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Incredible:When longevity turns a burden

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 663

N150

World’s oldest woman clocks 129 on May 29

Adebisi Oyindamola, with agency report In Nigeria, the annual Democracy Day celebration will be observed across the country on Tuesday, May 29. Expectedly, the Federal Government, state governors, other political actors as well as key private

sector operators will glamorise the day with comments of achievements and pledges to do more amongst other messages to mark the day.

On the same day in far away Chechnya, a southern Russian Republic, Koku Istambulova, will turn 129 years. Like most Nigerian masses who will be full of lamentations and

clamour for a better country, the world’s oldest woman says her upcoming birthday is nothing but ‘punishment’.

The UK Daily Mail newspaper quoted her as saying that she has not had a single happy day in her entire life, and has no idea how she has managed to live this long.

Continued on page 4

Mercy

Johnson-Okojie:

I am obsessed with children, expect one soon L1

9 days after, NASS transmits 2018 budget to Presidency g 4

N400m fraud: Court closes Metuh’s case in absence of his lawyer g4

EFCC quizzes ex-Kaduna Gov Yero over N700m campaign fund g5

Anxiety as Adamawa records 223 cases of cholera g5

22

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 11, 2018 Saturday, May 26, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Bunch of Banana

Surprising benefits of banana

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma The health benefits of banana include helping with weight loss, reducing obesity, curing intestinal disorders, relieving constipation, and curing conditions like dysentery, anemia, tuberculosis, arthritis, gout, kidney and urinary disorders. Banana can also help with menstrual problems and burns. It is good for reducing blood pressure, protecting heart health, boosting metabolism and immunity, reducing the severity of ulcers, ensuring healthy eyes, building strong bones, and detoxifying the body.

What is banana?

Bananas are elongated, slightly curved edible fruits with a fleshy outer peel that can be easily removed to expose the white to yellow flesh. They grow in clusters near the top of the fruiting plant, and come in a range of colors, including green, red, yellow, and brown (when ripe). A banana tree is the largest flowering herbaceous plant in the world. The scientific name of bananas is Musa acuminata. The fruit of the banana tree is eaten directly when ripe or is included in fruit salads, juice, and shakes.

Unripe bananas can cause severe indigestion and should be eaten only in a cooked form.

Also, bananas make a good topping for breakfast cereals or a snack for a quick burst of energy. Bananas are now grown in more than 100 countries around the world and can also be used to make fiber, banana wine, and are included in ornamental decorations.

The main distinction between bananas and plantains is that plantains are smaller, starchier, and denser fruits and are traditionally eaten in Asia and other tropical countries. Bananas are more commonly found in Europe and America and are soft, desert fruits.

Banana nutrition One serving or 126 grams of banana contains 110 calories and 30 grams of carbohydrates. They are a rich source of protein, potassium, and dietary fiber. They have zero fat and cholesterol, as well as negligible sodium. Thus, bananas have been considered one of the healthiest options for fruit consumption for many years.

Their impressive nutritional content

includes vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B6, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, and niacin, as well as trace amounts of other vitamins. Bananas also contain minerals like phosphorus, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and copper.

Health benefits of banana Banana has many amazing health benefits, they include the following: Lower blood pressure Bananas are a rich source of potassium, so they reduce blood pressure. By relieving the tension on arteries and veins, blood can flow smoothly through the body and oxygenate various organs to increase their function.

This can help eliminate atherosclerosis and the subsequent strokes and heart attacks that are so commonly associated with it.

The fiber in bananas also scrapes excess cholesterol from the arteries and blood vessels and further reduces stress on the cardiovascular system.

Treats asthma A banana a day keeps asthma at bay!

According to research, children consuming one banana a day reduced their asthma risk by 34%.

Treats constipation Bananas contain significant amounts of dietary fiber and therefore help in smooth bowel movements. The roughage soothes the excretion process and relieves a person from constipation. They also help in treating other intestinal disorders.

Prevents colo-rectal cancer The high fiber content in bananas help bulk up the stool and stimulate the body’s peristaltic motion, which facilitates bowel movements through the intestinal tract.

This can help prevent colo-rectal cancer and reduce unhealthy digestive conditions.

Cures diabetes A banana provides about 3 grams of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for both type-1 and type-2 diabetics. Type-1 diabetics may have lowered blood glucose levels and type-2 may have improved blood glucose levels.

Preserves memory and boosts mood The amino acid tryptophan in bananas plays a vital role in boosting mood and preserving memory. Additionally, magnesium helps relax muscles and vitamin B6 helps you sleep well.

Treats anemia Bananas contain high iron content and therefore aid in treating anemia since iron is an essential part of red blood cells. Bananas also have a significant content of copper, which is an important element in the creation of red blood cells. By increasing your red blood cell count, not only do you prevent anemia, but you can also increase circulation to all parts of the body, thereby oxygenating them and optimizing their functionality.

Aids in weight loss Bananas are useful for weight loss as one banana has approximately only 90 calories.

They contain a lot of fiber as well and are easy to digest. Furthermore, they do not contain any fats. Therefore, an overweight person does not have to eat too much if their diet contains bananas because they are very filling. The roughage will also not make the person feel hungry by inhibiting the release of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. This will reduce overeating and also help in weight loss.

Strengthens bones The presence of fructooligosaccharide, a prebiotic, is a beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract that boosts the intake of minerals and nutrients by the body. Bananas are also linked to an increased absorption of calcium. Calcium is the most important element in the production and regrowth of bone matter in the body. It reduces our chances of getting affected by osteoporosis and natural weakness.

Anti-inflammatory properties The compounds inside bananas are antiinflammatory in nature, meaning that they can reduce swelling, inflammation, and irritation from conditions like arthritis and gout.

Improves vision Bananas, like many other fruits, are packed with antioxidants and carotenoids, as well as a healthy mix of minerals that can seriously boost the health of your eyes. Macular degeneration, cataracts, night blindness, and glaucoma have all been shown to decrease with normal intake of bananas and other similar fruits.

Promotes weight gain Bananas can be useful for weight gain.

When consumed with milk, bananas help

3 Wellness

increase a person’s weight rapidly. Milk provides the necessary proteins and bananas provide the sugars. Furthermore, since bananas are easily digested, an underweight person can gulp down 5-6 bananas in a day apart from the regular meals without facing indigestion. This leads to an additional intake of 500-600 calories, which is quite necessary for weight gain. Since bananas have the ability to provide instant energy, sportsmen eat bananas during the breaks in between games for an extra surge of energy.

Treats piles (Hemorrhoids) Bananas have been used as a natural remedy for piles as the high fiber content makes it easy to pass stools. The laxative effect prevents any kind of strain, thus providing relief and curing hemorrhoids (swollen veins around the anus region).

Treats ulcers Traditionally, bananas have been used as an antacid food to soothe upset stomachs as they can also suppress acid secretion. The protease inhibitors in bananas eliminate the harmful bacteria that have been linked to the development of stomach ulcers.

Prevents kidney disorders Potassium and various antioxidants in bananas help ease the strain on kidneys and encourage urination. This can help keep toxins from accumulating in the body.

Relieves menstrual problems Cooked banana flowers help in providing relief from painful and excessive bleeding during the menstrual cycle and can relieve other menstrual distress too.

Banana diet The Morning Banana Diet for weight loss became so popular that it lead to the shortage of bananas in food stores of Japan. This diet plan involved consumption of unlimited bananas with water in the morning, unrestricted lunch and dinner but no deserts.

And no eating after 8:00 pm.

Uses of Banana For a more balanced diet, you can have the fruit of banana in any of the following ways: • Add a banana to your bowl of cereal, oats or muesli to increase the nutrients.

• Add frozen bananas to your smoothie for a delicious flavor.

• Add ripe mashed bananas in baked goods. It is a good replacement for oil and butter in cooking.

• Add banana in cakes and cookies. It gives them a yummy taste.

• Coat the banana with grated coconut and bake it. Enjoy it as a snack or you can freeze it and have it for dessert.

• Peel off and have it directly Different parts of banana are used for cooking in different countries. The fruit is eaten raw or cooked. Some also eat the peel or the skin of the banana, which are also nutritious. The banana heart (flower) is also used in various curries and soups.

The banana leaves are used as wrapping materials for baking and boiling various dishes. They are also used as biodegradable plants or containers. The trunk of the plant is also used in a Burmese dish called mohinga, which is a rice noodle with fish soup.

Side effects of banana Consuming banana may have some side effects like: • High potassium levels: Certain medicines consumed for heart disease and hypertension have the ability to raise potassium levels in the body. These include beta-blockers and diuretics. Therefore, those on medication are advised to consult a doctor before adding bananas to their diet.

• Allergy: Those who are allergic to bananas may experience itching, swelling, hives, and wheezing in the throat and mouth.

• Migraine: Those you get frequent migraine attacks are advised to have no more than half a banana a day.

• Gastrointestinal distress: Due to the abundant amount of fiber, eating too many bananas may cause various gastrointestinal disorders. These include stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and many more.

Source: www.organicfacts.net

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Incredible: When longevity turns a burden Continued from page 1 Istambulova, who shuns meat but loves fermented milk, believes it is simply ‘God’s will’ that she will live to clock 129 next month.

The claim that Istambulova is about to turn 129 is made by the Russian government, and is based on her internal passport, which shows her date of birth as June 1, 1889.

If correct, Istambulova was already 27 when the Russian Revolution unseated Tsar Nicholas II, 55 when World War II ended, and 102 when the Soviet Union collapsed a generation ago.

During the war, she recalls ‘scary’ Nazi German tanks passing her family home in a village in Chechnya.

She and her family were later deported along with the entire Chechen nation Kazakhstan and Siberia by Stalin who accused them of Nazi collaboration.

Asked how she lived so long, Istambulova told an interviewer: ‘It was God’s will. I did nothing to make it happen. I see people (who live long) going in for sports, eating something special, keeping themselves fit, but I have no idea how I lived until now.’

Sbe aadded: ‘‘I have not had a single happy day in my life. I have always worked hard, digging in the garden. I am tired. Long life

is not at all God’s gift for me - but a punishment.’’

She is articulate and able to feed herself and walk, but her eyesight is failing.

During her long life, she lost several children, including a son who died aged six.

Relatives say Istambulova’s only surviving daughter, Tamara, died five years ago, aged 104. ‘‘I survived through the Russian Civil War (after the Bolshevik revolution), the Second World War, the deportation of our nation in 1944 and through two Chechen wars. And now I am sure that my life was not a happy one. ‘‘I remember tanks with Germans passing our house.

It was scary. But I tried not to show this, we were hiding in the house. Life in Kazakhstan was the hardest for us. ‘‘When in exile - we lived in Siberia too - but in Kazakhstan we felt how the Kazakhs hated us. Every day I dreamed of going back home. Working in my garden helped me to get rid of my sad thoughts but my soul always wanted home,’’ Istambulova stated.

She recalled how Muslim restrictions on clothing eased after the end of tsarist times under Soviet rule. ‘‘We were brought up with very strict rules and we were very modest in our clothes,” she said, adding “I remember my granny

beat me and reprimanded because my neck was visible.

And then Soviet times came and women quickly began to wear more open clothes. ‘‘Looking back at my unhappy life, I wish I had died when I was young.

I worked all my life. I did not have time for rest or entertainment. ‘‘We were either digging the ground, or planting the watermelons. When I was working, my days were running one by one. And now I am not living, I am just dragging through.’’

Officials said all her documents were lost during the Second Chechen War from 1999 to 2009.

The pension fund, a state body, claims there are 37 people over 110 years of age in Russia yet all these claims, including Koku’s, are impossible to verify because of the lack of reliable birth or early childhood written records. Most live, like Koku, in the Caucasus which has a history of longevity among its peoples.

Since the death of 117-year-old Nabi Tajima in Japan last month, the oldest documented woman in the world is regarded as Chiyo Miyako, born on May 2, 1901, also from Japan. The oldest documented human lifespan is Jeanne Calment, from France, who lived 122 years, 164 days, dying in 1997.

N400m fraud: Court closes Metuh’s case in absence of his lawyer Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday closed the defence of former National Public Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh who is facing a sevencount charge of alleged involvement in N400million money laundering.

The court had on Wednesday proceeded with the trial of the case in the absence of Metuh, who is said to be recuperating at the National Hospital, Abuja after he collapsed in court on Monday.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Friday, both Metuh and his lawyer , Emeka Etiaba (SAN), were absent in court.

But the prosecuting lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir, crossexamined the 11th defence witness, Oladeji Bamidele.

In view of Etiaba’s absence, Tahir urged the court to close Metuh’s case.

Ruling on the application, Justice Abang recalled that the court had on January 25, 2018 granted Metuh’s application dated January 19, 2018 for him to call seven additional witnesses after nine witnesses had testified for him.

In the said ruling of January 25, 2018, the court also ordered that the seven witnesses should be in court at all times to give evidence, as the court will not grant any other adjournment in the matter at the instance of Metuh.

While noting that the order of the court, which was not appealed against subsists, Justice Abang stated that neither Metuh nor any of his lawyers was in court for the trial on Friday and that no reason was given for their absence as well as to state why the matter should be adjourned.

The judge then said, “The

first defendant (Metuh) has abandoned his defence and the absence of his counsel shows lack of interest in the defence of the first defendant.

“The first defendant is also not in court to call any of his witness to give evidence in the matter.

“The only option the court has now is to close the case of the first defendant. I rely on Section 6 (6) (b) of the Constitution to close the case of the first defendant.

“I cannot manufacture an application for adjournment for the first defendant, therefore, the case of the first defendant is now closed”.

The judge later adjourned the matter to July 2, 2018 for the second defendant (Destra Investments Limited) to open its defence in the matter.

Meanwhile, the lawyer who represented Channels Television that was summoned to appear to show cause why the station should not be asked to play the video recording of the Sunrise daily programme alleged to be prejudicial to the trial , Kelechi Nwaiwu, told the court that the station was in court in response to the summons of the court.

Nwaiwu told the Court that the station was not only represented in court but has also filed an affidavit showing cause and attached an unedited DVD of the Sunrise daily programme of the station aired on May 22,

2018.

Justice Abang commended the prompt response of the Channels Television in producing the unedited DVD of the programme even before it was asked.

The judge later adjourned the matter till July 3, 2018 and ordered Channels Television to be in court with their equipment to play the DVD of the programme in the open court to enable the court to determine whether the station allowed itself to be used to broadcast prejudicial statement, which the prosecution said misinformed the public on the matter before the court and brought the court into disrepute.

Metuh and his company, Destra Investments Limited are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly receiving N400million from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Mohammed Dasuki (rtd) and using same to fund political activities of his party during the 2015 general elections. oJarIkre oscar I formerly known, called and addressed as PeTer oscar now wIsh To be known, called and addressed as oJarIkre oscar PeTer. also my correcT daTe of bIrTh Is 1sT november, 1989. all former documenTs remaIn valId. banks and General PublIc should Please Take noTe

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9 days after, NASS transmits 2018 budget to Presidency Enang confirms receipt of document

Tunde Opalana, Abuja The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, has acknowledged receipt of the 2018 Appropriations Bill, nine days after the document

was passed by the National Assembly.

In a statement made available on Friday evening, Enang confirmed the receipt of the 2018 budget passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, saying that the document is set to be transmitted to President

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Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

5 News

1% Primary Healthcare fund for low income earners - PSN As group lauds NASS Tunde Opalana, Abuja The President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Prof. Ahmed Yakassi, has reiterated that the one per cent Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) provision by the National Assembly for primary healthcare in the 2018 budget will directly benefit the poor in the country.

Yakasai spoke when he led other executive members of PSN on a thank you visit to the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on behalf of all his colleagues in the 8th National Assembly for facilitating the inclusion of the 1% CRF in the 2018 budget.

He added that the primary healthcare fund will greatly boost the healthcare system,

reduce poverty, create jobs and improve the economy of Nigeria.

Yakasai, according to a statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate, on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, said: “Indeed something that gladdened our hearts is the issue of the 1% Consolidated Revenue Fund that the National Assembly has captured in the 2018 budget that was passed recently.

“It will change the landscape of healthcare delivery in Nigeria. It is for the poor because it is so hard financially for the poor to pay for healthcare services out of their pockets.

“It will create jobs. It will reduce poverty. It will bring about economic growth in the country. That is why I specifically sent out a

press release yesterday (Wednesday) and I am sure it is carried all over the papers today (Thursday).

“Only God will pay you for what you have done. We thank you and the entire members of the 8th National Assembly for doing this to the the nation”, he said.

Responding, Saraki said that the essence of the 1% CRF is to improve the standard of the healthcare system in the country.

Saraki said: “I thank you for all you kind words, particularly your appreciation on what I believe was a major milestone in the development of healthcare in our country.

That is the 1% Consolidated Revenue Fund for Primary Healthcare which we have been able to pass as part of the 2018 Appropriation Bill.

“It is something we

EFCC quizzes ex-Kaduna Gov Yero over N700m campaign fund Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday quizzed former Kaduna State Governor Ramalan Yero at its office in the state gov four hours.

Yero, who arrived Kaduna EFCC office at about 9:05am and was on the commission’s hot seat till about 1:35pm.

The former governor, who appreciated his supporters, who in their solidarity, gathered outside the commission’s office, urged them to go to the mosques for Juma’at prayer.

But the ex-governor refused to say anything

to journalists when approached for comments.

Meanwhile, Yero’s media aide, Yakubu Lere, explained to journalists that the former governor was summoned by the EFCC in connection with the N700 million campaign funds released to the state by the PDP headquarters in 2015.

According to his spokesman, Yero was also invited to the EFCC office in Kano two years ago over the same issue and was granted administrative bail.

He said, “At that time, he explained during the interrogation that the N700 million was PDP money sent to him as the then governor of Kaduna State

to finance 2015 general election with instructions, which he judiciously followed.

“What they are holding against him was that he kept the money in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, instead of in a bank.

“Even last week, he was here on the same issue; but as you can see, he came out smiling, meaning the commission has found nothing to hold against him for now”.

The spokesman urged Yero supporters to remain calm and be law abiding, adding that the struggle to “rescue the state from collapse” has started.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (middle), Chairman, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Mahmood Abubakar (right) and Executive Secretary, UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, during an inspection tour of some model schools and technical colleges in Ogun State

believed in and I keep on thanking my colleagues in the Senate and also in the House of Representatives - those who were not of the medical profession - who supported us and we all worked hard to make this happen.

“This is an important provision that will definitely improve the life of a lot of our people, especially the poor among us. It will enable them to access medical services that is available and affordable.

“It will make the country healthier and the country stronger. This is about working for the people and we are going to work hard to make sure that this money is well utilized so that our vision and hope to make our people healthier is realized,” he stated.

He explained that the 1%

CRF provision for Primary Healthcare will go a long way to reduce the high rate of both maternal and infant mortality in the country.

“Today statistics has shown that 10 per cent of infant and maternal mortality in the world occurs in Nigeria and this is not something that we should be proud of. We believe with this kind of provision that would soon become a thing of the past. The fact that only one out of four children in Nigeria receive immunization should not be.

“In a country like ours every child should receive immunization and we believe that with this provision we made in the 2018 budget, we are really seeking a new Nigeria as far as primary healthcare is concerned,” he added.

Meanwhile the Senate has intervened in the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), with a pledge to do what is right to end the strike and ultimately find lasting solution that would prevent strikes by health workers in the country.

The President of the Senate gave the assurance when the Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Biobelemonye Joseph, led other executive members of the group on a visit to Saraki in Abuja.

The Daily Times further gathered that Saraki also held a meeting on Friday with the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole and the Minister of Labour, Senator Chris Ngige on how to end the ongoing health workers strike.

Anxiety as Adamawa records 223 cases of cholera Tom Garba Yola, and Tunde Opalana, Abuja Anxiety is now trailing the outbreak of cholera in Adamawa State as 223 cases of cholera have been received at General Hospital Mubi, following outbreak of the disease in parts of Mubi North and South.

The Principal Medical Officer in charge of the hospital, Dr Ezra Sakawa, who disclosed the development when he received members of the State Executive Council on fact finding mission, explained that 12 others died before they are taken to the hospital.

Sakawa said the hospital also received reported cases of four prisoners from the Mubi prison yard and attributed the cause of cholera to shortage of water leading to use of contaminated water by the people.

He assured that the hospital had not recorded any death from those on admission, saying that many patients have been discharged after been treated of the disease.

Sakawa further told the team that the hospital is also having water problems and called for solution as well as medicament that will assist those on admission as a result of the outbreak.

Leading the executive members comprising four commissioners, the state Commissioner for Information, Ahmad Ibrahim Sajo, appreciated efforts put in place by management of the hospital as well as other partners and ask them to ensure that that the disease does not spread to other areas.

Contributing, Commissioner for Health, Dr Fatima Atiku, said the state government has dispatched medicament necessary to those affected and appealed to people to maintain personal hygiene as well as keep their environment clean at all times.

Chairman of Mubi South, Ajayi described the incident as unfortunate and reiterated local government commitment to ensure portable drinking water through activating boreholes.

The team also visited the Emir of Mubi where talks were held on how to enlighten

the people on personal and environmental sanitation to check further spread.

At Yelwa ward, where the casualty figure was high, 15 water points were identified to be contaminated while people were seen fetching the water.

It was further gathered that the government team later joined the medical team to review the situation, which indicated increasing number of partners dedicated to end the outbreak and provide medication to those on admission.

Worse hit areas include Yelwa ward, Wuro Patuji, Nassarawo and Sabon Layi in Mubi North and South.

Atiku alerts on threats of cholera outbreak in Adamawa, Kano

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government and its relevant agencies to come to the aid of scores of persons affected by cholera outbreak in Mubi, Adamawa State and Wulari settlement in the Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

He made the call on Friday against the backdrop of the death of 12 persons already from the scourge of the disease in Mubi and four in Kano.

In a statement by his media office, Atiku regretted the deaths that have occurred since the outbreak of the disease and urged the governments at both state and federal to expedite action by coming to the aid of those infected and stop the spread of the disease before it gets deadlier.

Atiku Abubakar noted that government intervention has become inevitable because the local authorities do not possess the manpower to handle an outbreak of cholera or of any disease of this magnitude.

He called on Nigerians especially in the affected regions to be on high alert and make it a priority to observe personal and environmental hygiene.

He reminded that an operation centre has also been set up in Mubi General Hospital where all suspected cases should be reported to 08031230359 and 07080601139.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Harassment: NUJ calls for sack of FCT VIO Director, Bodinga Doosuur Iwambe, Abuja The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has call for the sack of Director, FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Mr. Wadata Bodinga, over his refusal to investigate the physical assault and damage of the working equipment of the Managing Editor, Daily Times Newspaper, Mr. Bonaventure Melah, by the officials of the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in Abuja, days after the

matter was reported to the Directorate.

In a press release signed by the Secretary NUJ FCT Council, Rafat Salami, the NUJ condemned the development and called on the federal government to halt what it described as the continued impunity for crimes against journalists. ‘‘While we call on government to investigate and bring the officers to book, we are also calling on for the immediate

resignation or sack of Wadata Bodinga’’ for refusing to do the needful. ‘‘NUJ is constrained to again decry the continuing brutalization of journalists by uniformed men. Its occurrence is becoming alarming appearing to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the journalism profession, demean journalists, intimidate us into silence, and deny us the opportunity to do our constitutional duties as enshrined in Section 22

of the 1999 constitution and by implication putting our democracy in peril.

“The attack, assault and brutalization of our senior and respected member Mr. Bonaventure Melah, on Tuesday, May22, by Vehicle Inspection Officers VIO with policemen watching and doing nothing to help the journalist shows that security agencies apparently have a clandestine agenda of humiliating journalists and they are united

in the perpetration of crimes against journalists. ‘‘Bonaventure Melah was carrying out his legitimate duty when he was covering a fracas between VIO and Taxi drivers in Maitama which caused serious breach of public peace. The VIO on sighting his camera, pounced on him, seized and smashed his IPAD with which he was recording VIO’s impunity against taxi drivers. They as well beat him up as well as tore his clothes, just for doing his job.

“We have had enough, we shall not tolerate any other attack on journalists and the FCT shall hold a protest to raise global awareness on the dangers journalists face in the execution of our job.

“All journalists are hereby put on notice that within the next few days, we shall hold a protest to demand for the respect and protection of our right to and access to information and dissemination of same,’’ the statement added.

L-R: Olori Olanike Aromolaran; her husband, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland (HRM Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa; and Olori Idowu Aromolaran, when Aromolaran visited the State House of Assembly in Lagos. Photo: Lagos Speaker Media Team

Your position is ‘threatened’ by women, Buhari tells Osibanjo Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari on Friday alerted Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo that his position was being “threatened’’

by Nigerian women in politics.

The president stated this while reacting to a request by Nigerian women who asked for the slot of Vice President of Nigeria in subsequent elections in the country.

The women under the auspices of the Nigerian Female Parliamentarians made the request when they paid a courtesy call on Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The chairperson

of organisation, Mrs Elizabeth Ativie, who spoke on behalf the delegation, lamented that Nigerian women were being marginalised by their male counterparts in the nation’s body politics.

“Since 1999 we only have one principal officer each in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“And in the State Houses of Assembly we have only just five per cent, women are five per cent of the total population of elected members of the State Houses of Assembly and we feel that this is not good enough for all the

efforts we women had put in the development of this country particularly in politics.

“We feel the trend now needs to be reversed and we feel you are the only one who can do it now.

“The implementation strategy is simple.

Any statement you make today is a policy statement and is a law.

“Now your Excellency is twinning.

Many African countries have imbibed that culture of twinning and is working – in Rwanda, in South Africa is working and we believe it will work in Nigeria.

“Where a man is a president we expect that

the vice president should be a woman; where a man is speaker, we expect that the deputy speaker should be a woman and vice versa,’’ she said.

Besides, Ativie called on the Buhari administration to invest more in women’s participation in politics by creating an enabling environment for women to thrive and tackle perceived systematic and cultural hindrances to women’s inclusion.

She commended the president for the recent approval given to the Inspector-General of Police to employ youths into the Nigeria Police Force and expressed the

optimism that at least 35 per cent of the those to be recruited would be female police.

She also called on the president to urgently intervene in the protracted industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

She said: “Indeed, this strike action bites harder on women and children who are the most vulnerable in our society.

“We humbly appeal to Your Excellency to graciously look into the issues as the father of the nation in order for the health sector to bounce back and ameliorate the plight of the citizens.’’

Responding, Buhari noted the efforts of women in ensuring political stability in the country and for the support given to him during the 2015 presidential elections.

On their demands including the VP slot in future elections in the country, Buhari regretted that he was not “as powerful as you think I’m”.

“It is a pity the Vice President is not here. But I believe the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will tell him that his position is threatened,’’ he jokingly told the visiting female parliamentarians.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

7 News

Obaseki releases N1.5bn to pay LG pensioners arrears In fulfillment of the promise made by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the 2018 Workers’ Day celebration in Benin City, the state government has released N1.5billion for the payment of arrears of local government pensioners in the state.

The commissioner for Local Government and

Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai, made this known in Benin City, on Friday, while addressing the association of local government pensioners.

Ijegbai said the N1.5billion released by the governor covers eight months arrears of 4,340 local government pensioners in the state.

“You will recall that on

May 1, 2018, during the May Day celebration, the governor made a promise to release N1.5billion to clear part of the local government pensioners’ arrears in the state. I am glad to announce to you that the money has been released for immediate payment.”

He explained that after the announcement by the

governor, a meeting with the pensioners was called and the screening of the pensioners commenced.

“That screening has been completed and we are now ready to pay our pensioners their arrears.”

The commissioner noted that the release of the huge sum of money by the governor to pay pension arrears is unprecedented

in the history of Edo State, adding that since governor Obaseki assumed duty, he has not defaulted in the payment of monthly pension.

