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday again.

“Medically, the risk was a bit too high to play him for longer because he has been out for a while. He has no problem.

“Of course, he was ready to stay on and frustrated to come off, but he’s in good shape.”

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere has hinted his future may lie away from Emirates Stadium, with his only starts this season coming in Europe and the EFL Cup. “Of course I want to be playing. It’s difficult when you play every three weeks,” he said.

“It’s the same as every player. I’m still determined to win my place back, I’m working hard and we’ll see what the future holds - if I can get in or I can’t.”

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eter Bosz rued Borussia Dortmund’s bad luck as further injuries left his defence down to the bare bones for the Bundesliga clash with RB Leipzig.

Dortmund top the table ahead of welcoming last season’s runners-up Leipzig to Signal Iduna Park, but Bosz has been dealt a blow by further

ntonio Conte is wary of focusing too much on Chelsea old boy Mohamed Salah as the Italian believes Liverpool carry multiple threats.

Chelsea travel to Anfield on Saturday and will face an in-form Salah, with the Egypt international having netted netted 14 times in all competitions since signing from Roma in the off-season.

Salah was previously on the books at Stamford Bridge before his 2016 move to the Italian capital, but Conte regards him as just one of several quality players for the Reds.

“I know him very well; he played in Italy for many years,” said Conte. “Salah is a good player, he is very dangerous.

“He is a technical player, but at the same time is very fast, very strong, very good in one-v-ones and very good at finishing.

“I will pay great attention to him, but also to [Sadio] Mane, [Philippe] Coutinho, [Roberto] Firmino, Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool have great potential as a team.”

On Salah’s departure from west London, the Chelsea boss added: “It happened in the past and he was very young. Now he has developed a lot.”

Conte will go head-to-head with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and he was full of praise for the former Borussia Dortmund coach, with whom he sees many similaritie “We like to live the game, with intensity, with passion, to stay on the touchline and try to help our players,” he added. “It’s very difficult for us not to show this passion in this type of situation. For me, it’s very difficult to stay sitting and watch the game.

“I consider [Klopp] one of the best coaches in the world.”

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Bale will soon return to action - Zidane

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Mbappe

Bale

eal Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane is looking forward to welcoming Gareth Bale back into his starting XI after the Welshman returned to training following his latest injury setback.

The 28-year-old has not played since limping out of Madrid’s 3-1 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund at the end of September with a calf injury.

He returned to training soon after that, but strained an adductor muscle in his left leg and has been sidelined since.

Los Blancos host Malaga on Saturday and while the game will likely come too soon for Bale, Zidane hopes to be able to welcome the 28-year-old’s strength and pace back into his side imminently.

“We know what Gareth can give us. He’s a very strong player, technically good and works a lot,” said Zidane.

“He’s an important player for us and he knows that.

The important thing is that we have to get him back into shape and ready to play.

Emery backs Mbappe to shine on Monaco return

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ylian Mbappe will be fired up for a “special” occasion when he returns to former club Monaco on Sunday, according to Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery.

Teenage France striker Mbappe enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season with Monaco last term, scoring 26 goals in all competitions to fire Leonardo Jardim’s side to the Ligue 1 title at PSG’s expense.

But Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy and Tiemoue Bakayoko all departed for the Premier League during the latest transfer window, while Mbappe opted to join Neymar in moving to the French capital, where the pair have formed an all-star forward line with Edinson Cavani.

The 18-year-old initially joined PSG on a season-long loan deal, although the Parc des Princes club have an obligation to buy him for €180million at the end of the campaign.

“Mbappe will return to Monaco for the first time. I think it’s normal for him,” Emery told a pre-match news conference, with Mbappe having scored his seventh PSG goal in the 7-1 midweek rout of Celtic “I know it’s special for him but he will play with PSG jersey and he will defend it 100 per cent.”

PSG have the opportunity to tighten their grip on the title race at Stade Louis II after Monaco’s 1-1 draw at Amiens last weekend allowed them to open up a sixpoint advantage at the summit.

Although Monaco have performed manfully with a new-look squad in Ligue 1, last season’s Champions League semi-finalists were thrashed 4-1 at home by RB Leipzig this week to crash out of the group stages with a game to spare.

Emery still feels PSG are facing highquality opposition on Sunday and rejected suggestions the overall level of competition in the French top flight compromises teams when they come to face Europe’s elite.

“The game against Monaco is a big game for us. Almost a Champions League game,” said the former Sevilla boss, whose side have stormed into that competition’s knockout stages by plundering 24 goals across five games against Anderlecht, Celtic and Bayern Munich.

“Our [domestic] league has great teams and if we don’t prepare 100 per cent for our games we can lose them or make a draw.”

Emery has no new injury concerns for the trip to the principality, although veteran defensive midfielder Thiago Motta remains out after knee surgery.

Messi equals Ronaldo with 4th European Golden Shoe

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Kaka

Kaka predicts bright future for Silva at Milan

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C Milan great Kaka has predicted a sparkling future for Andre Silva.

The Portugal striker has yet to score in Serie A since his move from Porto, but he has been in scintillating form for the Rossoneri in this season’s Europa League.

The 22-year-old took his tally in the competition to eight goals with a brace in Thursday’s 5-1 win over Austria Wien – a result that eased the pressure on un-

der-fire manager Vincenzo Montella.

Kaka, who watched the game from the stands, believes Silva has what it takes to carve out a hugely successful career at the San Siro.

“He is a young Milanista,” Kaka told Sky Italia.

“He has to grow and mature. Playing a European tournament is already very important.

“I like him very much and tonight he created two goals. He is a very good player and has a great future.”

ionel Messi drew level with Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of four European Golden Shoes after receiving the award at a ceremony on Friday.

The Barcelona superstar claimed the prize – handed to Europe’s top goalscorer – for his 37 LaLiga strikes in 2016-17.

It is the fourth time Messi has taken the honours, after his successes in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

His impressive tally came from 34 top-flight games and saw him top the charts ahead of Sporting CP’s Bas Dost, who netted 34 in the Primeira Liga, while Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rounded out the top three with 31.

Ronaldo, winner of the award in 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2015, scored 25 league goals last season and did not make the top five.

Last year’s victor and Messi’s Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez was fifth this time around with 29, one fewer than Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.

Messi

Saturday, November 25, 2017

EXTRATIME

29

EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… EURO…EURO…EURO… Former City star Robinho sentenced to 9 years in jail for gang-rape

F Hazard

Hazard sets sight on Madrid

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den Hazard has said he will wait to the end of the season to review his future at Chelsea, insisting “I want to finish this year and then we will see what happens”.

The Belgian has repeatedly been linked with a move away from Chelsea during his six years at the west London club.

Real Madrid were the most recent club to be linked to the player, allegedly registering their interest in the 26-year-old over the summer.

Against this backdrop Hazard has once again sought to qualm speculation surrounding a possible transfer, but did suggest he could consider his future at the end of the season.

“The moment to leave will be when I want to leave,” he said in an interview with Canal +.

“I want to finish this year and then we will see what happens. Everybody knows the admiration that I have for Real Madrid.

“But for the moment I am a Blues. Each year people say stuff about Eden, and each year I have always stayed at the club.

“When I was at Lille, people started saying PSG, I stayed at Lille. Chelsea every year I am mentioned with PSG and Real Madrid… If you want to see me go somewhere you need to stop asking me.”

ormer Manchester City star Robinho has been sentenced to nine years in prison for rape.

The ex-Brazil international, alongside five others, were convicted in Italy this evening for the gang-rape of a 22-year-old Albanian woman.

The now 33-yearold was found guilty of the offence which was committed in a Milanese disco in 2013, while he was on the books at AC Milan.

The Atletico Mineiro forward could still appeal the guilty verdict, which would put off any jail time until the appeal avenues are exhausted.

Robinho released a statement on his Instagram page stating that he had “already defended himself against the accusations, affirming that he did not participate in the episode” and that “all legal measures are being taken”.

Heynckes

Bayern boosted with Coman return

J Robinho

I want Icardi at Inter forever, says Spalletti L Spalletti

uciano Spalletti is hopeful Mauro Icardi will never leave Inter, despite reported interest from Real Madrid.

Icardi has been in sparkling form again this season, scoring 13 goals in as many Serie A games as the Nerazzurri lie second in Serie A heading into this Saturday’s away clash with Cagliari.

That scoring streak has unsurprisingly seen the 24-year-old linked with a big-money move to European champions Madrid, but Spalletti has confidence his captain is happy at San Siro.

When rumours of Madrid’s interest were put to Spalletti in his pre-match news conference, the Inter boss replied: “Who does not want Icardi?

“I love him at Inter and when I talk to him I can sense that the city, his team-mates, the club, the fans are all things to which he is strongly attached. “I am convinced he can stay at Inter forever.”

Inter are two points behind Napoli at the top of the table and two ahead of champions Juventus, with Spalletti stressing the importance of continued hard work if his players are to ensure they remain in the title race.

