DTN-25-5-19

Sirika counters Amaechi on Nigeria Air project Says FEC supported national carrier

Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja Barely 24 hours after the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, addressed a Valedictory press briefing in Abuja, where he explained why the long awaited National Carrier which was launched

S’Court dashes Zamfara APC hopes, sacks gov-elect, others https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

dailytimesnigeria

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

last year was suspended, the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has come up with a different version as to why Nigeria Air is yet to commence operation.

Amaechi during the press briefing on Thursday said that the Nigeria Air was Continued on page 3

SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

VOL. 3

NO. 953

N100

Says APC had no candidate in 2019 polls in Zamfara Affirms Fayemi’s electoral victory

Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Supreme Court on Friday held that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had no valid candidates in Zamfara State in all the elective positions in 2019 general election and consequently declared all the votes scored by the party as wasted votes.

In a unanimous judgement, the apex court upheld the decision of the Sokoto division of the Court of Appeal to the effect that the APC did not conduct valid primary elections that would have enabled the emergence of valid nominated candidates for any elective positions in the state.

A five-man panel of Justices of the Supreme Court led by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, held that the APC which had no candidates cannot be declared winner of the elections.

Consequently, the court ordered that candidates of other parties with the highest number of valid votes cast during the general election and with the required spread stands elected in the various political offices in Zamfara State.

My regrets as Oyo Governor – Ajimobi g 5 Buhari signs 2019 budget into law g Monday 7

The judgment affected the governor- elect- Bello Mutawalle, 24 members of state House of Assembly, 3 Senators and 7 seats of the House of Representatives that were won by APC in Zamfara State in the elections conducted on February 23 and March 11, 2019.

Those affected by the judgment include the outgoing governor of the Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, who was elected to the Senate on the platform of the APC. APC had won all the offices contested for in the 2019 election with the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidates, placing first runners-up in the polls.

Justice Paul Galinje, who read the lead judgment of the apex court, maintained that the Sokoto Division of the Court of Appeal was right when it held that the APC did not file any eligible candidate in the 2019 general election in Zamfara State. The court consequently dismissed the two appeals on Zamfara State APC primary election.

“I find that the lower court was right in holding that there were no primary elections in Zamfara State.

“The appeal had no merit and it should be dismissed.

It is accordingly dismissed. The party that has no CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Nigeria’s teledensity now 91%, says NCC g 9

14-yr-old g 7 student dies as Why celebrity marriages school building collapses in Ondo crash - Gloria Okafor g 11

2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

S’Court dashes Zamfara APC hopes, sacks gov-elect, others Continued from page 1 candidate cannot be declared a winner of the election. Therefore, all votes that are credited to such party is deemed as wasted voted.

Candidates of parties with the highest number of valid votes cast with the required spread stands elected in Zamfara”, the Supreme Court held.

The apex court awarded a cost of N10m against the APC. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has admonished politicians to always play the game by the rules and not to engage in acts capable of taking the country back to the stone age.

Justice Galinje, who gave the admonition, specifically charged politicians to always respect the constitution of their various political parties rather than resorting to self help.

The dismissed appeals were direct fallout of the judgment of the Sokoto division of the Court of Appeal that set aside the judgment delivered by the Zamfara High Court allowing the APC to field candidates in the 2019 elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, in October last year, said it would not allow the APC to field candidates in Zamfara State because the party failed to conduct primaries before the deadline stipulated.

However, a High Court sitting in Gusau, Zamfara State, ruled that the ruling APC actually conducted primaries in the state and should be allowed to present candidates for the electoral contest.

The judgment followed a suit with suit number ZMS/ GS/52/2018, filed by Sanusi Liman, Dan Alhaji and 37 others vs APC and 143, who approached the court to compel the APC and INEC to accept the results of the party’s primaries election in the state conducted on October 7, 2018, among others.

The party said it conducted primaries which produced current governor, Abdulaziz Yari, as a senatorial candidate and his commissioner of Finance, Shehu Idris, as the governorship candidate, among others.

The court, therefore, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept candidates from the party for Zamfara State in the elections.

The judge, Muhammad Shinkafi, who delivered the ruling, said APC conducted primaries elections on October 3

and 7, 2018.

The court also barred the national secretariat of the APC from replacing the names of those who won the primary elections of the party.

Dissatisfied, with the judgment of the state high court, a factional chieftain of the party, Senator Kabiru Marafa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) and 129 others had in their appeal filed through their counsel, Mr. Mike Ozheokome, SAN, urged the Sokoto division of the Court of Appeal to set it aside.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Tom Yakubu held that the lower court failed in its duty to properly evaluate the evidence before it.

Accordingly, the court set aside the judgment of the Zamfara State High Court which recognised the primary election that produced governorship, state and National Assembly candidates held by APC in the state and declared that INEC accept the party candidates for the elections.

Not satisfied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal, the appellants led by Sanusi Liman-Danalhaji and 139 filed the appeal at the Supreme Court wherein, they urged the apex court to set it aside.

While the first appeal was entered against Senator Kabiru Marafa and other members of his faction, the second set of appeal was filed by the APC against Sentaor Marafa and his factional members of the party.

Although, Senator Marafa, who won at the Court of Appeal, had equally filed a cross- appeal at the Supreme Court, same was withdrawn on Friday by his counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN).

In his response to the judgment, on Friday, Ozekhome said “it’s the work of God”.

Also on Friday, the Supreme Court affirmed the election of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

It dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Kolapo OlusolaEleka, who had challenged the decision of Court of Appeal.

In the appeal to the Supreme Court, the PDP and OlusolaEleka, had urged the apex court through their lawyer, Yusuf Ali (SAN), to upturn the lower court’s judgment.

In a unanimous judgement, a five-man panel of the Supreme

Court led by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, held that the appeal challenging the decision of the lower on the outcome of the poll lacked merit.

Consequently, Justice John Okoro, who read the lead judgment, affirmed the judgments of both the Ekiti State Election Petition Tribunal and the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which had both dismissed the petition challenging the outcome of the July 2018 poll.

“I am satisfied to hold that there is no merit in this appeal.

It has to be noted that the two courts had dismissed the appeal.

“This court is therefore hesitant to intervene with the concurrent findings of the lower court and the tribunal.

The court can only intervene in a concurrent judgment if there is clear case of miscarriage of justice. In the instant appeal, there is no such evidence that the findings occasioned a miscarriage of justice, “ Justice Okoro held.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Fayemi and the All Progressives Congress polled a total of 197,459 votes to defeat Olusola-Eleka and the PDP who placed second with 178,121 votes in the July 14, 2018 election.

Dissatisfied with the outcome, PDP and OlusolaEleka had filed their petition before the Ekiti State Election Petition Tribunal which sat and delivered its judgment in Abuja.

The petitioners alleged among others in their petition that the election was marred by a lot of wrongs including noncompliance with the Electoral Act. But the tribunal on January 28, 2019 dismissed their petition and affirmed the results declared by INEC. The petitioners further appealed to the Court of Appeal, raising seven issues against the judgment of the tribunal.

But in the judgment of Court of Appeal, Justice Stephen Adah, who led the three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, resolved all the seven issues raised against the appellants and in favour of the respondents – Fayemi, INEC and APC. Justice Adah dismissed the case for lacking in merit, a decision the two other members of the panel – Justices Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson and Emmanuel Agim, consented to.

Sirika counters Amaechi on Nigeria Air project Continued from page 1 suspended due to the Federal Executive cabinet’s inability to agree on the modality for establishing the national carrier.

He said: “On national carrier, (the) cabinet is divided on the issue of modality. There are those who believe that the Federal Government should invest and then we can sell the equity later.

“There are also those who believe that no, and from day one,

they say let us get investors in and give them the franchise of Nigeria Airways or Air Nigeria or whatever is called. That is where we are and that is what held it down. But as for whether it is still in our plan, it is and has not been abandoned.”

In a swift reaction on Friday, Minister of State for Aviation in a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs in the ministry, James Odaudu, mildly countered the Supervising minister’s claim, noting that the suspended Nigeria Air project

had enjoyed full support of the Council, which deliberated on it and approved.

While stating that the Federal Executive Council is one cohesive body that cannot be divided over any issue, he explained that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that the Viability Gap Funding for the project be provided for in the 2019 Appropriation which the National Assembly has graciously done.

Senator Sirika in the statement

Continued on page 5

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle) and others, during the special inauguration Jumaat prayers in Abuja...on Friday.

L-R: Former Super Eagles players, Kanu Nwankwo; Finidi George; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and others, during a novelty football match in Port Harcourt...on Friday.

4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

5 News

My regrets as Oyo Governor – Ajimobi Corp member, 3 others jailed Mathew Dadiya, Abuja After governing Oyo State for two terms of eight years, the outgoing governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has revealed what he could not do and has been his regret.

Ajimobi said he regrets the fact that he has not been able to do everything he wanted to do.

The governor said this on Friday when he spoke to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that he wished the people of Oyo State could be more understanding, could be more patient but they feel that “any time you try to make a change, people resist change even if it’s good for them.”

The governor also regretted that he wished he had been in politics 20 years ago.

However, the governor who expressed gratitude to God for making him the only governor to have governed the state for two consecutive terms, said he has built a legacy that would stand the test of time.

Ajimobi also thanked President Buhari for the support he has given all the states particularly during the period of “scarcity of funds to execute our projects, to pay salaries, to meet the socioeconomic development

Ajimobi demands.”

“He (Buhari) was on hand to help all of us. He supported us by releasing funds to all of us and as at today that I am talking most of the states including Oyo State are not owing salaries.

“He also assisted us with social infrastructure that is extending the welfare nets to the states, that is why I am here to thank Mr. President because in another two days I am going for Umrah and by the time I come back I won’t be in office as Governor.

“I am going to Umrah to thank God.

When I came in, I pleaded with God to give me the opportunity to serve peacefully and that He did. I also want to thank the people of Oyo State for allowing me to be the first governor to do two terms of eight years, it has never happened in Oyo State”, he added.

The Oyo lawmaker cum executive governor said he was leaving a legacy of peace and security in Oyo. “At a time Oyo State was seen as what you call a garrison state, today Oyo state is one of the peaceful states in Nigeria.

“If our government has not done anything at all, we have brought peace and tranquility and development to Oyo State. It’s been a worthwhile venture.

“Many of us could seat back and say I retired as an MD of a multinational but if we seat back and play the ostrich, we will see that evil will always triumph when men of goodwill fail to act.

“I want to say that Ajumobi came, brought peace to Oyo State and added value to the social economic development of the state and to Nigeria in general,” the governor said.

Though Governor Ajimobi succeeded in ruling Oyo State for eight years from 2011-2019, his party lost the 2019 governorship election while he lost his senatorial bid both to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

14-yr-old student dies as school building collapses in Ondo Adewale Momoh, Akure A 14-year-old of St. Andrew Grammar School, Ondo in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State, has lost her life as a result of building collapse within the school premises.

The JSS 3 student, who has been identified as Esther Akinrinola, was said to be playing with some of her friends during school hours at the section of one of the school buildings which has been

reported to be defective.

The incident which occurred on Friday during the school hours reportedly claimed life of only the deceased student with no other casualty recorded.

According to an eyewitness account, the girl had suffered a head injury when blocks from the failed school building landed on her head.

The eyewitness further stated that the deceased gave up the ghost while she was being rushed to the hospital.

Meanwhile, a source within the

school disclosed that students had been banned by the school authority from going near the building where the incident occurred.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Femi Joseph, stated that the investigation has commenced towards unraveling what went wrong.

The PPRO also confirmed that the Principal of the school, Mr. Sunday Oladunjoye, is now in detention helping the police with its findings.

Intrigues that led to APC’s loss in Zamfara Patrick Okohue The ruling on Friday of the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullifying the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels in Zamfara State in the last general election, following the failure of the party to hold its party primary according to laid down guidelines and regulations, is a clear example of what happens to anyone who builds his house on a sandy ground without first laying a solid foundation.

The Supreme Court ruling did not really come to many as a surprise as some had reasoned in the past that it will only be a matter of time before the axe will fall on the state APC, because of its flagrant disregard to due process believing it can always have its way.

Despite the grandstanding of the Zamfara State governor, Abdul’aziz Yari, and the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that the party did no wrongs with regards to the party primary, many knew that if the party could lose out in Rivers State because of the same impunity, whatever had happened in Zamfara with regards to the electoral victory of the party was a case of a house built on quick sand.

So, Friday’s ruling of the nation’s apex court came to many as sweet music to the ear, as they believe time has come to teach people in leadership position that they cannot always do things their own way against laid down guidelines and get away with it.

Many of those celebrating the Supreme Court ruling may not be doing so because they hate those whose victory were short-lived in Zamfara, but because the apex court in the

land had the boldness to take such a position against the ruling party, therefore many are comforted that there seem to be hope for the common man after all.

The problem of the Zamfara State APC started way before the general election, as the crisis was self inflicted during the primary of the party to select its flag bearers.

Problem started when the National leadership of the party and the state governorled state executive of the party could not agree on how the primary election should be conducted and which list of the candidates that emerged from the primary conducted by the state APC and the consensus arrangement undertaken by the National leadership should be submitted to the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making the commission write a letter to the party that it failed to meet the stipulated time and therefore forfeits the chance to field candidates in the election.

According to INEC, since the Zamfara State APC failed to hold party primaries before deadline fixed by the commission, it was activating the extant laws that empower it to bar any party from the election.

National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, in a swift reaction, debunked the claim that the party did not conduct primaries, saying though party members bickered over the conduct of the primaries, they nevertheless agreed on a consensus list before the end of the deadline.

The problems for the APC started when INEC issued a letter to the party, alerting it to the fact that it failed to meet its deadline of holding primaries for elections in Zamfara State. In the letter signed by the Commission’s

acting scribe, Okechukwu Ndeche, INEC said its decision was based on the provisions of Sections 87 and 31 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

Following that development, INEC said the APC will not be fielding candidates for the Governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly elections in Zamfara State for the 2019 General Election.

But, the APC in its reply to INEC and signed by its national chairman, vowed to field candidates, saying the party arrived at a consensus before the deadline.

The APC also accused INEC of looking away from similar issues that affected the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State.

However, a twist to the APC claim was that while the Oshomhole-led national Executive Council was insisting that it had a consensus arrangement, the party in the state said it had a primary, insisting that it must be the candidates that emerged from its primary that will be fielded in the election, if at all the coast is clear for its candidates.

While the drama was going on, the State chapter of the APC approached the Federal High Court to try to stop INEC from excluding it from the election, but the court presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu on January 25 ruled that INEC was right to have excluded the APC from the elections.

Not satisfied the APC approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja urging it to set aside the judgement of the lower court and the court agreed with the APC and set aside the decision of the Federal High Court which affirmed the exclusion of the APC from the general elections.

for internet fraud

Another jailed for defrauding American $5,260 As four internet fraudsters land in EFCC net

Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan zonal office has secured the conviction of four internet fraudsters.

Three of the convicts, Alimi Azeez Oluwadamilare, Paul Opeyemi Omotunde and Igberase Hope Odianosen, were tried at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta while the other suspect, Okuneye Opeyemi James, got the reward for his criminal act at the Ibadan division of the court.

According to a statement by the EFCC acting Head, Media and Publicity, Tony Orilade, Alimi, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Omotunde, a 2019 graduate from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, were convicted and sentenced to four months in prison by Justice Ibrahim Watilat of Federal High Court 1, Abeokuta.

Also in Abeokuta, Justice Mohammed Abubarkar of Court 2 jailed Igberase for four months.

The trio were re-arraigned on a one-count amended charge of criminal impersonation, contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(iv) of the Cyber -Crime Prohibition Prevention Act, 2015 and punishable under the same Act. The fresh arraignments were sequel to the plea bargain arrangements between them and the EFCC which reduced the number of charges to one.

Besides sending them to jail, the presiding judges also ordered that they refund sums of money in foreign currencies to their respective victims as restitution while all items recovered from them during their interrogation are equally to be forfeited to the Federal Government.

In the same vein, Justice Patricia Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, sentenced Okunoye Opeyemi James (a.k.a. James Kosta) to four months in prison.

The 24-year-old was facing a one-count amended charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(iv) of the Cyber -Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015.

He was arrested for internet-related offences on April 11 by the police who later handed him over to the Ibadan zonal office of the EFCC for further investigation.

Investigations by the commission revealed that the convict’s modus operandi was to illegally hack into people’s accounts to gain unrestricted access to vital and sensitive information, and covert same to fraudulent use.

In another development, Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has convicted and sentenced Onuoha Danhessy Akachuku (alias Joe Dickson) to three months imprisonment, for defrauding an American, Maria Jose Alvarez, the sum of $5,260 (Five Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty American U S Dollars) in a failed online romance deal.

Akachuku was arraigned by the Economic

and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt’s Zonal Office, on April 27, 2017 on a seven -count charge bordering on Conspiracy and Obtaining Money by False Pretense.

One of the counts read: “That you Onuoha Danhessy Akachukwu (alias Joe Dickson) sometimes between 2015 and 2016, at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy US Dollars ($2,370) from one Maria Jose Alvarez (an American) Via Money Gram which you transferred into your account number 3071174186 domiciled with First Bank Plc under the pretence that you are Joe Dickson, an American Engineer based in the United Kingdom willing to marry her, a pretext which you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act”.

He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against him, thus necessitating his trial. The trial progressed and the prosecution counsel, R.E. Alao called three witnesses to establish the case. However, Akachuku applied for a plea bargain and changed his plea to “guilty” and the bargain was adopted by both the prosecution and defence counsels.

Justice Omotoshp convicted him accordingly and sentenced him to three months imprisonment and a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) only. The convict also made restitution the sum of $2000 (Two Thousand United States Dollars) to his victim.

Akachuku’s journey to prison began on April, 2017 when he was arrested and subsequently arraigned for using many false FaceBook accounts to defraud one Maria Jose Alvarez, an American of the sum of Five Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty American U S Dollars ($5,260).

The convict had claimed to be an American Engineer based in the United Kingdom.

With this disguise, he was able to hoodwink his victim into a romantic relationship which according to him, will lead to marriage.

However, rather than marry his victim as arranged, he contrived so many lies aimed at defrauding the American and succeeded in duping her to the tune of $5,260.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal office, has arrested four suspected fraudsters for an alleged involvement in internet crimes.

The suspects are: Salako Segun, Bryan Emeka, Jason Odunola and Daniel Ezo. The suspects were arrested on Friday, May 24, 2019 in the Bakare Estate, Lekki and Osapa London, Lekki areas of Lagos State.

Their arrest followed intelligence report received by the Commission.

Items recovered from the suspects include two Lexus Rx350 Sport Utility Vehicles, one Mercedes Benz Saloon and six laptops.

The suspects will soon be charged to court.

Sirika counters Amaechi...

Continued from page 3

accused the media of misquoting the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

It would be recalled that the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, was unavoidably absent on Thursday at the valedictory press briefing where the Transport minister made the statement while fielding questions from journalists.

“The attention of the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has been drawn to reports in a section of the media quoting the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, to the effect that the Federal Executive Council has been divided over the mode of implementation of the National Carrier project.

“It is the belief of the Minister of State for Aviation that the Honourable Minister of Transportation was misquoted by the media in this respect, as the Federal Executive Council is one cohesive body that cannot be divided over any issue.

“According to Senator Hadi Sirika, the Nigeria Air project has the full support of Council which deliberated on it and approved.