“As at today, we pay 264 million naira monthly to offset pensioners’ entitlements in the state, and we will continue to pay until we clear the outstanding arrears,” he assured.

The President of Local Government Pensioners’ Association (Edo State) Frank Akinido, thanked the governor for keeping to his promise to pay pensioners their arrears and for remembering them in the scheme of things.

He assured the governor that the state local government pensioners are peace-loving citizens.

FADAMA III: Niger Govt to pay N50m counterpart fund N i g e r S t a t e Government on Friday pledged to pay its over N50 million counterpart fund in the ongoing National FADAMA III Additional Financing (AF) (I)

development project.

Alhaji Haruna Dukku, State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said this during a courtesy visit to the ministry by implementation

support mission team of the “Third National FADAMA Development Project Additional Financing (AF) (I).’’

Dukku, represented

by Malam Zakari Bala, Commissioner for

Livestock and Fisheries, said that there was need to pay the counterpart fund as review of implementation of various projects embarked upon in the state had commenced.

“We will do our best to pay the counterpart fund because it is the key to agricultural scheme success,’’ he said.

He commended the successes recorded in the FADAMA projects

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, Pro-Chancellor, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Prof. Steve Azaiki, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Samuel Edoumiekumo, and others, during a meeting between the Governor, and the NDU Governing Council, at the Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Yenagoa.

Photo by Michael Owi.

Pro Basketball Player Evelyn Akhator joins Temple Management Mutiat Alli Nigerian professional basketball player and key member of Nigeria National Female Basketball team, D’Tigress, Evelyn Akhator is the latest Nigerian talent to be signed on to leading pan-African talent management agency, Temple Management Company.

Drafted third overall pick in the 2017 Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) draft, Akhator joins the highly coveted league of sports talents such as Super Falcon Defender, Ebi Onome, Sprint champion,

Seye Ogunlewe, Tennis Starlet, Marylove Edwards, teenage Golf sensation, Georgia Oboh and Nigerian Beach Soccer star, Abu Azeez Abolaji, currently being managed by Temple Management Company.

Speaking on the organisation’s latest addition, Head of Sports, Temple Management Company, Koye Sowemimo remarked: “Delighted to welcome Evelyn to the family. Our focus as with all our talents is to enable Evelyn to become her own brand, inspire future female players to get into the game and give her that support structure to keep performing at the highest level”.

Akhator who started her

professional career in the United States, first at Chipola CC (Marianna, Fla.) and then at the D-I level with Kentucky beamed with excitement as she commented on her latest move.

“Super excited to join Temple Management Company,” she said. “When I met with Koye Sowemimo, the Head of Sports, it seemed like a no brainer to me. The vision they have was clear and very much aligned with where I want to go in my career and beyond. The future as I see is very bright ”.

Expressing the organisation’s commitment to its talents across the African continent, Group Chief Executive, Temple

Management Company, Idris Olorunnimbe, maintained that the Temple Management was unwaveringly resolute to giving its talents the platforms, opportunities and tools to guarantee their success within their respective fields.

He added “Temple Management is determined to create a paradigm shift in the management of talents across Africa. As a truly pan-African organisation, our objective is to place our clients on a global pedestal where their talents and equally importantly, their personal brands are brought to the fore and genuinely appreciated. It is for this reason

that we are thrilled to welcome Evelyn Akhator to the family”.

Akahtor who grew up Nigeria, was first picked up a ball at age 14 at a girls’ camp.

She currently plays forward/ centre for the D’Tigress (National Team) and was with the Dallas Wings of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) for the 2017/18 season. She debuted in her first WNBA game at San Antonio and scored her first WNBA points against Phoenix in May 2017. There are number of options for Evelyn to consider post her Dallas Season, so watch this space.

in the state, adding that the government would do everything possible to support the programme for the benefit of the people.

Earlier, Prof. Olubunmi Omotosho, Team Leader of the group, urged the state government to pay its counterpart fund to enhance the success of the projects.

Omotosho said that, while in the state, the team would review all the projects implementation programme of FADAMA III AF. He said that the mission would assess the achievements recorded in 2017/18 project work and work plans for the 2018/19.

The team leader said that there would be interactive session on site with project beneficiaries toward getting their views and opinions for evaluation.

He said that the measures would enable the mission dialogue with government officials and provide implementation support for the programme.

Earlier, Alhaji Aliyu Kutigi, the State Project Coordinator, said that the visit of the mission team would enhance the implementation of the project in the state and review some of them appropriately.

“This exercise is of paramount importance in order to fill in areas where there are gaps and correct mistakes to ensure quality report for the next World Bank Mission and good compliance with the project implementation,’’ he said.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

NDDC Flags off Training of Technical Assistants for Ogoni Clean-Up

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Nsima Ekere, has flagged off a two-day training workshop for technical assistants in the Ogoni clean-up and remediation project at the conference hall of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, in Port Harcourt.

Ekere, who was represented by the NDDC Director, Special Duties, Dr. Princewill Ekanim, said that the Commission would collaborate with Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, to provide the needed support in the effort to address the environmental concerns of the Ogoni people and restore their livelihood and native occupation of farming and fishing.

According to the NDDC boss, “there are over 5,000 impacted sites in the Niger Delta region and about 25 per cent of that are in Ogoniland.”

He, therefore, stressed the need to make the Ogoni cleanup exercise a success, so as to provide the roadmap to the clean-up of all hydrocarbon impacted sites in the Niger Delta region.

Ekere said: “Section 2, sub section (a), (h) and (i) of the NDDC Act 2000, mandates the Commission to tackle ecological problems in the Niger Delta environment. The Commission is to work with oil companies operating in the region and other stakeholders to carry out this task.

“In the exercise of this mandate, and in demonstration of the commitment of the current Board of the Commission, a

technical person, Dr. Udeme Udofia, who is an associate Professor in the area of environmental protection and pollution control was appointed to work with HYPREP and build the capacity of the local people in environmental remediation.

He will eventually take over the supervision of this project which UNEP says may last for more than 30 years.”

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer said that no significant success was recorded by HYPREP three years after it was established in 2012, till 2015 when the structure of HYPREP was amended to include a board of trustees, a governing council and a project management team.

He said further that the sum of 10 million US dollars was deposited in the trust fund to serve the financial viability

of HYPREP, adding that the general council of HYPREP was a multi-stakeholder body which included the NDDC. Ekere explained that the General Council of HYPREP was charged with the responsibility of providing the necessary oversight to ensure the implementation of the UNEP report.

The Project Coordinator for HYREP, Dr Marvin Dekil, underscored the essence of the training on oil spill assessment, stating that it would develop the capacity of the young environmental scientists as well as foster the involvement of the Ogoni community in the clean-up project.

According to him, “HYREP as a project of the Federal Government of Nigeria has the mandate of remediating oil impacted sites and restoring the livelihoods of communities

whose sources of income have been destroyed as a result of hydrocarbon pollution.

Dr. Dekil commended the NDDC for supporting the training and urged that the cooperation would continue throughout the life span of the project. He observed that the training, which was the second by HYREP, was an improvement on the previous one because of the support of the NDDC. He noted: “The first was in June, 2017, which coincided with the visit of the United Nations Resident coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallou, who on seeing the preparatory work we were doing at the time, appealed to Ogoni people and indeed all stakeholders in the cleanup project, to be patient with HYREP to deliver a world class remediation.”

L-R: Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson, the State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah Retd, Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, and the visiting former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, during a peace meeting with stakeholders of Amassoma community, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet hall, Government House, Yenagoa. Photo by Michael Owi.

FCT, Niger partner to resolve boundary dispute

Idu Jude, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Mohammed Musa Bello and Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, have agreed to partner in settling their boundary dispute.

In achieving this, villagers bordering the two states, has been mandated forthwith to stop the sale of lands to strangers as well as the mining of any kinds of natural resources.

The FCT Minister, in a joint press briefing with

his visitor, stated that the meeting with the Niger state governor, was held basically on three issues, which is on Boundary issues, and there is already a boundary committee and that government can no longer continue to intervene in ordinarily is the duty of the local communities.

“The second one is on the environmental issues, which we discussed is very important in the lives of those living at the boarder communities of the two states. We also

discussed how these two states should be paying taxation at their respective communities.

This is because it is not good for a person to live in another state and pay tax to another so people should pay their taxes where they reside and we have also contacted the Federal Ministry of Finance toward ensuring that residents of the boundary towns that are working in the FCT pay their taxes especially those that are on salaries pay their taxes to respective places where

they reside in accordance with the law of the federation.

Malam Bello noted that the revenue generated will be very helpful to sort local government IGR which will be useful in funding activities within their domain.

While commenting on the rate of population explosion in the territory, the Minister stressed that they have on the need to involve environmental pollution especially in the villages and city around the boundary area.

Earlier the Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Sani Bello has explained that concerns were raised during their meeting over recurring decimal on boundaries of the two territories.

The governor stated that they had a fruitful discussion with the Minister and he is optimistic that the boundary dispute will soon be resolve.

Well we did a lot to manage we are on top of it.

It is quit challenging but.. I will not tell you how we did it but I am assuring you that peace has returned.

Glo’s Professor Johnbull promotes Nigerian goods The TV satire sponsored by the grandmasters of data, Globacom, “Professor Johnbull” in a new episode aptly entitled “Made in Nigeria” has added its voice to the clamour for people to buy home-made goods and services instead of exotic ones.

The episode is billed for broadcast this Sunday on DSTV Africa Magic Family and GOTV Channel 2 at 6.00 p.m. with the repeat broadcast scheduled for Thursday at 9.30 p.m. on the same TV channels.

In the new episode, members of the cast unanimously agree that made-in-Nigeria products are not of inferior quality, as most goods in the Nigerian markets carrying foreign labels are in actual fact made in Nigeria.

Professor Johnbull is also scheduled for broadcast on NTA Network, NTA International on DSTV channel 251 and NTA on StarTimes at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday, with Anambra Broadcasting Service airing same at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday.

Posers to be resolved by viewers include: Can Nigerian goods compete favourably with foreign ones? Why do manufacturers put foreign labels on goods produced in Nigeria?

Why does Jumoke storm out of a party in anger after donning an expensive foreign dress?

Who makes Elizabeth to shine at the party?

Featuring the protagonist of the series, Professor Johnbull, acted by Kanayo O. Kanayo, Jumoke (Bidemi Kosoko), Elizabeth (Queen Nwokoye), Flash (Stephen Odimgbe), Jeroboam (Osita Iheme), Ufoma (Bimbo Akintola) and Abadnego (Martins Nebo), Made in Nigeria will depict Jumoke’s nascent character portraying her as not just pretentious but also a patriotic and amenable personality.

Jumoke’s closing remarks and her campaign for local contents as well as the concurrence of Professor Johnbull are high points viewers should not miss in the episode.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday May 26, 2018

Politics

9

Adamawa APC Congresses: Gov Bindow, SGF Mustapha, Babachir and matters arising

Bindow

Tom Garba, Yola The just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) Congresses from Wards to State level has been widely described as problematic, as parallel ones held in many states haven its nature and the peculiarities of the Congress.

In Adamawa State, the home of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and the former SGF, Babachir David Lawal had both of them pitching different tents with those who will make the party structure ahead of 2019 general elections.

The parallel exists in two broad camps, Governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow who is seen as a four Star general of the party at the state level and considered as the party leader in the state is having the likes of the present SGF, Boss Mustapha, the

Mustapha

North East vice Chairman of the party, Salisu Mustapha, the party Leadership under Ibrahim Bilal, Sen Binta Masi Garba, the senator representing the Northern zone of the state, the eight serving members at the House of Representative, the 24 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly, all Commissioners ,19 chairmen of various LGAs and their 205 wards councillors, elder statesmen and stakeholders like Jonathan Zwingina, Gen Aliyu Kama, former acting Gov James Barka.

Others are Alhaji Umar Duhu, Barr Ali Gulak, Felix Tangwani, Medan Peter, Sen Ahmed Barata belonging to Bindow’s camp as combatants foot soldiers waiting for a victory battle come 2019.

In the other camp which is believed to have Babachir David Lawal as the arrow head, have the likes of former

Gov Murtala Nyako, Sen Aziz Nyako, Senator representing Central zone of the state, Moallayidi, a senator from the Northern zone, Gen Buba Marwa, Marcus Gunduri, Nuhu Ribadu, a serving member in Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon Rufai Gombi, the current chairman of Gombi LGA and the 10 wards councilors, a suspended Chairman of Yola North LGA and his 11 wards councillors, Daniel Bwala, former adviser

“

Yaya Hamanjulde, former speaker, Yidi Turaki are his supporting men and women fighting to seize the structure of the party in the state.

The two camps are no doubt roaring Lions, the former is seen as a well fed, strong, agile and ready for a victory battle to defend it territory, kill any intruder into its domain, while the latter is seen as a hungry Lion looking for who it will devour and take over the party system and gain

The parallel Congresses have come and gone. The question is who is the winner among the two camps?

Which list will be accepted as the authentic one at the national office of the party? What will be the fate of the loser in the game playing out? Could defection and cross carpeting be the final decision of those that lost?

”

its total control. The battle of supremacy for the party’s control is the main game playing out in the political scene of Adamawa State APC. The delegates’ elections were peacefully done in the two camps as adjudged by various stakeholders of the party.

The parallel Congresses have come and gone. The question is who is the winner among the two camps? Which list will be accepted as the authentic one at the national office of the party? What will be the fate of the loser in the game playing out? Could defection and cross carpeting be the final decision of those that lost? These are the questions arising from the recently concluded APC congresses in Adamawa State.

The camp where Bindow is the leader seems to have Continue on page 12

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

My experience in private sector makes me best suited as next Osun governor – Lawal regime should build industries and Governor Aregbesola has the road to the industries. We need to build different industries all round the local governments, encourage the cottage industry where old men, women and children, everybody will be gainfully employed, everybody doing one thing or the other. That means we have a dynamic society.

At a time Osun State is in dire need of industrialisation in order to compliment the aggressive infrastructural development of the current governor, Mr Ayoade Afolabi Lawal, an engineer and frontline gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun State, recently held a session with newsmen in Lagos and he speaks on why it is important to attract real investors to the state, develop education system, among many others. MOTOLANI OSENI was there and reports.

We know that Nigerian politics is about cash, how financially buoyant are you or how do you intend to launch your political ambition at this point?

Politics in Nigeria is not different from any other politics all over the world, as long as we are under a democratic environment, I will tell you that. When it comes to finance, we have supporters, we have those that believe in our dreams and they have been supporting us day by day.

We will not go beyond our limit.

However, personally, I will keep doing my own, will keep financing what I can finance and with what my supporters can do, we are good to go.

Considering other contestants, what are your chances of winning and what is your relationship with the present governor?

Well, first of all we operate in an environment where there is freedom of speech; there is freedom to contest and not to contest. The other political aspirant has a right to contest just as I have the right to contest. I am showcasing myself, and I would advice they showcase themselves.

But, at the end of the day, it’s going to be the choice of the people. And every society gets a type of leader it needs at a particular time.

So, I believe our democratic structure keep evolving every day, whatever type of leaders we get, shall be the measure of the reflection of what the society want at that particular time. My current relationship with Governor Rauf Aregbesola, he is our leader, he is the governor of the state, I would say he is the type that favors nobody, there is no special relationship, he is the leader of the party, and he remains like that.

If you are asked to step down for others to showcase themselves, are you ready to step down?

In the current dispensation, we have internal democracy which goes thus, we know this is battle that we go to the primary and at end of the day outcome of the result would determine who the party picks. So, I don’t see a reason why somebody would say he or she wants me to step down, for what?

Why do you think the people of Osun State will choose you above every other candidate, and what have you considered doing to convince the people both in the primary and the general election?

First of all, we at different stage in life think differently, I have seen things in life and I have a burning passion to make it work. I have work experience and I run businesses, I have gone to different parts of the world, I have seen different things, I have met different people, I have seen how things work and how things don’t work and I believe I can leverage on that and the fact that I have dealt with quite a number of multinationals. I have work experience with Chevron, and different multinational groups and I have worked for Nigerian companies too. And I have seen what it means to be unemployed, I experienced it too, when you leave the university and you don’t get employed. I know the psychological effects. I know what it means when your fortune change overnight and how it is also difficult to manage success. I have had my own fair share of life, I feel for the average Nigeria youth. I know how many CV I get every day and I know how many I try to put to work. I know why at times I just have to retain some workers even when business is not doing well and I know how to look for ways to propel them even when business is doing well to make them know that look, it doesn’t mean you can’t get to a better place, I encourage people, if you are with me today I can only wish for you to be the best.

So, I see myself as someone that can help in aggressive human capital development and also to manage our resources in a responsible and optimal way. When you say there is no money, don’t let us always believe that there is nothing. So, I believe with the experiences I have had over the years, I can leverage on this, with the little network I have, because I believe that we keep networking, we can bring a full internet idea for people to drive our state forward.

Considering your experience with multinationals and connections that you have across the world, what are the strategies that have been put in place in ensuring that Osun State

If you lose at the primary election, would you support the party’s flag bearer or go to another party to contest?

It is not in my agenda to move around, I think where I am I fight my battle, you win some, you lose some.

What are the considerations for the upcoming election as an aspirant, looking at calls for zoning in the ruling party APC? It is a welcome development, I am from Osun West and if you look at the country as a whole even the mindset of the people, there is always a mindset of rezoning arrangement. If you look at my state in all fairness, the people of Osun knows we are pushing it to the West.

Afolabi Lawal can actually be compared with other states, in terms of infrastructure and economic development?

When I get there by the special grace of God, I am going to leverage on a lot of multinationals, most especially the producing company and see how we can bring them in to start up producing different products in Osun State. We are going to start with agoallied industry, because if we look at the agro allied industry, there are a lot of potentials in that area. If you look at Edo State for example with Cresco and Como oil, so we are going to pull as much company from agro-allied to support us, so they will come in there and create a lot of employment opportunities.

The government is going to partner with them and encourage them and build a lot of industry from there.

We will also look at the wood and

“

steel sectors, because when you talk about industrialization, your ability to use steel and wood plays a very important role, so we are going to look at bringing a lot of wood steel investment companies over there.

If we focus on those areas we will make the environment conducive.

Also, when you look at areas in agroallied and tourism, they are very important sectors. In fact tourism cut across different areas too, we talk of accommodation, and all these things come around tourism too. So, we are going to leverage all these together and make things comfortable.

Tell us what you would do differently from what Governor Aregbesola has done?

Fine, he has done a whole lot of road networks which are strong infrastructural development. My own

When I get there by the special grace of God, I am going to leverage on a lot of multinationals, most especially the producing company and see how we can bring them in to start up producing different products in Osun State. We are going to start with ago-allied industry, because if we look at the agro allied industry, there are a lot of potentials in that area. If you look at Edo State for example with Cresco and Como oil, so we are going to pull as much company from agro-allied to support us, so they will come in there and create a lot of employment opportunities.

”

As a governorship aspirant and a father, what are your plans in educating the children of Osun State, so that they can be compared with their peers across the country?

It saddens me when I look at the education situation in Nigeria now, and what saddens me basically is the fact that the level of knowledge that we used to have seems depreciating everyday among the upcoming children. What I mean by that is, when you go back and see a child of primary three those days, you could easily say he can do this and that. But now, tell a primary class student and say my friend can you recite the times table, and he can’t even recite 2×2. And then you are like what is this? We are killing our educational system because we want technology, it pains me.

What is happening in the west has actually crept in here, because a lot of them uses calculator. I personally would want to teach some basic subjects once in a while to encourage the teachers and students and also put in necessary training program to upgrade the teachers they have in those schools. Then go back to that traditional way of teaching, get text books, let them do more of writing and not using more of phones and calculators, especially the primary school and secondary school pupils, so that they will come back to that traditional old way. Also, we have to do programs to encourage hard work, such as quiz competition to encourage the brilliant ones to know that there is reward for hard work Most aspirants do say, they will only contest once, but you find out that they go for second term once they get into office, how many times do you wish to contest for election and concerning the agriculture, a whole lot of youths now do not want farming, how do you intend to run it or how do you want to upgrade agriculture in Osun State?

Continue on page 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturdday, May 26, 2018

11 Politics

Group faults Coalition of Northern Groups over stand on Buhari’s second term Patrick Okohue The Coalition of Northern Group’s advice to President Muhammadu Buhari not to contest the 2019 Presidential election has been described as “ineffectual and untenable”.

The Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) says the Coalition Group’s position “does not hold water and runs contrary to reason as the Nigerian constitution does not in any way debar him from running for a second term”.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Austin Braimoh and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, BMO advised the Coalition that “President Muhammadu Buhari did not in any way contribute to the problems the country is now facing. Rather, he has been in the forefront of fighting corruption and other ills that have retarded the country’s growth and development.

“Even on the aspect of age, we

need to remind the Coalition that age has never been a hindrance to good leadership, but in the case of President Buhari it has proved to be an advantage. It is also necessary to recall that recently the former Malaysian President, Mahathir Mohammed was recalled from retirement to come and lead the country again at over ninety years, based on his antecedents and performance in office.”

BMO also drew attention of the Coalition to the various projects which it says the Buhari administration has started across the country, especially in the rail, road and power sectors.

“It is also important to point out the diversification programmes, anti-corruption fight and defeat of Boko Haram terrorists. All these achievements need to be sustained and consolidated in his second term.

“We therefore advise the coalition to rethink its position as President Muhammadu Buhari is focused on rebuilding the country for the good of all Nigerians.”

Buhari

Bello restates support for academic excellence as he gives scholarship to best law graduate

Yahaya Bello

The Kogi State government has expressed its determination to support the education of brilliant students across the state.

Governor Yahaya Bello made the promise recently while providing scholarship to the tune of $93,000 to Ms. Fatima Bombom Sani, the best graduating student at the 2015 Call to Bar examination of the Nigerian Law School.

Bello, who spoke while receiving Ms. Fatima Sani, her relatives, alongside Bar. Natasha Akpoti at the Kogi State Government House lamented a situation where academic excellence has not been given the requisite reward in Nigeria.

“The case of Fatima Sani reminds me of how academic excellence has not been adequately rewarded in Nigeria.

Imagine someone that bagged nine separate awards including “Best Student of the Year and Council of Education Star Award, and nothing was done for her since 2015.”

He applauded Akpoti for taking up the case of Fatima Sani, it was Akpoti, who sought the intervention of the Kogi State governor who was not only surprised but disappointed that Fatima was left unsupported while no information was brought to his office concerning her case.

He charged privileged Nigerians to make more contribution to the education of brilliant students.

“I heard about your exceptional performance at the Nigerian Law School in 2015 and assumed you were recognised and sponsored by

the administration of the day. It’s unacceptable that such brilliance is not celebrated and promoted. Nevertheless, I shall grant you a personal scholarship to celebrate your exceptionality and help your career-defining goals.”

Governor Bello stated that after some inquiries and validation of Fatima’s credentials, he in his capacity declared a full scholarship for Fatima to study Masters in Finance Law at the Colombian Law School, in the United States of America.

Bello thanked Natasha Akpoti for her humanitarian efforts in bringing Fatima’s issue while urging Fatima to uphold her academic excellence and make Nigeria proud and return home to serve her fatherland.

Speaking, Barr. Akpoti commended

Governor Bello for his benevolence and penchant for promoting academic excellence.

“We must celebrate heroes like Fatima in view of motivating young people especially girls towards exceptional educational performances.”

She advised Fatima to go for her studies and come back to contribute her quota to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria.

Akpoti had on April 27, 2018 via her Facebook page, advocated sponsorship to help Fatima further her academic dreams having emerged as the best graduating student at the 2015 Bar exam where she bagged nine separate awards including “Best Student of the Year and Council of Education Star Award.

‘...private sector makes me best suited as next Osun governor’ Continued from page 10 For your first question, if the people see the works done the first time and they request I contest for the second time, I will surely go.

Concerning farming, we now have what is called mechanised farming, so as to make it easy for today’s youths to use machines to cultivate lands. We would bring in all these machines and train them on their usage.

As a political aspirant in a time like this, how do you hope to empower the youths and what means are you using to do your own consultation in Osun?

Empowerment is not about giving out material things, it is about giving the little I know on how to fish I pass over to you, so that you will be able to

fish for yourself. And empowerment comes in an intellectual form, you grab it then you use your hands and leg to execute. You cannot give what you do not have. So, I advocate empowerment through training and feeding our brains. We need to look at the youths and see what a person can do, because some of the youths are not employable, but you have to help them, how do you help them? It is by telling them the truth. Empowerment is the ability to know that you have this skill and it is set to bring food to your table. It is now left for you to use that skill sense to climb on your own financial management for your own life style. The ground of most people is here in Lagos and this is where most of us earn our living. I stayed back for this program and next week I would

be there. There should be a way you balance things.

Some people believe that the APC has failed in their promises to the nation, so, what are the chances of APC wining among other parties in Osun State?

I would not agree that APC has failed us, naturally we have people with different views. Some will say APC has done well, others say they have not done well, but of course it is when we go to the polling booth that we know the true situation.

Basically, we all know what happens within the economy. We have been operating a mono-economy, it is not that we are diverting. So it will not be mono economy again, if you look at oil going as low as $85 per barrel,

if you have money coming down at a period where a government came in, definitely you know things will be a bit tight. Now I believe that things seems to be getting better, the oil is getting back up and at the same time we have been able to do one thing.

We have been able to diversify. A lot of people are now thinking of exportation of cash crops. I personally would be of the view that we can’t actually say we have not done well, so we thank God things are going well.

APC by the special grace of God, we are going to win the election come September 2018. The complaint of the economy is a general one, people have the right to criticise, but when criticising let us be constructive, challenge is everywhere and I believe that APC will still win in Osun State

by the special grace of God. What measure do you think the Federal Government should put in place to stop the herdsmen killing across the country?

This whole herdsmen farmer’s thing is becoming highly sinister and it is a painful thing that this is what the country is experiencing at this particular period, but I would encourage the Federal Government and the Police Force to do more on community policing. Know your neighbour and your environment.

Surveillance has to be aggressive and intensified. So, community policing must become effective and the security authority must be penalised whenever they are given information and do not act on those information.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Nyako

Lawal

...Gov Bindow, SGF Mustapha, Babachir and matters arising Continue on page 9 a comparative advantage of having the national officers of the party recognised its sanctity and acceptability.

On many interviews with newsmen in Yola, the SGF, Boss Mustapha affirmed that he is a grassroots politician and knows what politics entails by doing and following the detates of the national body of the party.

According to him, “ I am a party man and a grassroots politician, doing just what my party instructed me to do.”

Salihu Mustapha, the North East Vice Chairman, who is an indigene of the state while casting his votes in the last State’s delegates opined that he has been delegated by the party to make sure the Congresses go well and in line with the party constitution. ‘’I thank God the Congress is peaceful and as a delegate from the national office of our party I can say that my observations are just to say the Congresses are really free and fair to all party loyalist,”

Salihu said.

The Bindow’s group is undeniably the group that is having the National recognition of the party.

But in politics you can expect the unimaginable and the unthinkable as everyone and every unit of it is nucleus in playing a prominent role of marring or making a positive change in the game.

The other group may be having a strong reason on why they are factionalising the activities of the party affairs at the state level. One of the possible reasons could be relegations of party loyalists who fought the battle and struggled to bring the present administration to be.

As it is indisputable, the central fact that the struggles of every politicians is for his or her interest to be protected or covered, when there is less than that one will be seeing uproars or grievances coming from those feeling displaced or not been carried along within the scheme of things.