Heynckes

upp Heynckes welcomed the return to fitness of Kingsley Coman in a week that saw Bayern Munich lose Arjen Robben to injury.

It was confirmed on Thursday that Robben had suffered a minor calf strain during the previous day’s 2-1 Champions League win at Anderlecht.

More worryingly, Thiago Alcantara picked up a “serious” thigh injury and looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as the Bundesliga champions approach the mid-season break.

Saturday brings a visit to fourthplaced Borussia Monchengladbach and Heynckes was glad to be able to call on Coman, who has missed the leaders’ last two matches.

“Coman trained yesterday and today, he is available. That is good news at a moment when Arjen Robben is missing,” Heynckes told a media conference on Friday.

“In the last weeks we always had some personnel problems, but we found very good solutions.

“Corentin Tolisso played well in the second half against Anderlecht. He is a candidate, and starts tomorrow.

“Javi Martinez will be back [in the starting lineup] and James [Rodriguez] will start of course.”

With a six-point lead over nearest rivals Schalke and RB Leipzig, Heynckes shrugged off any suggestions his side were already as good as champions.

“It is far too early for us to become masters now. This is tea-leaf reading and speculation, I do not participate in it,” he said. “Behind us are good teams like RB Leipzig or Borussia Dortmund.”

Meanwhile, Bayern announced record financial results for the 2016-17 season, with a turnover of €640.5million and an operating profit of €149.1m.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

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OTHER SPORTS………………………………OTHER SPORTS………………………..OTHER SPORTS………………………

Sakho returns to Crystal Palace

Rugby World Cup: Australia brush aside Fiji to reach final

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ustralia winger Valentine Holmes kept up his record-breaking exploits with six tries as the Kangaroos blew away Fiji 54-6 in Brisbane to set up a Rugby League World Cup final against England or Tonga.

Cameron Smith celebrates with Valentine Holmes after Holmes scores his fifth try. Australia v Fiji.Cameron Smith celebrates with Valentine Holmes after Holmes scores his fifth try. Australia v Fiji.

Winger Holmes set a World Cup record with five tries in last week’s quarter-final victory over Samoa in Darwin but went one better at Lang Park as the defending champions cruised into the title decider.

The Kangaroos have been winners or runners-up in all but the first of the 15 World Cups and on this showing will be overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy for the 11th time at the same stadium next Saturday.

“Really pleased with the effort tonight,” said Australia skipper Cameron Smith.

“We’ve just got to throw the ball to Valentine Holmes, he’s just scoring left, right and centre - 11 in two matches - we’ve just got to get it to him again next week.”

Australia fullback Billy Slater grabbed his 15th and 16th World Cup tries to better the career record for the tournament he previously shared with Jarryd Hayne, the 12-cap Kangaroo who turned out at stand off for Fiji on Friday night.

Winger Dane Gagai also grabbed a double as the ruthless co-hosts ran in 10 tries to overpower Fiji, who stunned former champions New Zealand in the quarterfinals last weekend.

“It was a tough assignment against Australia,” said Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama.

“We’ve finished in the top four in the world, which is a great achievement for us.”

England will meet Tonga in the other semi-final in Auckland tonight

Alexander Zubkov

4 More Russian Olympians disqualified by I.O.C A

s four more Russians were disqualified Friday for doping at the Sochi Olympics, the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach told critics not to put pressure on his executive board before a key decision next month on Russia’s participation at the Pyeongchang Games.

The two-time bobsled gold medalist Alexander Zubkov was removed from the 2014 records in the latest round of verdicts from an I.O.C. panel prosecuting individuals caught in a program to cover up doping and tamper with tainted samples.

Zubkov, who now serves as president of the Russian bobsled federation, was disqualified and banned for life from the Olympics along with the speedskater Olga Fatkulina, who won silver in the 500 meters.

Russia originally topped the medals table in Sochi, but the latest cases drop it to nine gold medals, fewer than Norway and Canada. In total medals, Russia now has 24, behind the United States, Norway and Canada.

A total of 14 Russians have been disqualified this month, with nine medals lost.

Hours before the penalties were announced, Bach’s comments in a keynote

speech to European Olympic officials — highlighting that Olympic medalists were involved in attacking the integrity of the Games — signaled a possible shift toward barring Russian athletes from Pyeongchang.

Bach will oversee an I.O.C. board meeting on Dec. 5 which could ban Russia’s team from the Pyeongchang Games in February as punishment for its statesponsored doping effort at the Sochi Olympics in 2014.

Long seen as Russia’s ally, Bach seemed to confirm that position this month when he criticized “unacceptable” demands for a total ban while two Olympic panels investigate a suspected doping conspiracy.

However, in his speech on Friday, Bach cautioned against those “from whichever side” who seek to influence the I.O.C. “Some may try to build pressure,” he told European Olympic officials meeting in Zagreb, Croatia. “They will be wrong.”

The International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach, warned outsiders not to try to pressure his committee as it weighs a decision on the eligibility of Russian athletes for the 2018 Pyeongchang Russian officials this month threatened not to televise the Pyeongchang Games,

and also to block the release of players from clubs in the Moscow-based Kontinental Hockey League. The K.H.L. warning came from league president Dmitry Chernyshenko, who previously served as the head of the Sochi organizing committee.

The I.O.C. is facing the same politicized decision over Russia as it did before the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

In July 2016, Bach’s board did not impose a blanket ban on Russia after the investigator Richard McLaren published his first report into the Sochi doping program less than three weeks before the opening ceremony. Instead, the I.O.C. let individual sports governing bodies lead the decisionmaking.

Bach was seen at the time as prioritizing Russian athletes’ rights to compete in what proved a chaotic period of urgent legal cases based on McLaren’s interim report. The full investigation report published last December went even deeper into the Russian doping program, and beyond winter sports.

The “important difference” this time, Bach said Friday, was that accused Russian athletes have had due legal process and a fair hearing from the I.O.C. “Now it is about what happened at the

Boxing: Anthony Joshua relishes unification fight with Joseph Parker

A

nthony Joshua has issued a “let me at him” message as promoter Eddie Hearn closes to within “single digits” of agreeing a unification clash with Joseph Parker. Following fresh talks this morning, Hearn is edging closer to a deal for Joshua to put his WBA ‘super’ and IBF belts at stake against WBO champion Parker, in one of the most significant heavyweight fights in recent years.

Joshua reacted angrily after a prolonged media campaign from Parker’s team and has urged the Matchroom boss to make the bout for early next year.

Hearn told Sky Sports News: “We are single digits, percentages away right now,

and we have to be creative. We have to look the revenue streams. We are already talking about potential venues, potential dates, so it’s a good sign.

“I believe they want the fight. They have done a good job on Anthony Joshua, because his message to me last night was very simple, ‘let me at him.’

Joseph Parker’s promoter David Higgins feels counterpart Eddie Hearn is “pretty close” to agreeing the unification split “He’s winding him up, he’s pushing the right buttons to get the bite out of Anthony Joshua and Anthony wants to fight Joseph Parker. He wants to do a job on him and we hope it’s the next fight for the spring.”

Owen receiving his award

Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014; now it is about us,” Bach told leaders of European national Olympic bodies. “Now it is about the integrity of the Olympic Games. Now it is about what happened at Olympic Games in a laboratory of the Olympic Games.

What happened with Olympic athletes.

What happened with Olympic medalists.

“This is what we have to bear in mind when I say that we will take a fair decision.”

Zubkov, Russia’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony in Sochi, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about his lifetime ban, but he has been critical of the I.O.C. On Thursday, he told the Russian newspaper Sport Express that I.O.C. bans for other Russian athletes were “a joke.”

Bobsled athletes who could be upgraded by the IOC include the United States driver Steven Holcomb, who placed third in the two-man and four-man events but died unexpectedly in his sleep six months ago. Swiss and Latvian crews are in line for gold medals.

Also disqualified and expelled from the Olympics on Friday were the women’s bobsledder Olga Stulneva and the men’s speedskater Alexander Rumyantsev. They did not win medals.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

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OTHER SPORTS………………………………OTHER

Oscar Pistorius jail term for murder doubled by Supreme Court

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South African court has increased Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius’s jail sentence for killing his girlfriend to 13 years and five months.

Prosecutors had argued that the six-year term for murdering Reeva Steenkamp was “shockingly light”.

Ms Steenkamp’s parents were “emotional” as they watched the ruling at home on TV, a spokeswoman said.

“They feel there has been justice for Reeva. She can now rest in peace,” Tania Koen told Associated Press.

“But at the same time, people think this is the end of the road for them... the fact is they still live with Reeva’s loss every day,” Ms Koen said.

Oscar Pistorius claimed he shot dead Ms Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day in 2013 after mistaking her for a burglar.

The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein has now given Pistorius the minimum 15 years prescribed for murder in South Africa, less time already served.

The lower court had justified the six-year sentence by citing mitigating circumstances such as rehabilitation and remorse. It said they outweighed aggravating factors such as his failure to fire a warning shot.