“Consequently, President Muhammadu Buhari directed that the Viability Gap Funding for the project be provided for in the 2019 Appropriation which the National Assembly has graciously done.

“He regrets the media mix-up and assures the general public, and, more importantly, the prospective partners and investors, that the Nigeria Air project is fully alive and on course,” the statement reads.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Mixed reactions greet Supreme Short News Court verdict on Zamfara Hollandia Foundation set to Sweet, bitter but victory for democracy, Zamfara, says Marafa Justice has prevailed - Atiku, INEC to decide on Monday

Tunde Opalana, Abuja Mixed reactions have greeted Friday’s Supreme Court judgement that voids all votes cast for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara state in the last general election.

The unanimous judgement by justices of the Supreme Court laid to rest conflicting court verdicts that followed the case instituted against the party by Senator Kabiru Marafa representing Zamfara Central Senatorial District.

While Sen. Marafa described the judgement as sweet and bitter, said it’s a huge victory for democracy, Zamfara state and the country as a whole, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar said justice must prevail in all circumstances.

Marafa’s lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) charged political parties to maintain internal democracy while Bayelsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson on behalf of PDP governors congratulated the PDP governorship candidate in Zamfara state, Dr. Bello Mohammed Muttawale.

In a statement on Friday in Abuja, Sen. Marafa, who said no matter how long, truth will always prevail over falsehood, stated that “today’s judgement is a victory for democracy, triumph of truth over falsehood and redeeming of the integrity of the judiciary.

“As we all know, the APC was unable to conduct primaries in Zamfara state following Yari’s thuggery and violent machinations. With this, lesson has been served that only strict adherence to the rule of law and due process will take the country to the next level as being advocated

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“This judgement has shown that the President is religiously sincere with his non-interference stance on the functions of other arms of government. He has further endeared himself to Nigerians and the world for resisting all efforts by Abdulaziz Yari to force him to interfere on the judgement.”

Marafa, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), urged his adversaries to take the judgement as the will of Allah and a lesson that only Allah, the Almighty can crown a king.

Commending the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad for leading the apex court justices aright, he said the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.

“The acting chief justice and the justices that delivered the judgement have with this judgement, laid the foundation for the redemption of the battered image of the judiciary as painted by the likes of justice Bello Shinkafi.

“I will like to thank the judiciary, especially the Justice Tom Yakubu team at the Appeal Court and now the team in the Supreme Court, the courageous position of INEC, the unflinching support of the people of Zamfara state, my family for their wonderful support and prayers, my well -wishers and admirers in Nigeria and Diaspora for their overwhelming support.

“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man; therefore, all hands must be on deck to strengthen it,” he said.

Atiku Abubakar, commended the judgment, describing it as upholding the rule of law, declaring the PDP as winner of the gubernatorial election in Zamfara state as well as in the state House of Assembly elections.

He said nothing is as pleasing to the ears of believers, as justice being served in the

L-R: Ahosi (wife of Aholu); Baale of Panko, Mr. Gbewa Samson Awonronsu; Aholu AganoToniyon 1 of Agamathen kingdom :Mr Honfo Seyido Baale of Tande at the installation of Baales to Panko and Tande communities respectively in Agamathen, Badagry Lagos. holy month of Ramadan and commended the justices of the apex court for putting aside the interests of the powerful and upholding the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians.

He said that “God first, Nigeria second, must be our priority as trustees of the people. When justice prevails, the people rejoice, chains are broken, freedom is multiplied and society is enriched.”

Atiku is hopeful that the Supreme Court justices will let justice have full reign in other petitions that will come before them and that good conscience, fear of God and the rule of law will prevail.

In so doing, he said, the justices will write their names for good on the sands of time and avoid the infamy that oppressors wish to thrust on them as their legacy, while commending the Supreme Court for siding with justice.

The former vice president congratulated the Governor-elect, Bello Matawalle and the people of Zamfara, who will finally have a government that will address the issues that have made life an ordeal in that great state.

“The storm is over and peace and calm are coming to Zamfara,” he concluded.

Governor of Bayelsa state and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Seriake Dickson, congratulated Dr. Bello Mohammed Mutawalle, on his return as the governor-elect for Zamfara and the victory of other PDP candidates in the state by the Supreme Court.

The governor also congratulated the leaders of the party and its teeming supporters in Zamfara for their dedication, commitment and resilience which culminated in the party’s victory at the polls in Zamfara.

Dickson thanked the judiciary for standing up to the expectations of all well -meaning Nigerians as an impartial arbiter of justice, asserting that it was rather reassuring and commendable for the judiciary to display such a high level of courage and professionalism, especially given the unusual times.

He said that the ruling by the fivemember panel of the Supreme Court read

by Justice Paul Adamu Galinji on Friday, which annulled all the votes of the APC and

returned Mutawalle as winner was victory for justice and democracy in action.

The governor commended the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, for his exemplary display of leadership which has resulted in several victories for the PDP even during the prevailing circumstances.

Counsel to the Kabiru Marafa-faction of the APC in Zamfara state, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) in a statement Friday said “what the apex court has done today is to deepen, widen and strengthen democracy and our democratic precepts.

“It shows that parties must maintain internal democracy and cannot whimsically, capriciously and arbitrarily operate outside their constitution, guidelines, the Electoral Act and the constitution.

“The Supreme Court has redefined our jurisprudence, showing that when a party damages its primaries, it can never reap the proceeds of its illegalities.

“That is why and how the PDP that came second has today produced the governor, all senators, all House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates today in one fell swoop.”

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will come out with a decision on what direction to take on Monday.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Voter Education and Information, Festus Okoye in a statement on Friday, said INEC will hold an emergency meeting today to consider the court’s decision.

Okoye in the statement said that “the Supreme Court ruled that the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not hold valid party primaries as required by law.

“It held that all the votes scored by the APC in the said elections are wasted votes and declared that the candidates of political parties with the second highest valid votes and the requisite spread should be declared as having been elected.

“The commission will meet again tomorrow May 25 to further deliberate on the issues arising from the said judgment, while the final decision on the matter will be communicated to the public on Monday.”

curb child hunger Benjamin Omoike, Lagos

Come May 27, the Hollandia No Kid Hungry Foundation would be reaching out to children in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), camp located at Bogije community in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, to celebrate Children’s Day as well as World Nutrition Day scheduled for May 28.

The intention is to reach out to over 300 children at the camp who are vulnerable as a result of limited access to food.

Hollandia, the leading dairy brand in Nigeria from the stables of CHI Limited, strongly believes every child has the right to good nutrition, and has over the years, been involved in activities aimed at providing food for disadvantaged children through the Hollandia No Kid Hungry Foundation.

According to UNICEF, about 2.5 million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition. The report further states that Nigeria has the second highest number of stunted children in the world, mostly resulting from child malnutrition and hunger.

Being a dairy brand loved by children in households across Nigeria, the Hollandia brand is passionate about children and views these facts as further impetus to battle against hunger and malnutrition among Nigerian children.

Speaking about the Hollandia No Kid Hungry Foundation, Managing Director of CHI Limited, Deepanjan Roy, stated that the Bogije IDP camp visit would be a notable milestone in the journey of the foundation in her drive towards alleviating child hunger and malnutrition.

He said: “As a socially responsible company, we are naturally passionate about child nutrition. And in cognizance of the unsatisfactory situation with child nutrition globally and nationally, we initiated the Hollandia No Kid Hungry Foundation as a vehicle for contributing, in our own way towards slowing down the spiralling number of cases of hunger and malnutrition amongst children.

“When you think of these children in the IDP camps, you can imagine how many go to bed hungry every single night.

Even when they get to eat, how nutritious is the food they consume? So we thought to ourselves, what better way to identify with them than on their day. So, we will be there to celebrate the Children’s Day and World Nutrition Day with them and at least put smiles on their faces.”

Ambode commissions Lagos Theatre, Epe Benjamin Omoike, Lagos As part of activities to round off his administration, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state on Friday commissione the Lagos Theatre, Epe. According to the governor, the new edifice would help to promote tourism and hospitality both at Epe and Lagos in general.

He added that other parts of Lagos such as Igando, Oregun and Badagry, where such theatres had been commissioned by his administration would boost the economy of the local community.

“This is of course, in line with our promise to make tourism, hospitality, entertainment and the arts together with sports, the centre piece of our development agenda for the youth in our state.

“The Lagos state initiative to bring theatre experience closer to the people across the state has been generating positive excitement among creative minds across the project locations.

“Thus, the Lagos Theatre, located at Epe, and replicated in other areas of the state which include, Igando, Oregun and Badagry in its first phase, is to expand arts and performance spaces in Lagos and promote a thriving creative economy within the communities where these projects are located,” he explained.

The new theatre is a 400 -seating capacity complex with standard furnishings, a gallery, artiste changing room, rehearsal hall, restaurant space, restrooms, power generating sets and a well laid out car park.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

7 News

Ekiti: Fayemi, Eleka reach truce as Short News Supreme Court affirms APC’s victory My regret as Oyo governor - Ajimobi Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

Governor of Ekiti state, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Friday extended the olive branch to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the last election, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, urging his challenger to join him in building an economically viable Ekiti state that would serve the populace.

The governor called for the truce as the Supreme Court on Friday, dismissed Olusola’s appeal and declared Fayemi as the winner of the July 14, 2018 governorship poll.

There was wild jubilation in Ado Ekiti, capital of the Ekiti state as news filtered into town that Fayemi won at the apex court in the litigation filed against his re-election in 2018.

It was a double celebration at the Ekiti Government House as Fayemi had on Wednesday won the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Fayemi, who just returned to Ekiti from Abuja, said Olusola is an accomplished Ekiti person going by what he had read and heard about him and that he was ready to work with him to move Ekiti higher.

“Prof. Olusola Eleka is an illustrious Ekiti person. Though, I am not close to him, but with what I

have heard and read about him, he is an accomplished Ekiti man.

“He had served this state as a deputy governor and having pursued his case to the Supreme Court, he should forget about party politics.

He should come to Ekiti party; that is where we all belong, so that we can serve our people better and in a more beneficial way,” he said.

Also, Fayemi described both his appointment as the NGF chairman and his court’s victory as signals of good things to come for Ekiti and the South West.

Speaking further on the verdict, the governor said: “I have to give glory to God for finally bearing testimony to the fact that the election that brought me into office was credible and that the primary of my party was the best ever conducted by any party in the history of our nation.

“It also bears testimony to the fact that the so called white papers which indicted me was meant for nowhere but a trash can. The Supreme Court said the foundation trial courts did a yeoman’s job by saying the election in Ekiti was substantially compliant with the provisions of the law.

“Let me thank the Supreme Court for putting finality to this endless litigation because distraction is bound to happen when you have

endless cases in court.”

Meanwhile, the PDP governorship candidate in the last governorship election, Prof. Kolapo Olusola has congratulated Gov. Kayode Fayemi on his victory at the Supreme Court, imploring him to focus on governance without bitterness.

Olusola, who said his own brand of politics, is without bitterness, but of development and service called on all PDP members in the state to put the past behind them and unite to move the party forward.

While thanking Ekiti people for standing by him all through the court cases, Olusola restated that “my consolation at this time is that the people of Ekiti, as well as Fayemi and the APC knew I was robbed and God being God, the true story shall be told someday by those who orchestrated the theft.

“The least expectations of Ekiti people from Fayemi and APC now is that they should reduce the people’s pains by governing well so the people do not suffer double loss having now lost their mandate freely given.

“I urge Ekiti people to maintain peace and keep hope alive,” adding that everyone including himself will cooperate to move Ekiti forward as the state is greater than any individual.

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

After governing Oyo state for two terms, the outgoing Governor, Abiola Ajimobi has revealed what he could not do and his regret, adding that he regrets the fact that he was unable to do everything he wanted to do.

The governor said this on Friday when he spoke to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that he wished the people of Oyo state could be more understanding, could be more patient, but they feel that “anytime you try to make a change, people resist change even if it’s good for them.”

The governor also regretted that he wished he had been in politics 20 years ago.

However, the governor who expressed gratitude to God for making him the only governor to have governed the state for two consecutive terms said he has built a legacy that would stand the test of time.

Ajimobi also thanked President Buhari for the support he has given all the states, particularly during the period of scarcity of funds to execute projects, pay salaries and meet other socio-economic development demands.

“He (Buhari) was on hand to help all of us. He supported us by releasing funds to all of us and as at today, that I am talking most of the states, including Oyo state do not owe salaries.

“He also assisted us with social infrastructure that is extending the welfare nets to the states, that is why I am here to thank Mr. President because in another two days I am going for Umrah and by the time I come back I won’t be in office as governor.

“I am going to Umrah to thank God. When I came in, I pleaded with God to give me the opportunity to serve peacefully and that He did. I also want to thank the people of Oyo state for allowing me to be the first governor to do two terms of eight years, it has never happened in Oyo state,” he added.

Obaseki assents to bill on state polytechnic

Edo state Governor, Godwin Obaseki has assented to a bill changing the name of the Edo state Institute of Technology and Management to the Edo state Polytechnic, Usen, as part of moves to reposition the institution.

Rector of the institution, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, hailed the governor for sustaining efforts at repositioning the institution, noting that the new identity will drive them to work harder towards meeting the expectations of the polytechnic’s founding fathers.

Prof. Falodun said that “I will like to convey the appreciation of the management, staff and students of Edo state Polytechnic, Usen, formerly Edo state Institute of Technology and Management to Gov. Godwin Obaseki and the state government for the name change.

“Our new name is now formal. It has been a long time coming and we will like to appreciate the governor and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto for their support.”

He said the management will continue to work towards repositioning the polytechnic as a forward-looking, trailblazing and research-oriented institution of higher learning.

“We are very happy about this development. As has been the tradition here since I came on board, we will continue to work towards contributing to societal development through cutting-edge research and development, industry-relevant teaching and development-focused community outreaches,” he added.

Prof. Falodun urged members of the public and relevant government agencies to take note of the name change, stating that the institution would strengthen the relationship with key agencies of government to further deepen its contribution to national development.

The professor of pharmaceutical chemistry added that “while we appreciate the unflinching support of the above agencies and many others over these last two decades, we assure that the new identity will push us to even work harder to realise and surpass the expectations of the institution’s founding fathers and place it side-by-side with the best polytechnics in the world.”

Speaker condemns attack on Edo Assembly by protesters Titus Akhigbe, Benin

L-R, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, his wife , Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike and Former Ekiti State Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose during the Variety Night with Governor Wike on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

Buhari signs 2019 budget into law Mathew Dadiya, Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari will on May 27, append his signature to the 2019 budget passed a month ago by the National Assembly.

A source told the Daily Times that the President will assent to the appropriation bill on Monday after the Children’s Day national broadcast.

The National Assembly had on

April 30 passed the 2019 budget and was transmitted to the President 10 days later. The budget was raised by over N90.3 billion.

President Buhari had in early December presented the N8.826 trillion budget proposal to the National Assembly, but was increased to N8.916 trillion.

The deficit was increased from N1.86 trillion as contained in the President’s proposal to N1.908 trillion.

Highlights of the 2019 budget as approved by the National Assembly include, capital expenditure N2.094 trillion; recurrent expenditure N4.055 trillion; statutory transfers N502 billion; fiscal deficit N1.908 trillion; special intervention N500 billion and deficit to GDP 1.37 per cent.

The budget has debt service of N2.254 trillion. Out of this figure, N1.7 trillion was earmarked for domestic debts, N433 billion for foreign debts and N110 billion as sinking fund.

Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto yesterday condemned the attack on the state House of Assembly by civil society groups during their protest on Thursday in Benin City.

The civil society groups who were protesting against a bill for a law to provide for electricity theft and other related offences, which is currently before the Assembly, had pelted the walls of the Assembly premises with tomatoes as well as defacing them with palm oil.

But, reacting to the action of the protesters at a press briefing yesterday, Adjoto alleged that they were sponsored by politicians.

“These people are sponsored and they have exceeded their limits,” he said and accused a member of the House, Chris Okaeben of allegedly being one of the sponsors of the protest, even as he threatened that the House would bring the violent protesters to book.

He explained that there was an existing Act dealing with electricity theft which prescribes various imprisonment terms for offenders which the House was in the process of domesticating to suit the peculiar situation of Edo state, adding that if the civil society groups felt otherwise, they should have gone to court to challenge the bill.

However, in a swift response to the Speaker’s allegation of sponsoring the protest, Chris Okaeben said it was quite unfortunate for the speaker to have linked him with the protest carried out by civil society organizations over what they tagged anti- people’s bill.

He said the same civil society groups have been accusing him of conniving with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to the detriment of the people of the state.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Adeleke: Police prosecutor escapes Short News Firm threatens legal action against jail by whiskers NBL over intellectual property Andrew Orolua, Abuja A police lawyer, Simon Lough on Friday escaped jail by the whiskers after a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja threatened to convict him for contempt.

Meanwhile, the court has dismissed an application filed by the police seeking a stay of execution of an order, allowing Senator Ademola Adeleke to travel to the United States for medical check-up.

The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the application brought by the police for lacking in merit.

Justice Ekwo had on May 6 granted leave to Sen. Adeleke to travel to the USA on May 7 and to return on June 9 to enable him undergo an urgent medical check-up.

He equally ordered the senator to honour an invitation by the police on May 6 before he leaves for the United States, having restrained the police from arresting him.

Sen. Adeleke was however, arrested on the day he went to honour the police invitation and was consequently, arraigned the next day before a magistrate court in Mpape area of Abuja on

a five- count charge bordering on alleged false statement and forgery.

Adeleke, who is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2018 governorship election in Osun state was however, granted bail and has since travelled abroad for the medical check up.

To prevent the senator from embarking on the medical trip, the police approached the court with an application for stay of execution of the ruling, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal at the Court of Appeal.

Also, the police wanted the court to restrain Adeleke from acting upon or enforcing the ruling until the appeal is determined.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo said from the submissions of the police counsel, Adeleke has travelled and under-going medical check- up in America, “which means that the application is spent.”

By this development, he said there is nothing the court can do to stay the action as an injunction is not normally granted over a completed act.

“The issue here is not merely that of granting an injunction over a completed act, but whether a party can disobey an order of court and come before the same court seeking for its

discretionary power, expressing displeasure at the police for refusing to comply with the court order of May 3.

“The police resorted to self help by arraigning Adeleke before the magistrate court on May 7, just to stop him from travelling. It is obligatory on every person to obey the order of court. This court stands to commit Mr. Lough to prison custody for this blatant act of impunity and contemptuous disobedience.

“The exercise of restraint by this court in noted dealing with the learned counsel for the complainant/applicant (Lough) forthrightly is to demonstrate to the learned gentleman that the best use of power is to restrain,” Ekwo held.

He said by arraigning Adeleke on the day he was granted leave to travel for his medical check up in an inferior court, the police has acted disdainfully and thereby, derided the authority of the court, which he said is a condemnable act.

“It must be noted therefore, that when positive order of the court is flouted, it is the court that is unduly taunted,” the judge stated, describing Adeleke’s arrest by the police and his arraignment as a very dubious manoeuvre of judicial system in order to avoid compliance with the order of the court.

Moses Oyediran, Enugu An engineering company, Evanpower Engineering Limited has threatened to drag the Nigerian Breweries to court over alleged usage of its intellectual property.

It gave the beer company 21 days to pay for the use of the intellectual property or face legal action.