Many believe that the

Babachir led faction is strong to the extent that they fall within the national caucus of the party as Babachir, Murtala Nyako are partly founding members of the party and they form alliance with the likes of Tinubu, Buhari, Adams Oshiomhole, who are founding fathers of the APC, and as such Babachir’s struggle can never be considered a struggle in total futility.

A possible looming defection and cross carpeting It is a fact that the political gimmicks playing out in Adamawa which is breeding enmity and creating grievances is taking the centre stage and no possible reconciliation is in sight. If it be that the Bindow group finally succeeds in forming a structure of the state party from Ward to national level, one can then rightly say that the Babachir group are irredeemable losers who will never stoop low to join hands with the Bindow’s group to

form another four years of APC leadership in the state.

Recently, Senator Abdul Aziz Nyako told journalists that if they are maltreated at the local, state and national level they will have no reason staying in the party that they toiled and sweated to sustain both in the state and at national level.

According to him, they are going to defect to another party to form a government of the people in the state.

Views and opinions of observers in the state indicates that the Babachir led faction has deliberately formed their party structure under the leadership of Comrade Dimas Ezra to be able to automatically move into a new party entirely in the state with its structure from wards to state level.

With what is on ground, Bindow, the incumbent governor who is gearing up to finish his two terms as the elected number one citizen of the state, with all his political will and connection,

his records of achievements and the machinery he has on ground, one can only say it will take a special miracle not to elect him as dovernor for the second time.

Of recent the Executive Chairman of Maiha Local Government Area, Hon Idi Amin described the governor as the Oscar winner of 2019 election. He believes that the governor has done much in terms of infrastructural development that is clear to even the blind, Adamawa is a transformed state, he said.

Idi a grassroots politician considers Bindow as a believer in hard work who passed through several litigations in court and is still standing strong in putting democracy to work, not fight and deserves the support to come back in 2019 for the developmental work he is known for to continue.

“If you look at his antecedents as governor, he battled nine court cases, litigation upon litigation, he won them all and became a record breaker. ‘’All the huddles he passed as a governor did not deter him from doing good for the people of the state, turning Adamawa into a model city,’’ Idi said.

He continued, saying that Governor Bindow has collected nine awards because of his outstanding performance in leading the affairs of the state and it will take only God not to return him as a governor because he has done what God approves of, he has done and consolidated development in many areas.

Amin dispelled the idea of sharing state’s resources at the expense of development, because one cannot eat his or her cake and have it at the same time and one cannot be dancing and eating, but Bindow prefers work alone than sharing the state’s resources. ‘’I tell you the truth, I brag around telling people I’m from Adamawa State where we have a governor that makes good things happen unlike before,’’ he said To people with voting right, Bindow is wonderfully doing well, developing the state and in 2019 they will certainly vote for him. To some politicians Bindow has done nothing to deserve a second coming as a governor, this is because he has not been carrying them along.

TIMES SPORTS

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Ekiti set to organise maiden Ade Ayayi Traditional Sports tourney

Paralympic gold medallist seeks reward

Russia 2018 Blacklisted fan bypasses Russia’s World Cup security system

Onazi, Aina, Paul Bassey upbeat over Super Eagles chances Rohr drops 5 players before Super Eagles fly out to England

World Cup trophy stolen by London gangsters before 1966 tournament - Report

Times Sports 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

R USS I A 2 0 1 8 S UPE R E AG LE S N E W S !

Onazi, Aina, Paul Bassey upbeat over Super Eagles chances Nigerian internationals Oghenyi Onazi, Ola Aina and Akwa United FC Chairman, Paul Bassey, are confident that the Super Eagles will surprise many at this year’s World Cup in spite perceived doubts.

Onazi, Aina and Bassey spoke with newsmen on Friday in Uyo where the Eagles also have their training camp preparatory for the World Cup. The Eagles midfielder, however, admits that the World Cup which begins on June 14 in Russia is no child’s play because big teams and big footballers will compete for honours.

“But we want to respect them, we want to do our best. The mood in camp now is that everyone is in high spirit.

“Thank God that we don’t have injury concerns. We are recovering from injuries we had,’’ Onazi told NAN. “Everybody is waiting and hoping that we start on a very high note. This is my second appearance in World Cup. Of course, you learn from the first World Cup. “What you could not do the first time out, you have to do that now and make sure you make the difference.’’

Aina also said that though the Mundial would be his first time out if selected to make the final cut, no player in the Eagles camp is fearful of other teams in the group.

“I don’t think anybody in our team fears anybody in the other team. You are playing

against 11 players.

“Also, I do not have any regrets in opting to play for Nigeria instead of England. It was a straight forward decision for me and my family.

“We discussed. It is good for me and I am happy I did that,’’Aina said.

He said that there were many good Nigerians in England who would want to wear the national colours of Nigeria’s national teams, adding that it was up to them to make their decisions.

“It is not for the nation to say come and play; you have to decide to come and play for your country,’’ he said.

For Paul Bassey, the Eagles need all our prayers in our group which includes Argentina, Croatia and Island.

“I don’t predict matches but sometimes they put you in a group that you can easily get out of. In our group, we need prayers.

“According to bookmakers, we don’t have a chance since we are the lowest ranked in the group. But we have a bunch of good players who are determined, hungry to excel.

“They want to use this World Cup as a pedestal to greater things and they are playing regularly, so I have a lot of hope,’’ he said.

He said that at Akwa United players were also hungry to excel in spite of recent failures on the continent, adding: “I believe we will get there’’ he said.

Skipper Mikel Obi loves Super Eagles underdog tag, charges team to fight at World Cup Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has said he is happy that the team will go into the World Cup in Russia as underdogs, while also charging them to again display the fighting spirit they showed to qualify for tournament.

The Eagles are the lowest rated team by FIFA in a tough first round group that has Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

But the former Chelsea star said this can only challenge the Eagles to do more in Russia.

“Being underdogs is good for us. It means we have to do more, we have to be humble,” said the experienced midfielder, who is set for his second World Cup. “That means we can do better than what people expect us to do.”

He added: “We have to do better than we

have ever done.

“It will be tough because we’re in a tough group and so our first game (vs Croatia) is very important. It’s important we win that game.”

Mikel therefore tasked the Eagles to show the fighting spirit and unity that got them through a tough qualifying section that included African champions Cameroon and Algeria.

“One thing that will help us is we need to be together, play as a team, and the fighting spirit we have all this time, we need to show it in Russia,” he said.

“We need to continue the way we have done.

“We are a young and energetic team.

“We go as one, Nigeria and the team come first.”

Rohr: I don’t regret leaving out Kelechi Nwakali, Usman Mohammed Gernot Rohr has insisted he does not regret leaving out players like Kelechi Nwakali and Usman Mohammed, who shone against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night in Uyo, from his World Cup squad.

There has been a clamour for the coach to hand late call-ups to next month’s World Cup to Nwakali and Usman Mohammed.

But Rohr maintained he is satisfied with his 30-man provisional squad even without these other players.

“There are no regrets because Atletico played their second team and it was a holiday game for them,” he argued at a press

briefing covered by SCORENigeria in Uyo today.

“The list of 30 is a good one with very interesting players.

“They did so well to qualify us for the World Cup from a very difficult group.

“And it would not be normal to have players from the B team (going to the World Cup).”

The coach said his regret would be that there has been a lot more talk about the players who did not make the World Cup preliminary squad than about those who did.

Super Eagles hope Moses Simon training ground injury not serious

The Super Eagles hope a thigh injury suffered by KAA Gent forward Moses Simon is not serious.

Moses Simon failed to complete yesterday’s training in Uyo after he appeared to have hurt his thigh.

He was replaced by Ahmed Musa for the remainder of a training game as a result of the injury.

A scan is expected to be carried out to determine the severity of the injury.

“We are hoping it is nothing serious,” Eagles spokesman Toyin Ibitoye said.

Former Flying Eagles dashing winger Simon has battled Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi and Ahmed Musa of Leicester City for a starting shirt in the Eagles on the road to Russia 2018.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

15 Times Sports

RU SSIA 2 0 1 8 WO R L D NE W S !

Blacklisted fan bypasses Russia’s World Cup security system

A soccer fan blacklisted by Russian authorities for bad behaviour was granted a document allowing him to attend World Cup matches, while several other fans have skirted a stadium ban, Reuters has found out.

Russia has vowed to crack down on crowd unrest ahead of the World Cup to be held from June 14 to July 15, and to weed out troublemakers by screening fans.

However, documents seen by Reuters show that Pavel Cherkas, a 32-year-old fan who was blacklisted last year for being drunk at a match, applied for and received a World Cup fan ID. This is after the ban had taken effect.

Cherkas, who has attended matches in spite of being banned by the Interior Ministry, showed Reuters his World Cup fan ID. This is a document that is mandatory to attend matches and proves he has been approved by Russian authorities.

After Reuters asked the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media, which oversees the fan ID programme, how a blacklisted fan was cleared to attend the World Cup, Cherkas was informed his ID had been revoked, without explanation.

The ministry said a fan ID can be cancelled to ensure security or public order, or if it receives information about violations by spectators at events in or outside Russia.

Russia has pledged to curb stadium violence at the World Cup, hoping to expunge memories of brawls between Russian and English fans in Marseille during the 2016 European championship.

Fans say authorities have cracked down on hooligans in recent years and violence is less prevalent.

But Russia still wants to show it is taking action and has launched a fan blacklist, which contains more than 400 names, although few violent cases.

However, Reuters has found that the authorities have not been systematically enforcing the list.

“I’m not saying the government is wrong in banning fans,” said Cherkas, smoking at a picnic table in central Moscow.

“But if they do, they should do so effectively.”

Reuters did not find other cases of blacklisted fans obtaining World Cup fan IDs and could not establish how widespread the problem was.

Meanwhile, another blacklisted fan said his ID application had been rejected.

The dates on Cherkas’ ban were amended this month in what the interior ministry told him was a mix-up with another fan.

His ban, which was to expire during the World Cup, is now listed as lasting until May 21.

It remains unclear whether he will be granted another fan ID to attend two World Cup matches taking place on dates covered by his initial ban.

Nine blacklisted fans, including Cherkas, said they had regularly skirted the ban.

Reuters reporters saw one of them at a match last month, while others provided photographic evidence of themselves attending sporting events while banned.

FIFA and the World Cup local organising committee referred questions about how a blacklisted person could obtain a fan ID to the communications ministry, which said the document was issued at the discretion of federal security authorities.

Rohr drops 5 players before Super Eagles fly out to England Coach Gernot Rohr has disclosed that five players will be dropped from the Super Eagles World Cup training camp before their warm-up match against England at Wembley on June 2.

The Franco-German coach told reporters at a press briefing in Uyo this afternoon that after the team’s friendly against DR Congo in Port Harcourt Monday, five players will be dropped.

There are presently 29 players in the camp in Uyo with Chelsea star Victor Moses to join the rest of the squad in London.

Rohr will then be expected to name his final 23-man squad for Russia 2018 at least a day before the FIFA deadline of June 4.

This will be before the team’s final test game against Czech Republic in Austria.

William TroostEkong set for World Cup test

Bursaspor defender, William Troost-Ekong, is raring to go as Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup draws nearer.

The player featured prominently in the team’s first training held at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday.

Troost-Ekong through his Twitter handle: @WTroostEkong, wrote: “Good to be back home training with the @NGSuperEagles in Uyo. Feeling fit and ready for our road to Russia! #AkwaIbomBoy #Russia2018.”

Troost-Ekong has also congratulated his center-back partner Leon Balogun on his move to Premier League side, Brighton.

“Proud of my big bro and other half of #OyinboWall @LeonBalogun signing for Brighton today. Next stop Russia,” he tweeted.

Nigeria is billed to play DR Congo on Monday as part of their build up for the World Cup in Russia.

World Cup trophy stolen by London gangsters before 1966 tournament - Report A London gangster and his brother were behind the notorious unsolved theft of the World Cup trophy just months before the 1966 tournament in England, according to a report.

Sidney Cugullere, with the help of his brother Reg, stole the Jules Rimet trophy while it was on public exhibition at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, Reg’s son Gary said.

The theft led to one of the biggest investigations in Scotland Yard’s history, before the trophy was found seven days later by a dog named Pickles in bushes outside his owner’s south London home.

The masterminds behind the heist remained a mystery.

Gary told the Daily Mirror that his uncle Sidney had stolen the trophy “for the thrill” and not for financial gain — and that Reg had also been in the hall at the time of the theft but had not seen Sidney take the cup.

He added: “On the street after coming out of the doors, Sid lifted his jacket and said: “Ere you are, Reg, look at this’. He opened one side of his jacket and the World Cup was there.”

Gary claimed the pair hid it in Reg’s father-in-

law’s coal shed.

“My dad was freaking out and he knew there was no way they could sell the cup. They realised they had to give it back,” he added.

The trophy was snatched on March 20, 1966.

Three days later a package containing the top of the trophy and a typed ransom note demanding £15,000 arrived at Chelsea Football Club, sparking a full-scale police operation.

Detective Inspector Leonard Buggy was called in to meet a go-between called Edward Betchley, later jailed for his part in the theft.

Mr. Buggy met Betchley in London’s Battersea Park and showed him a briefcase containing the cash, in dummy notes.

The pair drove off to collect the cup from its hiding place, but Betchley jumped out and fled having realised the car was being shadowed by police and the handover never took place.

He was arrested minutes later but refused to reveal the whereabouts of the cup.

According to the Daily Mirror, Sidney died in 2005 without ever being caught, while Reg died in 2012.

Super Eagles step up training as John Ogu joins up

The Super Eagles have intensified their preparations for the World Cup in Russia today in Uyo with strikers Odion Ighalo and Simeon Nwankwo catching the eye, while Israel-based midfielder John Ogu was the latest player to join the training camp.

Morning training today included the usual warm-up drills before an intense two-a-side game.

One team had strikers Jude Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa as well as Uche Agbo.

On the side FC Crotone striker Simeon Nwankwo netted a good goal against goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Ighalo worked hard as always, Ahmed Musa showed his blistering speed, while Oghenekaro Etebo has to be a lot more decisive when going forward from midfield.

Again, Wilfred Ndidi trained apart as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

The Leicester City star is running well now and it is now just a matter of time before he joins the rest of the squad in full training.

Competition among the four goalkeepers – Ezenwa, Francis Uzoho, Dele Ajiboye and Daniel Akpeyi – was fierce as one of them will be dropped for the Mundial.

In the meantime, John Ogu is the latest callup to join the camp.

It now means that only skipper Mikel Obi and Victor Moses are being expected.

Times Sports 16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Hotels - L e i s u r e - TREASURES SUITES & CONFERENCES

Plot 66, 1st Avenue by Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Opp Federal High Court, Abuja HOTEL INFORMATION With facilities uniquely designed to cater to guests comfort at every level, Treasure Suites is located at Plot 66, 1st Avenue by Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Opposite Federal High Court, Abuja, Nigeria. It boasts business related amenities such as a business centre and 2 meeting rooms.

It features 45 rooms categorised into Suite, King Suite and Deluxe Single Room. All rooms provide conveniences such as airconditioning units, refrigerator, coffee/tea making facilities, flat screen TV with satellite reception, sofas, free bottled water, in-room safe, hair dryer, desk and a private with shower and free toiletries. Some of these rooms also have a balcony.

Complimentary breakfast is served daily between 8 AM and 11 AM. Alongside the swimming pool with pool umbrellas and sun loungers, the hotel also has a fitness centre/gym where guests can engage in workout sessions. The on-site restaurant specialises in local and continental delicious cuisine and the bar serves a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks which guests can enjoy and unwind at the lounge. Free Wi-Fi and self-parking are also available at the hotel which has a tight security network. It boasts business related amenities such as a business centre and 2 meeting rooms.

Cubana Suites

Barcelona Hotels, Abuja

20 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja

23 Blantyre Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II

HOTEL INFORMATION Cubana Suites, located at 20 Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria, is a 3-Star hotel that overlooks Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Golf Course.

HOTEL INFORMATION Barcelona Hotels, Abuja is a 4-Star hotel located at No 23 Blantyre Street, off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja. It is situated in the heart of town and enjoys proximity to a number of public and private owned institutions.

Cubana Suites offers rooms with modern interior decor. The rooms are equipped with tile flooring, an air conditioner, work desk, telephone, flat screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, armchairs, balcony with a view of the pool and an en-suite bathroom with toilet paper, towels and linen provided free. Categories of rooms available are Cubana Classic, Superior Deluxe, Executive Deluxe and Supreme Deluxe. It offers complimentary breakfast with an option of room service.

Continental food options are offered at the restaurant while a wide variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks can be ordered at the bar on-site. A swimming pool is also available on the premises.

Barcelona Hotels, Abuja offers a number of spacious and tastefully designed rooms which come in the categories: Standard, Superior, Executive, Executive Twin, Diplomatic, Ambassadorial, Ministerial, Barcelona, Senatorial and a Presidential Suite. Each of these rooms comes with top quality facilities such as flat-screen television with a full cable subscription, sofas, luxurious bed, wireless internet connection, luggage storage and en-suite bathroom with shower facilities.

Barcelona Hotels Abuja also offers guests banquet, event and conference halls; a rooftop sit-out with a breathtaking view of the environs; a restaurant that offers a wide range of tasty dishes plus continental breakfast; an adequate parking space; a 24-hour power supply; gym facilities; a swimming pool and guaranteed security.

Additional services rendered by the hotel on request include concierge, laundry/dry cleaning, currency exchange, express checkin/check-out, car hire, room service for limited hours, luggage storage and airport shuttle.

Cubana Suites also offers services such as 24-hour front desk, 24 hours power supply, concierge service, luggage storage, cleaning services, daily maid service, ironing service, dry cleaning/laundry service, a meeting/ banquet facility and round-the-clock security.

A cache of extra services are also available to guests and these include: an elevator, a business centre, sauna, laundry and dry cleaning services, car hire services, airport pickup, daily newspaper delivery, housekeeping, valet service, room service, lawn tennis facilities, concierge, spa, Chinese cuisines, ballroom and casino.

Interesting Places to Visit near Treasure Suites Federal High Court (1.1 km) Harrow Park (1.8 km) Turf Arena (1.5 km) Durban Neighbourhood Park (0.95 km) Silverbird Cinemas (2.0 km) DHL Express (1.8 km) The nearest airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, is only 37 minutes away.

Interesting Places To Visit Near Cubana Suites Millennium Park (4.5 km) Silverbird Cinemas (5.5 km) National Mosque Abuja (5.0 km) IBB Golf Course (7.5 km) Aso Rock (7.6 km)

Places Of Interest Near Barcelona Hotels Abuja Berger flyover Federal Ministry of Finance GSM village NAFDAC Wuse market

Terms and Conditions Check-In: From 09:00 am Check-Out: Until 12:00 pm Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: Children are permitted to stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, and Cash Payments only.

Terms and Conditions Check in: from 12:00pm (Identification required) Check out: from 12:00pm Pets: not allowed Payment: Cash, Cards Smoking: In designated areas.

Terms and Conditions Check In: From 12:00 PM (ID Required) Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children are allowed to stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted here.

FAQs

Q: Does Treasure Suites offer free Wi-Fi? A: Treasure Suites offers free Wi-Fi to all checked-in guests.

Q: Does Treasure Suites have a swimming pool?

A: There is a swimming pool in this hotel.

Q: Does Treasure Suites offer complimentary breakfast?

A: Treasure Suites offers its checked-in guests complimentary breakfast.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Treasure Suites? What type of equipment are available?

A: Yes. A modern and well-equipped gym is available at the hotel.

Q: Does Treasure Suites have a restaurant?

A: A restaurant is available at Treasure Suites.

Q: What is the check-in and check-out time at Treasure Suites?

A: Check-in and check-out hours are 12:00 PM and 12:00 PM respectively.

Q: Does Treasure Suites offer shuttle services?

A: Treasure Suites renders airport shuttle service on request.

Q: Does Treasure Suites offer car hire services?

A: Treasure Suites renders car hire service on request.

Q: Does Treasure Suites allow pets?

A: Pets are not allowed at Treasure Suites.

TREASURES SUITES is a top-class hotel in Wuse, Abuja

Grand Cubana Hotel No. 6 Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja

HOTEL INFORMATION Grand Cubana Hotel offers a budget friendly accommodation in a very scenic environment at No. 6 Ebitu Ukiwe Street, Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria. It is appropriate for both business and leisure travellers.

All rooms are fully air-conditioned and fitted with king-sized beds, flat screen TV sets with satellite reception, wardrobes, refrigerators and an en-suite bathroom. These rooms can be categorised into Alcove, Standard Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, Executive Deluxe, Business Royal, Ambassadorial, Grand and Presidential Suites.

Grand Cubana Hotel has 24hours electricity and room service is available on request. The bar and restaurant provide guests with a variety of meals and drinks. The event hall is fully equipped and appropriate for social and corporate gathering; an outdoor pool and a fitness centre are available on-site. Parking is free and security is guaranteed.

Grand Cubana Hotel has a business centre and offers additional services such as laundry/dry cleaning, concierge, luggage storage, airport pickup and car hire.

Interesting Places To Visit Near Grand Cubana Hotel Utako Motor Park (0.7km) Patsy Plaza (0.35km) O’neal Centre (1.1km) Rock of Ages Mall (2.6km) Terms and Conditions Check In: From 3:00 PM Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children are allowed to stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted here.

FAQs

Q: Does Grand Cubana Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? A: Grand Cubana Hotel offers free Wi-Fi to all checked in guests.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Grand Cubana Hotel? What type of equipment are available?

A: A gym is not available at the hotel.

Q: Does Grand Cubana Hotel have a swimming pool?

A: There is no swimming pool in this hotel.

Q: Does Grand Cubana Hotel have a restaurant?

A: A restaurant is available at Grand Cubana Hotel.

Q: Does Grand Cubana Hotel offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. Guests will be charged for breakfast orders.

Grand Cubana Hotel is a budget hotel in Jabi, Abuja

FAQs

Q: Does Cubana Suites offer free Wi-Fi? A: Yes. It offers free Wi-Fi to guests.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have a swimming pool?

A: Yes. It has a swimming pool.

Q: Does Cubana Suites offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. It does not offer complimentary breakfast.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Cubana Suites?

A: Yes. It has a fitness centre/gym.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have a restaurant?

A: It has a restaurant with delicious delicacies.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have on-site parking? Is it free?

A: Yes. It is free.

Q: Does Cubana Suites offer airport pickup or shuttle services?

A: No. It does not offer airport pick-up/ shuttle services.

Q: Does Cubana Suites allow smoking in rooms?

A: No. It disallows smoking in rooms.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have an event centre/conference rooms?

A: Yes, It has an event centre.

Q: Does Cubana Suites accept cash, cheques, cards and bank transfers?

A: It accepts cards and cash.

Q: Does Cubana Suites have hair dryers?

A: No. It does not provide hair dryers.

Cubana Suites is a top-class hotel in Maitama, Abuja

HOTEL INFORMATION Sandralia Hotel is a high-class hotel in Abuja offering a mixture of luxury, elegance and comfort.

This hotel offers free Wi-Fi, adequate parking space and it’s situated at 1, Solomon Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.

L a r

Way,

Sandralia Hotel gives guests the opportunity to experience the Piano Lounge. The Piano Lounge is a trendy and stylish bar offering an eclectic and original cocktails and drinks list with an accompanying menu of light bites. You can listen to beautiful Nigerian and international music every Monday to Friday from 9:00 PM to 1:30 AM performed by the hotel’s in-house band.

The conference rooms and facilities can accommodate any business or social event, from an intimate luncheon or a sumptuous reception to an executive meeting, with space to accommodate up to 300 persons for meetings and receptions. The restaurant offers a wide variety of a la carte and buffet services for both African and international cuisine at affordable prices. Furthermore, highly trained professional staffs are always on ground to give guests the best of hospitality services. The hotel also features a well-equipped gym for guests who fancy workout and body fitness exercises, a swimming pool for guests to take a relaxing dip in. An outdoor tennis court and playground are available on-site.

Additional services such as airport shuttle, laundry/dry cleaning, car hire, 24-hour room service, ironing and concierge, can be rendered by the hotel on request.

Q: Is there a swimming pool at Barcelona Hotels Abuja?

A: There is an availability of an outdoor pool for guests to utilise at Barcelona Hotels Abuja.

Q: Are there fitness facilities at Barcelona Hotels Abuja?

A: There are fitness facilities plus a well-equipped gym at Barcelona Hotels Abuja.

Q: Is there an internet facility at Barcelona Hotels Abuja?

A: Yes. It offers free Wi-Fi in each room category.

HOTEL INFORMATION The Missouri Hotel is located at No 8, Missouri Street, off Colorado close Minister’s Hill., Abuja, Nigeria. It is one of the luxury hotels in Abuja with its dynamic blend of artistry and elegance. The staff guarantee a warm reception. The Missouri Hotel is close to Millennium Park and National Mosque, Abuja. It is an 11-minute drive from Shoprite and 38 minutes from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

All the rooms at The Missouri are uniquely and stylishly designed to the guests taste. Each room is air-conditioned, fitted with an ornate Persian rug, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, armchairs, sofa and an en-suite bathroom. Tea/Coffee facilities are available in the rooms.

Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available to all guests. A variety of dishes with buffet options and drinks can be ordered at the on-site restaurant and outdoor bar. Special diet menu is available on request. The dining room is available.

The Missouri Hotel has a beautiful garden where guests can relax. The hotel offers airport shuttle at an extra charge. Dry cleaning, room service, 24 hours front desk service and car hire services are rendered. There are designated smoking areas. Concierge services are rendered.

Interesting Places to visit near The Missouri Hotel Millenium Park (11 min) Shoprite (13 min) Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (38 min) National Mosque (12 min) National Stadium (13 min)

Interesting Places to Visit near Sandralia Hotel National Mosque (11.7 km) Magic Land (16.3 km) Abuja Stadium (10.9 km) National Hospital (9.9 km) Federal Secretariat (10.2 km) Millennium Park (10.8 km) The Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport is only 10 minutes away.

Terms and Conditions Check in - From 12:00 pm (ID required) Check out - By 12:00 pm Payment - Cash, MasterCard, Visa accepted Cancellation - Cancellation policies vary with room type.

Pets - Not Allowed Children - Babies and Kids under 10 stay free.

Please note that non-refundable rates can only be booked via card prepayments and reservations made on these rates cannot be refunded.

Terms and Conditions Check-In: From 2:00 PM (ID Required) Check-Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children not older than 2 are allowed to stay free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted here.

FAQs

Q: Does Barcelona Hotels Abuja offer shuttle services?

A: Yes. It offers such services.

8, Missouri street, off Colorado close Minister’s Hill.

It is equipped with 102 tastefully furnished rooms categorised into Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Room and Suites. These rooms are designed with modern in-room amenities such as premium beddings, air-conditioning units, tea/coffee making facilities, flat screen TV with satellite channels, mini bar, work desks, plush sofas, ornate lampshades and an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries.

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? A: Sandralia Hotel offers free Wi-Fi to all checked-in guests.

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel have a swimming pool?

A: There is a standard outdoor swimming pool in this hotel.

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. Guests will be charged for breakfast orders.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Sandralia Hotel? What type of equipment are available?

A: Yes. A modern and well-equipped gym is available at the hotel.

FAQs Q: Is there an event hall at Barcelona Hotels Abuja?

A: Yes, there is a well-equipped and spacious event hall at Barcelona Hotels Abuja.

The Missouri Hotel

No 1. Solomon Lar way, Jabi

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel have a restaurant?

A: A restaurant is available at Sandralia Hotel.

Q: What is the check-in and check-out time at Sandralia Hotel?

A: Check-in and check-out hours are between 2:00 PM and 12:00 PM. Q: Does Sandralia Hotel offer shuttle services?

A: Sandralia Hotel provides an airport shuttle on request.

Q: Does Sandralia Hotel offer car hire services?