Oscar

Michael Owen finishes second on horseracing debut

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ormer England striker Michael Owen finished second on his debut as a jockey in a charity race at Ascot.

Owen rode Calder Prince over the Prince’s Countryside Trust seven-furlong Flat race, finishing behind Tom Chatfeild-Roberts on Golden Wedding.

“I’m home in one piece and had the time of my life,” said the 37-year-old.

The former Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid forward breeds and owns racehorses but only got in the saddle for the first time this year.

He lost more than a stone in weight during training and fell from his ride several

times in the run up to the race.

“I’m really pleased with the whole outcome,” Owen, who retired from football in 2013, told BBC Radio 5 live.

“To get home safe and sound, to earn a lot of money for charity and to have an experience like I did - learn a new discipline, lose a bit of weight - I like to think some good has come from it.”

“I know everyone was keeping an eye on whether I fell off or did something wrong. It was almost like I was playing in the World Cup quarter-finals again against Brazil, with my phone going mental for a day or two.”

Tennis: Tsonga levels for France in Davis Cup final against Belgium

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o-Wilfried Tsonga swept past Steve Darcis 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 to put France level with Belgium on the opening day of the Davis Cup final on Friday.

Tsonga’s comfortable win over the 76thranked Darcis evened the tie at 1-1 ahead after Belgium’s top player David Goffin had dispatched Lucas Pouille in straight sets.

Tsonga missed several chances to move ahead early in the first set but finally broke for a 5-3 lead with a deep forehand attack on his fourth break point. The Frenchman then claimed five consecutive games and served out the second set at love with a drop shot that hit the net cord and dribbled over for a winner.

Tsonga continued to play consistent and occasionally brilliant tennis in the third, including a series of reflex volleys.

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Business & Economy Saturday, November 25, 2017

Siemens launches fast power solutions for Nigerian market Page B2

New regulation threatens N466 bn in Power Sector loans

Miss Nigeria beauty pageant elicits global interest

Page B7

NNPC, Kebbi partner on 84million litres of fuel-ethanol project Simon Ugwu As part of efforts to transform the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into an integrated energy company, the Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kebbi State Government to build an 84 million litres per annum capacity fuel-ethanol project.

Speaking during the signing of the MoU between the NNPC and the Kebbi State Government (KBSG) at the NNPC Towers, in Abuja on Thursday, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the MoU was to commence

Ï ƍ ƏƐƈƆ ƈ L n ƈ ƇƑƆƋ the practical implementation of the NNPC Fuel-Ethanol Projects in Kalgo and Koko Besse Local Government areas of Kebbi State.

He stated that the occasion was a milestone in the drive by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to diversify the economy with a view to saving the Country from the uncertainties of absolute dependence on oil, stressing that the signing of the MoU between KBSG and NNPC epitomizes the gains of the laudable vision of the Federal Government.

Dr. Baru noted that the Sugarcane and Cassava-Fuel Ethanol

Project in Kebbi State would involve the development of 20,000 hectares of an integrated plantation and plant complex.

“Let me use this opportunity to convey my sincere appreciation to the Government of Kebbi State on her interest to partner NNPC in achieving the Federal Government’s mandate on automotive biofuels production in Nigeria. Today is a watershed in the life of Kebbi State prime position as the food basket and feeder of the nation.

The MoU today will move you to the next level of not just a feeder of the nation, but one which also pro-

vides fuel for the nation. We hope that very soon, you will invite President Muhammadu Buhari for the ground breaking of the project,” Dr. Baru stated.

The GMD listed the benefit of the project to include: creation of rural wealth, generation of 1,000,000 direct and indirect jobs, co-generation of about 64 megawatts of bio-electricity to power the plant and lighten up the surrounding communities, effecting reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, production of refined sugar and Industrial starch as well as production of animal feeds.

L-R Chairman, Promo Committee/Regional Bank Head, Apapa Region, Fidelity Bank Plc., Obaro Odeghe; promo N1million cash winner, Felix Ezeokafor; Executive Director, Commercial and Consumer Banking, Lagos and Southwest Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; N1million cash prize winner, Osakwe Dumebi; Regional Bank Head, Ikeja, Fidelity Bank Plc., Jude Monye at the 1st prize presentation ceremony of the Fidelity Get Alert in Millions Promo Reloaded held in Lagos…on Thursday

Efforts are on the way to promoting regular migration and supporting voluntary returnees in social and economic

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu

Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi Money Market Correspondent Omotolani Oseni

Air Peace boss decries high airport taxes, charges Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Mr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air of Air Peace has decried the excessive charges and taxes imposed on African airlines by the continent’s governments and organisations.

Onyema also condemned the President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr, Akinwunmi Adesina for labelling the continent’s airlines as poorly managed, saying that Adesina was ill-informed about the states of the airlines on the continent.

Speaking with aviation correspondents yesterday in Abuja at the just concluded World Aviation Forum (WAF) organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Onyema warned that high charges and taxes on operating airlines in the continent would cripple carriers in Africa.

He lamented that operators on the continent especially airlines in Nigeria pay spurious taxes and charges to government agencies, State Governments and organisations, stressing that unlike in other parts of the world where their airlines were given leeway to boost their operations, the reverse was the case in the country.

He lamented that most of government officials were unfriendly with private investors in the country, saying that rather than helping businesses to grow, they contribute to their early demise by their actions.

MAN flays banks’ preference for short term loans

FG partners German Cooperation on regular migration , integration Idu Jude Abuja

Page B4

reintegration, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has entered into an agreement with German Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GMBH (GIZ) to set up a Nigerian– German Center for jobs, Migration and Reintegration.

Signing the letter of intent today, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Bolaji Adebiyi said the intervention aimed at addressing the issue of irregular migration as well as reintegration of voluntary returnees is timely as several youths have lost their lives in the process of migrating to Europe through Libya

amongst other dangerous routes.

According to him, “the issue of irregular migration has become a very worrisome issue of concern to the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is really timely that we are making effort through this partnership to address irregular migration and reintegration of voluntary returnees.”

Speaking further, Adebiyi affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the successful implementation of the agreement, saying, “You can be very sure that on our part we are strongly committed in terms of implementation and we will offer whatever it takes to ensure the

successful implementation of this agreement. Information is pivotal, that is why the setting up of a center that can help in that regard is very germane.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Country Director of Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit GMBH (GIZ) Dr. Thomas Kirsch said that partnership between the two Countries is aimed at setting up a NigerianGerman Center for Jobs, Migration and Re-integration with focus on developing a model of operation to promote regular migration and to support voluntary returnees in social and economic reintegration.

Manufacturers again bemoan the continued preference by commercial banks in the country to lend short term to businesses at the detriment of long term businesses such as manufacturing, saying the action of the banks is not helping growth of the economy.

Mr. Wale Adegbite, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ( MAN), Ogun State branch who let this out in a speech at the 10th Business Luncheon of the branch held on Thursday in Ota, Ogun State, lamented that getting loans from commercial banks for their operations remains a tough task.

“Obtaining loans from regular commercial banks in the country has not been easy for manufacturers as the banks prefer to lend short term to businesses with high turnover and higher prospect of giving a quick return on their investment.

Business Features

B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25 , 2017

Siemens launches fast power solutions for Nigerian market

Simon Ugwu On the 24th of October 2017, Siemens launched its new mobile power generation turbine, the SGTA45TR, at its customer event at the Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi Lagos.

This new addition to its gas turbine portfolio; a 44-megawatt aero-derivative gas turbine for mobile power generation, aptly called the SGT-A45 TR, is said to be Siemens highest efficiency mobile turbine to date that boasts outstanding power density, high fuel efficiency and excellent operational flexibility.

The SGT-A45 is one of the four turbines Siemens has on offer that it will be deploying for its fast power initiative; Siemens approach to bringing solutions tailor made for the Nigerian market in an accelerated time schedule to satisfy the needs and demands of customers, particularly in fast-growth regions and places where infrastructure is yet to be fully developed.

The forum was attended by Lagos state Commissioner of Energy and Mineral resources, Honorable Olawale Oluwo, developers, OEM’s

and other industry experts, The commissioner who gave the key note address at the forum said “I like the kind of cooperation we have with Siemens, it has been very exciting and I think yesterday, we achieved a major milestone about it, we signed the MOU to work together, we will prepare this under the Lagos State embedded power program, and that MOU was signed yesterday night, it is very timely. Where we will be working jointly to utilize multiple SGT-A45 across Lagos State with Siemens” “Our new SGT-A45 TR mobile gas turbine is an important next step in turbine technology and efficiency, and we’re excited to introduce this turbine at this moment in time. It’s a one-of-a-kind compact design makes it particularly well suited for customers with urgent power needs or in regions with less developed power infrastructures and we can say that we have a product that has no rival on the market that we are very proud of.