The company in a petition by its counsel A.U.G Ojinta to the managing director of Nigeria Breweries Plc is demanding for the payment of N750 million and N3, 744, 153.15 as fees for the blueprint design and work done respectively at its Ama plant 9th Mile corner in Enugu state.

In the petition made available to journalists in Enugu, Ojinta alleged that NBL refused to pay the engineering company after using the blueprint it designed to solve a control system challenge at its Ama plant.

Ojinta stated that following the repair, Nigeria Breweries asked his client to apply for registration as vendor/contractor with the company, which she did and was registered on May 21, 2015, under the automation, instrumentation and control system category.

Okowa commissions Admiralty University, Ibusa Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has described the collaboration between the armed forces and centres of learning as great contributors to military art and science.

The governor made the declaration on Friday at the official commissioning and first matriculation ceremony of the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta state.

According to the governor, most advances in military art and science are direct consequence of the close collaboration between the armed forces and centres of learning.

“It is commendable that the armed forces not only contribute to education, they also partner with the industrial sector in the production of goods and services.

“The foremost priorities of the present administration in the state remain the provision of skills and professional competencies for all its citizens and residents of the state.

“In the light of the increasingly complex challenges in the contemporary world, including employment challenges, the role of well groomed human capital cannot be over-emphasized; this explains the desire of the state government to build a functional, result oriented technical education system to boost vocational skills acquisition that would help to increase job creation in the state.

Bauchi students lament non-payment of 2 -year scholarship Samuel Luka, Bauchi

Four internet fraudsters land in EFCC Net

Sirika leads striking aviation workers to wages commission Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja In a bid to ensure that industrial harmony is restored in the aviation sector, the Minister of state for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has appealed to the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to hasten the process of delivering a new condition of service to the staff of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Sirika made the call when he led the leaders of joint aviation unions to the Chairman of the commission, Chief Richard Egbule in Abuja.

According the minister, the move was in a response to the industrial action declared by unions in the aviation sector to demand for a new condition of service among other things.

Our correspondent recalls that the unions including, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and

Engineers (NAAPE) and Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) had on Wednesday, shut down activities at the offices of NCAA nationwide to press home their demands.

They demanded among other things, the review of the staff condition of service, returning to the original organogram of NCAA and inauguration of the board of the authority.

Sirika told the salaries and wages commission chairman that he came to urge the commission to speed up the process of delivering a new condition of service to aviation staff.

He said the move was necessary because of the essential nature of services the staff render to the nation, adding that embarking on industrial action was not good for the industry.

The minister explained that he had swung into action immediately on Wednesday by granting two of the three demands put forward by the unions, adding that the issue of the condition of service was not within his ministry’s purview, hence the visit to the

commission.

“We appealed to them on Wednesday that out of the three demands, we would resolve two and that we were working toward the third one. They understood and left happily, but we heard that the staff back there in Lagos were unhappy with them and passed a vote of no confidence on them.

“We will appeal to them that what they are doing is an essential service. They have been assured by the chairman, they should take his word and believe us as leaders of this ministry because we have always walked our talk,’’ he said.

Egbule, however, assured the minister that the commission would take proactive measures toward producing a condition of service that would be acceptable to the workers.

While commending the minister for his commitment to staff welfare, he described Sirika as the first minister in the country to have ever visited the commission in respect of staff welfare.

President of the National Union of Bauchi state Students (NUBASS), Comrade Ahmed Shehu Hassan has lamented the non -payment of scholarship to indigent students of the state studying in various tertiary institutions across the country for two years.

Comrade Hassan made the lamentation while speaking to journalists on Friday in Bauchi.

Hassan, who alleged that only one per cent of the approximate 1.5 million students of Bauchi state origin benefited from the payment of the scholarship in the last two years, added that the beneficiaries were those who had connections in the state scholarship board.

“This is because of the corruption in the board and it is not unconnected with the selfish interests of the then national president. It is very sad that scholarship and bursary payments are being neglected by the government, especially in this era when people are struggling for food to eat and the payment of tuition fees is a problem,” he said.

Artistes celebrate Wike at variety night Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt Rivers state-based entertainers joined their international counterparts to celebrate Governor Nyesom Wike for his outstanding performance which formed the premise for his victory at the polls.

Tagged ‘variety night’ with Gov. Wike, the artistes thrilled the high-profile audience with songs, drama and comedy.

Gov. Wike, his wife, Justice Eberechi Nyesom-Wike, former Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose and former Rivers state Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia joined other leaders of Rivers state for the fun-filled night.

The state council of arts performed dances and drama sketches that detailed the political struggles and successes of the governor while the state’s official cultural troupe highlighted how Rivers men and women defended their votes against invading forces.

One after the other, the Rivers based artistes exhibited their talents and skills to the joy of the crowd.

Jikume Bethlehem raised the bar with her inspiring lyrics and wonderful dance steps, exhibiting the true Rivers spirit and was appreciated by the audience.

Veteran singer, Peter Stonecold proved his mettle as he led the people in a wonderful rendition that lifted the spirit of everyone, just as international gospel artiste, Mercy Chinwo was a delight.

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

9 News

Nigeria’s teledensity now 91%, says NCC Short News Joseph Inokotong, Abuja The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that it recently re-aligned the computation of the country’s teledensity with the latest population figure of 190 million, as stipulated by the National Population Commission (NPoC).

The current figure was given by the NPoC from the 140 million populations of 2006. Telephone density or teledensity is the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals living within an area.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said this in a statement in Abuja. Danbatta said that following the re-alignment, which is also in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s calculation of teledensity, the commission also arrived at a teledensity of 91 per cent by the end of March.

“This is just as active subscriber

base for the month of March increased to 173.7 million from 173.6 million in February, 2019.

“Hitherto, teledensity in Nigeria was calculated using the 140 million population official figure of 2006 against the prevailing monthly subscriber base,” Danbatta stated.

According to him, as at February when the 140 million population figure was last used and benchmarked against the active subscriber base of 173.6 million, the country’s teledensity stood at 124.05 per cent.

He however, added that from March, the commission began to use the rebased 190 million population of Nigeria as projected by the NPoC against the subscriber base of 176.7 million to calculate teledensity.

“With the regulatory realignment by the NCC, teledensity for the country as at end of March, 2019 was put at 91 per cent. This is based on the rebased population

figure of 190 million against active subscriber base of 173.7 million,” he said.

Danbatta said the clarification on teledensity calculation became necessary to avoid misinterpretation of the realignment to mean a reduction in teledensity.

“Rather, the teledensity actually did not reduce because in March, active mobile subscriber base actually increased. So, what has happened is a re-alignment of the teledensity calculation with the rebased population figure of 190 million against the prevailing monthly subscriber base.

“Which is a more realistic figure for the country in light of the latest population figure,” Danbatta said.

He said that the clarification was to accurately inform telecom operators and telecom investors, who must be provided with realistic and accurate figures needed for their day-to-day decision-making process.

Commissioner urges media practitioners to promote state positively Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah has called on the staff of the ministry of information and the state -owned media houses to redouble their efforts in the dissemination of information of government programmes and activities.

Chief Ukah made the call during the delegate conference of the state chapter of the National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Product Workers in Asaba.

The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Information, Paul Osahor said that the staff should reciprocate the government’s gesture in the release of funds for the purchase and reactivation of equipment for the media houses.

According to Ukah, the state government has reactivated the Government Printing Press, preparatory for full commercialisation, stressing that the Government Printing Press has now been put in a position to print all government documents and the Pointer Newspapers titles.

On Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri and Asaba, Ukah announced that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has approved the release of over N200 million for the purchase of modern equipment to improve the operations of the two state -owned electronic media organs.

Lagos elects new NAWOJ executive Benjamin Omoike, Lagos An employee of the Lagos state government, Adeola Taibat Ekine, has emerged winner of the just concluded Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos state chapter election held at the Multipurpose Hall of the Eko FM/Radio, Lagos.

Ekine, a public affairs officer with the Ministry of Information and Strategy defeated the immediate past Chairman of the Association, Sekinat Lawal with 296 as against 16 votes.

In the same contest, a staff of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Bunmi Yekini, won the position of vice chairperson, defeating Tessy Igomu ofThe SUN Newspaper by 297 to 11 votes.

Before the election, one of the contestants for the post of NAWOJ chairperson, Patience Okoh of the Federal Ministry of Information had withdrawn from the race.

Despite initial disagreement over the payment of membership dues, the election was concluded with the majority of voters casting their votes for Ekine whom they believed would address alleged perceived injustices that existed within the association in the past three years.

Lagos security agency assures whistle-blowers of confidentiality Benjamin Omoike, Lagos

L-R: Poet, Mr. Deji Ige; Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; Chairman of Ghana’s Convention People’s Party, and daughter of Mr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ms Samia Nkrumah; Group Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Guinean Historian and playwright, Professor, Djibril Tamsir Niane; Legal Practitioner and Moderator, Ms. Ayo Obe; and Afro musician, Mr. Femi Kuti, during the panel discussion themed ‘Africa’s History Redefined, our past, the path to the future,’ organised by UBA to mark Africa’s Day in Lagos on Wednesday.

Court dismisses Agada’s suit asking for certificate of return Andrew Orolua, Abuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed a suit filed by a House of Representatives candidate in the February 23 general elections, Ogewu David Agada seeking a mandatory order to be issued with a certificate of return.

Delivering judgment in the suit, Justice Ekwo held that the suit is an abuse of the process of the court having been filed while there is a multiplicity of actions on the same subject matter against the same opponent on the same issue.

“I agree with learned counsel for the defendant that the action as presently constituted is an abuse of the process of this court,” the

judge said.

“The consequential order of the court upon finding that an action is an abuse of court is to dismiss same and I do so,” he held.

Agada brought the action challenging the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue him with a certificate of return having scored the highest votes, with 12, 794 votes for the Oju/Obi Federal Constituency of Benue state in the February 23 general elections.

In the originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/327/2019 by his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), he argued that under Section 75 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010, he ought to be issued with a certificate of return since the Returning Officer,

Prof. C.C Iheukwumere, who declared him winner at 10:30pm on February 23, did not declare the result inconclusive or made it under duress.

The plaintiff added that the declaration by the returning officer was visually recorded.

But, INEC’s counsel in his objection, argued that Section 285 (1) and 251 of the constitution (as amended), the Federal High Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The commission also stated that only the Benue state National and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal can hear and determine the issue raised by the plaintiff who has gone before the tribunal on the same issue.

Chairman of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Israel Ajao has assured residents of Ikorodu and its environs of protecting their identity whenever they provide information to the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, (LNSC).

Ajao gave the assurance while responding to questions from stakeholders in Ikorodu division during a one-day seminar tagged: “Neighbourhood safety as a strategy for effective crime control in Lagos state” held at Ikorodu Town Hall, Ita Elewa.

The stakeholders while expressing their readiness to give information to the corps about suspected criminals in their neighbourhood, expressed concerns about their safety after providing information on suspected criminals citing the possibility of reprisal attacks.

Responding however, the chairman assured that as a competent security outfit, the agency will always protect informants by ensuring confidentiality of their identity.

The chairman, who was represented by Chief Tunde Aboyade, disclosed the dedicated phone numbers that members of the public can call to give information without disclosing their identity.

AFBA commends EFCC for tackling sacred cows The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received praise for taking the anti-corruption fight to the doorsteps of hitherto sacred cows in the country and for being the torchlight for the continent in the anti-corruption war.

The commendation came from the President of the African Bar Association (AFBA), Hannibal Uwaifo, while on a courtesy visit to the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu at the commission’s headquarters.

Uwaifo, who led a delegation of key officials of the association on the visit, appreciated Magu’s efforts in ridding the country of corruption and in setting the pace for a corruptfree continent.

“I commend the commission for taking the fight to the doorsteps of those who think they were beyond reach. We also commend the chairman for his bold action in spreading the fight around Africa,” Uwaifo said.

The president of the association, who described the EFCC as a torch light for the continent in the anti-corruption war, used the opportunity to invite the commission to the 2019 AFBA annual conference taking place in Cairo, Egypt.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

FG secures release of detained Nigerian Short News Court convicts ex-NIMASA director, 3 crew, vessel in Equatorial Guinea others of N331m theft Joseph Inokotong, Abuja

Succour has come the way of the Nigerianflagged vessel, MV CHARIS which was attacked by unknown assailants on May 5 and subsequently, rescued by the Spanish Navy and handed over to Equatorial Guinea as the ship has been released.

In a statement issued by Isichei Osamgbi, Head, Corporate Communications, NIMASA, he explained that the release of the vessel on Thursday was facilitated by the Nigerian Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, Ambassador Toko Ali Gongulong, with the assistance of the Defence Attaché, Navy Captain Seyi Oladipo, and officials of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The statement stated that “reports had circulated on certain online news platforms earlier in the week claiming that the Nigerian crewmen were arrested in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on suspicion of involvement in piracy activities.

“The Vice President of Equatorial

Guinea, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, also went on air on their national radio to announce that 10 sea pirates of Nigerian origin were arrested with regard to an attack on a vessel, MV BLUE MARLIN. “It was on this premise that the Nigerian ambassador, the defence attaché and officials of NIMASA in a combined effort moved to correct the erroneous information and thereafter, secure the release of the Nigerian crew.

“Meanwhile, a clearer light on the details of the incident involving the Nigerian-flagged vessel, MV CHARIS has now emerged. MV CHARIS is a tugboat which was on its way to execute a vessel recovery contract in Equatorial Guinean territorial waters, when it was attacked by unknown armed assailants on May 5, 2019.

“The vessel was commandeered by the attackers and used to attack the much larger Maltese-flagged vessel, MV BLUE MARLIN around the same area of the initial attack.

“However, in the latter case, the captain of MV BLUE MARLIN was able to send a

distress call, which was responded to by a Spanish Navy vessel.

“It was the intervention of the Spanish Navy that stopped the attack, as the attackers took to their heels at the approach of the naval ship. The fate of some of the assailants is still undetermined.

“Both MV BLUE MARLIN and the MV CHARIS were subsequently, handed over to the Equatorial Guinea Navy by the Spanish Navy, as the incident was clearly in their jurisdiction.

“At this point, a misunderstanding of the specifics occurred between the arresting authorities because on arrival in Malabo, MV BLUE MARLIN was docked for repairs, with its crew treated decently, while MV CHARIS and its crew were detained by the police under threat of being charged with piracy, whereas they were equally attacked and hijacked by the pirates.

“The eventual release of MV CHARIS and its crew was made possible by the joint efforts of the Nigerian ambassador, the defence attaché, and officials of NIMASA.”

Peter Fowoyo, Lagos A Federal High Court, Lagos on Thursday convicted Mr. Callistus Nwabueze Obi, a former executive director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over the unlawful conversion and theft of N331 million.

Also convicted by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun are one Dismass Alu Adoo, a personalaAssistant to the former Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi and two companies owned by Obi, Grand Pact Limited and Global Sea Investment Limited.

Justice Olatoregun however, discharged and acquitted Obi and Adoo of the charges of conspiracy, saying that the prosecution failed in establishing the offence against the duo.

Obi, a lawyer and other convicts were charged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of conspiracy, unlawful conversion and theft of N331 million belonging to NIMASA. They were accused of committing the offences between January 6, 2014 and May 30, 2015 in Lagos.

Bayelsa: Ijaw leaders give conditions for endorsing guber candidates Akam James, Yenagoa Leaders of the Ijaw nation have given conditions that must be met before endorsement to all aspirants in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa state.

The leaders from all works of life including some of the guber aspirants made their views known, during a one-day workshop on credible governorship election and good governance in Bayelsa state with the theme: “Building consensus through the Ijaw charter and Ijaw nation code of ethics, leadership and governance” in Yenagoa, the state capital.

In a communiqué issued after the conference, the participants noted that “the development of the Ijaw nation has not in any form been commensurate with the depth of resource endowment in Ijaw land and this indeed, is a reflection of leadership challenges.

“The recourse to violence during elections offer far-reaching negative consequences for the development of the state as it puts to question the critical essence of leadership in Bayelsa state.

“It was the resolve to change the trajectory of unaccountable leadership that inspired the production of the Ijaw Charter and the Code of Ethics, Leadership and Governance, which overall intent is to entrench the fundamentals of good, accountable, transparent and participatory governance to engender peace, security, social inclusion and justice for the sustainable economic growth and development.

Shell spends N221m on infrastructure in Rivers - GM Joseph Inokotong, Abuja

L-R: Public Affairs Manager (Lagos/West), Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), Ifeoma Okoye; Director, Employment Generation, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Abdulhakeem Ashimi; Public Affairs and Communication Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Ekuma Eze; External Communications Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Olatomiwa Akande and Programme Facilitator, Sam Obafemi during the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited Youth Empowered Workshop held in Abeokuta.

Host communities shut Chevron flow stations in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Host communities in Delta state have shut down Chevron flow stations in their areas over alleged breach of agreement and other grievances.

Flow stations in Utunana and Kokodiagbene in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state were shut down by aggrieved indigenes following irreconcilable differences with the oil company, especially over alleged breach of the memorandum of understanding entered into between the host communities and the multinational oil company.

It was gathered that the host communities have been having running battles with major foreign oil companies operating in their domain.

Officials of Chevron Nigeria Limited who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity said that “we had to shut down our flow station in Utunana and Kokodiagbene in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South for disregard to our

agreement and attacks on our facilities.

“We need to have free flow operations and not being disturbed over frivolities, continued crisis to inhibit our workings” they explained.

But, the state Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, who sued for peaceful coexistence among the host communities and Chevron Nigeria Limited told journalists in Warri that the issue which gave birth to the crisis were being looked into, adding that shutting down the flow stations in the area was unhealthy to the host communities, the company, the state and federal governments.

Otuaro however, called on the oil company to look into the development of its host communities and ensure an amicable resolution, disclosing that the Okowa led administration would continue to take proactive steps in peace building and affirmed that no meaningful progress can be made in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.

He charged the company and stakeholders of the communities to work in accordance with the decisions reached for peaceful working

relationship, adding that it was only in peaceful coexistence that businesses thrive.

General Manager, Policy, Government Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Esimaje Brinikins in a reaction, said that the company would work to meet the ultimatum and address all issues raised by the host communities to avoid further crisis, adding that Chevron Nigeria Limited was prepared to open its flow stations in the areas and thanked the state government for the timely intervention to avoid loss of revenue.

Some of the stakeholders in Egbema, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Kokodiagbene and Makaraba communities who spoke to journalists, said that if the ultimatum issued to Chevron Nigeria Limited was not respected, they would not allow the re-opening of the flow stations, alleging that the oil firm has refused to provide basic amenities for its host communities, adding that the oil company has also failed to implement the memorandum of understanding reached in the time past.

Shell Petroleum Development Company said it invested over N221.08 million on several infrastructural projects in nine host communities in Rivers state.

The projects include eight units of one bedroom flat, five 500kva electricity transformers, solar powered lighting and neighbourhood water system and perimeter fence, among others.

The benefiting communities are Chokocho, Chokota, Ikwerrengwo, Imeh, Okoche, Umuakuru, Umuebulu, Umuochashi and Umuakuru.

This was disclosed by SPDC’s General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli, at the formal handover of the projects to the communities.

Represented by Shell’s External Relations Manager, Land Hub, Dr. Chibuzor Anyim, the oil giant said the investments were part of its global memorandum of understanding on project delivery to its host communities.