A: Sandralia Hotel renders car hire service on request.

Sandralia Hotel is a luxury hotel in Jabi, Abuja.

FAQs

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? A: Yes. It offers free Wi-Fi to each guest.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel have a swimming pool?

A: No. It does not have a swimming pool.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. It does not offer complimentary breakfast.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at The Missouri Hotel?

A: No. It does not have a fitness centre/gym.

To u r s

Afri Hotels

Plot 281 Herbert Macaulay Way, Opposite National Defense College HOTEL INFORMATION Situated at Plot 281 Herbert Macaulay Way, Opposite National Defense College Afri Hotel Abuja is a citadel of excellence and homeliness. Its location sets it strategically between various places of interest like Millennium Park and other businesses.

The rooms at Afri Hotel come in a wide variety of choices. They include: Afri Standard, Royal, Deluxe, Ambassador, Super Diplomat, Luxury Suite, Exotic and Executive. Each of the 100 room is fitted with top class features such as television sets with satellite channels, a microwave (on request), refrigerators with free bottled water, work tables and chairs, air conditioners, private bathrooms, free toiletries, and hair dryer.

Free continental breakfast is served daily to guests at Afri Hotel. The on-site restaurant serves well prepared and tasty meals and of course you can relax in the lounge after a stressful day. The in-house barbeque grills and coffee shop are stocked to suit the guests looking for variety in their cuisine.

Guest at the Afri Hotel may also make use of the outdoor pool for a relaxing swim or simply enjoy the on-site bar/lounge and terrace. A Gym/Fitness centre is available for those looking to stay in shape and keep fit. There is also a business centre and free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the premises. For guests interested in holding meets, office retreats and other cooperate events, the conference centre at Afri Hotel is available and well equipped to meet those needs.

Afri Hotel also provides a variety of other services such as airport shuttle, 24-hour front desk & room service, daily housekeeping, laundry service, concierge service, free newspapers in the lobby, luggage storage, porter/bellhop, for the comfort of its guests. The hotel complex comes with various levels of security with a presence of professional security guards. Parking at the hotel premises is safe and free.

Interesting Places to Visit Near Afri Hotel Nigerian National Mosque (2 km) National Hospital Abuja (3.1 km) Federal Secretariat (3.2 km) National Assembly (3.9 km) Millennium Park (4 km)

BARCELONA HOTELS is a top-class hotel in Wuse 2, Abuja.

Sandralia Hotel

17 Times Sports

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel have a restaurant?

A: It has a restaurant with delicious delicacies.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel have on-site parking? Is it free?

A: Yes. It is free.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel offer airport pickup or shuttle services?

A: Yes. It offers airport pick-up/shuttle services.

Q: Does The Missouri Hotel allow smoking in rooms?

A: Yes. It has designated smoking area.

The Missouri Hotel iis a top-class hotel in Maitama, Abuja

Terms and Conditions Check-in : From 7:00am Check-out: At 12:00pm Payment: Card, cash deposit required at check-in Government-issued photo ID required at check-in Minimum check-in age is 18 Pets: Max is 2 pets per room Children: Cribs/infant beds available at a surcharge Rollaway/extra beds available at a surcharge Guests must contact the property in advance to reserve a crib (infant bed)/rollaway bed

FAQs

Q: Does Afri Hotel offer free Wi-Fi? A: Yes, Wi-Fi is available and for free Q: Does Afri Hotel have a pool?

A: Yes, a pool is available at the hotel.

Q: Does Afri Hotel have a restaurant?

A: Yes, a restaurant is available onsite.

Q: Does Afri Hotel have onsite parking? Is it free?

A: Yes, self-parking is available/free.

Q: Does Afri Hotel offer airport pickup or shuttle services?

A: Yes, airport shuttle services are available.

Q: Does Afri Hotel have an event centre/conference rooms?

A: Yes, an event centre and conference rooms are available.

Q: Does Afri Hotel offer room service? What are the hours?

A: Yes, 24-hour room service is available at the hotel.

Q: Does Afri Hotel allow pets?

A: Yes, pets are allowed at the hotel. A maximum of 2 pets per room Q: Does Afri Hotel have cribs?

A: Yes, cribs are available at a surcharge.

Q: Does Afri Hotel have irons?

A: No, irons are not provided in the rooms.

Afri Hotels is an affordable hotel in Central Business District, Abuja

Kryxtal Suites 120, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2 HOTEL INFORMATION Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2, is an exclusive boutique hotel located opposite GLOBACOM Headquarters in Abuja and a few seconds from KFC. This hotel is very well appointed and its one of the reference points in the Wuse area of Abuja for visitors and Abuja residents.

It is situated at 120, Aminu Kano Crescent, Opposite Glo Office, Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria.

Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 has 20 exclusive spacious bedrooms categorised into Classic, Deluxe and Superior. Each room is very well fitted with exceptional facilities such as air-conditioning units, flat-screen TV with international channels, a reading/dressing table and an en-suite bathroom with slippers and free toiletries.

Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 has some awesome facilities such as free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, uninterrupted power supply, a 24-hour front desk service, and a restaurant and bar where guests can order from a wide range of meals and drinks. Free private parking space is also available within the hotel complex and it’s well guarded by security personnel. It has a banquet hall/meeting rooms for various meetings, conferences and events.

Laundry/dry cleaning, car hire, airport shuttle, a 24-hour room service, safety deposit boxes, luggage storage and concierge are made available on request. An ATM is available on-site Interesting Places near Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 Cameroon Embassy (2 km) Afro-Asia Garden (0.4 km) Ecowas Court (0.7 km) City Park (0.6 km) Globacom Office KFC The nearest airport to the hotel is the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport which is about 23 km away.

Terms and Conditions Check In: From 12:00 PM (ID Required) Check Out: By 12:00 PM Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary according to room type.

Children: All children not older than 12 are allowed to stay for free.

Pets: Pets are not allowed.

Payment: Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted here.

FAQs

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offer free Wi-Fi? A: Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offers free Wi-Fi to all checked-in guests.

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 have a restaurant?

A: A restaurant is available at Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2.

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 have a swimming pool?

A: There is no swimming pool in this hotel.

Q: What is the check-in and check-out time at Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2?

A: Check-in and check-out hours are between 12:00 PM and 12:00 PM

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offer complimentary breakfast?

A: No. Guests will be charged for breakfast orders.

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offer shuttle services?

A: Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 renders airport shuttle service on request.

Q: Is there a fitness centre/gym at Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2? What type of equipment are available?

A: No. A gym is not available at the hotel.

Q: Does Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 offer car hire services?

A: Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 renders car hire service on request.

Kryxtal Suites Wuse 2 is a budget hotel in Wuse 2, Abuja

Times Sports 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Simona Halep: Serena Williams can come back and win tournaments World number one Simona Halep said on Friday that she thinks Serena Williams is still capable of challenging for titles, as the American prepares to make her Grand Slam return at the French Open.

Williams will be playing in her first major tournament since winning last year’s Australian Open, having taken time off to give birth to her first child.

Halep, a two-time runner-up in Paris, knows that despite a lack of time on court, the unseeded Williams could prove a threat.

“It’s great for tennis that she’s back,” said Halep ahead of the start of the tournament on Sunday.

“Maybe she needs a little bit more time to get again used to the tournaments and everyday playing.

“In my opinion… She’s able to come back and to win tournaments again.

“She knows how to handle the pressure, how to handle all the situations. She’s (been) there for so many years. So I think she will come back and

she will be good again.”

Williams, who opens her campaign with a first-round match against Czech Kristyna Pliskova, struggled on her return to tennis in March with early defeats in Indian Wells and Miami before taking more time off to get fully fit for Roland Garros.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion is joined in Paris by fellow former world number ones Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova, with the trio playing a major tournament together for the first time since the 2016 Australian Open.

“I feel that now everyone is here (it) feels that the tournament is completed and everyone is here just to show that tennis is really nice and also that everyone can win it,” added Halep.

“These girls are coming back, Vika (Azarenka), Serena, with the kids, which is amazing. Makes it a little bit different and also special.”

Romanian Halep will be looking to end her wait for a first Grand Slam title after three previous final defeats,

including last year at Roland Garros

by Jelena Ostapenko and in February’s Australian Open against Caroline Wozniacki.

“It’s a Grand Slam.

Everyone is at the highest level here,” she said.

“So it’s going to be difficult. I’m not thinking about the title, because it’s really far. I’m thinking just of my first match.”

The top s e e d will take on American w o r l d number 105 Alison Riske in the first round.

Liberia endorses North America’s joint 2026 World Mo Salah: Unselfishness key to Liverpool’s free-scoring front three Cup bid Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah admitted it would be “a dream” to cap a sensational debut season at Anfield by ending Real Madrid’s European reign in Saturday’s Champions League final.

However, Salah says he would be happy if Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane grabs the goal that takes the Reds to a

sixth European crown.

Salah has won a series of individual prizes as he has contributed 44 of the 90 goals Liverpool’s front three have scored this season.

But the goals have been far more evenly spread in the Champions League.

“It doesn’t matter who scores,” Salah

told UEFA .com.

“Winning games, getting points, that’s the most important thing for us because as you can see, I’ve scored ten goals in the Champions League, Sadio nine, Firmino ten, so all of us are the same.

“None of us is selfish or only wants to score. We try to help each other to score goals.”

The Egyptian, who had a disappointing spell at Chelsea, has been a revelation since his return to England last summer from Roma.

His form has led to Saturday’s clash in Kiev being billed as a Ballon d’Or decider against five-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

And he stressed the importance of maintaining that form for a number of years to match Ronaldo or Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

“The most important thing is to maintain that level, to (keep) doing what

I’ve done next season as well,” he said.

“I believed (that I was capable of this form). I was at Roma for two years, had two great seasons there and everyone told me to stay, but it was in my mind to come and be successful in England.”

The contrast in experience will be stark in the Ukrainian capital as Madrid seek a fourth Champions League in five seasons.

By contrast, despite Liverpool’s storied history in the competition, none of Jurgen Klopp’s squad have ever played in a Champions League final.

“They’ve won the Champions League three times in the past four years, so they have a lot of experience,” Salah said.

But he said the single-game format improves Liverpool’s chances.

“It’s one game, not two, so we just need to focus and not think about anything in the past. When you get to the game it’s just 11 against 11.”

Donald Trump pardons late Black boxer Jack Johnson 105 years after racially-biased conviction President Donald Trump on Thursday granted a rare posthumous pardon to boxing’s first Black heavyweight champion, clearing Jack Johnson’s name more than 100 years after what many see as his racially-charged conviction.

“It’s my honour to do it. It’s about time,” Trump said during an Oval Office ceremony, where he was joined by boxer Lennox Lewis and actor Sylvester Stallone, who drew awareness to Johnson’s cause, reports Yahoo News.

Trump said Johnson had served 10 months in prison for what many view as a racially-motivated injustice and described his decision as an effort “to correct a wrong in our history.”

“He represented something that was both very beautiful and very terrible at the same time,” Trump said.

Johnson was convicted in 1913 by an all-white jury for violating the Mann Act, which made it illegal to transport women across state lines for “immoral” purposes, for travelling with his white girlfriend.

Trump had said previously that Stallone had brought Johnson’s story to

his attention in a phone call.

“His trials and tribulations were great, his life complex and controversial,” Trump tweeted in April.

“Others have looked at this over the years, most thought it would be done, but yes, I am considering a Full Pardon!”

Johnson is a legendary figure in boxing and crossed over into popular culture decades ago with biographies, dramas and documentaries following the civil rights era.

He died in 1946. His great-great niece has pressed Trump for a posthumous pardon, and Senator John McCain, Republican-Arizona, and former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Democrat-Nevada, have been pushing Johnson’s case for years.

The son of former slaves, Johnson defeated Tommy Burns for the heavyweight title in 1908 at a time when blacks and whites rarely entered the same ring. He then mowed down a series of “great white hopes,” culminating in 1910 with the undefeated former champion, James J. Jeffries.

McCain previously told The Associated Press that Johnson “was a boxing legend and pioneer whose career and reputation were ruined by a racially charged conviction more than a century ago.”

“Johnson’s imprisonment forced him into the shadows of bigotry and prejudice, and continues to stand as a stain on our national honour,” McCain has said.

Posthumous pardons are rare, but not unprecedented. President Bill Clinton pardoned Henry O. Flipper, the first African-American officer to lead the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment during the Civil War, and Bush pardoned Charles Winters, an American volunteer in the ArabIsraeli War convicted of violating the U.S. Neutrality Acts in 1949.

Linda E. Haywood, the great-great niece, wanted Barack Obama, the nation’s first black president, to pardon Johnson, but Justice Department policy says “processing posthumous pardon petitions is grounded in the belief that the time of the officials involved in the clemency process is better spent on the

pardon and commutation requests of living persons.”

The Justice Department makes decisions on potential pardons through an application process and typically makes recommendations to the president. The general DOJ policy is to not accept applications for posthumous pardons for federal convictions, according to the department’s website.

But Trump has shown a willingness to work around the DOJ process in the past.

The Liberian Football Association (LFA) has announced that it is supporting the joint bid of USA, Mexico and Canada over Morocco’s bid to win the hosting rights of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to the LFA president, Musa Bility, who is also a CAF executive committee member, the decision was taken after due consultation with the country’s president, George Weah, who is also a former world footballer of the year.

The West African country’s age-long relationship with the North American continent was cited as a major reason behind the decision to break norm of African support.

Bility said “the long-running traditional relationship between Liberia and the United States, the many Liberians living in the US and the impact the World Cup will have on them were key in its endorsement decision.”

Bility further added that “Liberia, a football crazy nation will be bracing to see the World Cup in the United States as thousands of its citizens living in the country will have an opportunity to witness live world cup matches from the giant stadiums in the US.” Morocco, with their fifth World Cup bid, are hoping to become the second African country after South Africa to host the FIFA Mundial.

The vote for the hosting rights of the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on 13 June in the Russian capital, Moscow, with more than 200 of FIFA’s member associations participating in the voting process.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Paralympic gold medallist seeks reward

A 2016 Paralympic gold medallist, Lauretta Onye, on Thursday appealed to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to reward athletes who made Nigeria proud at the Games.

Onye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that no reward had been given to the medal winners for outstanding performances at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.

The athlete, who excelled in the F-40 shot put event, said that the successful athletes expected relevant authorities to host and reward them to encourage them.

“We committed our best to the Games, and at the end, we won medals and brought honour to Nigeria, but up till now, there has not been any reward from the Federal Government.

We are not happy about it.

“I am aware that plans are on to host the 2018 Commonwealth athletes in Abuja. I am using this opportunity to remind the Minister, Solomon Dalung, to consider the 2016 Paralympic athletes and include them on the reward list.

“We deserve to be honoured because we always represent Nigeria well and have medals as evidence for successful participation in the various events,” she said.

The para athlete told NAN that the reward would serve as motivation for the athletes, especially with the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics drawing near.

She added that the reward would go a long way to give the physically-challenged athletes a sense of belonging.

Onye, also a gold medallist in the 2015 International Paralympics Committee (IPC) World Championships, Doha, said that rewarding athletes who excelled in international competitions was long overdue and should be given utmost priority.

“As special athletes and champions who have contributed their quotas to sports development, we should not be treated like beggars or liabilities, but should be recognised,” she urged.

NAN reports that Nigeria recorded 12 medals comprising eight gold, two silver and two bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, while six athletes broke the world record in their events.

Onye

19 Times Sports

Ekiti set to organise maiden Ade Ayayi Traditional Sports tourney The Ekiti Sports Council on Thursday said it was ready to hold it maiden Chief Ade Ayayi Traditional Sports (Ayo Olopon) competition from June 8 to June 10.

The Head Coach of Traditional Sports in Ekiti, Abimbola Sunday, made disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti said. ‎Abimbola said that the competition, being organized in conjunction with Traditional Sports Association, would be open and would hold at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti.

He explained that both male and female players were expected to obtain a registration form with N500 to enable them to participate in the competition.

Abimbola said the competition which was proudly sponsored by the Chairman of Ekiti Traditional Sports Association, Chief Ade Ayayi, was to discover talented players.

He said all interested participants were expected to collect the registration form on or before June 7, to enable them to participate in the competition.

Abimbola said that undisclosed cash prizes would be given to the first, second and and third place winners.

We shall rejuvenate schools sports in Nigeria, says Dalung

Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, on Thursday vowed to rejuvenate schools sports which, he said, was almost dead in the country.

Dalung told newsmen in Lagos that grassroots sports development was the only way to discover best talents that could be groomed to represent Nigeria at international competitions.

“There has been a systemic failure in our sports development, the school sports is almost dead in Nigeria.

“It is only in the southern part of the country that you still have sporting activities in few schools, but in the northern part, it is almost dead.

“Unlike when we were growing up when sports participation was an important part of school curriculum, but now most schools don’t even have playing grounds,” Dalung said.

The minister said that states and local governments were also not doing enough toward sports development.

According to the sports minister, states and local governments have key role to play in grassroots sports development where athletes are discovered and nurtured.

“What we have now is that state governments leave sports development to federal government; they have to take sports development more seriously,’’ Dalung said.

The minister said that budgeting is another bane confronting sports development in the country.

“Budgeting for sports have not been encouraging, Nigerian legislature’s attitude to sports should change.

“If not for the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria would not be attending international sports competitions.

“The budget for sports have not improved for the two years of my being the minister,’’ Dalung said.

The minister also said that he was not happy with activities of some sports federations.

“When I inaugurated the board of the 33

sports federations in Abuja last year, I told them that it would be the last sports federation the ministry would conduct.

“I charged them to come up with acceptable constitutions within three months, that will be used to run their various federations, but 80 per cent of them are yet to come up with any.

“Some of them don’t even have calendar of activities, they are only interested in international competitions and traveling, because of the estacode they will collect.

“Those of them that have not complied with the directive will not enjoy any funding from the ministry.

“Some of them even have use and dump attitude toward the athletes; they are not there for the athletes when the athletes are in need, they go for new athletes once the old ones are injured.

“That attitude is not acceptable to me and is not good for sports development,’’ Dalung said.

He said that the sports ministry would create a unit for Nigerian athletes in the Diaspora.

“We have decided to create a unit or a department to be in charge of Nigerian athletes abroad.

“I discovered that most Nigerian athletes living outside the shores of Nigeria want to represent the country at major international competitions.

“But most of our sports federation are not in touch with them, so a unit or department, when set up, will be in charge of keeping tab on our athletes in the Diaspora,’’ he said.

Dalung, however, lauded the country’s performance at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast, Australia.

“Considering our preparations and facilities available for our athletes, Nigeria did well in the games, placing ninth on the overall medal table and second behind South Africa among African countries that participated.

“Though we could have done much better, the performance of our athletes at the games was highly commendable,’’ Dalung said.

The minister said that Nigerian coaches and technical officials would be exposed to modern techniques in coaching and officiating.

20

TIMES SPORTS

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Istanbul to host 2020 Champions League final

Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium will host the 2020 Champions League final, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin confirmed in Kiev on Thursday.

The 76,000-capacity ground played host to Liverpool’s famous comeback from 3-0 down to win the Champions League on penalties against AC Milan in 2005.

The 2020 Europa League final will be played in Gdansk, Poland with the UEFA Super Cup being held in Porto’s Estadio Dragao.

Vienna will play host the women’s 2020 Champions League final.

UEFA have been under pressure to ensure future final host cities have the hotel and airport infrastructure to cope with the influx of fans, delegates and media for the biggest game in club football.

Liverpool have complained to UEFA after their fans faced spiralling accommodation and travel costs for Saturday’s final against holders Real Madrid in Kiev, the city which played host to the Euro 2012 final.

“They just don’t have the airport infrastructure and the hotel capacity to cope with an event of this size and there isn’t another major city within real hitting distance of it,” Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore told the Liverpool Echo newspaper.

“It’s not only affected Liverpool fans but Real Madrid fans too. There will be lessons learned from this. Rest assured, I’ve raised this at the highest levels of UEFA.” The UEFA president had already reintroduced a tender process for bidding for finals since taking over from Michel Platini.

The decision to award the final to Kiev was made prior to Ceferin’s election as president in 2016.

Next season’s final will be held at the 67,000-capacity Wanda Metropolitano, home of Atletico Madrid.

Serena, Sharapova

poised for duel, Nadal gets dream draw

Three-time champion Serena Williams could face longtime rival Maria Sharapova in the French Open last-16 after Thursday’s draw which also handed Rafael Nadal a dream route to an 11th title.

Serena, the champion in 2002, 2013 and 2015, will start against Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic.

Former world No 1 Williams, now ranked a lowly 453, is playing a Grand Slam for the first time since she won her 23rd major at the 2017 Australian Open after which she stepped off the tour to give birth to her daughter in September.

Pliskova, the twin sister of world No 6 Karolina,

has never won a main draw match at Roland Garros.

Williams, 36, has played just four matches on the tour in 2018 and not featured at all since Miami in March.

Sharapova, champion in 2012 and 2014, could face Serena, against who she lost in the 2013 final at Roland Garros, in the fourth round.

The Russian, who missed last year’s event after she was refused a wild card as she battled to rebuild her career following a 15-month doping ban, has not defeated Williams since 2004.

The American leads their head-to-head series

19-2.

Top seed and two-time runner-up Simona Halep faces Alison Riske of the United States in her opener while second seed and Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki starts against another American, Danielle Collins.

Top seed Nadal starts his bid for an 11th Roland Garros title against Ukraine’s world number 54 Alexander Dolgopolov.

Nadal, fresh from an eighth Rome clay court title having also won his 11th trophies in Barcelona and Monte Carlo already this spring, has a 7-2 record over Dolgopolov.

“It’s always special when I come back to Paris where I have had so many wonderful moments in my career,” said Nadal at the draw ceremony ahead of the French Open which starts on Sunday.

One glance at the draw would have left the 31-year-old Spaniard feeling even more special after former champions Novak Djokovic, Stanislas Wawrinka as well as clay court dangerman Dominic Thiem all landed in the other half of the draw where Alexander Zverev is the second seed.

Nadal’s path to the final could see him face childhood friend Richard Gasquet in the third round, possibly Denis Shapovalov in the last-16, then Kevin Anderson, who he beat in the 2017 US Open final, and third-seed Marin Cilic in the semifinals.

Zverev, who lost to Nadal in the Rome final last weekend, has never got beyond the third round in Paris and was defeated in the first round last year.

The 21-year-old German, who is seeded second in the absence of Roger Federer, begins his French Open against Ricardis Berankis of Lithuania.

Djokovic, the 2016 champion, starts against a qualifier and could meet Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round.

World Cup goalkeeper’s choice should be on current form, confidence Ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup in Russia, Nigerians have advised Coach Gernot Rohr to be guided by current form in selecting Nigeria’s firstchoice goalkeeper.

Some football enthusiasts who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday, agreed that Rohr’s biggest headache going to Russia was in the area of goalkeeping.

The Eagles coach had, in his 30-man Provisional World Cup list released on May 14, listed four goalkeepers who would compete for the three available slots in the final 23-man World Cup list.

Enyimba FC of Aba goalkeeper and CHAN Eagles Captain, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and Dele Ajiboye of Plateau United FC, were invited from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Also invited were Chippa United FC of South Africa goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho, who plies his trade with Deportivo de La Coruña in the Spanish La Liga.

While the majority of those who spoke to NAN expressed disappointment at the calibre of goalkeepers available to Nigeria for the football’s biggest fiesta, others believed that the coach had a game plan.

Former Super Eagles defender, Waidi Akanni, expressed confidence in the ability of the Eagles coaching crew to make an appropriate final decision in the goalkeeping department.

“The purpose of a training camp is to help the coach make such decisions. For me, I can’t say this particular goalkeeper or the other should be our first-choice goalkeeper,’’ he told NAN. Akanni, who was a former Chairman of the Lagos Football Association, also pointed out that unforeseen circumstances could help determine who Rohr eventually gives the nod.

“Remember there are still going to be injury worries, fitness issues and other factors which will either make the coach’s job of choosing a keeper more difficult or easier.

“The coach has started well by calling up four good goalkeepers. I think in the coming weeks it will become clear first to the coach and then to Nigerians who our first-choice keeper will be in Russia,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, some regretted the unfortunate illness of Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper, Karl Ikeme, who was diagnosed with acute Leukaemia in July 2017.

Chuks Ohuegbe, an Abuja-based lawyer, public affairs analyst and media consultant, told NAN that

he didn’t expect much from any of the goalkeepers invited by coach Rohr.

“To be frank, I don’t have faith in any of the goalkeepers invited to camp by coach Rohr.

“However, if their goalkeeper trainers are really good, maybe they could be able to work on Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

“Between the two, I’ll go for Uzoho because he plays with and against some of the best players in one of the best leagues in the world.

“Ezenwa would have been a good choice, but at crucial times his confidence lets him down,’’ he said.

Henry Okelue, a Digital Strategist and ICT Consultant based in Abuja, feels the Nigerian coaching crew had to be weary of the stars paraded by the Argentinians in his choice of a goalkeeper.

“We have a goalkeeper problem. Ezenwa is a good keeper, but he does not have the confidence he needs for a stage as big as the World Cup. “He is most likely going to freeze against Argentina and Croatia. Uzoho is even more inexperienced than

Ezenwa.

“What he has going for him though is being on the cards of a club in a top European league. Akpeyi has also shown he lacks experience,’’ he said.

He, however, suggested that the Super Eagles coach might have made that decision already.

“Considering that Rohr has used Uzoho in most of his friendlies shows he seems to have more confidence in him. That might just edge it in his favour.’’

NAN reports that the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 14 in 12 venues and 11 host cities across Russia.

The Super Eagles are drawn in Group D alongside archrivals, Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

They will open their account against Croatia on June 16 at the Kaliningrad Stadium, before taking on Iceland on June 22 and Argentina on June 26.

Argentina, who had previously met and defeated the Super Eagles at the 1994, 2002, 2010 and 2014 editions of the World Cup, are tipped as one of the favourites to win the this year’s World Cup.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

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21 Change of Name

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22

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Tribute

Aregbesola @ 61: An inventor of modern Osun Oyintiloye Olatunbosun Beyond the Adjectives of all languages of the world, I chose to describe the governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the word of Robert Green Ingersoll that; “A great man is a torch in the darkness, beacon in superstition’s night, an inspiration and a prophecy”.

Though, there are countless political philosophies and ideologies globally, the particular one embraced and deployed by the Symbol of good governance, my mentor, the creator of the modern State of Osun, Ogbeni Aregbesola is still unknown to other Nigerian politicians especially in his class as they always witness to his political might.

While examining the personality of our amiable governor, especially as touching his roles in Lagos, Osun and Nigeria’s political scene at large, one would be left with no other option than to agree with the word of elders that says the ‘Head of an Elephant is not a load for the young’.

Through good governance and exemplary leadership, Ogbeni Aregbesola has been able to create a prosperous state out of the previous Osun with infrastructure development at its lower ebb.

In both his first term and the ending second term as Governor, this achiever has retooled the state and gave it an enviable economic strength so strong that the state now rank among prosperous states in the country, particularly as one of the states with lowest unemployment rate.

In whatever manner you peruse the life of this giant of kindness, whether as a husband, or a father, an engineer, a politician, a democrat, a master strategist, a great investor, a philanthropist, an optimist, a dogged fighter, you are confronted with rainbow in its full splendour.

Like the National leader of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, countless leaders and future leaders have emerged and are still emerging from the camp of Ogbeni Aregbesola, one of which I am.

He is a determined friend of the masses and benefactor of many. Ogbeni radiates a life of captivating literature, and his comportment appeals to the lofty, the intellectual and the inspirational.

Beyond his political sagacity, his administrative acumen in unrivalled going by series of innovations he has introduced to governance which the people of Osun will continue to appreciate.