This innovative mobile power generation unit is an ideal choice for critical power needs and provides significantly more electrical output than comparable models currently on the market, with

an electrical generating capacity of up to 44 megawatts” Said Andreas Pistauer, Executive Vice President, Siemens Power and Gas, Africa.

He went further to say we are also worried the that technically designed human machines and products is not enough because if we look at projects, the biggest tool is financing structuring the project and developing the project so here for SGT-A45TR, it comes together with the full set of financial instruments, a facility to help realize the project, which goes from leasing and other financial support.

The right solutions for the Nigerian market The SGT- A45TR, the flagship of the Siemens fast power solutions is mobile and comes complete with its own substation for direct connection to the injection point on a distribution network.

Siemens is able to provide quick delivery of this unit and it can be deployed from factory to site in three months.

Its performance is optimized for Nigeria’s tropical climate and its aeroderivative heritage makes its robust enough to withstand multiple starts and stops.

This turbine is a great

example of what can be achieved through combining technology and development with innovative design and expertise from our team with input from customers around the world to ensure we are meeting their specific needs.

The SGT-A45 does not need any major civil construction works for its installation on site because it is mobile. This thus reduces its installation and commissioning time to mere two weeks.

Siemens also introduced its other units in the fast power portfolio, the SGT -400, SGT- 800(both industrial turbines) and the bigger SGT-A65TR aeroderivative unit all offer great value and unique values.

The SGT 400- is class leading in its single cycle electrical efficiency numbers The SGT- 800 – is class leading in its combined cycle electrical efficiency numbers SGT – A65 is highly flexible adaptable to varying environments while offering high power efficiency in both full and part load conditions With this new innovative technology and financial solutions, Siemens is offering developers structured payments that lend themselves

uniquely to the project cash flow.

Power is a key driver for the accomplishment of Nigeria’s economic potential. Siemens has shown with its new unit and fast power initiative that it is committed to Nigeria economic prosperity.

In a related development, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) on Tuesday said the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had renewed the power generation licence for the Afam VI Power Plant.

The SPDC said in a statement that the 650 megawatts plant had delivered over 25.97 million megawatts hours of electricity into the nation’s power grid since inception in 2008. Afam VI, which is owned by the SPDC Joint Venture, is located in Afam in Oyigbo Local Government area of Rivers State.

Presenting the renewed licence to the company in Abuja, the Commissioner, Legal, Licensing and Compliance, NERC, Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, described the SPDC JV as a committed partner in the Nigerian power sector, adding the firm’s belief in the sector and its resolve to help it develop were remarkable.

Tours&Travels

s

B3

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Emir to Minister: We’re very proud of your performance Stories By Simon Ugwu

The Emir of Dutse in Jigawa State, Alhaji Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, has hailed the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, for his leadership role in the promotion of tourism, culture and peaceful co-existence in the country.

The Emir made the commendation on Thursday in Dutse, when the Minister paid a courtesy visit to the Emir on the sidelines of the 9th National Council Meeting on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation holding in the Jigawa capital.

“We understand the enormity of work you are doing with regards to promoting our culture and also as the mouthpiece of the government of Nigeria. We are very proud of your performance,” he said.

Alhaji Sanusi, who described tourism as one of the key drivers of the diversification of the economy away from oil, urged government at all levels to provide the necessary infrastructure that will enable the country to fully harness its tourism potentials.

The Emir expressed the optimism that the visit of the Minister will open a new window of opportunity for Jigawa State to showcase its tourism attraction.

“I am glad you have visited Birnin Kudu, the rock painting and also I want to remind you that it’s only in Jigawa State that we have the wetlands and wildlife sanctuary (for birds) and in other areas of the state we have sand dunes, which are also of tourist interest.

“We hope your visit will open up new avenues for us to introduce our tourism potential in this state and particularly at the time when we want to promote revenues from other sectors other than oil. I think tourism is the key to this,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister said he is humbled by the reception accorded him and his team by the Emir, whom he described as the custodian of the culture and tradition

Lai Mohammed with the royal father

of the people of Jigawa State.

He commended the quality of leadership of the Emir and his titleholders which, he said, has made it possible for the stability, peace and progress being witnessed in the Emirate.

Alhaji Muhammed said his visit to the rock paintings in Birnin Kudu, as well as the centuries-old palace of the Emir of Dutse, have revealed the rich history of the people of the Emirate.

The Emir of Dutse later treated the Minister and his entourage to a colourful MiniDurbar in his palace.

In a related development the Emir of Dutse in Jigawa, Nuhu Mohammed, has appealed to the Federal Government to develop necessary infrastructure that will help in promoting the tourism sector.

The emir made the appeal in Dutse when the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.

The visit was on the sideline of the 9th Summit of National Council on Culture,

Tourism and National Orientation, holding in Jigawa State.

The emir hosted the minister to a special Durbar with traditional dancing, displays and horse riding, led by various district heads that made up the Dutse Emirate.

The traditional ruler noted that tourism had become a front burner sector globally, adding that government should ensure its development to transform the economy.

He stressed that the necessary infrastructure needed for the development of the sector should be put in place for the benefit of the people.

The emir informed the minister about the tourism potential in his emirate and the Jigawa at large and called on the government to harness them.

The monarch commended Mohammed for his efforts at improving the information and culture.

“We understand the enormity of work you and your ministry are doing to boost the nation’s cultural sector.

“Also as the mouthpiece of the Federal Government, we are very proud of your performances and will always appreciate you.

“You have been a very prominent Minister of Information in our history.

“You have been very prominent in using your office to promote peace and tolerance across the country as well as our cultural heritage.

“The emirate council will never forget this visit and we hope you will devote the deliberations at the council to harness the benefits in our culture,” he said.

Responding, the minister said the government was doing its best to promote the culture and tourism sectors.

He recalled that, recently, government included tourism as one of the cardinal industries, by granting incentives and tax reliefs to encourage investors in the sector.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that we do not only encourage tourism, but will also allow the local communities to benefit from the sector,” he said.

The minister underscored the need to revive Durbar in order to wake up and reinvent many industries relating to its pomp and pageantry to create employment opportunities.

Mohammed said he was “humbled and awed” by the Durbar held in his honour.

“Look at the display of splendour, richness of culture and the magnanimity and generosity of his Royal Highness and his emirate.

“I feel very honoured. It is the happiest day of my life,“he said.

NAN reports that the Durbar displayed traditional horses, adorned in glittering colours and their handlers performing in styles.

There were also traditional dances, drumming and performances in groups, each led by the district heads in the emirate.

Besides cultural dances in different steps, other attractions at the Durbar were gunshot salutes, performances with live snakes by snake charmers, circus with monkeys and different displays.

Tours & Travels

B4

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, November 25, 2017

Miss Nigeria beauty pageant elicits global interest Bonny Amadi Nigeria’s foremost beauty and pageant which has become a yearly festival looked forward to by beauty and environment experts across the world has continued to generate global attention.

Miss Nigeria pageant, organized by Times Multimedia group, is a historic Africa’s annual beauty show that has become a beauty carnival, commenced in the year 1957 and designed to showcase the beauty and intelligence, boost the confidence and expose other potentials in Nigerian women.

Participants at the event include models and all who are within the age limit that think they have all it takes to be the winner. The auditioning for who emerges Miss Nigeria 2017 was recently concluded in Lags, having earlier taken place in all the geopolitical zones of Africa’s most population country.

Miss Nigeria beauty pageant always witness large turnout of dignitaries from across Nigeria and some parts of the world.

Participants dress in various attires including tradition-

al wears, gowns, swimming wears etc., and catwalk on the stage to the cheers of the spectators and the display of the Nigerian culture. There are always criteria for determining who emerges the winner such criteria is always worked out by the panel of judges or the organisers of the event.

Miss Nigeria beauty pageant has significantly affected the lives of women positively due to the fact that the participants who emerge the winner

Revelers look forward to ‘One Lagos Fiesta’ The musical event was designed to provide a platform to promote commerce, arts and culture, unity and happiness among the people of Lagos State in celebration of the yuletide.

The event will be hosted in 5 locations across Lagos and will offer lots and lots of exciting and entertaining programmes like dance, performing arts, comedy, cultural dance from different troupes and more.

It will feature artists such as Waje, Olamide, Falz, Tiwa Salvage, Tu-Face, Banky W, WizKid, Davido, Don Jazzy, Sound Sultan, Orezi, Vector, Phyno, Darey, Selebobo, Styleplus and host of others.

According to the event organizers, the much talked about show It is expected to host thousands of spectators from across Nigeria and beyond and would run from 23 December to 28th, starting 12:00 AM daily.

Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Lagos Nigeria The event which charges no gate fee is supported by Zenith Bank , Pepsi and Indominoodles.

will smile home with a handsome reward. Moreover, the participant after undergoing training overcomes stage fright and is bold enough to face the public.

The mission of Miss Nigeria beauty pageant is to x-ray the beauty and potentials hidden in the Nigeria women and also to encourage them to be bold in and speak for themselves in the public.