He said: “Aside the projects, we have invested on various economic empowerment and human capital development programmes, such as, Etche 1 & 2 cluster joint skills acquisition for 62 physically challenged persons.

Okowa’s four years, a blessing to Delta – Aide Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has been described as a great manager of resources and a blessing to Deltans. The disclosure was made by his aide on media, Ossai Ovie Success in Asaba on Thursday.

According to Ossai, the ongoing development in Delta state today is as a result of Gov. Okowa’s prudent management of resources.

“Gov. Okowa being an experienced politician has been able to do justice to the state resources in bringing prosperity to Deltans.

Over the years as governor, he has been able to complete over 300 road projects with over 40, 000 unemployed youth transformed into owners of businesses and employers of labour in the Okowa’s job creation scheme.

The aide, who eulogised the governor for his achievements in the technical education sector, said the governor has transformed over six technical colleges in the state to world class technical schools.

“As at today, Gov. Okowa has been able to transform six dead technical colleges to world class colleges and there are more technical institutions that are currently undergoing transformation,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

11

Why celebrity marriages crash - Gloria Okafor Gloria Okafor fell in love with the camera at a very tender age and ever since she excelled in her new chosen field as an actress cum producer who has featured in countless movies.

The graduate of Statistics and Computer Science and a native of Nnewi sure has a lot to offer the creative industry. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Gloria spoke on her venturing into the movie industry, why lots of female actresses have delved into production, reasons celebrity marriages crash, and her ideal man amongst others. Enjoy…

It’s almost the second quarter of the year, how has the journey been so far?

The last few months have been work all through because I have not really had time to rest but all the same I thank God who is the giver of talent.

For you, what is the challenge in putting out a production like this?

Initially one of the challenge that happens to most movie producers is that when you are looking forward to use a particular actor in your film and the person is not available; it knocks you out; one thing about me is that I make proper planning before shooting a movie, I take the pain to call all the cast and crew needed to know their schedules. As regards funding, I have also imbibe the culture of getting things already sorted out before starting off so that I am not left hanging.

Did you see your becoming an actress while growing up?

I wouldn’t say that because the truth is the trait of going into entertainment was already there due

Primitive Dim ‘O ma (Igbo), Tears and Blood, Unveiled, Duplicity, Wanted Girl, Chinelo the Shy Virgin among others.

Which will you consider easy for yourself, as a producer or actress?

Actually been a producer is stressful while been an actress is stress-free; most time as an actress, I try as much as possible to put myself in the shoes of the producer and won’t not want to stress the person because I understand what it feels like to be a producer.

Are you saying no producer or director has approached you for a relationship or sex for role?

None! If you doubt me, then let them quote me wrong by speaking up.

There is a misconception about actors who ventured into movie production because of limited roles from film makers; would you say you fall into this category?

I don’t fall into that category because most of the movies I played are based on recommendation. My mother would always tell me that ‘acting will take me to where my legs cannot take me and millions of people will be watching me’. So, the producers or directors also discovered my talent by watching my works. However, I perceive movie production as another phase in the industry I need to explore.

What have been the challenging moments in the last few months?

Well for me, I won’t say there have been challenging moments because everything has been planned out. It will interest you to know that I just I finished the production of two of jobs ‘Pages in between and Hidden Flaw’ and I am currently working on the post production now because one of them will be coming out pretty soon.

What is the movie ‘Pages in between’ all about?

The movie is a dear one because it concerns we entertainers especially those of us in the movie world because we are been seen or known as entertainers but people have a different perception about us most which centres on negatives thoughts. The movie shed lights about a particular character that was misjudged because she chose acting as a career and on her first meeting with her soon-to-be laws, they already had their judgment based on her chosen field.

check out most of the jobs produced by female filmmakers, they come out beautiful.

Do you have dream roles?

No because I don’t like to be stereotyped to a particular role at all time; that is why I am an actor, I should be able to interpret any given role as long as it does not portray nudity. I am mindful in roles playing because my parents had told from day one that I shouldn’t play a role that when they see me on TV, they will disappointed; I don’t forget where I come from because that is home.

Gloria Okafor to the fact that my mum worked with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Benue State where she had a particular programme she anchored tagged ‘Children Variety’ and then as a child, she will dress me all up and take me along to the studio.

Truth be told, going with her made me fall in love with the camera and when I told her I wanted to going to entertainment, she gave a nod that she will support me.

So did you for the love of acting study Theatre Arts?

Not at all, I studied Statistics and Computer Science but the love for acting just came up and I am proud that I am doing well. It is important to state here that it is very key to go to school and have a basic ground in education but honestly there is nothing as joyful as doing what you love to do; so I will say acting puts food on my table and gives me lot of fulfillment.

Don’t you regret dropping your certificate for showbiz?

Never, the joy is the fact that I have a certificate, I may decide to go back to it when I want to but showbiz is something that I have utmost passion for and career that I want to purse as long as I want because I don’t see myself giving up anytime soon.

A lot of female entertainers have delved into movie production and competing with their male counterparts; how do you feel about this move?

It makes feel proud and happy because now ladies in the entertainment industry know what they want unlike before when ladies struggle to get roles as the case may be. First you need to know what you want and be disciplined plus when you are blessed with the resources, nothing can stop your drive. It also gladdens my heart that when you

What will make you reject a script?

If the script portrays nudity and weak story line.

Sex for movie role has been known to happen in some cases in the industry; have you had such experience?

I have not experienced such and the sayings that the way you dress is the way you will be addressed comes to play because most people that have watched my movies know that I don’t involve myself in silly things because producers know my worth and as such they can’t approach me for such.

Among the movies you have featured which would you say is your favourite?

I have played notable roles in movies including Husbands of Lagos and Public wife. Though, I didn’t play lead role in the movie, the flick gave me recognition and I played a different character from the usual good girl role. However, I also featured on flicks like Lucy’s Dilemma, My wife and I, For the Love of You, Journey to Wed luck, Dusted,

What should your ideal man look like?

Very important, he has to be God fearing, supportive and have a vision because most men when they see a lady doing well career wise; for instance, as I am a producer, they tend to have a change of mind if they could manage such a lady as wife or in a relationship.

I need a man who will join forces so that we both can build an empire.

How would you describe love?

Love is like a tree with different branches. Sometimes, you enjoy the fruit, then it falls off and also you have to water the fruit for it to grow again. For me, it has been weary and enjoyable. Though, I have experienced heartbreak, it’s a lesson for a healthy relationship and I don’t have any regret at all.

Would you bring your private life to social media for judging?

Hell No!! I won’t do such because most celebrities that live their private life don’t usually get involved in such; I think in everything we do, there should be caution and know when to draw the line because most people are just looking for what to say and make news headlines. For me, I don’t see myself doing that even though as an entertainer; I don’t have to put my family on the line.

There is this belief that it is hard for a female celebrity to keep a home?

A lot of things come with fame but controlling it is what matters; even though you may appear to be the reigning queen at the moment, I feel there should be a level of control; your man should be able to stand his ground. One major reason why we have lots of marriage crashing is that fact most Nollywood actresses put their careers first before their marriage. No matter how good you are as an actress, definitely producer will call you for jobs but a situation when you can’t balance your marriage, career and children together; such union is bound to crash.

How would you advice those aspiring for success?

To become successful and relevant in the industry, you have to remain focused and determined. Most importantly, your work will discover you.

Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Falz to host over 6,000 fans at ‘The Falz Experience II’ Internationally-acclaimed Nigerian entertainer, Falz has announced he’s hosting the second edition of his headline concert, The Falz Experience.

The live concert will feature performances by Falz with support from friends of the artiste to the delight of over 6,000 fans at Eko Convention Centre on June 8, 2019.

With early bird tickets already sold out, it is expected that the show will surpass the recordbreaking 100 million views recording by the debut edition in 2017.

The maiden edition of the show, which reportedly gulped a whooping sum of N300 million, elevated the concert experience in Nigeria and the follow-up edition promises to be even more

groundbreaking.

Fans will be able to guess what the two-time AMVCA winner will do at the show by using the hashtag #WhatWillFalzDo. From predicting the songs that will be played to which version of Falz that will be showcased, Falz is putting the power in the hands of the fans to predict the concert.

Premier creative collective, Livespot, will be producing The Falz Experience for the second time in a row which should come as exciting news for the fans.

Livespot became a household name after brilliantly producing Darey’s “Love Like A Movie” concert series. They brought the same energy and level of creativity to Falz’s debut concert and we can only imagine that they’ll exceed expectations once more this year.

Femi Odugbemi

MultiChoice partners New York Film Academy to ignite Africa’s creative industry Falz

Toolz, Tobi Bakre, Mercy Johnson, others unlock potentials of social media at ‘Handle It Africa 2019’ Stories Mutiat Alli The third edition of Handle It Africa was resplendent as celebrities, influencers and young society shapers converged at Oriental Hotel Lagos on Friday May 17, 2019 to discuss all things social media.

Conversations at Nigeria’s foremost and most engaging social media conference centred around brands’ expectation from influencers, creating exciting content, the power of lifestyle in social media campaigns, using social media to control political narratives and creating additional value with social media.

Themed ‘Extending the Frontiers’, the conference was attended by predominantly upwardly mobile young Nigerians yearning to learn more about the pros and cons of social media.

Adenike Adebayo, a movie reviewer and filmmaker, helmed the first panel which featured Akah Nnani, Winifred Emmanuel, MC Lively and Oyinkansola Ewunmi.

Speaking of how he found

success on social media, MC Lively pointed to originality, saying “I basically just told my story” and added that “to blow is not nearly as important as staying relevant”.

Oyinkansola and Emmanuel harped on the need to have a consistent presence, adopt a human and engaging approach to attain success on social media.

Akah, who admitted that he “struggled and stumbled” before he found his balance, warned that “we should not be slave to clicks and likes”.

Chidi Okereke moderated the session on ‘What do Brands Really Want?’ while Terver Bendega, Amalia Sebakunzi, Tobi Bakre and Sisi Yemmie served as panelists.

The quartet spoke about the fragile relationship between brand and influencers while they also proffered solutions to the problems that arise from unsatisfactory campaigns.

According to Terver Bendega, “the tension between influencers and brands comes up when influencers overestimate how much influence they have” while Amalia noted that “the essence of

Cross section of entertainment panelist

an influencer is to create original content”.

Reacting, Bakre said influencers should be carried along if there’s going to be a meeting between agencies and brands. He stressed that brands should engage influencers on longer tenures for cheaper rates and urged people with personal brands not to accept every job offered to them.

Commenting on pro-bono influencing, Sisi Yemmie admitted that smaller brands should be given significant discounts to aid their growth while she also expressed reservations over outrightly free jobs.

Tomike Adeoye helmed the panel on ‘Unleashing The Power Of Lifestyle in Social Media Campaigns’. It featured Mimi Onalaja, Ozinna Anumudu, and Timini Egbuson.

The conference, which is the brainchild of Olufemi Oguntamu, is designed as a platform to help brands and individuals harness the benefits of social media.

Oguntamu is a social media professional and founder of Penzaarville.

MultiChoice is pleased to announce the partnership between its flagship initiatives MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) and the New York Film Academy College of Visual & Performing Arts (NYFA), a world-renowned visual and performing arts school.

Speaking on this groundbreaking collaboration between New York Film Academy and the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), Mr. Femi Odugbemi, Academy Director, West Africa said, “The MultiChoice Talent Factory’s mission is to ignite Africa’s already established creative industries through training and skills development, as well as foster new and original programming” Odugbemi explained that the much anticipated MTF Master Class kicked off in January, supported by various industry partners and will include series of workshops intended to increase MultiChoice Talent Factory’s purpose of up skilling film and TV creative’s. Taking place across various cities, the Master classes are also presented to industry professionals with the intention of developing technical skills of established creative’s in cinematography, audio and storytelling to improve the quality of local productions.

Cheryl Uys-Allie, MTF Director, reiterated that MultiChoice’s commitment to partnering with industry experts such as the New York Film Academy is to promote and protect the growth of Africa’s creative industries. She also pointed out that the endorsement of the MultiChoice Talent Factory by New York Film Academy confirms the film school’s

continued efforts to empowering and developing filmmakers across the world.

For more than a decade, the New York Film Academy has lent support to African content creators and performers by hosting workshops across the continent, where the institution’s faculty has met with thousands of students in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya and further bridged its hands-on intensive training in both the visual and performing arts as well as offering information sessions, auditions, and portfolio reviews to attendees.

The New York Film Academy prides itself in developing students through a “learning by doing” approach, blending a mixture of traditional film school instruction with coursework and practical experience, where students learn to make films by actually making films. Through this partnership, MultiChoice continues its commitment to enriching lives by igniting the creative industry across Africa.

“The New York Film Academy is honored to be a part of the enrichment, development, and fostering of storytellers across Africa, a continent steeped in a rich history of dynamic, creative and passionate visual and performing artists,” states Jim Miller, NYFA VP. “Over the years, NYFA has been privileged to have hosted hundreds of students—from dozens of African nations—many who have found outstanding success in their national industries when they returned home. This MTF and NYFA collaboration is a natural extension of our commitment to help bolster the skills of talented African storytellers.

Woke Entertainment act, ‘Pa Brymo’ out with debut single Afro Pop sensational act, Agbede Ighodaro Precious, better known as Pa Brymo by his growing teaming fans, is out with his debut single titled ‘ Feel Me’ featuring Otunba Lamba himself, Slimcase.

The Lagos born-Benin act is sure prepared to bless the industry with his new style of music and vibe through the release of quality music that stand the test of time.

Pa Brymo, who discovered his music talent at an early stage of his life, is inspired by the likes of WizKid, Meek Mill and a couple greater artists.

FEEL ME is Pa Brymo’s first Official single on Woke Entertainment and is produced by CrAcker and the video was directed by Stanz visuals.

This song is certified DOPE and guaranteed to keep you dancing all through.

On the inspiration behind the new

song, Pa Brymo noted that he feels it the time is now for the industry to listen to his style of music and appreciate his potentials.

Pa Brymo

13

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Society Gist

Fowler, Onyema, John Mahama attend African Business Summit/DAMA 2019 Isaac Oguntoye The 2019 edition of African Business Summit [ABS] and Development In Africa Merits Awards {DAMA 2019} was held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja on the 24th of May 2019 with prominent individuals and companies like Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Services [FIRS] Babatunde Fowler, Nigeria Stock Exchange Chief Executive, Oscar Onyema and Former Ghana President, John Mahama among acclaimed world and African dignitaries recognised for their contributions to the development in Africa.

Put together by Delta Business School, the ABS/DAMA is an annual

Fowler

conglomeration of African countries.

It was designed to bring together great speakers within the continent, recognise Corporate Organisations and individuals who have been able to navigate their business to optimal operational effectiveness.

The event which witnessed prominent guests across African countries and members of diplomatic space was also a convergence of great speakers that discussed the theme “Trends in Global Corporate Governance, The Big Pictures and Lessons for Africa”.

Organisers of the event disclosed that apart from distinguished individuals honored, Financial Institutions, Aviation Companies, Insurance outfits amongst others were also recognised.

FG committed to making Nigeria more investment-friendly, says Osibanjo Nigeria, Ms. Aida Ghebreselassie, First Secretary, Embassy of Norway, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim, Representative of H.E. Prof.

Yemi Osibanjo, Vice President of the Federal TRepublic of Nigeria, and Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), H.E. Dr. Jyrki pulkkinen, Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria)) Vice-President Yemi Osibajo has reiterated that the one of the major focus of the present administration is to make the country more investment-friendly to potential investors across the globe.

Osinbajo stated this at a two-day event in Lagos, tagged “Nordic-Nigeria Connect – Innovating for Change.”

Nigeria is gradually emerging as a hotbed of innovations cutting across financial services, agriculture, hospitality and entertainment. The efforts to diversify the Nigerian

economy, job creation, rural and inclusive development require innovative solutions. The power of collaboration and co-creation is key.

Represented by Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Osinbajo said that Nigeria and the Nordic countries have had long relations and as such the conference initiative will further strengthen the partnership that will emerge at the end of the event as the Nordic- Nigeria connect seeks to combine the ideas and solutions from the Nordic countries and Nigeria.

“The Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Dr Jyrki Pulkkinen, said that there was a lot of potential in Nigeria that needed to be well harnessed.

The new Finnish Ambassador said it was imperative for Nigeria to invest in the development of her infrastructure

and education, adding that Nigeria was the biggest economy in West Africa.

“Nigeria really needs to invest in the development of infrastructure and education.

“Education is the key for all countries to develop. People will demand innovation when a country invests heavily in education,” he said.

The Charge d’Affaires of Sweden Embassy in Nigeria, Amb. Steffan Tillander, said that the Nordic countries believed that through collaboration and co-creation much more would be achieved.

Tillander said that well-functioning infrastructure development would not be possible anywhere, adding the Nordic cooperation was a good example to be emulated.

“Our Nordic cooperation is a good example. We believe we are stronger when we join forces at home and abroad.

L-R: H.E. Mr. Poul Jacob Erikstrup, Minister Counsellor, Consulate General of Denmark, Lagos, H.E. Mr. Staffan Tillander, Charge d’affaires, Embassy of Sweden in Nigeria, Ms. Aida Ghebreselassie, First Secretary, Embassy of Norway, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim, Representative of H.E. Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, Vice President of the Federal TRepublic of Nigeria, and Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, H.E. Dr. Jyrki pulkkinen, Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria

Bola

Hajia Bola Shagaya plans big Although still few months to come, plans are already in place for the 60th birthday of indefatigable businesswoman and top notch society woman, Hajia Bola Shagaya.

The high society is sure set to witness another opulent shindig come next October; and feelers have it that the popular socialite and some close allies are leaving no stone unturned for a wow birthday celebration.

Hajia Bola, we gathered, is in also in her own capacity silently bigger plans to throw the biggest bash of the year in celebration of life, love and all-round sound health despite the troubles of recent. Her children aren’t left out of the planning either.

According to those who should

know, they have already gathered substantial resources to be lavished on giving their mother a befitting and memorable shindig that will be talked about for a long time. It is an event that will surely shake the entire social circuit to its foundations.

Bola Shagaya is the Managing Director/CEO of Practoil Limited, one of Nigeria’s largest importers and distributors of base oil. Not only is she a household name in social and business circles, she maintains a deep web of connections with those at the summit of power, and is an-law to a couple of big wigs in the political arena of Nigeria, like the former PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Hon. Adedamola Kasumu celebrates mum It was an emotionally charged atmosphere on Tuesday as the Lawmaker representing Ikeja Constituency 2, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu (a.k.a ARK) celebrated the 64th Posthumous Birthday of his beloved mother, Chief (Mrs.) Abiodun Arafat Abiola Kasunmu Chief (Mrs.) Kasunmu, was a renowned public servant, educationist and seasoned administrator.

Being a passionate Educationist, she served the State Government in various capacities including ‘Permanent Member 1′, Lagos State Primary Education Board and was also on the Committee for VISION 2010. She was the pioneer Chairperson of Lagos State Market Board and also the founder of MODUPE MEMORIAL SCHOOL, Magodo, Lagos.

She was the daughter of the late Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Alhaja (Dr) Abibatu Mogaji the mother of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Among other honours and awards, she held the Chieftaincy title of YEYE AMOYE ILU OF LAGOS and was married to Chief Adekunle Kasunmu, the Amoye Ilu of Lagos. Chief (Mrs) Abiodun Arafat Abiola Kasunmu was born on May 21st 1955 and passed away on October 2nd 2006 at 51.