It will forever remain in history that Aregbesola is one governor that is aggressively aggressive to develop his territory in a hurry, irrespective of hindrances, particularly as touching finance.

His agenda for development is not for Osun alone, it is for the entire Yoruba states and even Yoruba race and Africa in general. This is the highest form of demonstration of commitment that can be exhibited by any individual, either private or public.

There are testimonies here and there that our Ogbeni, the symbol of good governance has brought unprecedented development to the territory called Osun within the last seven years in all sectors of governance, talk of education, infrastructure development, security, economic re-engineering, rural and urban development, agriculture, youths and women empowerment, environment, healthcare delivery system and other.

There are also several social intervention

Aregbesola

programmes for youths like Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES) that has engaged over 40,000 youths and made majority of them self-dependent; you want to talk of the Ambulance Scheme, which has saved about 12,171lives; School feeding programmes (OMEAL) through which school children are being and had in turn increased enrolment into public schools; what about the rehabilitation of the mentally challenged people; Agriculture Youth Academy through which several youths have been empowered in faming; what of the

“

No doubt, the man that has changed the face of governance in Osun and Nigeria is worthy of celebration and must be celebrated in grand style, more so that his two-term administration is winding down.

What has been baffling many is how to ‘reproduce’ another Ogbeni, that would be empowered and loyal to the course he has set.

”

massive construction of schools from elementary, middle and high school which can withstand any school at that level anywhere in the world, and many more.

Under Aregbesola, Osun has always remained a reference point for several states of the federation and even the federal government on series of his developmental interventions. Most pronounced of such interventions are the OYES and O’MEAL. If not for the ingenuity in the programmes, it is very rear in history, particularly in Nigeria for a Federal Government to adopt programmes instituted by a state government.

No doubt, the man that has changed the face of governance in Osun and Nigeria is worthy of celebration and must be celebrated in grand style, more so that his two-term administration is winding down. What has been baffling many is how to ‘reproduce’ another Ogbeni, that would be empowered and loyal to the course he has set.

As one of those leaders that have emerged and since been growing in the Aregbesola’s political lineage, it is a honour to join millions of friends, associates, politicians, family and other people internationally to say a very warm ‘Happy Birthday’ to the Symbol himself at 61 while I wish him a long life and prosperity.

Oyintiloye is the Chairman, Osun House Committee on Information and Strategy and represents Obokun State Constituency.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

23 News

Plateau STF Commander gets int’l recognition Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos The International Federation of Civil Rights and Liberty Organisations, has conferred awards of excellence on the Commander of the Special Task Force (STF), code name Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Plateau State, Major General Anthony Atolagbe, for restoring relative peace between farmers/ herdsmen in Plateau State, after years of ethno-religious conflicts that saw hundreds of people killed and property worth several billions of naira destroyed.

The awards, “Outstanding Commander of Military Operation in Nigeria and Icon of Human Rights and Conflict Prevention”, presented to the security Chief, in Jos, according to the organization, followed his unique roles in handling the Plateau crises which yielded desired results.

Speaking at the ceremony, President of the International Federation of Civil Rights and Liberty Organisations, Dr Michael Spencer, said General Atolagbe was picked for the awards having viewed the conflict prevention and mitigation strategist of operation safe haven.

According to him, Atolagbe won the heart of his organisation, especially in terms of civil-military relationship, after its analysis of activities of various military operations in the country.

The awards, he revealed, also

came after the organisation’s “multi level under cover investigations in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter of 2017 as well as 1st and 2nd quarter of 2018″, which proved that Atolagbe and his able team have earned themselves double points on the ladder of their career and earned excellent points for the entire country in the world perception index.

Dr Spencer said the organisation before arriving at its verdict, carried out “extensive background checks on civil – military approach to security issues; operational strategies, respect for United Nations human rights and rules of engagement; attention on welfare of troops priority to training and retraining of troops for better service

delivery and provision of world class decent detention facilities”.

Others, he mentioned, were “the inclusion of enhanced community relations which has promoted quality relationship between host communities and the troops, the introduction of specialized operational motorcycles for troops to permeate difficult terrains

during emergency operations, prioritization of troops adherence to professional ethics and improved relationship with the civil society organizations which has enabled many inquiries possible”.

“Your activities as commander of Operation Safe Haven and your officers and men have exposed you to public scrutiny more than

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, addressing Muslim faithful during Jumat prayers in Enugu, yesterday. With him is his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo (4th right).

Photo: Moses Oyediran

FG urges states to establish family courts for child offender

Tom Okpe, Abuja

Federal Government has called on States to set up family courts to try child offenders, prosecuting them in accordance with the child Rights Act of Nigeria.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Jummai Allhassan made this disclosure on Friday in Abuja, in a press briefing and inauguration of the 6th National Children’s Parliament (NCP), marking the 2018 National Children’s Day Celebration coming up on May 25th.

The Children’s parliament which had been sitting since

Wednesday had their election on Thursday electing officials for the next tenure of office.

The Minister observed that children are inevitable assets to any nation, therefore as future leaders of any society and nation are the focal point of a country’s developmental index, revealing that the Ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders developed policies and executed series of programs to ensure the safety and protection of children.

Senator Alhassan said: “In order to ensure effective advocacy and implementation of the child Rights Act in Nigeria, a national child Rights multi- sectored Implementation

Committee was set up; it was in moribund for sometimes, but I am glad to inform you today that it has been resuscitated by this administration, an affirmation of its commitment to protect the rights and welfare of the Nigeria child.

“I wish to use this opportunity to call on State that has domesticated the Child Right’s in their states to also resuscitate their states Child Rights Implementation committees. I urge those states to also set up family courts to try child offenders and where possible, use alternative dispute resolution system in handling child cases”.

According to the Minister, the

welfare of the Nigeria children is protected by the Child Right’s Act which provides that ‘in every action concerning a child, whether undertaken by an individual, public or private body, institutions of service, court of law, or administrative or legislative authority, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration’.

The Minister commended the resuscitation of the children’s parliament saying; “During last year’s Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the 2017 National Children’ day, I was amazed with the interest shown by our children on the need to inaugurate a new National Children’s

Parliament as the tenure of the last parliament expired 5 years ago. I did promise the children that my Ministry will do it. I am pleased to inform you that the election held yesterday and new elected officials will be inaugurated accordingly”.

33 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participated in the National Children’s Parliament election and activities which ended today, Friday at the Rock View Hotel, Abuja, indicating Government’s interest in children’s right to participate in governance across the country through their parliament.

most military establishment because you are directly dealing with the people who are unfortunately not in the war front.

“Therefore, the level of curiosity, anxiety and panic has to be censored by independent organizations in order to arrive at an acceptable judgment of the situation, “he told the Army General. speaking more on his organisation’s decision Spencer said, “let me respectfully guide us to the reality that this is not the only operational command in the country, of course including the police, we have done critical analysis and reviews have been subjected to independent opinion polls using various analytical indices.

“All results we generated both from our head office in London, and new Jersey and our country office points to one direction-that Major General Anthony Atolagbe remain an outstanding Commander in military operations in Nigeria within the period under review.”

He commended the chief of Defense Staff General Gabriel Olorunshaki, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, for appointing such a square peg in square hole, and for also providing the platform for excellent officers to excel” besides opening “doors for external inquiry into the activities of the military.”

In a related development, the organization shed more light on why his organisation recently dismissed allegations of rape and human rights abuses against the Nigerian Military by the Amnesty International other unpatriotic organization and individuals.

“Only recently, about some months ago, there were allegations of human rights abuses against the Nigerian Army by some international sister organizations specifically the Amnesty International.

Upon this reality, our president, His Excellency, Dr Michael Spencer visited Nigeria on a fact- finding mission to ascertain the veracity of this allegations.

“Ever since the organization has been involved in covert and overt investigations of security agencies particularly the Nigerian armed forces and the police to constantly put them on a check.

Muslim Enugu community endorses Gov Ugwuanyi for 2nd term Moses Oyediran, Enugu Muslims in Enugu State on Friday unanimously endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Ugwunayi, for a second term in office with a view to promoting peace, security, national unity and good governance.

Rising from the Juma’at prayers commemorating this year’s Democracy Day anniversary held at the Central

Mosque, Owerri Road, Enugu, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi in company of his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and other top government functionaries, the Muslim faithful said they are pleased with the governor for his special love for the Muslim community.

The Muslins who offered special prayers for Gov. Ugwuanyi, Enugu State and the country at large, added that

they were impressed with the governor’s humble disposition towards them and the entire people of the state.

They told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “no governor loves Muslims more than you”, stressing that they are solidly behind his re-election in 2019 and will vote for him massively.

Speaking, the Sarki Hausawa, Enugu State, HRH Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar Sambo, who is also a member of the

state’s Security and Peace Committee, informed Gov. Ugwuanyi that “we have cause to thank Allah for the fact that you have established the most essential aspect of governance that is security of lives and property”.

Alhaji Sambo stressed that the Muslim community in the state has every reason to celebrate, saying “Allah has given us a man with humility, with love to all residents of

Enugu State and a special love for the Muslim community”.

Alhaji Sambo disclosed that the Jumat prayers call for celebration in appreciation of “19 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria and three years of sustained peace and good governance in Enugu State”.

He thanked the governor for the food items for the breaking of fast, saying: “You have handed Enugu State to

the hands of Almighty Allah, and He says whoever entrusts in Him, he will lead his way and Insha Allah, Allah will lead your way”, he said.

Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the Muslims for their prayers for his administration and the country, reassuring that the state will remain peaceful and secure for every resident irrespective of tribe or religious differences.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Tension over alleged ritual murder of pregnant woman in Delta Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, (middle), receiving the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello (2nd left), while the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa (2nd right) watches, when the Governor paid the FCT Minister a courtesy visit in Abuja…Friday.

Labourer found dead in water inside tank

A 22-year- old labourer, Dumebi Daniel, was on Thursday evening found dead inside a water tank while allegedly washing it.

The victim’s elder brother, Chucks Daniel who confirmed the incident to THE DAILY TIMES said, “The incident occurred

around Asaba Housing Estate, My brother was asked to wash the tank belonging to his boss, and while doing the work, he was suddenly consumed a mysterious action, we waited until it was night fall, and we reported to the police that our brother was found dead inside a water

tank” But the police spokesman in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka confirmed that investigation was on going with a view to ensuing the culprits are brought to book He said “the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim, we

will do our best to bring sanity to the state including communities around In the state.”

Sources alleged that it was the second time the tank was consuming somebody in the last few months, a situation described by residents of the area a trap for allegedly sucking unsuspecting

persons blood.

But the owner of the tank who spoke to THE DAILY TIMES said “ people have said strange words to me, I am not bothered, the victim died of carelessness, I warned him as my staff to be careful, he failed, so I don’t know what people are talking about .”

... police arrest 6 car snatchers, 3 kidnap suspects Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Operatives of Nigerian Police FSARS squad in Delta State have arrested six car snatchers, and three kidnap suspects in Asaba metropolis.

Police Spokesman in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed to THE DAILY TIMES that they were arrested around Okwe, Abraka community, Asaba in the early hours of Friday, adding, “our men of FSARS acted on a tip off, and arrested the suspects, we recovered in their hideout,

some stolen vehicles, upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crimes, we are still investigating the act, and on completion of investigation, the suspects would be charged to court.”

Aniamaka who gave their names as, Felix Dummby, Oghenero Jackson, Luke Dave, Carl Jacob, Onome Nelson, Ferry Mansion, Akeh Emeka, Joseph John, and Martins Ndudi, said the suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

It was gathered that in the recent times, suspects

arrested by the Police in connection with car snatching activities, have no proof of Ownership, particularly in exotic vehicles, But a suspect who to our reporter at the State CID, Asaba said” we snatch cars from big men, a sell cheap to people in the Eastern states, sometimes, we sell in Onitsha to already made buyers before the police arrested our leader who exposed us.”

Meanwhile, no fewer than 10 traders in Ugbolu Community, near Asaba were on Thursday evening robbed at gun point by rampaging

armed robbers in the areas.

The victims were said to have been dispossessed of their belongings including cash estimated at N75,000,00 by the hoodlums who shot sporadically into the air to scare passersby and motorists plying the road.

One of the victims, Grace Okon, told this reporter, that “the bandits stabbed two ofus because we refused to surrender our money, belongings, they took my laptops, removed money from us by force, they were armed, and ready to kill if we refused to surrender our money”.

Investigation revealed that Ugbolu Ilah road has turned a den of armed robbers who almost every day rob unsuspecting motorists and pedestrians at gun point, But Police spokesman in the state said 24 hours surveillance has been constituted by the police in the area with a view to ensuing the hoodlums are brought to book.

He said: “We have arrested over 12 robbery Suspects in ugbolu community recently, and we are working hard to make the road free of robbery, it’s because of the deplorable condition of the road.”

Fear of the unknown on Friday gripped residents of Asaba, Delta State capital following the alleged ritual murder of a 32 year old pregnant woman identified as Nkechi Nwanze The body of the woman, investigation revealed, was discovered on Benin/Asaba express way by motorists who raised the alarm that attracted residents of the areas to the scene in the early hours of yesterday.

DSP Andrew Aniamaka, Police Spokesman in the state who confirmed the incident to in Asaba said “we discovered her private part mutilated, her ears cut off, it is a case of ritual murder, the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the act, no arrest made yet.”

But relations of the victim, one them, Jane Chukwudi spoke to our reporter said “ we have been battling the problem of her pregnancy, and in anger she left the house in the early hours that she was going to Benin to see a cousin, a medical Doctor, only for a call to us that she had been murdered in cold blood, the assailants removed vital part of her body” It was gathered that the victim had allegedly been facing nightmare challenges, a situation she told one of her sisters that it might portend danger for her, but was treated with a pinch of salt before the incident As at the time of this report, residents of the areas have fled their homes for fear of the unknown, while many others were seen discussing the incident with hush, hush tones Meanwhile, a 22 year old labourer, Dumebi Daniel, was on Thursday evening found dead inside a water tank while allegedly washing it.

The victim’s elder brother, Chucks Daniel who confirmed the incident to our reporter said “the incident occurred around Asaba Housing Estate, My brother was asked to wash the tank belonging to his boss , and while doing the work, he was suddenly consumed a mysterious action, we waited until it was night fall, and we reported to the police that our brother was found dead inside a water tank” But the police spokesman in the state, DSP Andrew Aniamaka confirmed that investigation was on going with a view to ensuing the culprits are brought to book He said “the police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the victim, we will do our best to bring sanity to the state including communities around In the state. “

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

25 Features

8 surprising benefits of olives Aid digestion Olives are a healthy source of fiber, supplying almost 20% of the daily requirements for fiber in a single cup. High fiber content ensures a proper functioning of your digestive system. It stimulates peristaltic motion in the intestines, ensuring smooth bowel movements. Fiber also makes you feel full, so ghrelin, the hunger hormone, doesn’t get released, and therefore, overeating can be controlled. Not only can fiber increase your digestive and gastrointestinal health, it can also help you lose weight. Fiber also boosts heart health by working to eliminate excess cholesterol in the blood.

Treat allergies In relation to their anti-inflammatory activities, olives can also help to reduce the intensity or frequency of allergic reactions.

Certain components of olives function as anti-histamines by blocking the receptor sites for histamines, which induce allergic reactions. By adding olives to your diet, you may reduce the signs of seasonal allergies, as well as specific allergic reactions. This is a powerful and beneficial aspect of olives that is often overlooked.

Olive

Olives are nutritious and delicious fruits with a range of health benefits including their ability to protect against antioxidant damage, heart disease, reverse bone loss, prevent various cancers, reduce inflammation and arthritis and improve digestion. They help to soothe allergic reactions, improve blood circulation, boost cognitive function, defend against infections, and lower blood pressure.

What are olives?

Olives are oval-shaped fruits, botanically known as Olea Europaea. Olives are native to the Mediterranean region, tropical and central Asia, warmer regions of South America and various parts of Africa. They have been used for their culinary value and medicinal benefits for thousands of years, way back to ancient Greece and Rome. They are a staple ingredient in the Mediterranean diet and are enjoyed in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pesto, or tapenade. Table olives (the ones which are not grown for extracting oil) can be consumed as a salty snack or appetizer.

There are close to 2,000 varieties of olives grown across the world, and each of them has more or less of the important components that add to your health. The two main types of olives are black olives and green olives.

Nutritional value of olives The health and medicinal benefits of olives mainly come from iron, calcium, fiber, copper, vitamin E, vitamin K, choline, sodium, phenolic compounds, and oleic acid present in them. Olives are a rich source of antioxidants like oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleonalic acid, and quercetin. They also have a low glycemic index (GI).

Health benefits of olives Let’s explore the health benefits in greater

detail below.

Antioxidant properties Olives are antioxidant powerhouses, which work right from reducing inflammation to fighting bad bacteria. Studies have shown that eating olives can raise levels of gluthathione, a powerful antioxidant, in the blood. These fruits also act as a defense against bacteria that cause airway and stomach infections.

Improve heart health Olives possess a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which has been linked to preventing heart diseases like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, plaque build-up, and strokes.

The oil of olives is where this oleic acid is located, and it is responsible for lowering the blood pressure and cholesterol, which reduces the chances of cardiovascular complications and general stress on the system.

Furthermore, olives are rich in antioxidants which are commonly linked to cancer prevention, but also protect the heart.

Phenolic compounds like hydroxytyrosol are antioxidants that act as anticoagulants to thin the blood, which reduces the chances of developing blood clots that block the flow of blood. It further eases the blood vessel tension and dilates the blood vessels, which reduces the strain on the heart and increases blood flow. This ensures a proper functioning and oxygenation of the various organ systems.

Also, the fiber present in olives boosts heart health by eliminating excess cholesterol in the blood.

Prevent cancer The mystery surrounding the “cure for cancer” remains a major problem in the world today. There are many alternative ways to treat, slow down, or even prevent cancer from occurring. First of all, olives contain anthocyanins, which are positively connected

to cancer prevention as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory substance. Antioxidants defend the body against free radicals, which mutate healthy cells into cancerous ones, so adding as many antioxidants as you can is the best way to protect yourself.

Secondly, olives have oleic acid as mentioned earlier, which inhibit certain growth factor receptors that trigger the development of breast cancer. Lastly, hydroxytyrosol comes into play for a third time, working to prevent DNA mutation and abnormal cell growth.

In other words, it acts as a second type of antioxidant. Even the skin of the olive contains maslinic acid, which has been connected to a programmed cell death (apoptosis) in colon cancer cells.

Lower bone loss People eating a traditional “Mediterranean diet” have been found to have lower instances of bone loss and osteoporosis, but the definite explanation behind this phenomenon was only discovered recently. The compound mentioned earlier, hydroxytyrosol, as well as oleuropein, have been positively linked in research studies to increased calcium deposition and bone growth, leading to a distinct drop in osteoporosis. Add a healthy amount of olives or olive oil to your diet if you are already at a risk for bone degeneration, or if you have some family history of it.

Reduce inflammation Various compounds in olives function not only as antioxidant compounds but also as anti-inflammatory ones. These reduce the inflammation from the body, which includes a reduction in pain and irritation in the joints, muscles, injuries, tendons, and other extremities. Particularly in terms of arthritis, gout, and other rheumatic conditions, olives can be a major benefit and it alleviates the associated pain.

Improve circulation Olives are a rich source of both iron and copper, two essential components for the creation of red blood cells. Without these two minerals, red blood cell count in the body will diminish, resulting in anemia. It is characterized by fatigue, upset stomachs, headaches, cognitive malfunction, and a general decline of organ health and functionality.

Antibacterial qualities Oleuropein, a valuable chemical component of olives, also functions as an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent for the body. Eating plenty of olives increases the presence of this chemical, which defends against bacterial infections throughout the body, both internally and externally.

Skin care Intake of olives helps reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and other skin-related diseases.

Olives can be used as an effective skin cleanser.

The presence of copper, iron, fiber, and vitamin E along with other nutrients in them aid in keeping skin soft and healthy.

Side effects of olives Olives are generally an extremely healthy food. However, there are some seasonal allergies associated with olive tree pollen, which can sometimes get into the olives so allergic reactions are not unheard of.

Also, consider the potent acids and organic compounds in olives and olive oil. It is not recommended to eat too many olives while pregnant or breastfeeding, as insufficient studies have been done on the transference of material from the mother to the child.

Finally, olives do contain high levels of sodium.

If you already suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disorders, you should limit the consumption of olives, rather than exacerbating your body with more sodium.

Other than these, enjoy olives in their different forms and see how healthy they can make you feel!

Source: www.organicfacts.net

26

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Religion

3 temptations of the world The world was created good. The world and all that is in it was created for our enjoyment and pleasure and points us to a good God who loves us and desires our good pleasure. However, something is wrong.

Often we hear that the world is evil and that we should avoid it and remain separate from it. As followers of Jesus, we can be confused by the notion the world Christ created and came to redeem is evil. Are we not to be in the world? What does Scripture mean regarding “not loving the world or the things in the world”? What does “friendship with the world is enmity with God” look like? How do we make sense of “not being in the world” or “not being friends with the world” in light of God placing us here in this world at this specific time? Something must be wrong in the world.

The apostle John, who spoke of not loving the world, defines his terms in 1 John 2:15 when he said, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

Several observations can be made from 1 John 2:15-17. The first observation: John defines what he means by the world in verse 16. John describes three specific categories of sin that must be avoided in the world.

This sin is what John is referring to as the world. The first sin is the lust of the flesh, the second is the lust of the eyes, and the third is the pride of life. These three sins are similar to the temptations Adam and Eve faced in the Garden of Eden—succumbing to which is what destroyed their relationship with God, as well as destroyed all that was to be right and good in the world.

First, they were tempted by their physical needs and ate the fruit, choosing it above their relationship with God. This was the result of giving in to lust of the flesh.

Second, they were tempted by desiring that which would harm them because it looked pleasurable. This was the lust of the eye.

Third, they were tempted to be their own god. When the serpent said they would be like God if they ate the fruit, this was the pride of life (See Genesis 3:1).

These three sins, “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life,” are depicted in Jesus’ own temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4:1, as well. Here, Jesus was tempted to sin against God by pursuing worldly things rather than God. He was tempted by His physical needs, the lust of the flesh, when He was tempted to turn the stones into bread.

Next, Jesus was tempted to do something

spectacular by throwing Himself off the temple and having His angels recue Him, the lust of the eyes.

Finally, Jesus was tempted to receive all the kingdoms of the world if He worshiped Satan; this is idol worship and the pride of life (See Matthew 4:1).

These three temptations that Jesus resisted in the wilderness mirror Adam and Eve’s temptations and sin in Garden and reflects what John defines as loving the world, the sins of “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.”

The next observation we can make from John in verse 17: “the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” is that he was warning us against sins that lead to death and about pleasures in sin that are not eternal. He was saying these pleasures will not last and instead lead to death. John was contrasting clearly the differences between the temporary sins and pleasures in this life and the eternal pleasures to come. John’s concern was for the believer to have an eternal perspective and not to place stock in temporary pleasures, which all are fleeting.

The pleasures of this temporary world are not comparable with the pleasures and blessings to come in eternity with God. God has our best in mind.

The final observation we can make from John is from the context of his whole letter.

From the context, we find John concludes his letter with an appeal to his readers to

“keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

John was saying that loving the world and the things in the world above God is idolatry.

Simply put, John was speaking against idol worship. John goes on to say in 1 John 5:18: “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. We know the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Amen.”

John is not the only biblical author who defined terms such as this. James also defined loving the world or friendship with the world as idol worship. In James 4:4, James speaks of pride and unfaithfulness to God as unfaithfulness and adultery, “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?’” James emphasizes that our God is a jealous God and desires our worship and well-being.

This world was created good. The world and all that is in it was created for our enjoyment and pleasure. However, sin

has marred the world’s goodness, and its charms have strived for our affections under the influence or sway of Satan. God desires us. God yearns for us jealously and desires to give us so much more than what the world can offer. As far as we see beauty and goodness through sin’s shadows in this world, that goodness is pointing us to Someone better, the Author of life itself, God. God knows the pleasures and sin in this world can lead us away from Him and can harm us. God also knows this world is passing away, and He knows He is going to make all things new. God desires our best and wants our good pleasure in Him, in this lifetime and in the next.

May we not be led astray by “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” Would we come to the Author of life and receive life eternal from Him? Robbie Pruitt is a high school Bible teacher in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, where he lives with his wife, Irene. Robbie loves Jesus, youth ministry, the great outdoors, writing poetry and writing about theology, discipleship and leadership. He has been in youth ministry more than 17 years, since volunteering after high school. Robbie graduated from Trinity School for Ministry with a Diploma in Christian Ministry and from Columbia International University with a B.A. in Bible and General Studies and a minor in Youth Ministry. Follow his blogs at robbiepruitt.blogspot.com and robbiepruitt.com.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Features

27

Best camera phone 2018: The top smartphone snappers around These are the top smartphone cameras to choose from It’s tough to work out the best camera phone on the market - there are so many smartphones to try out, so how on earth will you be able to work out which has the best snapper on the back?

The good news for you is that TechRadar tests them all thoroughly, putting them through their photography paces in all manner of lighting conditions and scenarios to help you work out which phone will give the right pictures for you.

Before choosing, it’s worth thinking about what you want from a camera phone. Do you want something that’s great at taking outdoor snaps and aren’t bothered if it’s good in low light? Is a great quick pic with friends more important than a really powerful sensor that takes amazing shots when you put the effort in?

It’s also worth thinking about battery size and screen quality - if you’re going to be heading out all day and doing longer photography sessions, you’ll need a battery that can keep up.

And if you’re mostly going to look at your photos on the phone, then a phone with OLED screen technology can really make your snaps pop - but if it’s social media, or even printing out your photos, that’s your plan then you’ve got a wider array of options.

We’ve listed all that information below, along with some of our top test snaps so you can make the right decision when it comes to choosing your next camera phone.

1. Google Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL Simply the best camera phones around Release date: October 2017 | Rear camera: 12.2MP | Front camera: 8MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.8 | Autofocus type: Phase detection and laser | Weight: 143g / 175g | Dimensions: 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8mm / 157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9mm | Battery size: 2,700mAh / 3,520mAh | Storage: 64GB / 128GB The Google Pixel 2 duo have decent sensors on the back, but amazing software processing - and both cameras are identical.

That means you can take an average picture, and instantly watch it improve before your eyes as the phone stitches together multiple images. Despite only packing a single lens, the Pixel 2 pair can both take stunning portrait shots, bringing some real definition to the mix.

The camera software isn’t always the best, with a tiny bit of lag in taking the picture (and waiting for the software to kick in) but the optical image stabilisation is a real boon.

The larger screen and longer battery life on the

Google Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL

16MP and 13MP | Front camera: 5MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.6 and f/1.9 | Autofocus type: Phase detection and laser | Weight: 158g | Dimensions: 151.7 x 75.4 x 7.3mm | Battery size: 3,300mAh | Storage: 64GB The LG V30 is a camera that takes the best of LG’s sensors and puts them to good use - it’s at its best when things get dimmer. Not in true low light, but if there’s a little bit of illumination the V30 really comes into its own, taking sharp and swift snaps when you need them.

The 16MP sensor is the main affair here, and when you just want to take a quick snap it works well. On top of that, the second sensor is a wider-angle affair, so you can get in more of the image you’re trying to snap.

We also really like how LG has worked to explain the more complex settings to you, allowing you to learn how to use the professional mode and get more out of your smartphone photography.

The selfie camera isn’t quite up to the same standard - a shame when last year’s V20 was so competent - but overall, this is a great snapper attached to a top phone.

Best camera phones

Pixel 2 XL will attract those looking for a more premium smartphone, but it is rather more expensive as a result.