The 41th edition Miss Nigeria grand finale of Miss Nige-

ria will be crowned on the 21 of December 2016 at the Eko Convention Centre by 7:30pm with Red and Green carpet from 5:00pm -7:00pm. Tickets on sale at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos In addition to winning the prestigious crown, the winner of the Miss Nigeria competition will be rewarded with a luxury car, N3 million, one year free accommodation in Lagos, and other amazing prizes and benefits.

Meanwhile, Times Multimedia, organisers of the pageant, has shared their plans for this year’s pageant in a press conference that held over the last weeken According to the CEO, “For this year’s event, we intend to have each State represented by its indigene. To do this, we have launched a digital PanNigerian call-to-entry campaign, supported by in-person casting calls in key cities across the nation.”

2017 Dwapa trade & tourism fair begins in Ghana Ghana’s Royal Trade Promotion Ventures under the auspices of Ministry of Trade & Industry will unveil the 2017 edition of Dwapa Trade & Tourism Fair on Thursday November 28, 2017 to run through 4th December.

According to the organizers, the event, is designed to bring under one umbrella captains of industries to showcase products and services.

“Dwapa” (meaning Perfect Market) provides a converging point for Buying, Selling, Networking and Product sampling and a perfect opportunity to come face-to-face with patrons of products, interact with the

consuming public and investors seeking partnership ventures.

The event which is likened to Lagos international trade fair, is scheduled to take place at ,Ghana

International Trade Fair Center, Labadi, Accra with the theme “Promoting Made In Ghana Products and Business Innovations: 60 Years On” According to the orga-

nizers, the date is deliberately chosen to coincide with the Farmer’s day celebration at Ghana’s 60th Anniversary to further honor efforts to promote agriculture.

Daily Times Nigeria Satrurday, November 25 , 2017

B5

Tours & Travels

NTDC to thrill tourists with Beach festivals, Countdown Nigeria Bonny Amadi The Nigerian tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has scheduled key tourism events across Nigeria for the remaining period of the year, which is expected to draw participants form across the country and beyond Key of such events as contained in the NTDC website include, beach and Naija count down festivals which guarantees great participation and beauty that comes with the yuletide.

Beach Festival, the beach festival according to the NTDC which takes place this November for three days is scheduled for three

locations across the country, Lagos, Cross River and Bayelsa.

The beach festival is a 3-day event that will be hosted in Lagos, Cross River and Bayelsa to spice up your holiday with an exciting blend of sports, live music, culture, pampering and kids’ activities.

Also, the Nigeria countdown festival scheduled to last for 5 Days will take place in Abuja, Kaduna, Imo, Delta and Ogun.

Countdown Nigeria is a 5-day event that will be coming up in December where Nigerians will meet to collectively do the countdown to a new year. The event will be hosted in Abuja, Kaduna, Imo and Delta.

Top carnivals in Nigeria to visit this December Experience the most exhilarating moment of your life with the biggest carnivals coming up this December in Nigeria. Carnivals in Nigeria are annual events that depict the strong cultural heritage and diverse arts. This is the period that people visit their respective states to celebrate their traditional norms and customs.

Nigeria can now boast its local festivals and stand a chance to compete against other countries. Apart from Christmas which is the most celebrated festive season globally, here are some local or national celebrations happening in December within Nigeria They hottest carnivals include as captured by travels. com, are Lekki Sun Splash Lekki Sun Splash is usually organised at Maiyegun Beach on Lekki Peninsula in Lagos on December 25 and 26, exhibiting great Nigerian musicians. It is a music festival with different artistes in Nigeria attending the event, with over 100,00 people attending this exciting festival annually, as well as renowned artistes from all genres of local music such as Juju, Fuji, gospel, reggae, disco, and high life among others.

Ofala Festival Calabar Festival The Ofala festival is also known as Ofala Nnewi, and is celebrated for 2 days in December and January by indigenes of Onitsha, Anambra State. It is described as the most prominent cultural festival in Igboland that celebrates the rich culture of the indigenes. This is a festival one should not miss this December with an array of masquerades and wonderful parades.

It is a great way to spend the end of the year.

This is the most elaborate festival in Nigeria. It is a weeklong event and the next thing to the yearly Rio de Janeiro carnival of Brazil.

Calabar festival is a celebration of creativity and culture that blends with both the traditional and modern lifestyle of the people in Cross River State. It features colourful costumes, mesmerising dancers and dance steps and has attracted over a million people to witness the colourful carnival, tagged as “Africa

Biggest Street Party” The fun filled festival this December calls for your participation as you will be missing an experience of a lifetime if you skip any.

Carniriv Carniriv is one of the biggest festivals in Nigeria that is annually held in Port Harcourt one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria, with the participation of over 2 million people. It is a free 7-day funfair with an abundance of seafood to savour on during the carnival. The carnival is a blend of culture, tradition,

fashion and lifestyle fused together to showcase the rich heritage of Africa.

Ogwashi-Uku Carnival This is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most colourful carnivals that attracts thousands of people. A three-day fiesta that begins December 24 and ends December 26 featuring a carnival float procession, cultural dances, musical concerts, fashion shows, dinner parties, quizzes, competitions, talent hunt and displays targeted at the progress and development of the community.

Tourism Simon Ugwu with Agency report The six-week Wine, Spirits and Beer Festival 2017 organised by SPAR Nigeria came to a remarkable conclusion with shoppers treated to concerts in selected cities, namely Enugu, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Lagos.

The event featured some of Nigerias favourite artistes who performed for the publics delight.

SPAR, the organizers, partnered with major spirits and beer brands, such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Campari, Guinness and Nigerian Breweries as anchor brands the concerts.

While Smirnoff anchored

B6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Lagos,Enugu,Calabar drink, music concert festival ends the concerts in Enugu and Calabar which featured artistes like DJ Spinall, Illbliss, Zoro, Slowdogs and MI, the Port Harcourt concert (where the likes of Tuface Idibia, Duncan Mighty, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kelly Handsome and Harrysong performed) was co-hosted by Campari.

The Lekki concert, themed Beats Bottles Brilliance and co-sponsored by Johnnie Walker and Guinness, was headlined by Street Credibility singer, 9ice alongside other crowd-pullers such as DJ Lambo, Hype Man, and DJ Ozone.

Guests gained entry to the concerts by purchasing specific brands of spirits and

beer from SPAR stores during the sixweek-long festival. Entry passes were also awarded to winners of online contests on the various participating brands.

Those who turned up at the venues had access to exotic cocktails and drinks by anchor brands, they were also treated to ribcracking comedy, in addition to the scintillating performances staged by the artistes.

SPAR and the other major sponsors of the concerts were delighted at the turnout and profound patronage by shoppers throughout the festival agreed. They expressed satisfaction about the effectiveness of their collaboration and hinted at many

of such festivals in the future.

SPARs spokesperson, Mr John Goldsmith said: We are very happy with the success of the Wine, Spirits and Beer Fest and delighted with the grand success of the musical concerts across five locations.

We express our gratitude to the partnering brands for the support in pulling up such a major concerts.

Meanwhile, as the Christmas season approaches, SPAR, by way of its Black Friday sales and Xmas Promo, seeks to reward loyal shoppers with good deals and more opportunities to celebrate.

Senegalese president tasks AU on illegal migration President of Senegal, Macky Sall, has asked the African Union to halt illegal migration in the African continent.

This is even as he said Senegal has repatriated 2,480 of its citizens from Libya.

Sall made the call during the 2017 second ordinary session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament in Abuja.

Sall particularly urged ECOWAS member states to facilitate the repatriation of its citizens from Libya.

He condemned the slave trade involving migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, saying it was a violation of human rights.

He said the perpetrators of the crime must be apprehended and tried at the International Criminal Court of Justice in The Hague.

The Senegalese President laid emphasis on the need for member countries to enhance cooperation in the fight against illegal migration, human trafficking and modernised slavery.

Sall also urged African governments to put measures in place that would ensure that those who indulge in trafficking in persons would apprehended.

“It is a pure form of violation of human rights that should not go unpunished; these acts should be brought before the international court to dismantle clandestine networks.

“The African Union should sanction such illegal trade of people and the President of the

Sall ECOWAS Court should engage in coordinated action to repatriate, without further delay, African citizens in Libya.

“Senegal, in its struggle against such clandestine acts, has repatriated 2,480 citizens from Libya,” Sall said.

Speaking further, Sall said

the issue of human trafficking would take the center stage during the fifth African UnionEuropean Union summit in Abidjan at the end of November.

He urged all ECOWAS member states and institutions to propel the implementation of protocols that would remove

barriers to integration and enhance development.

“Existence of abnormal practices at the borders which is an aggravated form of corruption goes against the community texts,” Sall added.

In his remarks, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mr

Moustapha Cisse Lo, said the ECOWAS Parliament will incredibly work hard to ensure that the parliament fully exercise the new powers conferred unto it.