In an emotion-ladden message to commemorate the brief occasion, Hon Kasunmu said ‘Mama today is your Birthday and, had it been that you are

here, you would have been 64 today.

You are no longer with me physically and I missed you for real, but your great Legacies, accomplishments and good names will continue to live on. Continue to rest in the Bosom of the Lord, Maami.

So long”, wrote Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu on his social media pages.

Kasumu

14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Mixed Grill

More Children’s Entertainment on DStv, GOtv with launch of PBS KIDS Mutiat Alli In an effort to reach more children, PBS Distribution has partnered with MultiChoice Africa to bring PBS KIDS’ high-quality educational children’s content to the DStv and GOtv platforms available in all of sub-Saharan Africa. From Wednesday 22 May, all active DStv customers as well as GOtv Max and GOtv Plus customers will enjoy Pinkalicious and Peterrific, Arthur and other well-known PBS KIDS series available on DStv channel 313 and GOtv channel 65.

“MultiChoice is always open to exploring ways to expand our customer offering, adding a children’s channel that is not only entertaining but also experiential and educational adds value to our

DStv and GOtv packages,” says Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria.

Andrea Downing, Co-President of PBS Distribution, said: “We are excited to offer this new audience the opportunities that PBS KIDS content offers. PBS KIDS is the number one educational media brand for kids, offering children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds. DStv and GOtv are inviting parents and children to experience this trusted content that helps children learn and grow.”

Among the series included in the channel are Pinkalicious andPeterrific, Arthur as well as WordWorld. Pinkalicious and Peterrific is based on the beloved book series by Victoria Kann. It encourages children to engage in self-expression and to explore the arts, including music, dance, and

visual arts. Kids will be inspired to get creative by Pinkalicious, Peter, and their friends through adventures in their neighborhood of Pinkville Arthur is based on the bestselling children’s books by Marc Brown and follows the adventures of eight-year-old Arthur Read, while WordWorld, through the lovable WordFriends, take children on adventures in a world of words where they encounter problems that can only be solved by building a word. It playfully demonstrates the connections between letters, sounds, words and meanings to empower children to advance from learning letters to learning how to read.

PBS KIDS will also feature episodes from Postcards from Buster, Peep and The Big Wide World and Time Warp Trio.

#EatDrinkFestival to hold in Abuja Ahead of its sixth edition, organisers of Nigeria’s premier food and drink festival#EatDrinkFestival, have revealed that this year’s edition of the festival will hold for the first time in Abuja having successfully executed five editions in Lagos.

Aimed at promoting and growing the small scale businesses, t h e co-founder and Festival

Director of the event, Folayemi

Agusto disclosed that the essence of the festival is to bring together an eclectic and carefully curated selection of Abuja’s talented food and drink vendors in other to promote local talents in culinary arts in a dynamic way.

‘I am super excited that the train of the festival is moving to Abuja and subsequently as we grow; we can expand to other states and further increase t h e numbers o f

participants annually’.

Billed to hold come June 8, 2019 at the Harrow Park, Abuja; the event is also designed connect numerous food lovers, chefs, mixologists, cook, local and international press to an amazing lifestyle experience thereby enhancing vendors to meet to their potential customers.

On partnering with the festival for the second time in a row, Daphne Akatugba- Marketing manger Sterling Bank noted that the bank support for the festival is in line with the bank commitment to support small and medium scales enterprises (SME) in Nigeria.

However the Abuja edition is equally supported by MAGGI who will play host to a series of culinary attractions from live cooking demonstration to cooking challenges amongst others.

L-R: Co-founders, Eat Drink Festival, Folayemi Agusto; Nosa Oyegun and Daphne Akatugba, Marketing manager, Sterling Bank

Premature ageing on the rise Recent statistics of how young people Experience premature aging is alarming!

In view of that I want to bring to your attention the different types of drinks, unknown to the public some of these drinks are made with sweeteners associated with lots of side effects, a good example is Erthritol its side effects includes bloating,stomach cramps, cancer amongst others.

Not every drink is good for you.

ZOOM CORNER With

Mariere Tracy

THE SUN: is one big culprit, the sun ray accelerates aging by depleting the skins Elatine and oil.

Avoid very hot sun.

NUTRITION: A lot of people think eating big portions of food with plenty of meat is good food, WRONG!!!

If your meal does not contain fruit’s,

vegetable and natural water that food is not a balanced diet.

SKIN CARE: Your skin is one of your five sense organs,give your skin equal attention as you give your stomach otherwise your skin will riot.

Stick to a good beauty routine, a good lotion and soap, the quality of cream you feed your skin with will determine the quality of skin healthiness and glow you’ll receive.

As a beauty therapist and the queen of beauty that’s my advice on how to fight premature aging.

Let’s meet here same time next week look me up on social media @mariere tips Facebook page,YouTube and Instagram.

Pass this information on to your friends it will help them.

Patoranking new album cover

Patoranking releases new album, ‘Wilmer’ Talented superstar, Patoranking has released his second studio album ‘Wilmer’ at a well attended event. The album is a follow-up to his debut album ‘God Over Everything (GOE)’ released in 2016.

With 12 tracks, the album boasts of songs with different genre that includes Afrobeat, Konto, Gqom,

Afro-Fusion, and Reggae amongst others Wilmer had productions from the very best in the industry that includes DJ Coublon, Sarz, Abayomi Kadejoh, Mix Master Garzy, Greendoe, DJ Buddha/Shermanology/Mensa with features of top shot likes Davido, Donae’o, Dadju, Busiswa, Bera, Nyashinski amongst others.

Rasak and Sade Okoya

Chief Rasak, Sade Okoya’s visit He had all reasons to be among those who will qualify to be the Queen’s guests, and it was officious for him and his wife at the palacious Buckingham Palace in London.

Billionaire industrialist and foremost businessman of Eleganza Industries fame, Chief Rasak Akanni Okoya, and his beautiful wife, Chief Dr. Mrs. Shade Okoya recently joined the world notable celebrities to dine with Queen of Elizabeth II of England at her Palace.

Aare Akanni Okoya was like in another honeymoon for her beau and the power couple that has grown to become one of Nigeria’s favorite celebrity couples, as they recently celebrated their two decades of blissful marital union.

The duo attended the Queen’s

Garden Party, held on the evening of Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at the Buckingham, the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom, located in the City of Westminster.

The Okoya’s are now the toast of the moment, given their rare privilege of being hosted by the revered Queen of England.

The two-decade love story of top Lagos socialite, the sophisticated 42 year-old Sade and 79 year-old billionaire businessman, Rasaq Akanni Okoya has continued to wax strong.

The wife, who is the Managing Director of the Eleganza Industrial City and youngest wife of Aare Akanni Okoya and says beyond work, she relaxes in the company of her husband and children.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

15

Lafarge Africa collaborates with FRSC, others to sensitise motorists Motolani Oseni As part of its Sustainability strategy 2030, Lafarge Africa, has collaborated with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Blood Transfusion Services and Rotary Club of Lagos, has delivered a health and safety sensitization programme for motorists.

The sensitization, which was in commemoration of the 2019 Lafarge Global Health and Safety Days, saw Lafarge Africa and FRSC urging motorists in Nigeria to ensure that they are aware of health and safety procedures, as these would further reduce road accidents.

Although, the latest data from the FRSC showed that there is a marginal decline in the number of road accidents in the country.

Head of Safety, Health and Environment for Lafarge Africa, Mrs Folake Odegbami alluded to this at the joint health and safety campaign programme held recently for members of the National Union of Road and Transport Workers (NURTW) at Ojota Motor Park in Lagos state.

Odegbami stated that Lafarge’s commitment to Health and Safety informed the company’s decision to collaborate with critical organizations focused on improved safety across the country.

According to the January 2019 Road Traffic Crash (RTC) Report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), a total of 540 fatalities occurred, while 3,383 were injured following 950 road traffic incidents across Nigeria in January 2019.

It is estimated that 7,827 persons were involved in preventable accidents(although the figures indicated a decrease of 21 per cent in fatalities).

Compared to December 2018, the report showed a 14 per cent decrease in crash incidents and 14 per cent decrease in the number of people injured in the month under review.

Responding to the reports, Odegbami stated: “Critical at this point is the issue of health and safety among motorists in Nigeria. Although our intervention today is targeted at commercial drivers, our message applies to both commercial and private vehicle drivers.”

In his remark, the Deputy Corp Commander and Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State, Olalekan Morakinyo, commended Lafarge for taking the initiative to drivers at the grassroots level, which helps to improve safer driving and saves lives. He encouraged participants to be deliberate in their actions and attitude towards safe and healthy living.

The Branch Chairman at NURTW, Ojota Park, Apostle Olaoye Samuel, also lauded the company for being proactive in their approach to safety and urged members of the union to be law abiding.

L- R: Vitus Udumukwu, field representative, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) Nigeria (left); Charles Aladewolu, National Director (second left); Fola Aguda, District Coordinator, South West 3 (third left); Femi Adesanya, National Director (third right); Sam Ohuabunwa, resource person (second right) and Edward Eworo, Chairman, Annual Business Seminar, during a press briefing and the unveiling of the fellowship’s 2019 seminars in Lagos... on Thursday.

Nigeria imported 4.87bn litres of petrol in 3 months – NBS Michael Ajayi Not less than a whopping 4.87 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol was imported into the country in the first quarter of 2019, the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Friday revealed.

The NBS made the disclosure in its Petroleum Products Imports and Consumption (Truck Out) Statistics for First Quarter, 2019, posted on its website.

It also reported that 1.12 billion litres of diesel, 103.05 million litres of kerosene and 227.01 million litres of aviation fuel were imported.

The report also indicated that 95.09

million litres of base oil, 18.12 million litres of bitumen and 13.22 million litres of Low Pour Fuel Oil was imported in the period under review.

The NBS said that state-wide distribution or truck-out volume for the first quarter showed that 4.89 billion litres of petrol were distributed nationwide.

It said that 1.27 billion litres of diesel,

102.33 million litres of household kerosene, 218.88 million litres of aviation fuel and 149.17 million litres of domestic gas were distributed nationwide during the period.

The data for the report was provided by the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, verified and validated by the NBS.

Customs Tin-Can II rake N6.8bn in 4 months Temitope Adebayo The Tin-Can II Customs Command in Lagos generated N6.81 billion as revenue between January and April 2019.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Lami Wushishi made this known to the Newsmen in Lagos on Friday.

The breakdown showed that the command generated N735.5 million in April, while attributing the increase in

revenue to the continuous dedication of officers in the command and close supervision by the heads of various units of the command.

According to her, all the revenue generated came from the Customs Processing Centres (CPCs) at Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.

She said the command was able to record continuous increase in revenue between January and March, saying that all revenue leakages had been blocked with the replacement of Nigeria Customs Integrated System (NICIS II).

Wushishi said the command had no

record of seizures in January and April as a result of the commitment of the officers and men of the command.

“The command had a target of N1,432,773,836.56 as a monthly target between January and March but the monthly target was increased to N2,256,052,529.25 in April.

“The command generated N3.03 billion in January, February N1. 53 billion, N1.51 billion in March and N735, 57 million in April.

“The command usually generates money from base oil at the Free Trade Zone but the product was not regular,’’

she said.

The controller said she had always sensitised clearing agents on the importance of honest declarations on freight which had resulted in no record of seizures.

Wushishi also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, for motivating the personnel of the service.

The controller assured of the command’s determination to remain committed to improving international trade and increasing revenue generation for the Federal Government.

APCON to regulate Nigeria’s digital marketing sector Godwin Anyebe The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) is set to regulate the digital media landscape as the Federal Government is working at establishing a regulatory framework for the segment.

The Acting Registrar of APCON, Ijedi Philomena Iyoha, hinted this at the third Africa Leadership Conference, organised by the International Advertising Association (IAA), in Ghana recently.

Mrs Iyoha admitted that the digital revolution has become a major challenge for advertising regulation, adding that

government, through APCON and other stakeholders have started making move to put a framework in place to address the abnormal situation.

The Acting Registrar’s view was delivered during a panel discussion on the theme: “Brand Blocking: Regulations and Threats to Consumer Choices and Goods” — she maintained that there was nothing like digital when the Nigerian advertising the code was put together hence the need for review.

“Much as I agree that digital is a blessing, I’m concerned about its threat to advertising regulation because of a lot of unregulated messages are being churned out by bloggers and influencers on products

to deceive consumers and regulators have almost become helpless,” she said.

Continuing, she said, “There is a code of advertising in Nigeria but it was dated back to many years before the digital revolution.

Of course, this is a global phenomenon, but like other countries, Nigeria is set to put a framework in place to check the abuse of the digital platform.”

On the first day of the conference, the IAA Global President, Srinivasan K. Swarmy, expressed concern that data privacy had become a serious concern for advertisers and that the industry could collapse if the recent regulations on the issue are not revised.

He argued that data protection issues

based on digital advertising needed urgent attention before more stringent regulations are passed.

“Considering data privacy, it has been an area of serious concern for advertisers.

Many regulators are coming to play to deal with this area. This challenge, if not addressed, must be addressed, will be a problem for advertising companies”, he stated.

Also speaking at the conference, the Vice president and Area Director of Africa, Norkor Duah, charged all advertising firms to create footprints in the various economies they represent and that practitioners should embrace new trends in technology so as to remain relevant.

Business Times 16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Smuggling, dumping of goods, others bane of economic policies – CBN Motolani Oseni The CBN governor, Dr Godwin Emefiele, has identified smuggling and dumping of goods as the greatest challenges hindering the success of Nigeria’s economic policies.

Speaking at the first Distinguished Leadership Lecture of the University of Ibadan on Friday, Emefiele stated that smuggling and dumping had done more harm to the nation’s economy by impeding investment which would create jobs and reduce poverty.

The maiden edition of the Distinguished Leadership lecture was entitled, ‘Up Against the Tide: Nigeria’s Heterodox Monetary Policy and the Bretton Woods

Consesus’ According to the apex bank governor, investors insist that the problem of smuggling and dumping must be addressed for them to invest in the nation’s economy.

“How do we deal with these?

Government bought hundreds of trucks for Customs to combat it but corruption has prevented us from getting any result. This is because of lack of respect for our own economic policies. These acts create unemployment and poverty for our people that are selfish.”

“If we find a company involved in smuggling then we will use our own tools available to us to compliment the efforts of Nigeria Customs.

“Our instrument is to investigate that company and if found involved in smuggling and dumping, we will stop them”, he said.

He, however, added, “We will stamp economic sabotage on them and use them as examples to deal with them for people to learn to respect the economic policies of Nigeria, we want to create jobs for our people, we want our industries to come alive again.”

Prof. Sam Olofin, the chairman of the occasion, commended the various policies of CBN, noting that Nigeria could not follow the orthodox path to get result.

“Our undue reliance on orthodox has hindered our development. For us to develop, we must be willing to pay the price of going against the tide”, he said.

Prof.

Idowu Olayinka, Vice Chancellor of the university, appreciated the efforts of CBN under Emefiele which had helped in repostioning the nation’s economy.

Nigeria shines in Emirates brand campaign Godwin Anyebe The talent, energy, creativity and global appeal of Nigerian and African artistes are being celebrated

by Emirates in its new pan-African brand advertising campaign.

One of the world’s fastest growing airlines is taking the message of ‘New Africa’ to the world. The campaign video highlights the achievements of Nigerian born Abiola Oke and amplifies the energy and rich potentials of Africa.

The campaign also features an original song with energy-filled music and inspiring lyrics that reflects the beats of contemporary African electronic club music.

Produced by Blinky Bill, the song has popular sounds and rhythms that are currently dominating the radio, blasting out of taxicabs and on the dance floors across the continent. Music is a unifying language not just across Africa, but around the world. The song does away with cultural clichés and instead celebrates the vibrant energy of contemporary Africa.

Abiola Oke left New York and a career on Wall Street at the age of 31 to return to his hometown Lagos, Nigeria, as the CEO and Publisher of OkayAfrica – a digital media platform. His business is dedicated to African music, film, culture and entertainment.

Paying tribute to a new generation of African disrupters who are making their mark globally across music, fashion, literature and the arts, the campaign celebrates the cultural renaissance taking over Africa. The short films produced by the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) for Emirates, tells the stories of unique individuals from different parts of the continent.

Poised to become cultural ambassadors for Africa to the world, they share a common passion to bring their global exposure and influences to their own local journeys, as they discover what it means to be ‘home’.

Richard Pattinson, Head of BBC StoryWorks said, “This new series taps into the deep creative strength of the BBC to deliver a campaign that will capture the attention of our extensive and premium audiences

in a way that no other publisher can.”

The series gives us a closer look at the inspiring stories of pioneers who represent today’s Africa.

Abiola Oke left New York and a career on Wall Street to return to his hometown Lagos, Nigeria, as the CEO and Publisher of OkayAfrica – a digital media platform – at the age of 31. His business is dedicated to African music, film, culture and entertainment.

Nairobi-based “Blinky” Bill Sellanga - Kenyan musician, producer and DJ is the embodiment of a renaissance in African music.

As part of the Kenyan art and music collective ‘Just A Band’; he has been redefining the modern African musical identity and has performed his music all over Africa, Europe and the rest of the world.

Shanelle Nyasiase is a 21-yearold South Sudanese model who was born in Ethiopia and raised in Kenya. She had dreamt of becoming cabin crew but her journey took her to international catwalks in Milan and New York instead, where she has worked with some of the biggest international fashion brands.

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

StarTimes upgrades Plus TV Africa 6 months after pilot phase Joy Obakeye Africa’s leading digital TV operator, StarTimes has upgraded Plus TV Africa, to its digital dish platform after a six months pilot phase.

The pay-tv company announced that t countries where it broadcasts, reaching an audience of over 12 million homes with news in business, politics, sports, entertainment and global trends.he upgrade is as a result of the superior performance of the channel since it launched in 2018, and its drive to reach a wider audience across more than 30 African The upgrade also makes Plus TV Africa, a 24-Hour news channel, now able to broadcast across all of Africa via StarTimes dish platform.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, StarTimes Nigeria, David Zhang, “Plus TV Africa has done well during the pilot phase of the broadcast hence the upgrade to our

dish platform. Right now, in all of Africa where we broadcast, Plus TV Africa can be enjoyed.”

Also commenting, Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief at Plus TV Africa, Kayode Akintemi said “The upgrade to broadcast Pan Africa is proof that the hard work the company has put into creating unique and engaging content for various category of audience has paid off.”

He stated emphatically that Plus TV Africa is conceived to become the number one on-air and online source of news and analysis in Africa.

Mr Akintemi added that Plus TV Africa is a station for the millennials and the young at heart hungry for unbundled news and trends with solutions to move the continent forward.

Plus TV Africa is available on channel 508 on StarTimes Dish Platform and on Channel 308 on the Antenna for all StarTimes bouquets.

It is also streaming its content live online.

Entity List: Huawei founder confident of success, says won’t have a huge impact Ladesope Ladelokun Following the announcement by the Commerce Department of the United State of America (USA) that it will add Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. and its affiliates to its so-called, “Entity List2, Huawei Founder and CEO Mr Ren Zhengfei, has expressed confidence in the company’s business and capacity.

Reacting to the move, which is aimed at banning Huawei from buying parts and components from U.S. companies without government-approved licenses, Ren stated that his company had been preparing in anticipation of situations as of now, and it is well- prepared.