But if you want the best pictures from a phone - we’d point you in the direction of the aptly-named pixel.

Very close to the best smartphone camera around Release date: September 2017 | Rear camera: Dual 12MP | Front camera: 8MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.7 and f/2.4 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 195g | Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6mm | Battery size: 3,300mAh | Storage: 64GB The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 camera is one of the very best we’ve tested for a number of reasons: firstly, because the dual sensors are impressive and powerful.

The blurred background, the telephoto lens, the speed of snapping - these are all the things we’re looking for on a top-end smartphone.

The longer battery life and the improved screen mean you’ll be able to keep taking photos over a longer time, and enjoy them with more vivid colors too.

The thing that we love about Samsung phones is that nearly every snap you take comes out looking clear and crisp, even in low light, which is what you want from an expensive phone... and the Note 8 certainly is.

Samsung has put so many modes on here, but also made the automatic settings incredibly easy to use... it’s touch and go between this phone and the Pixel 2 for best camera phone, so either will certainly satisfy you.

3. Samsung Galaxy S8 / Galaxy S8 Plus A slightly cheaper, but brilliant, cameraphone duo Release date: April 2017 | Rear camera: 12MP | Front camera: 8MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.7 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 155g / 173g | Dimensions: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8mm / 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1mm | Battery size: 3,000mAh / 3,500mAh | Storage: 64GB The Samsung Galaxy S8 pair are the two best phones on the market at the moment, helped ably by their excellent cameras.

They might only be single sensors, which means portrait mode isn’t easily achieved (and the reason they’re not top of this list) but if you don’t care about that, then we’d recommend these phones.

The S8 is well-designed and fits more nicely in the hand for more comfortable photography, but the larger S8 Plus is longer-lasting and packs a more expansive screen.

The sheer range of camera settings is to be applauded here - as is an easy selfie mode - but overall, it’s the fact that a quick automatic snap always looks so good in our opinion.

These are great, great camera phones - definitely check them out.

4. iPhone X The best iPhone camera around Release date: October 2017 | Rear camera: Dual 12MP | Front camera: 7MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.8 and f/2.4 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 174g | Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm | Battery size: 2,716mAh | Storage: 64GB / 256GB The iPhone X has the best camera ever seen on a device from Apple - and that’s on both the front and back.

The rear double sensor is capable of taking some stunning pictures in low light or bright scenes, capturing a lot of detail and erring on the side of natural colors.

Combined with the OLED screen, that brings a lot of vivacity to images, with the results still looking great on social media. The combination of two 12MP sensors, one being telephoto and both packing optical image stabilisation, is a nice move, and you’ll find the speed of snapping desirable.

The front-facing TrueDepth camera is also very capable, bringing clear selfies and also allowing you to take blurred background snaps without using a second sensor. It’s not the best camera on the market, but the iPhone X is easily the best Apple’s ever created and is very close to the top.

5. Huawei Mate 10 Pro A fantastically versatile smartphone snapper for enthusiasts Release date: November 2017 | Rear camera: Dual 12MP and 20MP | Front camera: 8MP | OIS: Yes (on 12MP) | Rear camera aperture: f/1.6 and f/1.6 | Autofocus type: Phase detection and laser | Weight: 178g | Dimensions: 154.2 x 74.5 x 7.9mm | Battery size: 4,000mAh | Storage: 128GB The Huawei Mate 10 Pro is another step forward for a brand looking to really focus (sorry) on its photography performance.

The interesting thing is the Mate 10 Pro has the weakest performance in ‘standard’ light of all the cameras on this list - it’s a phone for the more professional user, as the name suggests.

Getting close, or using the phone in low light, will result in some great shots - and that’s a lot to do with the fact Huawei is combining monochrome and color sensors into its handset for the best mix of lowlight and rich images - and the results bear out.

The Aperture Mode also allows you to fit far more into the frame, so while Mate 10 Pro isn’t the best snapper overall in a smartphone, it does reward those looking to put effort into their photos - and it’s a sensor bolted onto a really rather decent camera too, with simply sensational two-day battery life.

A great alternative choice with strong snapping abilities Release date: September 2017 | Rear camera: Dual

7. iPhone 8 Plus Most of the power of the iPhone X camera for a cheaper price Release date: September 2017 | Rear camera: Dual 12MP | Front camera: 7MP | OIS: Yes | Rear camera aperture: f/1.8 and f/2.8 | Autofocus type: Phase detection | Weight: 202g | Dimensions: 158.4 x 78.1 x 7.5mm | Battery size: 2,691mAh | Storage: 64GB / 256GB The iPhone 8 Plus is only behind the iPhone X because it’s got a slight higher aperture on the second sensor, meaning low-light photography isn’t quite as good.

Apart from that, the main camera images are almost identical to those shot from the more expensive phone, and you’ll be pleased with the results time and again. Portrait mode continues to improve and can bring some stunning results, and while the frontfacing camera isn’t TrueDepth-enabled (so you can’t do blurred-background selfies) it’s still very good.

On top of that, the iPhone 8 Plus has another big advantage over the competition: you can record 4K in crisp 60 frames per second, or super slow motion video at 240 frames per second.

If you can’t quite afford the iPhone X but want a great camera from an Apple phone, this is the place to look.

Source: www.techradar.com

Samsong Galaxy Note 8

Features 28

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Demystifying wealth creation with FirstGem

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma ‘Don’t scatter your sand until you mold your blocks’, is an proverb employed recently said by foremost entrepreneur, Mrs Ibukun, Awosika to strongly tell female creative professionals to save money and create wealth for the rainy day.

The occasion was “Women in Entertainment Wealth Management Series” organised by FirstBank to educate and encourage women in the entertainment industry on the need to build wealth for themselves.

It was a gathering of celebrities such as Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha and Ufoma McDermoth at the Victoria Crown Plaza on Victoria Island, Lagos.

FirstBank organised the event to serve as a tool to help the professionals to manage their incomes more effectively in peak and off peak seasons.

According to the bank, the event was borne out of the need for wealth creation and management, especially by the creative female professionals.

FirstBank says it seeks to provide the women with the principles of wealth management, investment and savings through its female proposition product, FirstGem. FirstGem, an account designed specifically to meet financial needs of women was officially launched in December 2016.

It was designed to suit women from age 18 to achieve their financial goals and aspirations and encourage more women to save to be able to invest and build personal wealth.

Since the launch, the initiative has

encouraged over 10,000 women to actively build a healthy savings culture, according to the organisation.

Awosika, the Chairman of First Bank Plc, sensitised participants at the Entertainment Wealth Management Series to the need to be disciplined to make a difference in their profession.

Awosika, also the Convener of the wealth management series, says wealth creation is about setting goals, priorities and right principles.

According to the entrepreneur, who spoke on “The Anatomy and Mindset of Wealth’’, there is time and season for everything including time for savings and wealth creation.

“Don’t scatter your sand until you have molded your blocks,’’ Awosika advises women.

She notes that FirstBank created FirstGem in recognition of the importance of women in driving socio-economic growth and change.

According to her, the initiative has encouraged more than 10,000 women to actively build a healthy saving culture.

The chairman is convinced that savings culture will lead to investment culture.

Awosika is of the opinion that investment culture will avert spending without planning.

She promises that FirstGem will also give access to soft loans (business and personal), annual medical and health programmes, and leadership trainings on women empowerment to be sponsored by First bank.

The entrepreneur emphasizes the need for women to separate needs from wants for enhanced wealth creation.

She urges that women should not engage

in frivolities and should know that they cannot afford everything they want.

“Even if you have all the money in the world and have not developed the habit of living within certain rules, you will still go broke.

“This is why a footballer, basket baller and athlete can earn and accumulate millions of dollars but can still go broke, few years after retirement.

“Plan for what you can see, don’t plan on what you are expecting,” Awosika urges.

Dr Remi Banjoko, Chief Executive Officer, dkbMarkets Ltd., who spoke on ‘Roadmap to Wealth Creation, believes that wealth could be guaranteed by inheritance, ideas and right investment.

Banjoko is convinced that artistes can go bankrupt due to overspending, lack of finance knowledge, poor investment decision and hanging out unnecessarily.

According to him, 60 per cent of adults globally are financial illiterates.

“Financial literacy is key for generational wealth,’’ he says.

Banjoko lists seven steps to generational wealth to include knowing how to value money, control money, save money and invest money.

He says the others are knowing how to make money, shield money and share money through charity, mentoring and encouraging people.

He is of the opinion that prosperous people earn compound interest, while poor people pay compound interest.

On long-term investment, controlling and saving money, Banjoko advises investment in fixed income securities, stock market, currency market or foreign exchange market as well as commodity.

According to him, understanding one’s

investment risk is essential before embarking on any investment.

Banjoko advises investors to widen their investment across a variety of different asset classes and geographical regions by diversifying across shares, bonds and property, among others.

This, he believes, will reduce the impact of price change in any of the asset classes on the overall value of their investment portfolio.

He wants artistes to harness their expertise through other streams of income such as screen writing, creative content, establishing internet TV channels such as Iroko TV, establishing film production companies and branding.

One of the participants and a renowned actress, Mrs Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, says many entertainers are investors.

“Most of us are investors and creative minds; we live the life.

“Cutting down on certain expenses is like cutting out our skins, but personally, I don’t go out much; the realistic reason is I can’t afford it.

“I can’t afford the time. I can’t afford the expenses. I can’t buy a dress for an event knowing I can only wear it once.

“Savings and investments have been a struggle and we need something especially for the creative industry because it is a complex business and practicalising savings is complex in our industry.

“When others are struggling with just paying bills. We are struggling with paying bills and showing up.”

Analysts call on women and all Nigerians to imbibe savings culture and take advantage of relevant products and programmes to create wealth to prepare for the rainy day.

Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma is of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

29

Foreign Affairs Ireland referendum could lift strict ban on abortion Ireland’s referendum Friday represented more than a vote on whether to end the country’s strict abortion ban. It was a battle for the very soul of a traditionally conservative Roman Catholic nation that has seen a wave of liberalization in recent years.

An Irish Times exit poll released Friday night projected a landslide victory for those who want to loosen abortion laws, but official results are not expected until Saturday afternoon.

The country’s leaders support a “yes,” an outcome that would repeal a 1983 constitutional amendment requiring authorities to treat a fetus and its mother as equals under the law. They called it a once-in-ageneration opportunity to liberalize some of Europe’s strictest abortion rules.

Voters went to the polls after a campaign that aroused deep emotions on both sides. For advocates of repeal, a “yes” vote would be a landmark in Irish women’s fight for equality and the right to control their own bodies. For opponents, it would be a betrayal of Ireland’s commitment to protect the unborn.

The vote also is a key indicator of Ireland’s trajectory, three years after the country voted to allow same-sex marriages and a year after its first openly gay prime minister took office.

The newspaper exit poll indicated overwhelming support for change. The survey by pollster IpsosMRBI says 68 percent of voters backed repeal of the ban and 32 percent opposed it. The pollster says it interviewed some 4,000 people and the survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5 percentage points. The poll is only a prediction.

Theresa Sweeney, a repeal supporter, was one of the first to arrive at a church polling station in Dublin.

“I feel like I’ve waited all of my adult life to have a say on this,” she said.

Emma Leahy said her “yes” vote comes from her firm belief that everyone should be able to make their own choice when it comes to abortion.

“For Ireland, it’s hope for the future,” she said of the referendum. “Whether you agree or disagree, it shouldn’t be the government or anyone else making that decision.”

Vera Rooney voted against repeal.

“It is a hard decision but I just feel I don’t have the right to take life,” she said. “I think life is sacred and for that reason I had to vote no.”

The referendum will decide whether the eighth amendment of the constitution is repealed or stays in

A woman carries a placard as Ireland holds a referendum on liberalising abortion laws, in Dublin, Ireland place. abortions have had to leave the country to obtain The amendment requires authorities to equally them. protect the right to life of a mother and that of a fetus, Tara Flynn, who 11 years ago flew to the from the moment of conception. That effectively bans Netherlands for an abortion, said she planned to vote all abortions in Ireland, except in cases when the “yes” to make sure future generations of women woman’s life is at risk. Having an illegal abortion is don’t endure what she did, with feelings of isolation punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and several and shame. thousand Irish women travel each year to get She said her vote would be one for solidarity and abortions in neighboring Britain. compassion, “a vote to say, I don’t send you away If citizens vote in favor of repeal, new abortion laws anymore.” will then be discussed in parliament. The government Campaigning was not allowed Friday, but Dublin proposes that terminations be allowed during the was still filled with signs and banners urging citizens first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Later abortions would be to vote “yes” or “no.” Many of the anti-abortion signs allowed in special cases. showed photographs of fetuses.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, a doctor, voted in Voting has already taken place on Ireland’s remote favor of repeal. islands so that paper ballots can be taken to the “Not taking anything for granted of course, but mainland and counted in time. quietly confident,” he said, adding that the upside of Letters to the editor published Friday in the Irish a sunny day in Ireland is that people come out to vote. Independent newspaper contained several emotional Thousands of Irish people abroad traveled home to arguments urging voters to reject the repeal take part in the historic referendum, and supporters movement. of repeal gathered at Dublin Airport to give arrivals “If we vote ‘yes’ every unborn, wanted and an ecstatic welcome. unwanted, will have zero rights,” wrote Frances Some activists held a placard reading “Thank you Kelleher, from Killarney. “I do not believe the smart for making the journey so other women don’t have people of Ireland want this unrestricted, abortion-onto” — a reference to the way Irish women seeking demand bill.”

Another Cuba plane crash survivor dies, death toll rises to 112 One of the survivors of the plane crash just outside Havana airport last week died early on Friday, staterun media cited the Cuban government as saying, raising the death toll from one of Cuba’s worst air disasters to 112.

Emiley Sanchez, a 40-year old Cuban from the eastern city of Holguin where the Boeing 737 had been heading, died in a hospital in the capital due to “severe traumatic lesions and burns” suffered in the accident.

“Her state was extremely critical with a unfavorable prognostic and on a progressive downwards path that we could not reverse,” the Health Ministry said in a statement read on state-run radio station Radio Reloj.

Three Cuban women had originally survived when the

Boeing 737 crashed shortly after takeoff and burst into flames. Two of them have now died, leaving one survivor fighting for her life.

The plane had been leased by the littleknown Mexican company, Damojh, to Cuba’s flagship carrier Cubana, and all but 11 of 113 passengers on board were Cuban.

The foreigners were seven Mexicans including the crew, two Argentine tourists, and two Sahrawis from a disputed area in the Western Sahara who were resident in Cuba.

Cuba is leading the probe into the crash, together with Mexican and US investigators, and has retrieved the black box with flight data and voice recordings from the cockpit.

Mexico’s civil aviation authority said on Monday it had suspended Damojh’s operations while it made sure the firm adhered to regulations and gathered information to help investigators find the cause of the crash.

Previous complaints over inadequate maintenance and safety measures have surfaced again in recent days.

Trump says summit with North Korea could still go ahead US President Donald Trump, a day after his cancellation of a high-stakes summit with North Korea, said Friday that the meeting with Kim Jong Un could still go ahead.

“We’re going to see what happens,” Trump told reporters at the White House, after welcoming Pyongyang’s latest statement on the talks as “very good news.”

“It could even be the 12th,” he said in a reference to the original June 12 date set for the meeting in Singapore.

“We’re talking to them now,” Trump said of the North Koreans. “They very much want to do it. We’d like to do it. We’ll see what happens.”

North Korea, responding to Trump’s abrupt cancelation of the meeting over “hostility” from Pyongyang, said Friday that it is willing to talk to the United States “at any time.”

Trump welcomed the statement as “warm and productive.”

“We will soon see where it will lead, hopefully to long and enduring prosperity and peace. Only time (and talent) will tell!” the US president said in a tweet.

In a letter to Kim, Trump said Thursday he would not go ahead with the summit in Singapore, following what the White House called a “trail of broken promises” by the North.

Trump blamed “open hostility” from Kim’s regime for his decision to call off the talks, and warned North Korea against committing any “foolish or reckless acts.”

But Pyongyang’s reaction to the sudden U-turn has so far been conciliatory.

First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan called Trump’s decision “unexpected” and “regrettable.” But he left the door open for talks, saying officials were willing “to sit face-to-face at any time.”

Just before Trump announced the cancelation of the meeting, North Korea declared it had “completely” dismantled its nuclear test site in the country’s far northeast, in a carefully choreographed goodwill gesture ahead of the summit.

But the chances of success for the unprecedented face-to-face had recently been thrown into doubt as threats were traded by both sides.

Trump

Foreign Affairs 30

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Strengthening Africa-Europe ties in the city of dragons Yarik Turianskyi

Although it may seem like an unlikely choice of venue for an Africa Day conference, which took place from 14 to 16 May 2018, it demonstrated the importance of bilateral cooperation between African and European states against the background of often tense meetings between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU).

Initiated by the club of Slovenia’s former ambassadors and organised

by Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this conference focussed on the current political relations and prospects for economic collaboration between the two continents. It was the seventh iteration of this event.

‘Africa is diverging’ One of the key points of discussion emphasised the divergence of Africa’s stories and narratives. In contrast to the generalised marketing phrases like ‘Africa rising’, participants sought to highlight the differences between African countries and regional economic communities.

Alex Vines, head of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, stated: “Just like Europe, Africa is not homogenous. Africa is diverging. Not rising or declining.” The renowned Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance illustrates this point.

Between 2007 and 2016, 18 countries have shown increasing improvement in their overall governance, 13 have witnessed slowing improvement, 10 signalled warning signs and eight have increasingly deteriorated. Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Kenya are the five most improved countries, while Libya, Madagascar, Burundi, Eritrea and Mauritania are the worst performers.

Positive signals for African governance Last year saw the removal of three long-serving rulers: Angola’s Jose Eduardo dos Santos (in power for 38 years), Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe (37 years) and The Gambia’s Yaya Jammeh(23 years) all left office under different and sometimes contentious, but ultimately peaceful circumstances.

During and after elections in Kenya and Liberia the courts played a pivotal role in ensuring that due legal process was followed to settle disputes.

Hopefully this will set a precedent, given the number of other African elections that have disintegrated into violence in the past decades. In many election preview articles and news segments the question of whether the ballot will be violent is often the centrepiece. This must change.

Elections should be technical processes which are not seen as ‘winner-takesall’ outcomes by politicians and their constituencies. Inclusive socioeconomic development and growth

Slovenia’s capital city Ljubljana – with a population of just 250,000 – is symbolised by dragons and is one of the greenest cities in Europe.

View of Slovenia’s capital city Ljubljana is key, as is the strengthening of electoral management bodies and the independence of the judiciary.

These changes are taking place in the context of an increasingly volatile, multipolar world. According to Geert Laporte, Deputy Director at the European Centre for Development Policy Management, the EU often behaves in a patronising way towards its African counterparts. Yet the post-colonial era is over and the status quo has changed, meaning the relationship between the EU and the AU needs to follow suit. The EU often seems unwilling to make concessions and sets the agenda according to its priorities. The issue of migration is illustrative of this. It is the top priority for the EU, but not even in the top 10 for Africa, Laporte continued. There is a need for joint agenda-setting and balanced dialogues on issues important for both partners. At the same time, while Europe needs to give more concessions and be open about its agenda, Africa needs to fund its own institutions, such as the AU, which are too dependent on European funding.

Reforming the AU The AU is indeed in need of on overhaul, which is recognised

by African leaders. A highly bureaucratised institution, it suffers

from low implementation of its decisions. Francis Bokilo, with the Permanent Mission of the AU to the EU, estimates that only 10% of AU decisions are implemented.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame (joined by nine experts), is currently leading the reform process, which will be linked to Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term vision and developmental blueprint.

Financing the AU from within the continent is key. Many countries do not pay their membership contributions.

While a proposal is on the table to fund the continental body through a 0.2% levy on all eligible imports, not all member states are committed to it. Implementation of the ‘Kaberuka plan’, named after former African Development Bank chief Donald Kaberuka, the mastermind behind it, is behind schedule, originally having been pencilled in for 2017.

To be an equal partner in its relations with Europe, Africa needs strong, self-sustaining institutions.

The AU represents the continent in the international arena in dialogues with the EU and other actors. While the AU has managed to overcome some of the criticisms levelled at its predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity – such as turning a blind eye to coups and other unconstitutional changes of government – it still needs to establish

its own credibility and effectiveness.

Self-sustained financing of its operations is an important first step on this road.

In the meantime, bilateral cooperation between African countries and their European counterparts, such as Slovenia, will be crucial to deepening relations between the two continents.

Eastern European and African states have a lot in common, being relatively new entrants into the international system. Slovenia’s trade with Africa is at a nascent stage, but conferences like Africa Day are meant to increase it. In 2016 Africa was the EU’s fourth largest partner for imports and third largest for exports. Slovenian companies, in the meantime, provide innovative IT support for infrastructure in Uganda and Rwanda.

Developing deeper economic ties, which was the primary focus of the Africa Day conference, is crucial in building mutually beneficial relationships in a world trying to shed the baggage of post-colonialism, aid dependency and political conditionalities.

Turianskyi, is Deputy Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs.

Source: Polity.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

31 Foreign Affairs

The holiday village run by spies

turned enough of a profit to become financially selfsustaining, much to the relief of the accountants back at Mossad HQ. Some of the money earned from guests was used to buy or rent the lorries that took the refugees.

By Raffi Berg, BBC Tel Aviv

Airlifted to safety Meanwhile, the airlifts got under way. Gad and his team got message back that there was an abandoned World War Two British airfield not far from the coast, and in May 1982 the first Hercules, carrying an Israeli platoon, landed there in the dead of night.

Years later, one of the 130 Ethiopians rescued on that flight told Gad: “You have no idea what it meant for me to go into an aeroplane in the middle of the Sudanese desert on a dark night.

“I’d never seen an aeroplane in my life before. I felt like Jonah the prophet going into the belly of the whale, and then all of a sudden three hours later I was in Zion [Israel].”

After two airlifts however, the Mossad discovered Sudanese authorities had got wind of suspicious activity - the unnamed agent is convinced “a Bedouin went and ratted on us”. The team was then instructed to find more inconspicuous landing sites.

They identified suitable locations much nearer Gedaref, which had the advantage of reducing the time on the road with the refugees to a couple of hours. The downside was “they weren’t airstrips, they were just a piece of desert”, according to the unnamed agent.

“The strips were hardly lit,” he says. “We had just 10 tiny infrared lights and the C130 pilots had to find us without navigational aids and after a long, tedious flight, in pitch black.

“By comparison, Entebbe was a piece of cake as far as flying’s concerned,” he says, referring to the daring hostage rescue in Uganda in 1976, which saw an Israeli Hercules land at the airport in a surprise raid and fly out again with more than 100 people freed by commandos.

Despite the complexities and potentially catastrophic consequences of failure, 17 clandestine flights were carried out, co-ordinated by the agents of the Red Sea diving resort, some 600km away.

Towards the end of 1984, famine was declared in Sudan, and it was decided to escalate the evacuations.

With intervention from the US, and a large payment, Gen Jaafar Nimeiri agreed to let Jewish refugees be flown directly out from Khartoum to Europe. He did so on condition of total secrecy, so as to avoid repercussions from the rest of the Arab world.

In a series of 28 covert airlifts, on Boeing 707s lent by a Jewish Belgian airline owner, 6,380 Ethiopian Jews were flown to Brussels and then straight on to Israel. The rescue was codenamed Operation Moses.

Ababa in 1991 There was a media blackout in Israel, but eventually “the thing was leaked to the press by some idiot from the Jewish Agency [an Israeli non-governmental organisation]”, says the unnamed agent.

Arous was an idyllic holiday resort in the Sudanese desert, on the shores of the Red Sea. But this glamorous destination was a base for Israeli agents with a secret mission.

Illustrated with pictures of putty-coloured chalets on a Sun-drenched beach, a smiling couple in scuba gear, and varieties of exotic fish, the advertisement boasts of “some of the best, clearest water in the world”. As night falls - “after the landscape colours have paled” - there are, it says, “breathtaking views of the heavens, aflame with millions of stars”.

Arous Village, on the fringe of spectacular coral reefs and the odd shipwreck, appears to be a diving enthusiast’s dream.

The pamphlets were printed in their thousands and distributed in specialist travel agents across Europe. Reservations were booked through an office in Geneva. And over time hundreds of guests went on holiday there.

It was a long trek. But once at the desert oasis, they enjoyed first-rate facilities, water sports, deep-sea dives and an abundance of fresh food and wine. The visitors’ book was a catalogue of glowing comments.

The Sudanese International Tourist Corporation was also happy. It had leased the site to a group of people introducing themselves as European entrepreneurs, whose venture brought some of the first foreign tourists to the country.

The only thing was, unbeknown to the guests or the authorities, the Red Sea diving resort was entirely fake.

It was a front, set up and run for more than four years in the early 1980s by operatives from the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency.

They used it as a cover for an extraordinary humanitarian mission - to rescue thousands of beleaguered Ethiopian Jews stranded in refugee camps in Sudan and evacuate them to Israel. Sudan was an enemy Arab country, and it had to be done without anyone finding out, either there or at home.

“It was a state secret, nobody talked about it,” says Gad Shimron, one of the agents who served at the village. “Even my family didn’t know.”

The Ethiopian Jews belonged to a community called Beta Israel (House of Israel), whose origins are shrouded in mystery.

Some believe they descended from one of the socalled 10 lost tribes of the ancient kingdoms of Israel, or from Israelites who accompanied a son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon back to Ethiopia around 950BC. Others think they fled there after the destruction of the first Jewish Temple in 586BC. They adhered to the Torah, practised a Biblical version of Judaism and prayed in synagogues. But, isolated from the rest of Jewry for millennia, they believed they were the last remaining Jews in the world. The Beta Israelis’ authenticity was confirmed

by Israel’s chief rabbis in the early 1970s.

He sent letters to relief agencies, pleading for help, and one found its way to the Mossad. For the then Israeli Prime Minister, Menachem Begin - himself a refugee from Nazi-occupied Europe - Israel existed as a safe haven for Jews in peril. The Beta Israelis were no exception and he instructed the intelligence agency to act.

Located by a Mossad agent, Ferede channelled messages back to his community, saying there was a better chance of getting to Jerusalem from Sudan than Ethiopia, which had severely restricted emigration.

It offered the tantalising opportunity of fulfilling a 2,700-year-old dream. And in the period that followed, some 14,000 Beta Israelis made a perilous 800km (500-mile) journey by foot along with over a million other Ethiopians seeking refuge across the Sudanese border.

About 1,500 of the Jewish refugees were killed along the way, perished in the squalid camps around Gedaref and Kassala, or were abducted.

As there were no known Jews in Sudan, a Muslimmajority country, they were instructed not to disclose their religion so as to blend in and not get caught by the Sudanese secret police.

Rescue mission Almost straight away, some small-scale rescue activities got under way, with Ethiopian Jews spirited out of Sudan to Europe on forged papers, then on to Israel.

Gad with a Zodiac dinghy near Arous village Sudan’s Red Sea coastline, though, presented the possibility of stepping up operations on an altogether different scale.

“We approached the [Israeli] navy for help,” says a high-level agent involved in the mission, who did not want to be named.

“They said, ‘OK,’ so a couple of Mossad guys went down to Sudan looking for possible landing beaches.

They just stumbled across this deserted village on the coast, in the middle of nowhere.

“For us it was a godsend. If we could get hold of this place and do it up, we could say we’re running a diving village, which would give us a reason for being in Sudan and furthermore for roaming around near the beach.”

What happened next is the subject of a soon-to be released Hollywood film called Red Sea Diving Resort. Filmed in Namibia and South Africa, it tells the story of the operation and the village. Though while it is based on true events, some of the scenes are fictitious.