“This present session is devoted to this responsibility since it will be dedicated, for the first time, to the consideration of the community budget,” the ECOWAS Speaker said.

On his part, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, called for collaboration between the parliament and the executive in order to move the region forward.

Saraki who was represented by the Deputy Senate President and former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Ike Ekweremadu, said issues confronting the region would receive the greatest attention if there is collaboration between the parliament and the executive.

“This ordinary session is being convened at a most auspicious moment in the history of this Assembly. It is a time of renewed hope for the West African future, with new opportunities, as well as challenges we must find the courage to tackle.

“There are a myriad of issues confronting our people, as well as many impediments to peace and economic growth.

The resolutions to these will be borne out of the hard work of committed ECOWAS parliamentarians, working in close collaboration with the regional Executive, in order that we can move West Africa and her ” Saraki said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

B7

Business Review

New regulation threatens N466bn in power sector loans Simon Ugwu The nation’s banks could lose over N466 billion exposures to the power sector due to new policy by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Operators in the ailing sector say the regulation would impact negatively on their revenue and ability to pay back loans.

The industry, which had been bogged by challenges since it was privatised, may have been burdened further by the Eligible Customer and the Eligible Customer Regulations.

Already, the Distribution Companies (DisCos) have issued notice to declare force majeure, a term relating to the law of insurance and frequently used in construction contracts to protect parties when a segment of the contract cannot be performed due to emergencies, including natural disasters.

The Eligible Customer declaration permits electricity customers to buy power directly from the generation companies, in line with the provisions of Section 27 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005 where eligible customers may buy power from a licensee other than electricity distribution companies.

The directive presents an opportunity for existing captive or off-grid power plants to supply power to single eligible customers, especially in the manufacturing sector and groups of customers who may be within commercial, residential or industrial clusters.

The DisCos however claimed that the new policy resulted in a change of law that prevents them from fulfilling their obligations under the Performance Agreement.

Though, the country’s transmission network has been upgraded to wheel over 7,000mw of electricity, the DisCos are rejecting load, due to their inability to build more distribution infrastructure.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the power and energy sector was given 2.97 per cent of a total of N15.71trillion worth of credit allocated by banks to the private sector in the second quarter of 2017.

At the start of privatisation three years ago, many DisCos and GenCos took loans from banks to purchase the firms.

Some even went further and obtained more funds for rehabilitation of dilapidated infrastructure.

Few years later, operators of the electricity firms are yet to break even, blaming low-cost reflective tariff system, introduc-

Fashola tion of eligible customers by the Federal Government, and high cost of gas to power plants.

Operators put the tariff shortfall in the sector from January 2015 to December 2016 at N460 billion. They said there was a market shortfall accumulating at a rate of N20 to N25 billion monthly with a planned recovery of N701 billion.

For example, Abuja Disco has a tariff shortfall of N45 billion; Benin, N53 billion; Eko, N28 billion; Enugu, N45 billion; Ibadan, N59 billion, Ikeja, N38 billion, Jos, N27 billion; Kaduna, N48 billion; Kano, N40 billion; Port Harcourt, N48 billion; and Yola, N21 billion.

The operators noted that the introduction of Eligible Customers would flush the sector down the drain. “What the Minister has done is the violation of the statutory principle of contract.

If the DisCos are undermined, investors will be skeptical about bringing investment into the country,” an investor told The Guardian in confidence.

The introduction of Eligible Customers at this time would not bring desired results, “rather it will distort the market, as the playing field is not level,” he said.

The source said: “The problem of the power sector is liquidity. A situation where you are buying

energy at N68 per kWh and are compelled by law to sell the same for N31.58k will never solve the sector’s problem. Even if an angel runs the DisCos today, it can never be whole.”

Decrying the challenges in the sector, the Executive Director, Research and Advocacy of Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), Sunday Oduntan, said DisCos have continued to seek fund, in spite of the burdened balance sheet due to the Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Fund that went to legacy gas debt.

He said there had been calls from different quarters that the privatisation of the power sector should be cancelled. “Privatisation is not the issue but rather inconsistent regulatory framework. Cancelling of the privatisation would worsen the sector and show to foreign investors that Nigeria does not respect sanctity of contract and that we are not open for business,” he said.

He stressed that access to finance for capital investment, necessary to inject efficiency, was non-existent, and that ability to sell power at its cost would generate the cash flow projection critical for DisCos to access lender financing or equity investment.

“Inadequacy of the electricity tariff minimises the capi-

tal investment required to improve the retail experience. Gas pipeline disruptions adversely impact generation, reducing the base of recovery of costs.

Transmission limitations create energy bottlenecks. Lack of investment by the DisCos, which promotes continued inefficiency and the aforementioned challenges, results in reduced revenues and resultant market shortfalls,” he said.

He noted that a policy framework that was consistent and promoted an enabling investment environment would attract investment to the sector.

Oduntan added that open, inclusive and transparent collaboration with the private sector was fundamental to the viability and sustainability of the sector.

“Performance agreements need to be effective, with all the pre-conditions addressed,” he said, calling for a special intervention fund with long tenure and single digit interest rate to fund long-term projects in the sector.

In a letter to the DisCos, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Alex Okoh, challenged the assertion that there had been a change in law and rejected the notice to declare force majeure.

Okoh said that pursuant to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005, it was obvious that the

Minister of Power, Works and Housing was empowered to issue policy directive specifying the class or classes of end-use customers.

He said: “As you are aware, this is the same Act which midwifed the process whereby the power assets were privatised to the core investors. Given that the declaration and the regulations were lawfully and validly issued by the Minister and NERC, and that there has been no change in the law giving rise to a political force majeure, we are unable to see the basis for the issuance of the notice.”

The Minister of Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, pointed out that while the DisCos would be affected in terms of potential revenue impact, consumers would be affected with regards to how they possibly built distribution assets and how got compensated.

“Members of the public must therefore understand that whether it is tariff setting, whether it is Eligible Customer declaration, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) works, first, by consultation before it makes decisions, so that all interests are carried as much as possible,” said Fashola.

He added: “I want to use this opportunity to say that whenever consultation notices and stakeholder notices are issued

by NERC, members of the public should take them seriously.”

He described the regulation as “a very important rule”, adding: “It will help us to improve capacity for electricity distribution to consumers who need them and consumers also who are willing to make investments in providing distribution assets in a way that it helps them to recover their costs.

“But I will like members of the public to know that the process of making these rules did not come by sitting in the office. It came by consulting with as many people as possible who will be affected by the regulations and by the declaration that I have made.

I know that DisCos will be affected in terms of potential revenue impact and I believe that this has been taken care of.”

In ‘Nigerian Power Sector Report, Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?’ a financial analyst with the United Capital Group, Kayode Tinuoye, said that in spite of numerous headwinds confronting the power sector today, the electricity market remained an attractive long-term investment opportunity.

Meanwhile, Nigerian banks have taken over 15 tanks, filling stations and properties used as collateral by some operators in the downstream sector.

Personal Finance B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, November 25, 2017

Annuity: Investment/savings that guarantees salary for life Bonny Amadi Insurance has been described as tool that helps people achieve their financial planning initiatives as well as attain a high degree efficient risk management and safety.

One of the products which insurance offers that guarantees safe financial management is annuity and many Nigerians have been deploying this product to attain life goals while in active employment, out of employment or even in death.

Annuity helps people in paid employment to sustain a desirable lifestyle when out of paid employment, as many individuals continue to always think of safety, irrespective of positions in life, such security is always guaranteed by annuity, one form of insurance policy or the other.

What is an ‘Annuity?’

An annuity is a contractual financial product sold by financial institutions that is designed to accept and grow funds from an individual and then, upon annuitization, pay out a stream of payments to the individual at a later point in time.

The period of time when an annuity is being funded and before payouts begin is referred to as the accumulation phase.

Once payments commence, the contract is in the annuitization phase.

The biggest advantages annuities offer is that they allow you to sock away a larger amount of cash and defer paying taxes.

Unlike other tax-deferred retirement accounts such as 401(k) s and IRAs, there is no annual contribution limit for an annuity. That allows you to put away more money for retirement, and is particularly useful for those that are closest to retirement age and need to catch up.

That ability to keep every naira invested working for you can be a big advantage over taxable investments.

When you cash out, you can choose to take a lump-sum payment from your annuity, but many retirees prefer to set up guaranteed payments for a specific length of time or the rest of your life, providing a steady stream of income.

The annuity serves as a complement to other retirement income sources, such as Social Security and pension plans.

Head retail Sales, AIICO, Mr. Ayeni Taofek, in his explanation of annuity told Daily Times Nigeria that annuity helps people

in paid employment to sustain a desirable lifestyle during and when they have retired from paid employment.

AIICO Insurance Annuity Plan, he said, helps protect the policy holders against the possibility of outliving ones financial resources in retirement, as it also helps to provide a lump sum benefit in the event of the policyholder’s death.