He explained that Huawei will certainly be able to continue serving its customers, adding the company’s production capacity is huge, and to this end, the firm is making progress in bidding worldwide.

The preparation he mentioned includes the company’s huge R&D investment and contingency plan. According to the 2018 EU R&D Investment Scoreboard, Huawei ranks fifth, with steady growth in its R&D investment.

Huawei has a consistent Business Continuity Management System which has been certified by dozens of neutral third parties in Europe. The company has also been vigorously integrating BCMS into it global suppliers’ obligation.

Ren conceded that he expected

Huawei’s growth to slow down, but expressed confidence in the company’s future prospects.

“In the first quarter of this year, our revenue grew 39 per cent over the same period last year. This rate decreased to 25 per cent in April and may continue decreasing towards the end of this year.

But the US ban will not lead to negative growth or harm the development of our industry.”

The leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands said that their governments will not follow suit to ban Huawei from involvement in their networks.

French President Emmanuel Macron said it was not the aim of France to block Huawei, nor to launch any form of technological war. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said companies could participate in expanding Germany’s 5G network if they met established safety criteria.

In an interview with CNBC Africa on Wednesday, Huawei Vice President of Corporate Communications, Glenn Schloss said, “the device in people’s hands are completely unaffected by what’s happening in the US. For owners of Huawei handsets it will be business as usual”, Schloss said.

“We remain positive, but we are preparing for various eventualities. We are stockpiling components and have been working with our supply-chain partners for some time”, he added.

Tax recovery: Edo revenue agency engages private legal practitioners Ladesope Ladelokun

L-R: Head, Corporate Communications, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Isichei Osamgbi (4th from right) presenting relief materials to representative of the Delta State Government, Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Ernest Ogwezy (3rd from left) and other officials of the state government during the visit to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) camp by NIMASA Officials.

In a renewed initiative to ensure tax compliance, the Edo State Government has engaged the services of private legal practitioners, to fast-track recovery of all outstanding tax liabilities from defaulters.

The Executive Chairman/CEO, Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Mr Igbinidu Inneh, in a statement state, “This is to inform the general public that in a bid to recover all

outstanding tax liabilities from tax defaulters, the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), has engaged and collaborated with private Legal Practitioners in Edo State.

He said the private legal practitioners will work in alliance with the Law Officers of the EIRS to embark on vigorous prosecution of Tax defaulters, adding, “The general public is by this press statement put on notice to pay up all outstanding tax liabilities owed Edo State Government, in order to avoid the consequences of prosecution.”

Politics Times 17

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Zamfara: Atiku, Dickson, Ozekhome hail Supreme Court judgment Stories by Patrick Okohue Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Bayelsa State governor and newly-elected chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Seriake Dickson are among the first set of Nigerians to commended Friday’s ruling of the Supreme Court, which nullified the elections of all candidates fielded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State in the last general election.

Describing the verdict of the apex court as a victory for the rule of law, the former Vice President said “nothing is as pleasing to the ears of believers, as justice being served in the holy month of Ramadan.”

In a statement signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku lauded the Lord Justices for putting aside the “interests of the powerful and upholding the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians,” adding that for the nation to move forward, the right thing must and should always be done at all times.

“God first, Nigeria second, must be our priority as trustees of the people. When justice prevails, the people rejoice, chains are broken, freedom is multiplied and society is enriched,” he noted.

He called on the eggheads in the temple of justice

to treat all election petitions that will come their way, with good conscience and the fear of God, stressing that once this is guaranteed, the rule of law would prevail.

The ex-Vice President congratulated the new governor-elect Hon. Bello Matawalle of the PDP and the people of Zamfara, even as he assured the people that peace would return to the place in no distant time.

Dickson in his response congratulated former federal lawmaker, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, on his return as the governor-elect for Zamfara and the victory of other PDP candidates in the state, following Friday’s ruling by the Supreme Court.

The governor also congratulated the leaders of the party and its teeming supporters in Zamfara for their dedication, commitment and resilience which according to him culminated in the party’s victory at the polls.

He added that the ruling by the five-member panel of the Supreme Court read by Justice Paul Adamu Galinji, which annulled all the votes of the APC and returned Matawalle as winner of the governorship election was “victory for justice and democracy in action.”

“I hereby congratulate the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Mohammed Mutawalle, on his victory at the Supreme Court

who’s ruling returned him as the winner of the gubernatorial election in the state.

“I also commend the leaders of the PDP and the teeming supporters of the party in Zamfara for their dedication and resilience. And very importantly, I thank the Judiciary, once again, for standing up to the expectations of the well-meaning Nigerian public as a strong, impartial arbiter that could be trusted.”

On his part, human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said the ruling of the apex court would go a long way in deepening democracy in the country.

Ozekhome, who was the lead counsel of the Kabiru Marafa-led faction of the APC seeking the nullification of the party’s primaries, said

justice has been served and rightfully so.

In his reaction, the legal luminary noted: “What the apex court has done today (Friday) is to deepen, widen and strengthen democracy and our democratic precepts. It shows that parties must maintain internal democracy and cannot whimsically, capriciously and arbitrarily operate outside their constitution, guidelines, the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

“The Supreme Court has redefined our jurisprudence by showing that when a party damages its primaries, it can never reap the proceeds of its illegalities. That is why and how the PDP that came second has today produced the governor, all Senators, all House of Representatives and House of Assembly members today in one fell swoop.”

Governors’ Forum: Ambode congratulates Fayemi, Bagudu Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday, congratulated his counterparts in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, on their emergence as Chairmen of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) respectively.

Governor Ambode, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described their emergence as fitting and well deserved, adding that both being Governors from the progressive fold was not only a positive sign for the party, but

also a good omen for democracy in Nigeria.

“Let me congratulate my brother governors, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Alhaji Atiku Bagudu on their election as Chairman of NGF and PGF respectively. Their emergence has come at a time when our democracy needs men with proven track record of progressive leadership and experience.

“Dr. Fayemi is a technocrat and development expert with a rich wealth of experience over the years and I am confident that he will galvanise the NGF to work with President Muhammadu Buhari to take the nation to the next level.

“Alhaji Bagudu has also proven his mettle as a man of honour, a progressive to the core and without a doubt, his emergence as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum will unite the party to be stronger, all inclusive, deepen the democratic institutions and provide the necessary support that Mr. President requires as he continues to stir Nigeria to greater heights,” he said.

Governor Ambode also urged other State Governors to rally round both men and work together for the greater interest of the country.

Atiku

Lagos: 65 political parties vow to work with Sanwo-Olu

Ambode

The Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has thrown its weight behind the Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The group also condemned aspersions that the governor-elect is not of sound mind.

Chairman of CRPP, Taiwo Fatai, who spoke in Lagos, described the elections in Lagos as peaceful and condemned calls for their cancellation.

He said: “We condemn in its entirety, the calls for the cancellation of the exercise based on unfounded rumour spread by some enemies of progress that the Lagos State governor-elect is not in his sound mind. These enemies of progress do not mean well for Lagos State but thrive in spreading fake news. CRPP will not accept any form of character assassination of our governor-elect.

“We therefore congratulate Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor-elect of Lagos State

and all that won elections at various levels in Lagos State. They should know that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Selfless service to the people should be their watchword and guiding principle.”

Fatai also commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for his selfless contributions towards the development of the state and Nigeria in general.

“The victory of the APC in the election shows that nobody can dare query his paranormal intelligence. CRPP, an association of 65 political parties is therefore happy to be identified with this great icon,” Fatai added.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for their exemplary roles during the election and described attacks on the two agencies as unwarranted.

Classified 18 AFRICA FINTECH NETWORK

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

ACT AGAINST VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

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

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

TRUSTEES: (1) AINA LAWRENCE OLUSEGUN (2) AWOYEMI OLUFEMI MODUPE (3) FOLORUNSO SEUN SAMSON.

TRUSTEES: (1) KARINA ADOBABA-HARRY (2) AWOALA IBIM BENIBO (3) BENE BENIBO KERENI-ROBERTS (4) TAMUNONENGIYEOFORI EMMANUELLA KERENI-ROBERTS

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: TO UNIFY AND CHANNEL AFRICA FINTECH INITIATIVES TOWARDS PRODUCING SOLUTIONS TO DRIVE INDIGENOUS CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION AIMED AT PROFFERRING TIMELY, TESTED, AFFORDABLE AND INDIGENOUS SOLUTIONS TO AFRICA’S PECULIAR REAL WORLD CHALLENGES. 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.

AIM &OBJECTIVES: TO PROMOTE PEACE, RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE 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: JOHN KPAKU,ESQ 08059100313

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, OYO CHAPTER

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

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR EZEKIEL ADEYEMI OYINLOYE 2. PASTOR CORNELIUS AYODEJI AJANI 3 ELDER AYOTUNDE AFOLABI 4 ELDER E. KAYODE OJO 5 ELDER MOSES DOSU IDOWU 6 MRS. YEMI ADETOYI 7 ELDER RAY MENE 8 ELDER KUNLE FALADE 9 ELDER JOSEPH AKO FOLORUNSO 10 ELDER ISAAC OLANREWAJU AFOLABI 11 ELDER GABRIEL OLATUNDE BABAJIDE 12 MRS. FOLUKE OYEDEJI 13 MR. BAMISAYE OLAIFA

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

TRUSTEES 1. EZEH AMADI VICTOR 2. ENWEREJI EDITH ULOAKU

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO CALL ALL PEOPLE TO BECOME DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO PROCLAIM THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL EMBRACED BY THE THREE ANGELS’ MESSAGES (REVELATION 14:6-12).

3 TO PREPARE THE WORLD FOR CHRIST SOON RETURN. 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: PETER A. ADEOSUN ESQ. ADEBAYO & GBADAMOSI LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, A&G BUILDING, NO.3, ADENIJI STREET, OFF LIBERTY ROAD, IBADAN.

MOTHER, BABY AND ADOLESCENT CARE GLOBAL FOUNDATION

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

TRUSTEES: 1.DR DANGO G B KALIO 2.DR (MRS) YILAI IKPEBIVIE OKU. 3.DR. URIAH STEPHEN ETAWO. 4.DR KENNETH I. OKAGUA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BETTER LIVING BY THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL AMENITIES AND THE ENFORCING OF PROJECTS TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL CAPACITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY ENWEREJI EDITH ULOAKU .

ONE LOVE PEOPLES CLUB WORLDWIDE LAGOS NIGERIA THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE:1 ORJI OFOBUIKE STEPHEN - CHAIRMAN 2. NGELE EMMANUEL MMADUAKOLAM 3. AMADI IKECHUKWU EVANS 4. SIMON CHETACHUKWU OBED - SECRETARY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO HELP IN THE REDUCTION OF MATERNAL AND PERINATAL DEATH, ADVOCACY & RESEARCH. TO PROMOTE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INCLUDING MEN’S HEALTH.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF LOVE, UNITY AND PROGRESS AMONG MEMBERS. 2. TO BE HELPFUL TO EACH OTHER MOSTLY IN THEIR TIME OF NEED. 3. TO APPLY ALL LEGAL MEANS TO PROTECT THE LIVES AND INTEREST OF THEIR MEMBERS

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY: DR (MRS) YILAI IKPEBIVIE OKU

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

AUCTION SALES! AUCTION SALES!!

THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF SCRAP MOTORCYCLES, TRICYCLE AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AT THE NIGERIA POLICE, AREA COMMAND HEADQUARTER, AHOADA, OF THE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND. AFTER 21 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. 1. ONE SCRAP QLINK MOTORCYCLE CHASSIS NO QLPCJH32731023154 2. ONE SCRAP QLINK MOTORCYCLE REG NO QA 751 3. ONE SCRAP QLINK MOTORCYCLE REG NO GWA 052 QW 4. ONE SCRAP QLINK MOTORCYCLE REG NO JRV 326 QA 5. ONE SCRAP TRICYCLE WITHOUT REG NO 6. ONE SCRAP FIREMAN GENERATOR, ONE SCRAP SMALL ELEPEQ GENERATOR, ONE SCRAP ELEMAX GENERATOR. 7. AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. SIGNED: ALH. UBALLO DANU AUCTIONEER

TINUBU LEGACY FORUM

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

TRUSTEES: (1) JAMILU.A.ALIYU-CHAIRMAN (2) ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD -SECRETARY (3) OLUFEMI ADEGBULUBE (4) BELLO LATEEFAT (5) BOLA AGWOLOBOGRO (6) ABUBAKAR. M.MUHAMMAD (7) EZEKIEL ETURA FEDILIS (8) AFEEZ .A.ADIO (9) MUHAMMAD. O.SADIQ (10) ADBULMUNAFI USMAN (11) ABOSI .E. FELAGHA (12) FATIMA.T. HASSAN (13) CHRISTIAN GONUM. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) TO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG THE YOUTHS (2) TO PROVIDE VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS AS WELL AS ACADEMIA FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED ONES IN THE SOCIETY AMONG OTHERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

A WOMAN’S HEART FOUNDATION

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

TRUSTEES 1) MRS OMOLOLA OLUBUKOLA FADOJUTIMI 2) MR OLUWASEGUN ADEMUWAGUN 3) MR OLUSOLA BABATUNDE OLUBI 4) MRS ADETUTU OLATUNDUN AYENI AIM AND OBJECTIVE A MINISTRY THAT SUPPORTS AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR- GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AUCTION SALES! AUCTION SALES!!

THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF SCRAP MOTORCYCLES AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AT THE NIGERIA POLICE, DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTER, AHOADA DIVISION, OF THE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND. AFTER 21 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. 1. ONE SCRAP QLINK MOTORCYCLE REG NO QL 1412 SSM 2. ONE SCRAP QLINK MOTORCYCLE REG NO ML 167 Q 3. ONE SCRAP STARRING MOTORCYCLE REG NO RV 614 FH 4. ONE SCRAP QLINK MOTORCYCLE CHASSIS NO ABADO22111 5. ONE SCRAP MANTRAC CAT GENERATOR, ONE SCRAP SDMO GENERATOR, ONE SCRAP TIGER GENERATOR, ONE ROCKWORTH GENERATOR, ONE SCRAP MEDION SMALL TELEVISION, ONE DAMAGED BLACKBERRY PHONE, FOUR DAMAGED PLASTIC CHAIRS. AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. SIGNED: ALH. UBALLO DANU AUCTIONEER

IBIRONKE

I FORMERLY K N O W N AS MISS ODERINDE ADEDAYO IBIRONKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS OLANIYAN ADEDAYO IBIRONKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS YAKUBU GEORGINA OMOH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS IDAEWOR GEORGINA OMOH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CORRECTION OF NAME

SOLOMON

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS PRAISE ITORO SOLOMON. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS SOLOMON ITORO PATRICK. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FIDELITY BANK PLC AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS UBOEGBULAM ELEANOR NONYEREM NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS. OBI ELEANOR NONYEREM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ARUNA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ADIGUN TEMIDAYO KAFILAT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ARUNA KAFILAT TEMIDAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS. EZEANYIM

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS, MISS. UMEOZULU OGECHUKWU JENNIFER, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS, MRS. EZEANYIM OGECHUKWU JENNIFER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY K N O W N AND ADDRESSED AS GILBERT COMFORT BERNADET, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS YOUODEVI COMFORT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS EHIRIM AKUDO URSULA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ORJI AKUDO URSULA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADESANYA FUNMILAYO HANNAH, NOW TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNLEYE FUNMILAYO HANNAH. ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

KNOWN AS MISS.OSUNNIYI NIKEMI ALIAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS. ADEOSUN NIKEMI ALIAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN ON MY BVN AS OKONKWO IFECHUKWU DENNIS. MY CORRECT NAME IS OKONKWO IFECHUKWU CHIKAODI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

IDAEWOR

MRS. OBI

YOUODEVI

FORMERLY KNOWN AS AYOOLA LAWRENCE OLAOLUWA, NOW TO BE KNOWN AS MR. OLAOLUWA LAWRENCE AYOOLA. ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN VALID, AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

ESTHER I,KNOWNFORMERLY AS ESTHER BASSEY MICAH, NOW TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UDOH BASSEY ESTHER. ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN VALID, AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY OLUSHOLA IKNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUSHOLA ODELEYE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUSHOLA ADERINTO ODELEYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY AJIBOLA KNOWN AS AJIBOLA ISSAC OLANREWAJU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS AJIBOLA ISSAC SOLOMON, ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN GENUINE AND VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY ABATCHA KNOWN AS MUSLE ALI BISHARA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS BISHARA ABATCHA. ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN GENUINE AND VALID. GSS BIU AND GENERAL PUBLIC/AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ORJI CHIOMA PRECIOUS, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS AGUSI CHIOMA PRECIOUS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NJOKU CHIDERA CHIZURUM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AMAECHI CHIDERA CHIZURUM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS SARAT OMOKEJI MUFUTAU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS SARATU ADEJOKE ADESHINA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I , FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS PATIENCE AJURUCHI ONUKWUGHAKAMALU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS PATIENCE AJURUCHI UZODIMMA-KAMALU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS AGBO CHEKWUBE

MR. OLAOLUWA

MRS AGUSI

I

,

AMAECHI

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS CHIKA GLORIA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS AMAIZU GLORIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

MRS. ADEOSUN F O R M E R LY

ADESHINA

MRS PATIENCE

I

,

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS MBAH CHEKWUBE HOPE PHILOMENA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AGBO CHEKWUBE HOPE PHILOMENA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC, BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

AMAIZU

CONFIRMATION OF NAME:

IN SOME OF MY DOCUMENTS MY NAME APPEARS AS ELIJAH SEGUN SAMUEL WHILE IN SOME OTHER DOCUMENTS IT APPEARS AS ATUNDE SEGUN ELIJAH. I AM THE SAME PERSON BEARING ALL THE NAMES.MY CORRECT NAME IS ATUNDE SEGUN ELIJAH. ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING ALL THE NAMES ARE VALID, BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS. ORJI

OGUNLEYE

I,

FORMERLY AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ANUNOBI CHINAZOR PHOEBE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS MADUBIKE CHINAZOR PHOEBE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS MADUBIKE KNOWN

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

19 Foreign

UN: At least 50 killed in armed group attack on villages in CAR More than 50 people were reportedly killed in an attack by an armed group on several villages in the Central African Republic’s (CAR) volatile northwest near the border with Chad, the United Nations said on Thursday.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the country, known as MINUSCA, condemned Tuesday’s attacks and its peacekeepers are undertaking “robust patrols in and around Ouham Pende prefecture” where the killings took place, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The government issued an ultimatum to the leader of an armed rebel group known as 3R - which initially formed in 2015 to protect the minority Puehl population from attacks by mostly Christian Antibalaka militias - calling on him to hand over those responsible.

The group - Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation, or 3R - attacked a number of villages in the northwest region Pahoua, seeking revenge for the killing of an ethnic Peuhl, government spokesman Ange Kazagui said at a joint briefing on Wednesday with the UN peacekeeping mission.

The government was calling on 3R leader Sidiki Abass to “arrest and hand over those responsible for this massacre to the authorities in the next 72 hours or risk being held personally responsible”, Kazagui said.

Lucien Mbaigoto, a legislator from the area, said that rebel fighters on the ground are not abiding by the peace agreements signed by their leaders, including one in February.

Human rights groups have blamed the 3R group for killing and raping civilians since 2015.