Completed in 1972 by Italian entrepreneurs, the resort was a cluster of 15 red-roofed bungalows, a kitchen and a large dining room opening out to the beach, a lagoon and the sea.

However, with no electricity, water supply or even a road, the Italians found the project impossible and the resort never opened.

“It’s a very difficult place to run, if you don’t have the Mossad behind you,” says the unidentified agent.

Using false passports, a group of agents posing as employees of a Swiss operating company went to Sudan, convinced the authorities of their business proposition, and rented the village for three years for $320,000 (£225,000).

Fake resort They spent the first year renovating it and struck a deal with local suppliers for fresh water and fuel.

The resort was also kitted out with Israeli-made equipment, including air-conditioning units, outboard motors, and top-of-the-range water sports gear, all smuggled into the country.

“We introduced windsurfing to Sudan,” says Gad, smiling. “The first board was brought in - I knew how to windsurf, so I taught the guests. Other Mossad agents posed as professional diving instructors.”

They also recruited about 15 local staff, including chambermaids, waiters, a driver and a chef “poached” from a hotel. “We paid him double,” says the unnamed operative. None of the staff knew the resort’s real purpose, or that their Caucasian managers were Mossad spies.

Female agents were put in charge of the day-to day running of the place, which it was thought would lower any suspicions.

The diving storeroom was out-of-bounds. In it were concealed radios the agents used to keep in regular contact with headquarters back in Tel Aviv.

While seeing to their guests by day, every so often at night a squad would leave under cover of darkness

and head to a rendezvous point 10km (six miles) south of Gedaref.

“We’d tell the staff we’re going to Khartoum for a few days, or to meet some Swedish nurses from the hospital in Kassala,” says Gad. They would pick up groups of Ethiopian Jews, smuggled out of the camps by so-called Committee Men - a handful of Beta Israelis recruited for the job.

“The Ethiopian Jews were given no notice, as we could not risk word getting out,” says Gad. “They did not even know we were Israelis. We told them we were mercenaries.”

From there, a convoy of lorries carrying dozens of bewildered refugees drove a two-day - 800km journey, evading detection at numerous checkpoints along the way by a combination of guile, bribery and occasionally ramming their way through.

At breaks, they would try to pacify the frightened passengers.

“When we let them sit in the driver’s cabin and touch the wheel, they were in seventh heaven,” Gad says, in his book Mossad Exodus. “It was amazing to see how happy they were at sharing a piece of chewing gum among 20 children. They looked at us as though we were creatures from outer space.”

When they got to the beach, north of the holiday village, Israeli navy special forces would come ashore on Zodiac dinghies, collect the refugees and transport them a further hour and a half to a waiting naval vessel, the INS Bat Galim.

“It was constantly dangerous,” says the unnamed operative. “We all knew that if any one of us got exposed, we’d end up hanged on gallows in the centre of Khartoum.”

They came close to it in March 1982, when on the third such operation the group was spotted in midtransfer on the beach by Sudanese soldiers. Possibly suspecting smugglers, the soldiers fired warning shots - but the Zodiacs, with the Ethiopians on board, managed to get away.

After that, it was decided naval evacuations were too exposed, and a new plan was devised. The agents were tasked with finding a suitable landing spot in the desert for C130 Hercules planes. The refugees were going to be secretly airlifted out of the country.

In the meantime, the Israelis continued to run the diving resort and entertain the guests. By now, Arous Village had earned quite a reputation and word spread.

“By comparison to the rest of Sudan, we offered Hilton-like standards,” says Gad, “and it was such a beautiful place, it really looked like something out of the Arabian Nights. It was unbelievable.”

The resort counted among its varied clientele an Egyptian army unit, a group of British SAS soldiers, foreign diplomats from Khartoum and Sudanese officials - all unaware of their hosts’ true identity.

One German military attache told Gad he had had a good time in many places “in my life but never quite like this”.

Arous Village became so successful that it

The story gets out Newspapers around the world ran the story on January 5, 1985 and Sudan immediately stopped the flights. It publicly denied any involvement, dismissing allegations it had colluded with Israel as a “Zionist-Ethiopian plot”.

The Mossad continued running the holiday village, keeping it available as an undercover option. Despite a pause in rescue operations, the agents still had to cater for the influx of guests, and Gad had even been recalled from leave in Israel to organise the entertainment at Christmas and New Year.

Outside, the atmosphere was changing. “From January 1985, I could smell it in the air that a coup d’etat was coming,” says Gad. It did not take long. On April 6, 1985, Gen Nimeiri was overthrown by army officers. It was a turn of events that imperilled the operatives at the village.

The new military junta turned its sights on flushing out Mossad spies, real or imaginary, to burnish its credentials in the Arab world.

The head of the Mossad gave the order to evacuate the resort. They did so the very next day, by stealth.

“Six of us left the diving village in two vehicles before dawn,” says one of the agents, who wishes to remain anonymous. “A C130 landed to the north, on a landing spot we had never used before. We got on it and came home.

“There were tourists in the village,” he says. “They would have woken up and found themselves alone in the desert. The local staff were still there, but no-one else - the diving instructor, the lady manager and so on, all the Caucasians had disappeared.”

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FLASHBACK in Times: May 26, 1956

SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 662

N150

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED. Operational Headquarters: Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, MaItama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH, Tel: 08036062975, Email: bonamelah123@gmail.com

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Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

FCTA approves N700m for 75 FCDA retirees

Ogoni clean-up: NDDC flags off training of technical assistants

Global tourism meeting: Nigeria is prepared, says Lai Mohammed

2018 budget: Experts fault NASS oil benchmark increment

World Bank backs Obaseki’s devt drive, urges other states to replicate Edo blueprint

Idu Jude, Abuja

The World Bank has thrown its weight behind the ongoing developmental drive of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State, urging other states in the country to replicate the Edo model.

Country Director of World Bank, Nigeria and Co-ordinating Director for Regional Integration Programme in West Africa, Rachid Benmessaoud, who led the bank’s delegation on a visit to the governor at the Government House, Edo State, on Thursday, said: “Obaseki has established a flagship effort that has resulted in the Edo Azura Power Plant where he brought the World Bank Group together and we are ready to replicate the model and build more Azura projects in Nigeria and West Africa.”

He was accompanied on the visit by the Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigeria Office, Eme Essien; Programme Leader, Muna Salih Meky; Programme Leader, Kofi Nouve; Lead Procurement Specialist, Bayo Awosemusi; Senior Private Sector Specialist, Feyi Boroffice; Senior Agriculture Economist, Adetunji A. Oredipe; and Senior Operations Officer, John Paul Ngebeh, amongst others.

Benmessaoud explained that the strong partnership between Edo State Government and the World Bank is highly cherished by his institution, and commended the insistence of the Obaseki administration on transparency and accountability.

“I want to assure the governor that the World Bank will help in addressing the human capital needs by pulling her resources together to support the Edo State government,” he pledged.

Some financial experts on Friday faulted the increase in the oil benchmark of the 2018 appropriation bill from $45 to $51 by the National Assembly.

While reacting to the appropriation bill passed by the National Assembly, financial experts in a telephone chat said that the increment was not needful, For instance, Managing Director/ CEO, Maxifund Investment and Security Plc, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, said that increasing the benchmark because of the rally in the global oil market was not needful.

Unegbu, who is a former President/ Chairman Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), noted that the surplus could be saved for the rainy day or used for infrastructure development to achieve the desired growth.

“Why can’t we save the surplus and prepare for the rainy day? We can’t just be consuming and consuming”, he said.

Unegbu said the surplus should be used to finance critical infrastructure since the country was faced with acute infrastructure deficit.

He also, kicked against the small allocation to the health and education sectors, which were critical to economic development, stressing that the allocation of N57.15 billion and N15.7 billion to health and education respectively was disheartening.

Unegbu explained that more funds were allocated to non-priority sectors that would not aid development in the proposed budget.

“If you give more money to education, a very educated person can take care of him and can provide for him good house”, he said.

Unegbu, who said health and education were critical for economic development, called on the executive to address the problem before signing the bill into law.

Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella, Professor of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, Ogun, on his part said the passage of the budget was very late and had created problems in the economy.

Tella said the budget, though late, was expected to wake up the economy from slumber, as the private and public sectors, including the external sector would become more active.

Tella said the capital market reacted positively to the announcement of the

passage of the budget, noting that the market activities would be further boosted when the budget was accented to by the President.

“Although it will take some time for the implication to be fully felt in both the money and capital markets, the very short term reactions starts now and the capital market normally reacts very fast if it is an active one,” he said.

It would be recalled that the Senate and the House of Representatives on May 16 passed the 2018 budget, raising it by N500 billion.

Both Houses approved the budget that rose from N8.6 trillion to N9.1 trillion, six months after it was presented by President Muhammadu

Buhari presented the budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on Nov. 7, 2017.

Both houses of the National Assembly received the budget report of their appropriation committees. At the Senate, the chairman of the senate committee on appropriation, Sen. Danjuma Goje, said the increase of N500 billion was done in consultation with the executive.

Prof. Tella said the increment was informed by a decision to increase oil benchmark from the proposed 45 dollars to 51 dollars. The exchange rate of N305 to a dollar and production of 2.3 million barrels of oil per day was adopted as proposed by the executive.

FCTA Permanent Secretary, Sir. Chinyeaka Ohaa (middle), National President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) (2nd right) and other ANAN executives, when they paid the Permanent Secretary a courtesy visit in Abuja…Friday.

Google impact challenge takes-off with $2m grant to NGOs Motolani Oseni One of the things that Google CEO, Sundar Pichai announced during his visit to Nigeria last July, was that through its philanthropy arm — Google.org — the company would be committing a total of $20 million, over the next five years, to non-profits that are working to improve lives across Africa.

Google has taken a huge step towards fulfilling that promise, with the launch

of the Google Impact Challenge Africa in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

Speaking at the Nigeria launch event in Lagos, Google Nigeria Head of Marketing, Affiong Osuchukwu said that an initial $2m in grants will be awarded to 12 non-profits working on community scale projects within Nigeria.

As to how the fund will be split among the 12 non-profits, Abiodun Adepoju, Product Marketing Manager

at Google, explains.

“There will be four winners receiving a $250k grant each. Three of these winners will be selected by a panel of judges, one winner will be selected through a public vote. The remaining 8 runner-ups will receive a $125k grant each”.

The same will be replicated in Kenya and South Africa, bringing the total beneficiaries and initial commitment to 36 and $6m respectively.

The Nigerian judging panel is made up of high level policy targets and influencers within the market. They are: Chairman/CEO Channels Media Group, John Momoh; Chairman/CEO, Zinox Technologies, Leo-Stan Ekeh; CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Parminder Vir; Rapper and CEO of Chocolate City Music Group, MI Abaga and Philanthropist and Executive Director of Nigeria Network of NGOs, Oluseyi Oyebisi.

Others are: Philanthropist and Media entrepreneur, Mo Abudu; Exfootballer and founder of the Kanu Heart Foundation, Kanu Nwankwo; Managing General Partner, EchoVC Partners, Eghosa Omoigui and Google Country Director, Juliet EhimuanChiazor.

How to apply / Criteria: Applications into the Google Impact Challenge Africa are currently open in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

NNPC moves to aid 2018 budget implementation Idu Jude, Abuja Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is evolving measures to implement its 2018 budget effectively.

This was disclosed at the top Management Steering Committee Meeting which commenced Thursday at the NNPC Towers in Abuja to review the first quarter (Q1) performance report and close out on 2017 operations.

Speaking at the meeting, the Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, charged participants made up of all the Chief Operating Officers (COOs) of the Autonomous Business Units (ABU) and Managing Directors

of Strategic Business Units (SBUs), as well as Heads of Corporate Services Units (CSUs) to focus more on the implementation aspect of the report.

“I want us to look at the performance side very closely and channel our contributions on that”, Dr. Baru urged, stressing that there was need to ensure that the steering committee meeting held on schedule every quarter.

On the implementation of the 2018 budget, he said management would do most of the front-end work by liaising with relevant government officials to see that the corporation’s budget is signed off on time.

“Now that the budget is almost ready, we need all the various departments to get the relevant

documents to enable us secure approval for implementation of the capital projects. What we will now do is to commit and get the approvals”, he said.

The two-day event will ended on Friday.

In another development, NNPC is considering the expansion of the capacity development arrangement with its Joint Venture (JV) partners to facilitate a more robust cross-posting of staff between the organizations.

This was disclosed by NNPC Chief Operating Officer (COO), Corporate Services, Mr. Isah Inuwa, when he led staff on secondment from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and Shell in NNPC to a meeting with

the Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, recently.

The COO said the meeting was designed to appraise the GMD on what the staff on cross posting to the corporation had achieved during their assignment.

Speaking after listening to the accomplishments and challenges of the seconded staff, the GMD commended them on their diligence and their ability to achieve so much in the face of the challenge of working in an environment different from that of their primary employers.

The cross-posting arrangement is a scheme designed to deepen understanding among the JV partners and develop capacity.

Ogoni clean-up: NDDC flags off training of technical assistants The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Nsima Ekere, has flagged off a twoday training workshop for technical assistants in the Ogoni clean-up and remediation project at the conference hall of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, in Port Harcourt.

Ekere, who was represented by the NDDC Director, Special Duties, Dr. Princewill Ekanim, said that the Commission would collaborate with Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, to provide the needed support in the effort to address the environmental concerns of the Ogoni people and restore their livelihood and native occupation of farming and fishing.

According to the NDDC boss, “there are over 5,000 impacted sites in the Niger Delta region and about 25 per cent of that are in Ogoniland.” He, therefore, stressed the need to make the

Ogoni clean-up exercise a success, so as to provide the roadmap to the clean-up of all hydrocarbon impacted sites in the Niger Delta region.

Ekere said: “Section 2, sub section (a), (h) and (i) of the NDDC Act 2000, mandates the Commission to tackle ecological problems in the Niger Delta environment. The Commission is to work with oil companies operating in the region and other stakeholders to carry out this task.

“In the exercise of this mandate, and in demonstration of the commitment of the current Board of the Commission, a technical person, Dr. Udeme Udofia, who is an associate Professor in the area of environmental protection and pollution control was appointed to work with HYPREP and build the capacity of the local people in environmental remediation. He will eventually take over the supervision of this project which UNEP says may last for more than 30 years.”

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer

said that no significant success was recorded by HYPREP three years after it was established in 2012, till 2015 when the structure of HYPREP was amended to include a board of trustees, a governing council and a project management team.

He said further that the sum of 10 million US dollars was deposited in the trust fund to serve the financial viability of HYPREP, adding that the general council of HYPREP was a multistakeholder body which included the NDDC. Ekere explained that the General Council of HYPREP was charged with the responsibility of providing the necessary oversight to ensure the implementation of the UNEP report.

The Project Coordinator for HYREP, Dr Marvin Dekil, underscored the essence of the training on oil spill assessment, stating that it would develop the capacity of the young environmental scientists as well as foster the involvement of the Ogoni

community in the clean-up project.

According to him, “HYREP as a project of the Federal Government of Nigeria has the mandate of remediating oil impacted sites and restoring the livelihoods of communities whose sources of income have been destroyed as a result of hydrocarbon pollution.

Dr. Dekil commended the NDDC for supporting the training and urged that the cooperation would continue throughout the life span of the project.

He observed that the training, which was the second by HYREP, was an improvement on the previous one because of the support of the NDDC. He noted: “The first was in June, 2017, which coincided with the visit of the United Nations Resident coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallou, who on seeing the preparatory work we were doing at the time, appealed to Ogoni people and indeed all stakeholders in the clean-up project, to be patient with HYREP to deliver a world class remediation.”

Senate President, Bukola Saraki (centre) and others during the visit of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) over the one percent Consolidated Revenue Fund in the 2018 Budget, at the National Assembly in Abuja...on Friday.

Edo displaces 35 states on transparency, legislative engagement – Research Reforms by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in opening up governance to public participation and access to state’s legislature’s activities have been applauded by independent researchers, who affirm that the state beat other 35 Nigerian states on different parameters for open governance.

This was disclosed in document obtained signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie.

Osagie stated that the accolades for transparency and accessibility show that Governor Obaseki’s collaboration with the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) on the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) for open governance is yielding results.

The verdict was contained in a recent publication by Enough is Enough Nigeria titled Legislative Engagement: Why Are Our State Legislators Inaccessible? to identify states’ legislature with active website, members’ contact details online and budgets available online.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) said, “The role of state legislators cannot be underestimated in national development. This makes it imperative for citizens to engage state lawmakers for optimal representation and maximum service delivery.”

From the published data, of Nigeria’s 36 states, only seven states have their annual budget published; four had members of their state assembly’s contact details online and five operated active websites. Edo ticked the three parameters that were measured.

Osagie said the state government’s commitment to e-governance would open the space for citizens to get involved in the governance process, noting that the improved rating for Edo state shows that the people are not only carried along by government but that the legislature allows for the input of their constituents in the legislative process, among others.

According to him, “Governor Obaseki will continued to maintain a healthy relationship with the legislators in the interest of the people to improve governance.

He added, “In February this year, the governor inspected the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities at the State Assembly complex, where he commended the foresight of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, in adopting technological solutions to improve legislative proceedings.

“As a government, we promise to continue to uphold these principles to give our people the opportunity to engage in the governance process.

The governor will not relent in providing needed support to drive the adoption of improved communication technologies to enhance governance at all levels, including legislative proceedings at the State Assembly Complex,” Osagie added.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

B3 Business News Saraki to public complaints commissioners, tame injustice, abuse of power Tunde Opalana

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed (left); Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Mohammed (second left); and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); during the handing over of the completed Northern Esan Water Project, at Ugboha, Esan South East Local Government Area, by the Federal Government to the Edo State Government.

Poor service delivery: Groups plan protest against renewal of BEDC’s licence Ladesope Ladelokun Due to poor service delivery of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in its operational areas, a Civil society groups in Edo State, under the auspices of the Edo Civil Society Organisations, have perfected plans to stage serious protests over the planned renewal of the operational license of the Disco firm.

The groups described the Disco performance in its coverage areas of Edo, Delta, Ondo and Bayelsa States as total failure.

Rising from a crucial meeting of the groups in Benin where the

performance of the Funke Osibuduled management of the company was reviewed, the groups disclosed that the people have been subjected to all manner of sufferings from the operations and activities of BEDC in service delivery since they took over power distribution in the area, warning that the people cannot continue under the draconian and ‘inefficient’ performance of the company.

In a statement signed by Comrade Osazee Edigin, Public Relations Officer, Edo Civil Society Organisations, revealed that the many sins of the company to include disrespect for court orders, harassment of customers with

police, use of military personel attached to top flight staff of the company to harass customers on protest by communities when they get disconnected without due process and for debt recovery.

Refusal to supply pre-paid meters thereby continuing with estimated billing to defraud customers, plunging of whole communities into darkness so as to compel the people to pay whatever amount they deem fit to impose on them without justification or verifiable evidence, high-handedness, indiscriminate power supply at the discretion of the company to suit the whims of special customers, and many other complaints listed

by the groups.

Edo Civil Society Organisations, the statement added, shall be mobilizing the people to launch a massive and protracted protests against the renewal of BEDC licence both in Edo state and in Abuja, stressing that President Buhari’s attention must be drawn to the activities of BEDC that has given the government a poor performance in the power sector.

“President Buhari must not renew their operational licence as they lack the financial and technical know-how in the business of power distribution. The protest is tagged ‘Protest Thunderstorm’ and it shall be massive’’, the statement added.

FCTA approves N700m for 75 FCDA retirees The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved the payment of over 700 million to the affected 75 staff members of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) who were affected by the 2004 compulsory retirement exercise.

Receiving the retirees on behalf of the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, said the entitlements of the 75 beneficiaries would be paid directly into their accounts within two weeks.

The Minister in a press statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretar, Mr.Cosmas Uzodinma, disclosed that the resolution of the matter, which had been a subject of litigation, had been stalled for fourteen years running, causing the affected officers all forms of hardship.

He however noted that, “in keeping with the commitments of the present administration to the Rule of Law, the matter would be laid to rest, through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) window,

to the joy of the affected officers and their families”.

He further stressed that the Minister has graciously decided to give succour to the affected staff by applying human face to the issue. His words: “The minister has graciously agreed to bring your challenges to an end, by giving human face to your issue.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the 2004 retirees, Engr. Audu Umar, explained that the sign off ceremony is an indication that the present leadership of the FCT

Administration is indeed different and poised to address issues bothering on staff welfare.

He appealed to the Minister to grant long service award to the affected staff in view of their meritorious service to the nation.

Hajiya Hassana Ibrahim thanked the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and the entire management staff of the FCT Administration for taking the bold step to ameliorate their plights by approving the payment without further delay.

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has charged the newly inaugurated Commissioners of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), to prevent acts of injustice and abuse of power among Nigerians in order to make the nation a better place for all.

Speaking when he officially inaugurated the Chief Commissioner, Hon. Chileh Igbawua and other Commissioners of the PCC from the 36 States of the Federation, Saraki said the Commission must be proactive and focused in the discharge of its mandate.

He noted that the PCC is the sole agency under the National Assembly with significant roles in strengthening government institutions while urging the commission to not to betray the confidence reposed in the by Nigerians.

Saraki said: “The institution of the Ombudsman is highly regarded worldwide, as the machinery for the control of official excesses, including non-adherence to administrative rules and procedures.

“The Ombudsman provides much needed succour to citizens, especially the weak and the marginalized, who may seek redress against administrative violations by public authorities, private organizations and companies.

“In recognition of the duty entrusted to you as gatekeepers of this important institution, you must be bold, courageous, fair and just to one and all, irrespective of religion, tribe or gender.

“You are to perform the quasi-judicial duties of your office with diligence, integrity and good conscience – while holding yourselves to the highest standards of probity, devoid of conflict of interest and partisanship.

“It goes without saying that there should be no room for internal wrangling, red-tapism and unnecessary bureaucracy in your work. All Petitions and Complaints are to be treated promptly, dispassionately and effectively.

“I should also remind you that you are to submit an Annual Report on your activities to both Chambers of the National Assembly, without fail, every year. These, in a nutshell, should be taken as your operational guidelines or Code of Ethics,” he said.

On his part, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, lamented that many Nigerians still do not know of the existence of the Commission even though it has existed for 43 years.

He urged the Commission to be more proactive in its dealings so as to actualize the aims and objectives of seeking up the commission.

“The Commission may be working hard and making impact, but it is not known by a majority of Nigerians,” Dogara said. “You therefore need to step up your activities and also publicize same. Maybe you need to conduct public hearing on your investigations to involve Nigerians in what you do.”

However, the Chief Commissioner of the PCC, Hon. Chileh Igbawua, pledged the readiness of the commission to justify the confidence reposed in the appointees by carrying out their mandate diligently and conscientiously.

Tourism B 4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Leamington brothers introduces Nigerian Chapman into the British market Two Leamington brothers have fulfilled a lifelong dream by bringing a drink they used to enjoy as children in Nigeria to the UK market. Mike and Garry Robinson have bottled and are commercially selling a drink known as ‘Ikoyi Chapmans’, a soft, fizzy drink made with citrus fruit and bitters.

They grew up with their parents in Nigeria, where the drink was handmixed by locals. Mike and Garry would

often drink it as children. The brothers moved back to the UK to board at Warwick School, but would often return to Nigeria during the school holidays and would have the drink again while they were there.

Mike said: “After leaving school, Garry and I both became professional squash players but it has always been our dream to commercially produce this drink.” After their squash careers came to a close around five years ago, they

decided to try and make their dream a reality. Mike said: “We’ve always had a dream of bringing it to market. “We went to various drinks companies, but many only want an energy drink or a fruit drink. We were taking them a drink that had a unique taste.”

Eventually, drinks company Dohler got on board, and after a bit of experimentation with the flavour and finding a bottling company, the drink was ready to produce. In April, the first

bottles finally came off the production line. Mike said: “It was a long, drawnout process, so it was emotional to see our drink go round the bottling line.

“We were just absolutely elated – we can’t believe it.”

The drink is being sold in a few bars and cafes in Leamington and Warwick, such as the Cape of Good Hope and Coffee Architects. And the brothers are hoping to start selling it in supermarkets soon.

L-R: Globacom’s Senior Manager, Events and Sponsorship, Mr. Sola Mogaji, with the Power Brand Support Award won by Globacom at The Headies Awards 2018 recently, for its contribution to the development of the music industry while Mr. Deepak Sharawat of Globacom Marketing Department, looks on.

Air France officially welcomed back to Seychelles The official welcome of Air France JOON on Tuesday the 15th May at Seychelles International Airport was led by Minister Didier Dogley, Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, which was followed the same evening by a cocktail at the French Ambassador’s Residence where three successive Tourism and Civil Aviation Ministers (Didier Dogley, Maurice LoustauLalanne & Alain St.Ange) were present showing the Seychellois appreciation of the resumed service by Air France.

Seychelles recently welcomed back British Airways to the country with its direct non-stop flight from the UK. Minister Maurice Loustau-Lalanne and British High Commissioner H.E. Carol Rohsler were joined

by Capt David Savy of SCAA, Gilbert Faure the CEO of the SCAA, Garry Albert PS for Transport, Anne Lafortune PS for Tourism and Sherin Francis, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board at the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially welcome British Airways back to Seychelles.

BON Hotels sprouts all over Nigeria With 14 new hotel projects underway and a further 11 being signed, the Bon Hotel Group is on track to tying up the trade routes linking Nigeria.

BON Hotels’ growth in Nigeria has been prodigious and continues to flourish with the more recent acquisitions of 11 additional hotels in the region bringing their portfolio in West Africa up to 25 hotels across 14 cities and in so doing

becoming West Africa and Nigeria’s largest and fastest growing hotel group.

This has been a conscious thought process with the board carefully and thoughtfully selecting and identifying properties in the region that will ultimately create mega tourism circuits, boost tourism and link important centres across the region.

Bernard Cassar, Director

of BON Hotels International West Africa, says that BON Hotels’ strategy for Nigeria is to contribute to a holistic view of the country, a holistic view of tourism and hospitality, and to establish tourism circuits where required, taking into consideration not just international visitors but the local business traveler too.

With 14 new hotel projects underway and a further 11 being

signed, the Group is on track to tying up the trade routes linking Nigeria, making life a whole lot easier for commuters both local and from abroad who are currently having to travel back and forth over long distances to get their business done.

The group has identified and is focusing on building a triangular city circuit incorporating trade, city and northern routes that will

effectively tie up the trade routes for West Africa running through Nigeria, servicing over 200 million commuters and thereby improving tourism, the economy, the hospitality industry as a whole and adding value to each city in which they operate.

The circuits include, from airport to airport connecting important centres across the region.

10-day return to Africa: Luxury tour of Ghana by Diaspora slated for August In August 2019, exactly 400 years after the arrival of the first recorded landing of a slave ship in Virginia, which saw the acceleration of the horrendous Middle Passage, descendants of former enslaved Africans will make a triumphant return to the land of our ancestry – Ghana, West Africa.

Palace Travel, Inc. is excited to host this highly-anticipated 10-day Ghana, West Africa tour from August 5 through 14, 2019. Overnight flights depart from JFK, Dulles, Atlanta, and O’Hare airports to arrive in Accra, Ghana on day two, whereupon returnees will be met on arrival, ushered through VIP immigration and transported to the La Palm Royal hotel.

Travelers will be greeted with delightful welcome drinks, then relax, refresh, and recuperate from the overnight flight. Costs per person/ double occupancy for the tour starts at an inconsiderable $4,895.00.

Reservations will be confirmed with payment of a minimal deposit.

Convenient payment plans are available with final payment due June 14, 2019.