According to him, annuity guaranteed the holder, among other benefits, a regular income after retirement, affords opportunity for flexible annuity plans ranging from immediate annuity plans to deferred annuity plans and also ensures surrendering of values for deferred annuities after one year.

Further explaining annuity, the insurance expert added that a spousal annuity option provides for 75 per cent of the original annuity after the death of the annuitant, enjoys tax relief on contributions payable in order to reduce tax liability, annuitants can choose preferred earning at retirement and fund it as well as enjoys a multiple of 5 times of earning as death benefit.

Understanding Annuity’ Annuities were designed to be a reliable means of securing a steady cash flow for an individual during retirement years and to alleviate fears of longevity risk, or outliving one’s assets.

Annuities can also be created to turn a substantial lump sum into a steady cash flow, such as for winners of large cash settlements from a lawsuit or from winning the lottery.

Defined benefit pensions and Social Security are two examples of lifetime guaranteed annuities that pay retirees a steady cash flow until they pass.

Types of Annuities Annuities can be structured according to a wide array of details and factors, such as the duration of time that payments from the annuity can be guaranteed to continue. Annuities can be created so that, upon annuitization, payments will continue so long as either the annuitant or their spouse (if survivorship benefit is elected) is alive.

Alternatively, annuities can be structured to pay out funds for a fixed amount of time, such as 20 years, regardless of how long the annuitant lives. Furthermore, annuities can begin immediately upon deposit of a lump sum, or they can be structured as deferred benefits.

Annuities can be structured generally as either fixed or variable. Fixed annuities provide regular periodic payments to the annuitant. Variable annuities allow the owner to receive greater future cash flows if investments of the annuity fund do well and smaller payments if its investments do poorly. This provides for a less stable cash flow than a fixed annuity, but allows the annuitant to reap the benefits of strong returns from their fund’s investments.

Who Sells Annuities Life insurance companies and investment companies are the two sorts of financial institutions offering annuity products. For life insurance companies, annuities are a natural hedge for their insurance products. Life insurance is bought to deal with mortality risk – that is, the risk of dying prematurely. Policyholders pay an annual premium to the insurance company who will pay out a lump sum upon their death.

If policyholders die prema-

turely, the insurer will pay out the death benefit at a net loss to the company. Actuarial science and claims experience allows these insurance companies to price their policies so that on average insurance purchasers will live long enough so that the insurer earns a profit.

Annuities, on the other hand, deal with longevity risk, or the risk of outliving ones assets.

The risk to the issuer of the annuity is that annuity holders will live outlive their initial investment. Annuity issuers may hedge longevity risk by selling annuities to customers with a higher risk of premature death.

In many cases, the cash value inside of permanent life insurance policies can be exchanged via a 1035 exchange for an annuity product without any tax implications.

Agents or brokers selling annuities need to hold a stateissued life insurance license, and also a securities license in the case of variable annuities.

These agents or brokers typically earn a commission based on the notional value of the annuity contract.

Who Buys Annuities Annuities are appropriate financial products for individuals seeking stable, guaranteed retirement income. Because the lump sum put into the annuity is illiquid and subject to withdrawal penalties, it is not recommended for younger individuals or for those with liquidity needs.

Annuity holders cannot outlive their income stream, which hedges longevity risk. So long as the purchaser understands that he or she is trading a liquid lump sum for a guaranteed series of cash flows, the product is appropriate. Some purchas-

ers hope to cash out an annuity in the future at a profit, however this is not the intended use of the product.

Immediate annuities are often purchased by people of any age who have received a large lump sum of money and who prefer to exchange it for cash flows in to the future.

Criticism of annuity One criticism of annuities is that they are illiquid. Deposits into annuity contracts are typically locked up for a period of time, known as the surrender period, where the annuitant would incur a penalty if all or part of that money were touched. These surrender periods can last anywhere from 2 to more than 10 years, depending on the particular product. Surrender fees can start out at 10% or more and the penalty typically declines annually over the surrender period.

While variable annuities carry some market risk and the potential to lose principal, riders and features can be added to annuity contracts (usually for some extra cost) which allow them to function as hybrid fixed-variable annuities.

Contract owners can benefit from upside portfolio potential while enjoying the protection of a guaranteed lifetime minimum withdrawal benefit if the portfolio drops in value. Other riders may be purchased to add a death benefit to the contract or accelerate payouts if the annuity holder is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Cost of living riders are common to adjust the annual base cash flows for inflation based on changes in the CPI.

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Life&

TIMES Saturday, November 25, 2017

Samuel Ajibola: I can’t date an actress L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Obasanjo will make a good actor –Samuel Ajibola For Ekiti State born actor, Samuel Ajibola, better known as Spiff, a role he clinched in the

With the current buzz your online skit is gaining one is forced to ask why not extend to terrestrial or any digital TV? Well for been online is on purpose since the world is going digital these days and as such I wanted to reach a larger audience and no place does it better than online. For now also, the Dele Issues skit is currently been aired on Africa Magic while plans are in the making towards a wider coverage. It will shock you that I have a lot of fans who watch the skit in USA, South Africa and other countries; they send in comments and observation on how to serve them better.

Since the beginning and release of the skits, what has been the response generally? acceptance and with God on my side and my power management team, things have worked out well. The comments you get to see on our Youtube page and other social media platforms have been indeed really positive.

How many episodes have you put out so far?

Currently, I have 13 episodes, the last of which it is special education episode.

Is Dele Issues a part of a word you are playing with?

I have always loved literature as a young boy, it was something I really fell in love with so I just wanted to be on work at night. So in actual sense, Dele Issues can

also pass for Daily Issues.

Speaking on the special episodes, how were you able to get the ex-president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo?

My meeting with the Ex-President was something that did not take so much time; I am just a product of grace. It was something that came up after a relationship with my management. There was a youth dialogue programme held in Ogun State where I was the anchor and the Ex-President was also present and because the discussion of the day was youth related, I already had it up there that using him was further going to help pass across my message of youth involvement in politics.

responsibilities, so I always have to be forward. I always have to be prepared. So I grew up with such a mentality. I was only amazed and happy that I could stand right in front of him and I briefed him of my project and that was it.

When Obasanjo was seated and heard the idea, was he given a script?

Yes, like I mentioned earlier, I said I had a script, cameras on standby where my crew were sitting waiting for him there. So we

and we only did just a take.

From his attitude on set, will you say Obasanjo is a good actor judging by what you saw?

Well for me, he is good at it and honestly I was amazed when

this to make an impact in whatever you are doing and affect the country in a positive way.

Also, one of the motives of the skit is to debunk the belief that youths are too young to be involved in politics or decision making process because they lack experience and they think they might abuse power. I think that is a wrong philosophy coming into the world we are today; like I mention what is the global village, the international arena is changing, and things have been ignored.

When Obasanjo was the head of state, your parents were within their primes and kids; when your parents saw the skit you did, I mean the skit with Obasanjo, how did they react to it?

They have been really supportive, prayerful for me in whatever I do. So in the subject of paying parents too, I also let them know if I have something to do and if I have anywhere to go and they have been seeing my moves my career since have been born, so they know how I live and they have been able to understand that.

I have met actors that had to go through three or more times to

Spiff will suffer?

let start and I responded with Yes sir and I was shocked when he said go ahead, let me walk into the camera and start off.

For someone who has not acted before, how long did it take to shoot his part?

but some people are just blessed more that other people. I was surprised we all know Baba has funny sides in his personality and it was something people loved to see. So I was happy I had the opportunity and privilege to be able to be the one that actually expecting to get from him that I had to even hold on not to laugh onto.

A lot of people have tagged Obasanjo a comedian, will you accept that fact too?

Dele Issues cannot in anyway affect my Spiff character at all. I know how to play my cards effectively.

Talking about been different, does Sam have other dream roles? actor. I have knowledge on acting and learnt more on mental acting. I did a lot of research and I am someone that is always inspired to do something different, something unique, something

even cracked a joke with his small young children that were with

Life&

so funny.

With the special edition, what was the major focus?

Apart from just been an actor, I also have a Corporate Social

mind been a soldier, lover boy, amongst others; but in essence I have always wanted a character that is a good impression on people at the end of the day.

Is Sam in a relationship?

on education and youth involvement in policy making. The idea about that particular skit with the Ex-President is to further create a cautious awareness in the mind of people especially the youth that complaining at all the time should not be the only

Which female celebrities are you crushing on?

Crush Hmmmmmm!!! , Linda Ejiofor is beautiful and I like Rita Dominic too and more importantly, my number one crush always is Mercy Aigbe.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Gist L3

Isaac Oguntoye

Enyinnaya Nwigwe, others to storm Enugu for ‘The Wedding Showcase’

Hennessey Artistry 2017 concert this December!