UN spokesman Dujarric said a joint mission by MINUSCA, the government, the African Union, and I FORMERLY ALABI KNOWN AS OTUNIKAN IYANUOLUWAPO CHRISTIANA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ALABI IYANUOLUWAPO CHRISTIANA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY K N O W N AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ANI KATE IFEOMA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ANI KATE IFEOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS ANI KATE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANIH NGOZI O., NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANIH NNENNA LINDA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ANIH

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AZUH INNOCENT KENNETH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS INNOCENT KENNETH UGOCHUKWU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OKORO UME, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS UME BRIGHT CHIMEZIE. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 15THSEPTEMBER 1996. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ADDRESSED AS MISS OBETA GRACE ADAEZE AMARA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ALEXENDER GRACE ADEZE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ROKOSU

I FORMERLY K N O W N AND ADDRESSED AS ZANNU JOSEPH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ROKOSU JOSEPH HOSU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UWEACHIE PAULINE AWELE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LADI-SOARES PAULINE FUNMILAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY TAKE NOTE

RUFUS

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS AYA N D E L E OLANIKE IBIYEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS RUFUS OLANIKE IBIYEMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ODO CHIDERA I,K NFORMERLY O W N AS AYOGU GLORIA OLUCHUKWU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ODO CHIDERA CHARITY. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 10TH MARCH 1997 ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS ODIANYA I,K FORMERLY N O W N AND ADDRESSED AS MISS NWANKWO FLORENCE ONYINYE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ODIANYA FLORENCE ONYINYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ENE FRANCISCA CHINYERE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWANZE IJEOMA VICTORIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CORRECTION OF NAME

OBICHIAGHA

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MY NAME WAS ERRONEOUSLY WRITTEN AS AMEH MARTINA ENE INSTEAD OF AMEH MARTHA ENE. HENCEFORTH MY CORRECT IS AMEH MARTHA ENE. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 3RD OF AUGUST,1994. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I , FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS ENEH UCHE BLESSING, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS OKAFOR UCHE BLESSING. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY K N O W N AS JOY EGWUCHUKWU PAUL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JOY EGWUCHUKWU OBICHIAGHA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHUKWUEMEKA ANTHONIA NGOZI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWORIE ANTHONIA NGOZI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALAO MISTURA AINA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALAO MISTURA KOFOWOROLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MY NAME OGWESHI IFEOMA MODESTER, WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN DURING MY BVN REGISTRATION, BUT NOW WISH TO BE CORRECTED AND ADDRESSED AS IGWESHI MODESTER IFEOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN AS ASMAN AGA IN MY (BVN) INSTEAD OF USMAN AGA DAGOMA NOW USMAN AGA DAGOMA ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

CORRECTION OF NAME

ENOGHASE IK NFORMERLY O W N AND ADDRESSED AS IYEKOLO OPEYEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ENOGHASE, ENOHOLO FRANCIS . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EZOJI UGOCHUKWU PETER. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UWAFOR EZEOJI UGOCHUKWU PETER SAMPSON. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

IN SOME OF MY DOCUMENTS MY NAME WAS WRONGLY ARRANGED AS MOSHOOD FUNMILAYO MUIBAT INSTEAD OF MOSHOOD MUIBAT FUNMILAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

REARRANGEMENT OF NAME

CHIMEZIE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNADI IZUNNA KENNETH. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHIMEZIE IZUNNA KENNETH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

ANOGHENA IK NFORMERLY O W N AND ADDRESSED AS ISMAILA ABRAHAM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANOGHENA OLUWAFEMI ABRAHAM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I, FORMERLY EZE CASANDRA KNOWN AS ONYIA CASANDRA CHIDIEBERE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS EZE CASANDRA CHIDIEBERE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY MRS IHE KNOWN AS MISS ANGELA OLUCHUKWU IHE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS IHE OLUCHUKWU ANGELA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY MRS NEBO KNOWN AS MISS UGWU GLORIA CHIZOBA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS NEBO GLORIA CHIZOBA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I , FORMERLY KNOWN AS ESOMCHI BASIL OBIEFUNA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ENEH BASIL OBIEFUNA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY K N O W N AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OKORO BENICE NNEKA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ANELE BENICE NNEKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS ANELE

KOFOWOROLA

UWAFOR

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS AGWU ESTHER ONYEKACHI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS CHIGBO ESTHER ONYEKACHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

the Economic Community of Central African States is expected to deploy to the affected areas on Saturday “to defuse tensions, assist victims and displaced persons and reassure communities.”

He said the UN mission and the government are also engaging in dialogue on a local level”to ease tensions and prevent a retaliatory response by Anti-balaka”, referring to a cluster of armed groups that are mostly Christians and people who follow traditional animist beliefs.

Survivors of the attacks were quoted in a statement published by the medical charity, Doctors Without Borders (known by its French initials MSF).

“Gunmen wearing military fatigues and armed with Kalashnikovs arrived in my village and asked to see the community leaders to organise a general meeting,” says Alphonse, one survivor who was injured by gunshots and treated by MSF teams.

“The people then gathered under a mango tree,” he said.

“Then they started to tie us up. They tore my shirt to tie my arms,” Alphonse continued. “They piled us on top of each other, then started shooting. It felt like it was raining bullets.”

According to Alphonse, who MSF says managed to stay alive by “playing dead”, very few people survived.

On Thursday, CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadera announced three days of national mourning.

MRS CHIGBO

I,

FORMERLY

MRS ALEXENDER KNOWN AND

MRS OKAFOR

CORRECTION OF NAME

INNOCENT

I,

FORMERLY

UME BRIGHT KNOWN AS UDO

LADI-SOARES

NWANZE

NWORIE

ENEH BASIL

Theresa May announces resignation amid Brexit chaos

Theresa May has announced her resignation after weeks of deadlock and chaos surrounding several failed attempts to push her European Union Withdrawal Agreement through parliament.

On Friday morning, May announced she would step down as Conservative leader on June 7. She will stay on as prime minister of the United Kingdom until her successor is chosen, May added.

The move came after a meeting with the chairman of the influential 1922 Committee of her Conservative party backbenchers, which last week had forced her to say she would announce her departure date in June.

In the end, May couldn’t hold on until June.

“I have done my best to implement the result of the referendum,” she said outside 10 Downing Street, which has been her home since shortly after the UK voted by a narrow margin to leave the EU. “I have done everything I can to convince MPs to back my deal,” May added.

“It is a matter of deep regret that I have not delivered Brexit. My successor must find consensus in parliament.”

The race to replace her began a few weeks ago, with at least three leading Conservative figures openly declaring their candidacy for the leadership long before she had resigned.

But whomever replaces her will face the same parliamentary arithmetic which denied May an outright majority and a public greatly dissatisfied both with the delivery of Brexitand the state of the nation’s leadership more generally.

“I know the Conservative Party can renew itself in the years ahead,” said May. Discontent had been rife within the Conservative Party, growing to unsustainable levels this week, with several key government and backbench figures calling for her resignation.

May’s days were numbered after concessions made to

opposition politicians over her Brexit deal failed to win support among opponents, and left her own allies feeling betrayed.

She had tried three times to get parliament to agree to the deal negotiated with the EU. Her fourth effort was dead on arrival, despite offering a vote on a “confirmatory referendum” to attract support.

May’s deal had faced opposition on several fronts.

Hardliners in her own Conservative Party said it didn’t go far enough, leaving Britain part of several European institutions and structures such as the Customs Union.

The DUP, on whose support May depended to command a majority in Parliament, said efforts to avoid a “hard border” between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - keeping Northern Ireland largely aligned with the EU until a new trade deal can be agreed, also known as the “backstop” position undermined the integrity of the UK, creating a trade border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

And Labour, the principal opposition party, while politically committed to leaving the EU, also opposed the deal over issues of workers’ rights and those of EU nationals living in Britain and British nationals living within the EU. The Green Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru, meanwhile, all oppose Brexit outright.

Andrea Leadsom, a key ally in May’s cabinet, resigned on Wednesday night, and several senior figures were said to have had “frank” discussions with her on Thursday.

May concluded her speech with a litany of claims of her government’s achievements, before issuing a rallying call to future women leaders: “[I was] the second female prime minister, but certainly not the last,” she said.

“It has been the honour of my life to serve the country that I love.”

FOREIGN TIMES READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

US to send more troops to the Middle East

US President Donald Trump has said he will send about 1,500 additional troops to the Middle Eastamid heightened tensions with rival Iran.

Speaking to reporters on the White House lawn shortly before departing for a trip to Japan on Friday, Trump said the purpose of this deployment is “mostly protective”, and is meant to increase the security of forces already in the region.

“We want to have protection in the Middle East. We’re going to be sending a relatively small number of troops,” Trump said.

“Right now, I don’t think Iran wants to fight. And I certainly don’t think they want to fight with us,” he added.

The Trump administration had notified Congress earlier on Friday about the troop plans.

According to a copy of the notification obtained by the Associated Press news agency, the forces would number “roughly” 1,500 and would deploy in the coming weeks, “with their primary responsibilities and

activities being defensive in nature”.

At a Pentagon news briefing on Friday, officials said the US plans to send 900 more forces, including engineers and a fighter aircraft squadron, to the Middle East to bolster US defence and extend the deployment of some 600 personnel manning Patriot missiles.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif reiterated his country’s rejection of the US’s increase in military deployments to the region while on a visit to Pakistan.

Iran “will see the end of Trump, but he will never see the end of Iran,” Zarif was quoted by state news agency Fars as saying during his trip to the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Friday, before the US announced the troop increase.

Zarif held talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and powerful army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

“War is not in anyone’s interest and all sides need to make efforts

to keep conflict away from the region,” General Bajwa said, according to a Pakistani military statement.

Earlier this month, the US sent a carrier attack group and bomber taskforce to the Middle East, citing a “credible threat” from Tehran.

The news came after acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan denied earlier reports that the Trump administration was planning to send as many as 10,000 troops to the region.

Shanahan, however, said that sending additional troops was an option they were considering.

Also on Friday, the US military accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) of being directly responsible for attacks on tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this month, describing it as part of a “campaign” by Tehran driving new US deployments.

“The attack against the shipping in Fujairah we attribute it to the IRGC,” said Rear Admiral Michael Gilday, a director of the Joint Staff, adding that the Pentagon attributed limpet mines used in the attack to the IRGC. He declined to describe “the means of delivery” of the mines.

Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, said that there are many

Democrats who are “highly critical” of this announcement. “[Many] feel that the national security adviser John Bolton in particular has been escalating this - and that there is no imminent threat [from Iran] as the administration has been portraying,” she said.

Tensions between the two countries have soared ever since Trump pulled out of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The US president restored punishing American sanctions on Iran last year and tightened them this month, ordering all countries to halt imports of Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Britain, France and Germany, which signed the 2015 deal along with the United States, China and Russia, are determined to show they can compensate for last year’s US withdrawal from the deal, protect trade, and still dissuade Tehran from quitting an accord designed to prevent it from developing a nuclear bomb.

But Iran’s decision earlier this month to backtrack from some of the plan’s commitments, in response to US measures to cripple its economy, threatens to unravel the deal, under which Tehran agreed to curbs on its uranium enrichment programme in exchange for the removal of most international sanctions.

g 20 India: Fire in tutoring centre kills at least 17 students

At least 17 teenage students were killed when a fire broke out in a tutoring centre in a four-storey commercial building in the city of Surat in India’s western state of Gujarat, police said.

Television footage broadcast on Friday by local media showed people jumping off the top floor of the Takshashila building or trying to escape by climbing down, as thick smoke billowed out.

Most of the dead were students who had been attending class in the building, according to the spokesman for the office of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

The Press Trust of India news agency said the fire engulfed the third and fourth floors of the building, which is located in a shopping district.

Police officer Praveen Chaudhary said more than a dozen students were hospitalised with burns.

“The fire started near the staircase, so they could not get down,” Joint Commissioner of Police Harikrishna Patel said, adding that all of the dead were younger than 20.

The blaze, likely caused due to an electrical short circuit, started between 3:45-4:00pm local time and spread rapidly, Patel added.

Television footage showed people trying to grab hold of a large banner on the side of the building as they plummeted down.

“The students lost their life both because of the fire and jumping out of the building,” Deepak Sapthaley, a fire official, told AFP. Fire officer Deepak Satkale said 24 fire engines battled the blaze.

Rupani has ordered an inquiry into the incident and asked Mukesh Puri, principal secretary of the urban development department, to submit a report within three days, the spokesman for his office said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter he was thinking of the bereaved families.

“Extremely anguished by the fire tragedy in Surat,” Modi said.

“May the injured recover quickly,” he said, adding he had instructed authorities to help those affected.

Building fires are common in India because of poorly enforced safety regulations.

Thousands protest in Algeria, renew call to postpone July vote Thousands of protesters have rallied in the Algerian capital for a fourteenth consecutive week, demanding the removal of officials associated with former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the postponement of an election scheduled for July.

Police on Friday tightened a security cordon around the iconic Grand Post Office in downtown Algiers where demonstrators had massed in previous weeks.

But that did not prevent people from gathering near the building where they chanted slogans against the country’s powerful army chief, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah.

Demonstrators held up placards against Salah, accusing him of attempting to “thwart their revolution”.

Protesters chanted: “Tired of the generals!” and “Gaid Salah resign!”

Meanwhile, an activist with Algeria’s Socialist Workers’ Party wrote on Facebook he was being held “with some 20 other citizens in a police van”.

“Patrols crisscrossed the city and arrested anyone suspected of joining” protests, said Said Salhi, vice president of the Algerian League for the Defence of Human Rights, on Twitter.

Similar protests broke out in Algeria’s other main cities,

including Annaba, Oran and Constantine on Friday.

After nearly two decades in power, Bouteflika resigned on April 2 amid a wave of massive protests across the country which were sparked by his decision in February to run for a fifth consecutive term in office.

The protesters want a transitional authority to be set up to review the constitution and allow for free and fair elections to take place.

They are also calling for the removal of Bouteflika’s associates, including Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui and Interim President Abdelkader Bensalah, who were appointed by the leader

days before he stepped down.

While Bensalah and Bedoui have not spoken much in public, Salah has given three speeches in as many days this week.

Salah on Monday warned against calls by protesters to defer the election, set for July 4, saying the election was the best way to get the country out of the current political crisis.

“Holding a presidential election could help Algeria avoid falling into the trap of a constitutional void, with its accompanying dangers and unwelcome consequences,” Salah said.

On Tuesday, the 79-year-old army chief called on protesters to

“unite” with the army to prevent “instigators” from hijacking the demonstrations, and on Wednesday he reassured the public he had “no political ambition”.

A political source told Reuters news agency on Friday the interim government was expected to extend the current transition period to allow for time to prepare for an election.

It said the transition period, due to end a few days after the election, could be extended by at least three months.

“Time is running out and organizers have not finished preparations for the vote,” the source said.

ARTS & CULTURE TIMES g 21

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

Involve traditonal rulers in policy making, says Oba Elerinmo Stories: Chris Onuoha His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, the Arowotawaya II, is the Oba Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesha, Osun State. The first class Yoruba monarch with strong affinity to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is one vocal traditional ruler whose concern for good governance speaks volume. He recently clamoured for a 4th tier government for traditional rulers in Nigeria, which he reiterated as a positive option for standard democracy in Nigeria. In this interview, he bare his mind among other things, on the just concluded elections.

2019 general election has come and gone, some schools of thought have diverse opinion concerning the outcome. As someone with vast knowledge of Nigeria history of politics and elections, how do you rate this last election?

First of all, I would say that Nigerian democracy is work in progress. That’s my summary and also election in Nigeria is a learning process. Democracy is something we copied from the developed world and naturally, we can’t perfect it so easily. If you recall, there was a report that election in US was even manipulated and not perfect, how much more a country like Nigeria. Be that as it may, with the scores of result we saw and how the entire process went nationwide, I would largely say that it is free, fair and credible.

You seem to have much confidence in this past election despite the unseemly challenges that characterized the whole process, with pockets of electoral malpractices and alleged disenfranchised reports from some quarters.

Are you then telling the aggrieved parties not to contest the outcome and to bury the hatchet?

Well, the options have always been open. If you feel cheated or that your people were not allowed to vote, or some sort of malpractice observed, the option of legal system is there.

However sometimes, just like the former president, Goodluck did, you would want to overlook some certain things. In the real sense of it, when you look at the elections in the past, I would say that this election is better than 2015. But one cannot deny anyone the opportunity to seek redress, if there’s any, and however, being a traditional ruler, my understanding is that we seek for peace.

There’s no election that can be 100 percent perfect anywhere in the world, but there are situations where you would look at it and say, ‘for the sake of keeping Nigeria one, to avoid any further problem, let it go. There’s always another time. However, that is not to say that anybody should be prevented from exercising his or her legal options when the need arises.

Looking at the outcome generally, regardless of the how it is been perceived, what does this portend to our democracy as a country?

In my own view, things that ordinarily and practically would not have happened did happen. I give you an instance without mentioning names. There are people that you would thought will never lose election in their states, they lost. You would wonder, how that could have happened, some governors, senators and even federal house members lost the election including in their own constituency woefully. It is amazing and that is why I say, there is an improvement in our electoral process. Also during the presidential election, there was a voting manner that occurred. Some people were

interested in a certain presidential candidate and then, when it came to the governorship candidate, the same electorates switched their votes to another candidate regardless of the party. What does this portend; it shows that people are now more discerning, not voting along party line but more interested in the individuals that they believe in. Yes, I could say, certainly there would be violence in elections but this one was peaceful.

What about the issue of unarmed security agents?

It baffles me when people say that the army, police or security agents should not be armed.

When I walked up to my polling unit in my area, I saw just one unarmed policeman in the booth. This appears to me like a big risk because Nigeria is not like America where you can walk out, press a button and vote. How could you have just one policeman, and in some cases you have a traffic warden in the booth as a security agent in a polling booth of about 1500 youths who can be potentially violent. I think Nigeria has not gotten to point of having an unarmed police manning an election booth. You give the amount of force to curtail a particular problem. In some places like the Victoria Garden City, Lekki, or Banana Island, the case might be different because of caliber of persons there. But what about volatile area like what happened in Okota, Oshodi in Lagos and some others areas known to be potentially violent, you cannot expect an unarmed policeman to man such area.

But sir, I thought the idea of unarmed security agents was to induce confidence in the electorates to come out and vote without fear of harassment or intimidation from the agents?

There must be some security arrangements.

It is terribly risky not to have them at least for now. In my own area, as a traditional ruler, I have to forestall some ugly incidents by walking down to the polling booths physically. I was compelled to remain in some polling units to observe and creative that peaceful sanity, but I could not be everywhere. There are particular areas that are trouble spots. If such places are guarded by unarmed policemen, you can imagine what will happen. It is easy to make such law but the reverse is always the case. Imagine when thugs compel electoral officers under duress to rewrite election results, what can an unarmed policeman do? We have to be realistic.

Talking about election education, INEC have on ground, experts who claim to have created much awareness on electoral issues. Do you think this awareness is really reaching the particular people, I mean the grassroots who are very much in need of such information?

The problem of Nigeria is interwoven.

First of all, to be able to achieve a good electoral process, you have to have educated electorates. You have to deal with the issue of improving the literacy of the average Nigerian. It does not have anything to do with attending a formal school. An average Nigerian should be able to read, write and understand simple statements and signs as to be able to make it easy to disseminate information. One of the easy ways is to start the system of adult literacy education, just like I have started in my community here.

Somehow, it is beginning to have positive effect and that’s what government should do to have electorates that understand the system. Two, every election gives four years notice. It is a total embarrassment for anyone

Oba Elerinmo

to give an excuse of certain lateness or inconsistency in plans. As we are now, we know by 2023 there will be another election.

So, whatever is not done right by now should be amended before then. I also want us to see our peculiar situation and build what is suitable for Nigeria. We don’t need to copy verbatim other people’s system. We must adopt what is peculiar to us. Even to become a king, there are some cultural electoral processes that must be followed. Being entitled to the throne does not guarantee you becoming a king. You must follow due process approved by the kingmakers. This is a form of democracy.

I also noticed that there was huge improvement by INEC to educate voters in the past, but this is a minute of the class of voters required. How do you explain the issue of having 92 parties when we can have just two or three parties to make it easy for people to identify party logos? I want to suggest that rather than wait till 2022 to educate people on electoral issues, it is better to start now since we already know what the problem is. I personally do not ascribe to having over 90 party logos when some of them cannot guarantee one single vote even from their family members. Some of them do not have office all over the country not to talk of having an office in their own local government. I think the best democracy we have had was when we have two political parties in the system; that is SDP and NRC under General Ibrahim Babaginda regime.

Two party systems should be very good for Nigeria, being that we have three major ethnic zones. If we have three parties, people will tend to go along ethnic line but when it is two, people will eventually mix up the ethnic groups. That will also make it easy for people to make decision. In this past election, people may have voted in error because with over 90 logos it was difficult to pick out a particular party with all the similarity in acronyms. If an electorate cannot read and write, it will be easy to at least identify a party logo.

In your recent interview, you did clamour for 4th tier government comprising traditional rulers. Do you see that as an option to help educate the masses?

In this past election, every candidate that contested paid a courtesy visit to a traditional ruler to seek their fatherly blessings. They did it because they understand that traditional rulers are the closest to the people. 60 percent of the Nigerian population lives in the rural and sub-urban areas. This is where

the traditional rulers hold sway. Two, all the traditional rulers stay longer than any elected person. Political office in the country is 8 years and the traditional rulers are for life. They are more abreast with community issues than the elected officers. This is why I said that the traditional rulers need to form officially and constitutionally the 4th tier of government. This is not to involve the traditional rulers in politics but rather, in policy making. If you really want to get quality advice, you get it from someone who is at home all time and closer to the masses, who understands their problem than a politician who may show up during election, make promises and disappear after the election. A traditional ruler cannot disappear. If he creates a problem, he sits with the problem. A traditional ruler gets support from God and his people. There is a difference between politics and policy. A traditional ruler should be put in a system of advisory role, recognized by the constitution and be given a responsibility to tackle. They are father to all. If state government can get security fund and yet insecurity surmounts, why not look inwards towards traditional rulers so that security challenges can be tackled from the grassroots level. In the case of Boko Haram insurgency, it was the local vigilantes that helped the military to curtail the challenge. Local intelligence is very important in this case, which the police do not have. The basic intelligence can only be quick and possible through the traditional rulers who know the people and the domain very well.

Buhari was declared the winner despite all the challenges confronting his mandate.

How do you advise the president, having gotten the mandate for another term to correct what he has not done right in the past?

Right now, president Buhari has been declared the president-elect except if the competent court of law proves otherwise.

It is not a problem for anyone to go to court to challenge the result. It was done in the past except for 2015 election. Now that he has won the election for the second term, it is an opportunity for him to write his name in the history of Nigeria politics forever. The President is a man of history based on the general perception that Buhari is an honest man. Two, being honest is not enough to drive the economy of the country to success.

He has done a lot in the agriculture sector, but I want him to devolve the support to farmers even to the lowest level. Attention should be drawn to grassroot farmers.

Comfortable loans should be given to the small scale farmers so that the lowest level, this can improve the lives and welfare of the local farmers.

Another area is political positions favouring a certain areas.

Being an honest man must mean that he understands the people and also should spread positions and appointments across the zones. I believe every tribe has honest people that can fill in any position. Also, his economic policies may have yielded result but while fighting corruption and getting the stolen funds back from the looters, these funds must be channeled to the areas that require productive attention. Manufacturers in the country must be encouraged with such funds to produce cheaper goods. There should be improvement in power generation and distribution. Once this is taking care of, these will ginger and propel other areas of the economy.

22

Daily Daily Times Times Nigeria Nigeria Saturday, May13, 25,2019 2019 Monday, May

Daily Times Advert Rates Sizes

Rates

Vat

Sizes

Colour

Rates

Vat

F/PAGE H/PAGE Q/PAGE 14”X5 14”X4 14”X2 FPS 6”X3 FPS 6”X2 BPS 6”X3 BPS 6”X2 ROP2”X6 FPS 2”X6 BPS 2”X6 13”X5

585,000.00 303,439.60 163,431.45 516,379.50 266,617.34 296,551.80 873,388.02 582,267.81 861,432.81 565,621.87 198,096.61 582,257.82 565,621.87 479,495.25

29,250.00 15.171.97 8,171.57 25,818.97 13,426.86 10,327.59 43,669.40 29,122.89 43,071.64 28,281.09 9,904.84 29,131.09 28,281.09 23,974.76

10”X5 10”X5 10”X4 10”X3 10”X2 9”X6 9”X5 9”X4 9”X3 8”X6 8”X5 8”X4 8”X3 8”X2

506,732,50 324,252.34 421,528.04 337,222.43 131,839.81 455,159.25 379,375.23 303,500.18 210,126.15 404,568.92 337,222.43 259,777.95 186,801.63 124,522.05

25,286.62 13,780/72 21,076.40 19,861,12 6,591.99 22,767.96 18,968.76 15,176.00 10,056,30 20,233.34 16,861.12 13,488,89 9,340.08 8,226.10

13”X2 11”X5 11”X4 11”X2

164,774.84 463,680.84 370,424.87 139,424.87

8,238.74 23,184.04 18,521.24 6,971.24

7”X5 7”X4 7”X2 6”X4

295,059.63 206,551.80 88,724.91 156,001.52

14,753.48 10,327.59 4,406.24 9,340.08

Sizes

6”X3 6”X2 5”X5 5:X4 5”X3 5”X2 4”X2 3”X3 3”X2 2”X2 1”X2 1”X1 BPS 2”X2

Rates

114974.85 76,049.94 168,437.36 131M839.81 86,062.36 63,374,94 50,699.95 43,874.94 20,240.98 19,499.98 9,749.99 4,876.00 349,354.69

Vat

5,703.74 3,802.74 7,921.86 6,591.99 4,763.11 3,168.74 2,534.99 1,864.68 1,243.12 828.75 828.75 207.19 17,467.73

EARPIECE 2”X2 365,900.62 CENTER SPREAD 1,497,234 DOUBLE SPREAD 1,330,876.00 DOUBLE SPREAD (1/2) 665,437.50

18,299.53 74,861.71 66,543.76 33,210.97

Black & White S/N 1

SIZES F/PAGE

RATES 442,402.65

VAT 22,120.31

S/N 16

SIZES 10”X2

RATES 124,611,09

VAT 6,230.55

S/N 31

SIZES 6”X2

2 3 4

H/PAGE Q/PAGE 14”X5

229,476.11 124,895.04 390,611.25

5 6 7

14”X4 14”X2 13”X5

8 9 10 11

RATES 44,240.63

VAT 1,880.23

11,473.80 6,244.75 19,526.63

17 18 19

9”X6 9”X5 8”X4

343,369.19 286,789.47 229,536.51

17,168.45 14,339.47 11,476.02

32 33 34

5”X5 5”X4 6”X3

119,813.65 94,554.69 55,300.74

6,990.68 3,133.71 2,360.26

312,409.60 157,994.09 362,617.60

15,620.48 7,899.79 18,130.88

20 21 22

9”X3 8”X6 8”X5

155,328.58 306,019.70 204,020.39

7,766.43 15,300.98 10,201.46

35 36 37

6”X2 4”X 2 3”X3

36,867.18 29,493.75 33,180.45

1,566.85 1,253.48 1,410.17

13”X2 11”X5 11”X4 11”X2

124,601.51 360,647.44 281,516.05 105,440.15

6,230.07 17,532.37 14,090.90 5,272.00

23 24 25 26

8”X 4 8”X3 8”X2 7”X5

204,032.45 141,263.20 76,631.55 223,003.40

10,201,62 7,063.16 3,831.57 71,116.12

38 39 40 41

3”X2 2”X5 2”X2 1”X2

22,120.32 48,173.99 14,746.87 7,373.44

940.11 2,047.39 626.74 313.37

12 13

10”X6 10”X5

383,460.20 320,067.93

19,123.01 16,003.39

27 28

7”X4 7”X2

167,994.09 51,614.05

7,698.67 2,193.60

42 43

1”X1

3,685.72

156.69

14 15

10”X4 10”X3

255,641.86 191,665.00

12,752.09 9,583.34

29 30

6”X4 6”X3

173,871.36 66,360.90

4,818.40 2,820.34

44

CONTACT US

DOUBLE SPREAD 774,210.84 DOUBLE SPREAD(1/2) 367,105.47

Maryamu Mohammed - 08038344225, Sandra Onyema - 08038541505 Marketing / Sales Executive

Marketing / Sales Executive

32,803.96 16,451.98

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 25, 2019

Amaju Pinnick lauds passing of NFF Bill by Senate

Nigerian Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick believes that the passing of the establishment bill of the NFF by the Senate is a landmark achievement.

The bill seeks to ensure mandatory systematic development of football through institutional, age and gender competitions and it provides for the development of coaches and referees to enable them to participate

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

in international competitions among others.

The bill was approved by the Senate after Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, moved for its consideration on Tuesday.

“The passing of the NFF Bill is a landmark achievement,” Pinnick said in an interview on Channels TV. “We are driven with

g23

a passion to serve and have not been perturbed by the distraction.”

Pinnick revealed that there is a ploy against the NFF to scare away their sponsors from bankrolling the national teams.

“Target of those distracting us is to chase our sponsors with untrue stories, but we have been able to assure our sponsors that all is well.”

Serena Williams remains America’s best hope at French Open Serena Williams, a three-time French Open champion who has a 28-4 record on the red clay of Roland Garros, could be dangerous if she is pain free and can get off to a good start.

“Hopefully Serena is healthy enough to play,” Martin Blackman, general manager for player deavelopment with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), told Reuters.

“She’s such a professional that she doesn’t play unless she’s healthy, especially Grand Slams,” he said of the 23-time major champion, who is currently ranked number 10 in the world.

“So if she does, I think with every match that she wins she becomes a bigger and bigger threat.”

Her sister, Venus, has underperformed this year, but remains in the conversation given her experience at slams, which includes a finals appearance at the French Open back in 2002.

The speedy, defensive-minded Sloane Stephens reached the French Open

final last year and the 2017 U.S. Open champion could be poised to get the job done this year.

“Clay is a great surface for Sloane,” Blackman said.

“She’s such a good mover, she’s so good at opening the court, and she has so many different ways to hurt you.

And she is getting more and more comfortable at the net.”

Powerhouse Madison Keys, who fell to Stephens in the French Open semi-finals last year, won her first clay court title at the Charleston Open in April, defeating Stephens and Caroline Wozniacki in the process.

“Madison recently made a coaching change, she’s working with (Juan) Nacho Todero and I think they are in a really good place,” Blackman said.

“She’s healthy, she’s fit and if she gets to the second week, she’s super dangerous.”

While there’s a host of contenders on the women’s side, U.S. tennis fans can feel less optimistic about the men’s

chances.

The top American man, world number 10 John Isner, last week withdrew from the French Open due to a foot injury he picked up during his Miami Open final defeat by Roger Federer in March.

The next best hope is probably the hard-hitting Sam Querrey, who has had success on clay in Davis Cup competition, but has never got past the third round at the French Open, with his best result coming back in 2008.

Rising Americans Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz and Denis Kudla are a combined 0-8 in their main draw matches in Paris so will all enter the tournament amid low expectations.

One bright spot for the U.S. men could be big-serving 21-year-old Reilly Opelka, making his French Open main draw debut.

“Really keep an eye out for Reilly,” Blackman said of Opelka, who routinely serves in the low-140 mile per hour range. “His serve can give you nightmares. No one wants to play him.”

Gabon appoint new head coach Patrice Neveu has been named Gabon manager on a two-year contract to replace Daniel Cousin.

Reports in the last week revealed the Frenchman was nearing his appointment as the Panthers boss after Cousin paid the price for failing to lead the country to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Gabonese Football Federation, through its president Pierre Alain Mounguengui, have now confirmed the experienced Neveu as the man to take the

national team forward.

As reported on the federation’s official website, the announcement was made after Mounguengui’s meeting with Sports Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-by-Nze. Before the recent termination of his contract by Horoya AC, the welltravelled Neveu has had experiences across the globe and is not a new face on the continent either, having managed Niger, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mauritania.

He led the Syli National to the 2006 Afcon in Egypt where the West African nation reached the last eight, before subsequently rising from 99nd to 22nd in the FIFA World Ranking during his time in charge.

Neveu has also managed the Haiti and Laos national teams, Chinese club Shanghai United and Egyptian clubs Ismaily and Smouha Sporting Club.

The Frenchman will now be tasked with ensuring the Central Africans qualify for the continental showpiece in Cameroon in 2021.

The appointment of new National Technical Director, Raphael Nzamba Nzamba was also confirmed by Mounguengui at the media briefing.

FIFA bans South Sudan official for 10 years for corruption FIFA, the international football governing body, has banned South Sudanese official Chabur Goc Alei for 10 years for corruption, the organisation said on Friday.

Alei was also fined 500,000 Swiss francs (499,200 dollars) for having “misappropriated” funds from FIFA’s grants to the South Sudanese football federation (SSFA), of which he was president,

in 2014 and 2015.

Alei was also found guilty of having “offered gifts or benefits” in violation of FIFA’s code of ethics.

Asamoah Gyan asked to apologise to Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah after captaincy controversy Veteran Ghanaian coach Joseph Emmanuel ‘JE’ Sarpong wants Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan to offer an apology to national team boss James Kwasi Appiah after rescinding a decision to retire from international duty.

On Monday, the 33-year-old Kayserispor ace sensationally called time on his Black Stars career, citing displeasure about being stripped of the captaincy ahead of next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, having held the role since 2013.

He, however, made a U-turn on Thursday after receiving a plea from Ghana president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to reconsider his decision.

“Gyan should render an apology to

Kwesi Appiah,” Sarpong told Hello FM. “I’ve spoken to Appiah and he still stands by his decision.”

Gyan, upon rescission of his retirement, was later named in Ghana’s provisional 29-man squad for the June 21-July 19 Cup of Nations.

On Friday, he was named as new ‘General Captain’ of the Black Stars, an inferior and more advisory role usually held by a very senior member of the team.

“In fact, I’m surprised about Gyan and I think his managers didn’t help him,” Sarpong continued.

“He is really confused and I’m disappointed in him.

“Gyan should have stood by his decision. Returning is not the best. This

is about the third time he has returned from retirement.

“If he knew this was possible, why the rush to come out with a statement announcing his retirement from the national team?”

Gyan, who made his international debut against Somalia in 2003, remains Ghana’s most capped and alltime top scorer with 51 goals in 106 international.

The Black Stars are set to take on Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau in Group F of the upcoming continental showpiece.

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

dailytimesnigeria

Sports SATURDAY, MAY 25, 2019

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

VOL. 3

NO. 953

N100

Samuel Chukwueze included in La Liga best young talents

WWC: Onome Ebi, Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala, 20 others make Falcons final squad Power forward Desire Oparanozie and defender Onome Ebi top the list of 23 players who will dorn Nigeria’s colours at the 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in France, as Head Coach Thomas Dennerby released Nigeria’s final squad in Austria on Friday.

Usual suspects Tochukwu Oluehi, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Ebere, Rita Chikwelu, Ngozi Okobi, Halimatu Ayinde, Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade and Francisca Ordega are all on the roster.

But defender Josephine Chukwunonye and England –based forward Ini-Abasi Umotong were axed.

Defender Chidinma Okeke made the cut, as did midfielders Amarachi Okoronkwo and Evelyn Nwabuoku and hom –

based forward Alice Ogebe.

The Super Falcons will depart Austria – where they are on a two-week residential camping – Tuesday, 4th June for France, where they play Norway, Korea Republic and host nation France (in that order) in the group phase.

23 SUPER FALCONS FOR 8TH FIFA WORLD CUP FINALS Goalkeepers: Tochukwu Oluehi (Rivers Angels); Alaba Jonathan (Bayelsa Queens); Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Vaxjo DFF, Sweden); Ngozi Ebere (Arna Bjornar, Norway); Onome Ebi (Henan Huisanhang, China); Faith Michael (Pitea IF, Sweden); Chidinma Okeke (FC Robo) Midfielders: Rita Chikwelu

(Krstianstand DFF, Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Eskiltuna United, Sweden); Evelyn Nwabuoku (Rivers Angels); Ogonna Chukwudi (Djurgardens IF, Sweden); Halimatu Ayinde (Eskiltuna United, Sweden); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons) Forwards: Desire Oparanozie (En Avant Guingamp, France); Anam Imo (Malmo FC Rosengard, Sweden); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain); Chinaza Uchendu (SC Braga, Portugal); Uchenna Kanu (Southeastern University, USA); Rasheedat Ajibade (Alvadsnes IL, Norway); Francisca Ordega (Shanghai W. FC); Alice Ogebe (Rivers Angels); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Henana Huisanhang, China)

U20 World Cup: TIMES Nigeria’s Flying Eagles thrash Qatar in Poland Nigeria’s Flying Eagles produced a dominant performance to thrash Qatar 4-0 in their first Group D match at the U-20 World Cup holding in Poland.

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze included La Liga best young talents for the 2018-2019 season.

The 19 years old Nigeria international is enjoying a breakthrough season with La Liga giant Villarreal, with 37 appearances under his belt in all competitions for the first team, scoring 8 goals and providing four assists.

Chukwueze joined Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo Hernandez and Valencia’s Gonçalo Guedes on the illustrious list published by the official website of La Liga.

Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Youssef En-Nesyri (Leganes), Marc Cucurella (SD Eibar), Pedro Porro (Girona), Junior Firpo (Real Betis), Oscar

Melendo (RCD Espanyol) and Brais Mendez (RC Celta) also made the cut.

On Chukwueze, they wrote: ”Samuel Chukwueze (22-05-1999) is another exciting frontman, and like the Brazilian, he was his club’s shining light for much of 2018/19.

A talented dribbler, he possesses real maturity for his age and also has an eye for goal.”

Nigeria Football Federation’s 2018 Young Player of the Year has also been named the 12th most valuable player under the age of 20 in Europe’s top five leagues and has a buy-out clause set at £54million by Villarreal.

Chukwueze is already in line to make his first Africa Cup of Nations appearance after called upon by Super Eagles coach Genort Rohr for the fourth coming tournament in Egypt.

Cartoon

Two goals in each of the halves ensured that Nigeria’s return to the competition after missing out of Korea 2017 ended on a good note.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS Plc. Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng; DTNcontent@gmail.com Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH, Tel: 08036062975. Ag. Editor: SAM NZEH, Tel: 08050220692, Email: samnzeh2015@gmail.com

Advert Hotlines 0803 302 0395 0705 094 1800