Enyinnaya Nwigwe, Ebube Nwagbo, Alex Ekubo, Enyinnaya Nwigwe, Bryan Okwara, Melvin Oduah are among the top Nigerian celebrities who will be storming Enugu for the

already on Friday, November 24 will run till Sunday, November 26, 2017 as the wedding fair will be showcasing top According to the organiser, Kachy Ugwa, the exhibition fair is essentially the melting pot for top Nigerian fashion icons and parades, event, media and logistics vendors from all parts of South EastHennessey

class production to deliver an unforbrand, Hennessy, is set to host the ber!

Hennessy Artistry is a unique integrated global platform that brings the “art of blending” to life by creating exceptional consumer moments through a fusion of music, art culture and cre-

expectations with a spectacular line

“Hennessy Artistry has always been the benchmark entertainment platto exceed all expectations: delivering the most unforgettable experience for consumers and lovers of the brand “ – Oluwole Awoleke, Brand Manager Hennessy & Spirits

street and legendary rapper, Olamide

ing opportunity for every brand to showcase themhelps customers to see what they can do in other to eliminate doubts, then we boost good brand in the East and enable them increase sales

Enyinnaya Nwigwe & Ebube

Shedding more light on edition, Ugwa assures that the two days exhibition business dinner and fashion show

cused on wedding attires and we have been able to attract the very best in the fashion industry like of Mai Atafo, Ouch, James Brandan, Habana Bespoke and lots more,” he as-

“For Exhibition, customer He further revealed that the exhibition would be taking would be spoilt for choice with

And for the vendors, there will

Multipurpose Hall, Enugu, while the business dinner and fashion show would hold at -

last edition based on the in-

BON 2017: Omotola Jalade, Ali Nuhu, others to be recognised

Nigerian dancer, Odumewu Debbie breaks Guinness World Record am hours as at 12:00am on November 23, 2017, completed the challenge of an individual dancing for 137 hours setting a new

Fans have been following and encourag-

started dancing when she was six years Kalamandalam Hemaletha achieved the dancing from September 20 to 26 in 2010 Nigerian dancer and choreographer, has of “the longest dancing marathon by an in-

Another dancer and choreographer, Kaffy, -

Omotola & Ali Nuhu

Ahead of the 2017 edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards, organisers have revealed that the trio of delectable actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Kannywood star, Ali Nuhu and vet-

constant Northern legend, not Oloketuyi described Omotola Jalade Ekiende as a bankable actor, who broke into the

the industry despite the arrival

will be awarded with the special recognition awards for their immense contributions towards the growth and development of

choice in spite of her relatively

younger, technology-savvy dilot has evolved and attained

According to the executive producer of the Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, Nuhu deserves the recognition for being the only Northern actor to cross over to

face in an industry known for

“Apart from that, he has inspired an entire generation of Northern youths to see a career

broke into the industry before she turned 18 and two decades

deserves the recognition like Awards will be hosted by

ential 100 people in the world in 2013 is a pointer to her relentless artistic enterprise and ingeare happy to be associated with

recently made his directorial actress who became popular in the mainstream movie market after a ban from Kannywood

Fashion L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Get the tricks to lasting

PEDICURE Dodge fragrances:

Smooth it out:

Top your topcoat:

Moisturize: Keep them covered:

Avoid heat:

Bring your own polish:

Mutiat Alli

…With a bright polo

10

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Fashion L5

Amazing ways to wear jeans …With a safari style topper

…With a white blazer

…With

a preppy topper

…With a rolled up button-down

…With driving shoes

…With a vest

...With a cool socks …With a motor jacket

…With a military-style blazer

Society circle L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Isaac Oguntoye

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar bereaved Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku is not in a good mood at the moment. The ever-articulate dynamic politician we gathered has lost his best friend to the cold hands of death. He made this known penultimate Saturday when he announced on his social media page saying: “I lost a dear friend today.

Adamu Yaro was my best friend as a child, and remained like a brother all through my life I had lunch with Adamu on Friday. I would never have thought it would be our last time together.�

Shina Peller’s mother @70 Information reaching us from the grapevine has it that all is set for one of the biggest society party in 2017 as Quilox boss, Shina Peller will be rolling out drums for 70th birthday come December, 16th 2017. The Aquila record label boss is not leaving any stone unturned to make sure his mother enjoy the day. Those who know lady Peller revealed that she is a virtuous woman who treat not only her children well but take care of many who she is not related with.

Shina Peller

Atiku Abubakar

Gov. Ajimobi and his adorable wife

Apostle Aderemi Awode: A Man of Character Show me a man who has learnt the value of hard work by working hard and doing so silently and has loudly rang the bell of his success and I will tell you his name is Apostle Aderemi Emmanuel Awode.

Awode, like other great people, stands out from others by his vision and intelligence; he has helped many people to turn their visions into reality, men, and women, old, young from diverse entity. Many have wondered how he has been able to turn around his Chemstar Manufacturing company, makers of Fine coat Paints, Shilled Paints and other alAwode lied products to a conglomerate, the reason is not far-fetched, his ability to empower others. refuse to be changed by the world.

The substantiation of this fact was In all things, his character, his style and manner, his supreme excellence his 54th birthday shindig marked by is simplicity; this, friends and family his over 1000 staff at his Fine coat know him for.

Gov Ajimobi & Wife

Saying that the Governor of Oyo State, Ajibola Ajimobi, has a happy and close-knitted family, a wife and four daughters to show for it is like stating the obvious. But what many

out of their busy schedules, they still find time for each other. Mrs. Florence Ajimobi whose passion lies in the improvement of the quality of the lives will never trade her

first citizen family of Oyo State is that they find time for not only their family but also as husband and wife.

The secret of their union is that

world as they enjoy being in each to know that they still find time to go on vacation together.

area of Lagos, when they were all spend an hour with Apostle Aderemi pouring accolades on him and talk- Awode and not learn something new ing about his good virtue. The ges- from him. He loves to impact lives; ture of the staff from the senior level and gives even to a fault. He will alare working with a man who under- ways share his experiences and stostands the plight of his staff. ries with others on how beliefs in God This might have been one of the and tenacity of purpose bring wealth. reasons he increased the Staff sal- Awode is a very experienced personaries with 20% across all boards ality who has a piece of wisdom or a during his birthday soiree, at a time sound advice on hand to give to anysome companies are shutting down one that comes to seek for his profesoperation and sacking people en- sional idea on this and that. the maxim of People of character. reality through magic; it takes sweat, People of character, as they say, determination, hard work and fate to do the right thing even if no one else does, not because they think it will change the world but because they not position.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Society circle L7

Isaac Oguntoye

Obanikoro finally denounces PDP

As a son of the soil, Musilu Obanikoro has family, which is the ruling party, All Progressives Congress. Immediately after he was released the notable and former ambassador denounced Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to join the progressive party.

this piece, the Lagos State politician is been welcomed back to the Jagaban circle in a grand reception where King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal is thrilling the entire guests at Campus Square, Lagos.

No doubt, Musiliu Obanikoro is constitutionally and progressively welcome back home.

The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and President Buhari

Obanikoro

Top business owner, Gbolade Osibodu’s albatross

Oba of Benin visits Abuja The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and President Buhari) The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, on Thursday, November 23, 2017 paid a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja. The monarch, who arrived in company

of other high chiefs, was welcomed warmly by the national chairman of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, John Oyegun. Oba Ewuare II plans to make a nationwide thank you visit since his coronation which began with a visit to President Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa.

The Ebuka you don’t know The journey of a thousand miles they say starts with a step. This general belief is what best describes what Ebuka is presently enjoying.

Holdings and husband of Funke Osibodu, one-time Managing Director of Ecobank and Union Bank appeared in Federal high court on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 where he was issued an order restraining the businessman and his company, Vigeo Limited, from making any withdrawal from its account and those of his agents domiciled with 17 commercial banks in Nigeria. It was said that the man is indebted to some banks in the sum of N8.7 billion. This we scooped has been affecting the businessman as his businesses now struggle to execute contracts. According to sources, the case will be mentioned again next week.

have started with knowing fully well that looking good attract good business.

Aside being blessed with good height, the cool dude spends more time in the gym trying to maintain a good physic. Ebuka Obi Uchendu, according to close source, is intelligent and his sense of humour is hardly rivalled. The character behind the 6-foot plus hunk is even more imposing.

Not all may get a chance to see his personal side but what about

his public professional performance?

Ebuka is armed with entertainment law from American University in DC, but for radio, Ebuka has been outstanding in every genre he has touched. He is a remarkable columnist for This Day Newspaper for years; great TV host on Channels TV and as monstrously successful a host, IK has been with the BB franchise.

To be honest, that Abada by Monye was

attention was the beauty of the design and its Ebuka

adorned it.

Living & DĂŠcor L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Ways to transform your kitchen in an orderly manner The kitchen is an area of your home that gets used

cooking area.

An innovative sink design has a cutting board that sits

Cabinets cabinet and go through it. Discard things that are not with each cabinet and drawer as most kitchens are short

forth across the kitchen for the things you need just to make your morning beverage.

There is such a movement these days for creating

much more.

might be best near the sink or refrigerator.

Dining You may choose to modernize your kitchen by setting