At several of the travel stops, Ghana’s government representatives and people will greet and address the contingent, including a proclamation by the government recognizing each participant as an African in the Diaspora (DAY 4 of the itinerary), making this more than just an

ordinary leisure trip to Africa. It will be a pleasant homecoming.

Palace Travel president, Lloyd Murray, said proudly, “This historic pilgrimage to Ghana will be a triumphant homecoming to the land of our ancestors. Participants will include seasoned travelers familiar with Ghana and the continent; first-time visitors to the continent; great-grandparents as well as teenagers, highly acclaimed academicians, entrepreneurs, religious leaders as well as students.

This trip will truly be a oncein-a-lifetime experience. Travelers will return with mixed, yet happy emotions.”

Itinerary/ Highlights: DAY 3: Visit Ghana’s Parliament

House to witness proceedings in parliament; visit Kwame Memorial Park; view W.E.B. DuBois’ former home, now a museum and Center for the study of Pan Africanism; drive by Flagstaff House, the official residence and administrative offices of the president; visit National Theater for a cultural performance by the Ghana Dance Ensemble DAY 4: Visit National Theater for a welcome by the government and people of Ghana; a tour of historic James Town; visit Brazil House; shopping opportunity (crafts, carvings, authentic, exquisite art and custom made clothing) DAY 6: Visit National Cultural Center, Manhyia Palace Museum;

welcome to the Ashanti Kingdom by the Ashanti king; experience and participate in cultural performances by artistic groups in the Ashanti region DAY 7: Depart to Elmina and Cape Coast; see “Slave River” where ancestors were washed and prepared for slave dungeons to await shipment to the Americas; view music and dance performance by local Bamboo orchestra, Mesomagor.

DAY 8: Travel to Cape Coast dungeon; experience the emotional journey and RETURN through the “door of no return”; experience the Fihankra Ceremony and receive your African name and certificate of authentication.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

B5 Tourism

Global tourism meeting: Nigeria is prepared, says Lai Mohammed Tom Okpe, Abuja The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said the stage is now set for the 61st edition of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission for Africa (CAF) Meeting, which Nigeria will host from 4-6 June 2018 in Abuja.

The Minister gave the assurance in Benin, Edo State, on Friday when he paid a courtesy, promotional visit to the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

“Your Excellency, with the support of many stakeholders, I can boldly say that we are ready to host a very successful meeting.

The various committees and sub-committees that we have put together to prepare for the summit are doing a great job. We will not

disappoint”, he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said Benin City, being a repository of a rich culture, cannot be ignored in the preparation for the global tourism meeting, hence the decision to visit the city as part of the ongoing nationwide advocacy tour for the meeting.

He said the meeting will afford Nigeria the unique opportunity to expose her rich culture to the rest of the world, in addition to exploring the theme, Tourism Statistics: A Catalyst for Development, to generate the much-needed statistics for the development of the tourism sector in Nigeria.

“For Nigeria, this is a great opportunity.

In addition to the socio-economic gains, the event will put Nigeria, and the nation’s tourism industry in particular, on the world map, attract foreign research experts and promote the necessary network that will

form the basis for future cooperation. Nigeria will also get a rare opportunity to showcase itself to the world: Its tourist attractions, its rich culture, as well as its music and films, which have become the toast of the world.

Alhaji Mohammed, who solicited for the support of the Edo State Government towards the successful hosting of the event, used the occasion to formally invite the Governor to the event.

In his remarks, Governor Obaseki said the state government believes in the ability of tourism to significantly contribute to the economic development of the nation in general, noting that Edo has so much to show the world.

“As it relates to the UNWTO CAF conference, as a state just like you explained, we believe that we have the greatest tourism potentials. We understand the benefits of

tourism to any evolving and emerging economy. A country like Indonesia whose GDP was four times less than that Nigeria in 1994 today has a GDP five times that of Nigeria. The economy of Indonesia is grown by two key contributors to their GDP: oil palm and tourism”, he said.

While pledging the support of Edo State towards the hosting of the event, Governor Obaseki commended the Minister for his untiring effort in educating Nigerians on the policies and programs of the Federal Government adding; “We appreciate the perspective and illumination you have continued to give federal government programs and policies. Times are difficult especially with the difficult economic environment we find ourselves; it takes a man of competence and knowledge like you to explain for the people to understand what

The Director Special Duties of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Princewill Ekanim, addressing participants during the flag off a two-day training workshop for technical assistants in the Ogoni clean-up and remediation project in Port Harcourt.He is flanked on left by the Project Coordinator for Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, Dr Marvin Dekil, and NDDC Deputy Director, Engr, Mrs Harriet Atekeon the left. First right is HYPREP head of Finance, Mrs Anna Edem.

Heritage Bank named most supportive financial institution in tourism Motolani Oseni Heritage Bank Plc has once again proven to be Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, as Institute for Tourism Professionals, organisers of the National Tourism Transport Summit and Expo 2018 (NTTS), crowned Heritage Bank the best “Financial Institution, for Outstanding Support for Tourism.”

The award, according to the organizers, was in recognition of the contribution of the bank to the growth and development of the tourism industry over the years.

Receiving the award on behalf of the bank at the Gala night in Abuja, the MD/CEO, Ifie Sekibo, who was represented by George Oko-Oboh, Regional Executive, Abuja & North, said it was a well-deserved honour for the bank, because over the years the bank had believed in tourism and had tried as much as possible to increase its support to the sector.

He disclosed that the bank is partnering with

stakeholders and plans to increase its investment in the sector in the years ahead.

Sekibo said, “It is a well-deserved award for the bank because over the years the bank has believed in tourism and we always keep trying as much as possible to support the tourism sector. Over the years we think it is something we have done with a quite a number of stakeholders and we have done that quite well.

“In the coming years, we should expect more of better handshake. We intend to do more; because looking at what they are trying to achieve here now, we have seen that they are trying to take in much into the other sectors. We think we would still be there for them.

“The sector is quite lucrative, but for us, what we are doing basically is like partnership. That is what we have done with them over the years. We have done quite a few investments in the sector.”

Also speaking on the award, a member of the Local Organising Committee of the NTTS, Mr.

Kayode Adesola, said several banks were selected for the honour, but Heritage Bank emerged the winner because of its unique approach and support for operators in the industry.

He said, “It is not as if the banks have given money to operators, but there have been some banks that have been of help to some of the players in the industry; like the travel agents, tour operators and others.

“In giving out this particular award, we consider the fact that banks such as Heritage Bank and a few others had been helping to facilitate smooth engagements in the industry. For instance, some the banks serve as guarantors; they give us bank guarantee to be able to cope with the requirement outside there to operate as travel professionals.

“There are several banks involved in these, but after some vetting by the committee in charge, they decided to give the award to the bank the cap fits, which is Heritage Bank in this instance.”

Adesola, who is also the Vice President of the

National Association of Nigeria Travel Agents (NANTA) Abuja Zone, stated that over the years, the tourism business in Nigeria had suffered many challenges and neglect, especially from government, mostly in the area of poor funding and poor infrastructure.

However, he said the present administration, spurred by the support of financial institutions, had increased its collaboration with private sector players in the tourism industry He said, “Now, the government thought of partnering with us in order to synergise together and move the tourism potentials of this country to the next level. That is one of the reasons why we decided to put together the transport and tourism sector together because we came to realize now that the two have to work hand in hand.”

He further called for increased support from financial institutions and governments at all levels, especially in creating enabling environment for operators to thrive.

Business Feature B6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Africa’s new debt binge: What are the risks?

Nonetheless, recent eurobond issuances by African countries have been met with huge interest.

A major reason for this is that “Africa has the highest sovereign eurobond yield in the world, at 6% compared to 5.5% for emerging markets and 4% for developing nations in the Asia-Pacific region,” says Ibrahim Sagna, director and head of advisory and capital markets at Cairo-based African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank).

“A supportive global backdrop, positive emerging market sentiment and yieldhungry investors means that African policymakers would be missing a trick by not capitalising on the attractive current rates on offer by international markets,” adds Ronak Gopaldas, director at Signal Risk, a consultancy.

Take the case of Senegal’s $2.2bn eurobond issuance in early March. The West African sovereign got more than $10bn in bids. Such is the interest that in mid-March Ghana upped its ambition: it now wants to issue a $2.5bn eurobond, $500m more than announced by its finance minister, Ken OforiAttah, in February.

And what does the sovereign need the money for? It wants to use $1bn to fund its 2018 budget and the extra $1.5bn to refinance existing foreign debt. Similarly, South Africa is expected to tap the dollar debt market for as much as $3bn soon. In mid-January, Angola also unveiled plans to issue a $2bn eurobond this year, as part of a broader economic plan.

African sovereigns that already have dollar accounts credited this year from eurobond issuances are Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya. In midFebruary, Egypt issued $4bn in eurobonds. With bids of $12bn, three times the amount sought, the authorities issued bonds of three tenors: a five-year tranche at 5.58%, 10-year tranche at 6.59% and 30-year tranche at 7.9%.

Just months before, Egypt secured a three-year $12bn loan from the IMF, in addition to $7bn in eurobonds raised in 2017. What did Egypt need the money for? To boost its foreign exchange reserves, is the official response. And judging from plans revealed by Egyptian authorities in September 2017 to sell at least $10bn in

eurobonds this year, there is likely to be another $6bn worth of issuances, including a likely euro-denominated one, before end-2018.

Five times oversubscribed In the same month as the most recent Egyptian issuance, Nigeria also sold a $2.5bn eurobond at yields of 7.1% on the 12-year tranche and 7.7% on the 20-year tranche. Orders were about $12bn; almost five times the principal amount on offer. Three months earlier, the West African sovereign had issued its third foreign currency bond of 2017, securing as much as $11bn in orders, almost four times the two-part $3bn issuance.

The Nigerian authorities have been clear on what the money from the dollar debt would be used for: to fund the 2018 budget and refinance

Five African countries are currently experiencing problems in servicing their debts, according to the IMF

existing debt. Of particular interest is the refinancing of the government’s local currency debt. Considering the potential foreign exchange risk, the plan is understandably controversial, although lower naira yields in the aftermath have vindicated the fiscal authorities’ position thus far.

In the same month of February, Kenya sold a $2bn eurobond at yields of 7.25% and 8.25% for the 10-year and 30-year tranches respectively.

The issuance came just weeks after a credit rating downgrade

by Moody’s and revelations that the IMF had for months blocked the authorities from accessing a much-celebrated $1.5bn emergency facility over disagreements on the authorities’ fiscal consolidation plans.

Despite all this, the sovereign received $14bn in bids, seven times the amount on offer.

Investors were also clearly unfazed by what was still a delicate political situation in the country and unresolved allegations that the proceeds from its $2bn debut eurobond issue some four years earlier were misappropriated.

Put together, thus far this year to mid-March, African countries have issued some $11bn in euro­bonds, just $7bn shy of total issuances last year. In light of warnings by the IMF and a loan default by

Mozambique to a foreign bank in 2017, a cautious reception to these latest issuances would not have been unusual.

Investment case is strong Judging from the order books, however, investors could not care less. They are not being irrational. African sovereign debt defaults remain the exception, not the norm; at least, not since the Paris Club of debtors forgave the predominantly African highly indebted poor countries (HIPC) about $40bn in debt in 2005. When you add in the juicy yields, some argue, the investment case is a no-brainer.

These new African eurobond issuances are aimed at securing what are still very attractive yields, as America’s Federal Reserve Bank continues on a monetary tightening path, with at least three interest rate hikes expected this year alone. Other global central banks have also signalled that the end of their quantitative easing programmes is in sight, with the Fed already ahead in paring its bond purchases.

So some of the new eurobond issuances by African sovereigns are pre-emptory.

But a chunky portion of these issues are for the refinancing of existing debt, in foreign and local currencies. Some are also motivated by political ends, as incumbent governments race

to complete projects ahead of crucial elections.

Verner Ayukegba, principal analyst for sub-Saharan African economics and country risk at London-based IHS Markit, thinks that some of the issuances are also aimed at “diversifying revenue away from oil and other resources (in the cases of Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana for instance) in light of their price volatility in the international markets.”

Regardless of the motivation, however, the risks are the same.

If caution is not exercised, the debt binge could eventually take African countries back to the dark days of old when almost all of some countries’ public revenue was used to service debt. With some African countries already devoting at least half of their annual revenue to servicing debt, this is not a far-fetched scenario.

So fears about debt sustainability are quite germane.

“Sustainability will depend on a country by country basis; Congo and Mozambique have shown the limits with defaults,” says Ayukegba. “Nigeria seems to still have a better chance due to better diversification in its economy and relatively lower debt to GDP,” he adds.

Examining the risks So in general, is there cause for concern? Afrexim­bank’s Sagna is conditionally optimistic: “If African sovereigns make effective use of the captured proceeds, there is a confluence of events which may just lay the basis of aligned interests. After all, the continent’s credit story is improving nicely after years of slow deterioration, and this growing appetite from global investors may have just found a quite hospitable home.”

Signal Risk’s Gopaldas adds a note of caution: “[Since] this is primarily a ‘search for yield’ play [for international investors] rather than a domestic one, any major change in the global economy from its current ‘Goldilocks’ scenario could drastically alter the equation and see debt servicing costs spike. If investors become more discriminatory with their capital, the spotlight will shift more to country-specific issues – here countries with ‘bad politics and bad economics’ could be in the firing line.

Authorities would therefore be well advised to guard against complacency.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

B7 Motoring

Top best luxury cars When it comes to the best luxury cars is a matter of what you want or love other that what you need.

Cause these cars are things of not only beauty but the best quality comfort, ultimate performance and breathe taking experience one can ever ask for. On top of that best luxury cars show come this that class in terms of price, come to think of it why call it a luxury car if any Tom, Dick, and Harry is able to buy and own one. You have to have deep pockets for you to experience things of beauty (no pun intended).

Below is a brief overview of some of the 10 best luxury cars in the market right now.

Mercedes S-Class You think Mercedes, you think class and success. For many years Mercedes S-Class has been termed as the best luxury car or rather the luxury car to beat with the like of Audi and BMW fighting tooth and nail to reach its ranks. Mercedes has got some of the most amazing engines out there but the one thing that makes it stand out is it diesel-electric hybrid engines.

Range Rover It might have an SUV-like design but Range Rover is also a comfortable just like all the luxury cars available out there. What makes Range Rover stand out above all its rivals in the best luxury cars list, is height. It also has an impressive beast-like view from the back. On drawback from it is that its height give difficulty to get into the car but there is a solution. The makers, Land Rover has designed it with an air suspension that is possible to lower it making getting in and out of the car easier.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Rolls-Royce Ghost has got a beautiful and amazing cabin that give it not only pure class but also ultra-

modern efficiency. It also provides calm and refined driving experience that should and is associated with a Rolls-Royce. Its price of over $200,000 gives it all it takes to be a luxury car.

Bentley Flying Spur Bentley Flying Spur is the smaller version of a limousine with four doors. It also uses the same version of the Continental GT’s platform, meaning it comes with 4-wheel drive and the brand’s 6-liter W12 and a brand new 4-liter twin turbo V8 engines. Making it have an amazing performance and engine power.

On the inside, the Bentley Flying Spur is finished with the finest wood and leather trim which makes it look spectacular and beautiful. This provides more comfort even at high speed.

BMW 7 series It has been BMW 7 series’ all-time goal to meet Mercedes S-Class’ standards. There was an upgrade on it around summer 2012 where there was an improvement in its design, it was given a more efficient engine and was incorporated with more advanced technology. But with a starting price of about $70,000 for it petrol-electric engine model, it is one of the luxury cars to choose.

Porsche Panamera hatchback Unlike its predecessor which had issues with design, this new version of Porsche Panamera is simply beautiful. It has a beautifully designed and finished interior and is staggeringly quick hence giving you that amazing sports car feel.

Audi A8 The Audi A8 is one of the greatest rivals of Mercedes S-Class. It is beautiful and well designed with one of the top quality materials and a logical cabin. Its dashboard is equipped with a touch pad where you get to spell sat-nav with your finger. It comes with leather heated seats that are electronically adjustable and four-zones climate control. The cabin is up tops. Making Audi A8 one of the best luxury cars to go for.

Jaguar XJ Jaguar XJ is one most outstanding luxury car that has over time been worthy of competing for the likes of Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 series due to it pure design and fantastic driving experience. With speed, low body and high-class cabin, Jaguar XJ gives you that feeling that you are driving a sports car.

Lexus LS Lexus LS is a hi-tech hybrid luxury car, meaning it is a petrol-electric model. It is also available in 2 wheelbases and 2 engine options that is – the LS 460, the 4.6-liter V8 or the LS 600h, the 5-liter V8 equipped with an electric motor and batteries. Thus the Lexus LS hybrid can run on only electric power. Its interior very comfortable and the back seats provide electric massage. It has a rear entertainment system that can keep the passengers busy.

Maserati Quattroporte Having been given a facelift, the Maserati Quattroporte is now becoming a rival to the likes of Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ and other luxury cars. It now has a more efficient petrol engine, a beautiful interior and easier to handle. It also boasts of its great speed.

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Mercy Johnson-Okojie: I am obsessed with children, expect one soon

L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Life & Times

Why fulltime politics no go area for me -Mercy Johnson Black, Bold and Beautiful!! These attributions best describe delectable Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, whose sojourn into Nollywood was not all rosy but her passion for the art brought her this far. Despite the challenges rocking several celebrity marriages, Mercy has been able to manage her homefront diligently. MUTIAT ALLI met with the beautiful Kogi State born superstar recently and she opens about her new movie ‘ The Lamb’, Marriage, and why politics is a no go area for her amongst others. Enjoy…

How long did it take to shoot the movie?

From conception to breathing, the movie took over a year.

Did you at a point get tired of the project, as it was taking too long?

No. I think I had so much faith on the project. I had responsibilities on my shoulders and I decided to see it till finish. It was a bit challenging but we fought it through.

Is this the first movie you’re producing?

No, it is my second actually.

What were the challenges you encountered while producing this latest epic movie, The Lamb?

O yes! There are always lots of challenges when you are filming. For a good start, I love to appreciate those that need to be appreciated, from the Chief of Staff, to his Excellency, to the sons and daughters of Kogi State; we got a whole lot of assistant during the filming. We appreciate them all. Their support and contributions, kind of made it so easy for me during the production, because we all want the outside world to come and see what we celebrate as a set of people. We were so excited to have top Nollywood actors come into the State to celebrate our culture with us through the production of a good movie for the big screen. We had some tiny issues here and there during production, but we scaled through. Now we are here to celebrate the success.

There are lots of tribes in Kogi State, why did you single out the Igala people to do a movie about them?

For me, it was more of showing to them that the Special Assistant to the Governor in Entertainment, Arts and Culture is not cut out for tribalism. It is not about the name Honorable but for us to bring up the entertainment sector in the state to an enviable stage that people would want to come and learn from us. So, if we had done an Ibira story, they would say ‘Oh, yes, no wonder. That’s where she is from’.

On that note, I said let’s do something from the Igala tribe. I told them to give me what they have and they were all pointing at different stories, then we picked one and made it a good film.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, May 26, 2018

L3 Life & Times

‘As a public figure, you can’t undermine the power of the media’ How then do you cope with your home front and duty roles as the SA to the Governor?

Well, it has not been easy but I’m a home girl.

There are priorities. God comes first, and then family and other things follow. Definitely the family has to be settled before we talk about work.

When I am not happy at home, then I can’t function properly in whatsoever capacity. God, family then others, it works well for me that way. As we are here right now, if I get a call from my children’s school about anything, I’ll push your phone away and run off (laughs).

Seeing some of your Social Media posts, one is forced to believe that you have more favoritism for your female children than your boy, could this be true?

Yes, people tell me that a lot. But I think my son is more inclined to his dad. The guys roll, then the ladies rolls (Laughs). The girls roll like me, you know snake can’t birth fish, but my husband is a very quiet person and my son is just like him. When it’s time to make noise, my team rolls along.

Away from family issues, what’s your say on Dino Melaye’s predicament?

I don’t want to talk about that please!

Now that you are working tirelessly for the

Kogi State government, after the appointment, would there be a time you will plunge into full politics?

No no no! Not at all.

What if your people beg you to join politics for their sake?

I’ll equally beg them not to beg me. I just don’t want to do politics at all.

Why? I can equally effect change in my community without holding any political post office. My husband is already a politician, but I’m not. I think it’s enough on my shoulders that I’m responsible for some actions in the State, also an influence to people as a film person. Everything you do is under scrutiny; that public eye is enough for me. I wouldn’t want to top it with political responsibilities. I can represent my community in a good light, help people, touch lives, do the best I can, and remain a good woman, but not with a political tag.

Are you scared of politics?

Well, I’m not scared. I’m just been careful.

For a while now, you have been under heavy public scrutiny, how have you been coping?

It has been God. No one can undermine the

media, you guys are powerful. There is no saying that I want to dodge the media, because I’m always as real as it comes. So, I’ll say it’s just God. On Instagram, you always show off your husband; so there is this believe that you’re out to mock those who are not as lucky as you are in marriage, what is your take on that?

My dear, I’m not in competition with anybody.

I always do me. Because I’m just myself. You can never tell what tomorrow will beget. I’m always me, even on Social Media.

Your kids will always want mummy around, how do you cope leaving them for days?

It has not been easy, but we are in the jet age. I’m a working mother. I have to work. However, like I said earlier, it’s all about scale of preference. I give everyone and everything its own time.

When should we expect another baby from you?

Sure. Very soon.

Are you not scared of the labor room?

I’m obsessed with children. While growing up, I always had it in mind that I’ll have four children. So, we still need one more to complete it (laughs). So, we can always play football correctly, 3 boys, 3 girls.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Society Circle Kehinde Afolabi steps out Stories by Isaac Oguntoye

The twin brother of

spotted with his entourage at the Lagos State Television during the candle light

o n e o f t h e r i c h e s t philanthropists in the country, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, stepped out recently to honour late actress, Aisha Abimbola.

The agile socialite was

procession organized by Movie Ambassadors in honour for the late actress last Wednesday.

As usual, the Ken Dallas

Hotel and Night Club boss was looking humble in the black t-shirt customized for the late showbiz star.

In case you don’t know, Kehinde Afolabi is a budding businessman and socialite, who enjoys partying a lot. He lives in Egbeda, a suburb of Lagos, and operates a chain of business, one of which is a hotel, Kendallas Hotel in Idimu area. The hotel, formerly known as Lumoja Hotel was reportedly bought for Kehinde by his twin brother.

Subomi Okeowo’s big dream!

Dreams are precious desires that every man wants to achieve with a great passion, and these are what may have informed the decision of this youthful and astute formidable man of milestones and honors; to veer into the rather murky waters of politics, more so at the highest rung of the pedestal, the presidency.

Are you amazed at this bold step of this simply resilient dude? Wait until you have glossed through his antecedents, both from origin, education, business and philanthropic gestures at his very modest age, when most of his peers are still struggling to eke a niche for themselves.

Very meticulous Olasubomi Okeowo is sure aimed for the high, going by his latest move, which is still awestriking many. The very

ambitious but not inordinate, well-focused Subomi has no doubt made a statement with his impeccable business and political resume over the years, you can give it to him any day.

Although many political observers and pundits have yet to come to terms with his ambition to occupy Aso Rock, come 2019, because of the delicate zoning system that has hampered many aspirants to the plum seat in Abuja, Subomi remains fastidious and resolved in his unalloyed ambition, going by the resilient way he has been going around with stakeholders and decision makers in the political arena, albeit subtly and methodical.

Like other nationalists of the past, he has been putting schemes and measures in place to actualize his dream.

How his ambition will fall in

place, will now depend largely on the political platform to launch himself, into the contentious presidential race that is silently but hotly being pursued by many in his ilk; but there are indications that he’s inching towards ADC, where he can have a soft landing.

The coming months will surely unfold gradually what Subomi Okeowo will be strategizing and formulating in his strides to make his dream come true in 2019.

The aphorism, ‘Not too young to run,’ may even come in his favour when the chips are down, as Subomi has been there done that on all fronts if the true must be told about his mission.

Okeowo Olasubomi, is the last son of Chief ATG Okeowo of Ogbogbo Ijebu, Ogun state.

His dad was the Civil Engineer of choice in the entire Western Nigeria when the Colonial Masters left. During the industrial revolution of the 60s and early 70s Late Engr Okeowo constructed Allen Avenue, Aromire, Oba Akran, the Sagamu Abeokuta expressway and many inter-city roads across Nigeria. Backed with this kind of background, Okeowo Olasubomi was forced to toe his father’s acumen in dint of hard work. Born in June 26th 1975, Okeowo first bagged a first degree in Philosophy from the then Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye,) after which he proceeded to study law at the prestigious University of London.

Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku’s generosity If cheerful giving and charity were to be a competition, then Otunba (Dr.) Rotimi Ajanaku would be one of the top winners.

His milk of kindness cannot be over emphasized. His love for humanity, despite his background and class strata, he is one man that loves equity. He can give his last penny just to make people around him comfortable.

Over the years, some naysayers have attached his generosity to his political ambition; far from it; ‘’Otunba Rotimi has been a cheerful giver right from his youthful days. ‘’We discovered the trait early enough in him. Seeing him give with so much joy is not a surprise to us.’’ A close family friend divulged.

Don-Dino as he is fondly called

in the social terrain, is a man blessed with so much humility a kind heart. He can’t stand the sight of his fellow human in distress, he is always ready to assist without resistant. Otunba Rotimi has always been guided by the biblical teaching in the holy book, which states that; ‘’But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.’’

Dino has always attached his astronomic success in business to his cheerful giving which is one of the traits he inherited from his father.

To further portray his milk of kindness, we gathered that the reverend shrewd businessman and politician extended his kind heart to Islamic faithful, who are currently observing the one

month Ramadan fasting.

We further gathered that; despite being a devoted Christian, He shared bags of rice, Can Milks, Beverages, Live Ram and Cows, and other edible items to his Muslim constituents, within Ibadan Southwest/Northwest Federal Constituency Oyo State and Lagos State as well.

Otunba Rotimi has always been a quiet person, who loathes publicity, when it come to his charitable deed; he loves them private. From all indications, his political ambition, is currently gathering momentum. He has been showed massive love by his constituents; who promised to pay him back for his kind gestures over the years, with their massive vote in 2019 by clinching a seat at the green chambers.

African Brand Congress fiesta set to hold in Lagos Stories by Isaac Oguntoye

In a bid to educate, engage, and inspire brand managers, professionals in the pursuit of best practice in brand building and value creation, Mr. Desmond Esorougwe, the convener of African Brand Congress have called on the major brands, stakeholders in Africa to be part of this year African Brand Congress Fiesta.

The African Brand Congress Fiesta which take place at the

prestigious Eko Hotel & Suits, Lagos on 31st May, 2018 with the theme; ‘Africa is the Future of Great Brands’ will also feature the African Brand Leadership merit award is aimed at company chair, presidents, Directors, CEO, Managers among leading brands that believe in creating strong brands.

The focus of this one-day Africa Brand Congress in Nigeria according to the organizers will be to support brands in the journey of excellence in brand building

and also to be able to discuss and influence the issues of sharing African Brand future.

“The event which is the fourth edition will also provides the ideal opportunity for interaction among leading companies, Keynote interactive discussion, quality up to date case studies from leading organizations provides a close look at the improvement that the biggest companies in the market are currently implementing worldwide.”

The convener, Desmond Esorougwe concluded

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, May 26, 2018

L5 Society Circle Oracle D debuts with street banger, Oshaprapra That there is a long list of contemporary musicians across genres shaping the current soundscape of Nigerian entertainment industry at the moment is like stating the obvious. But the good news here is that, there is a new talent on the bloc which is Adesegun Adebayo Adebanjo popularly known as Oracle D. The Ijebu-Ode born rapper turned singer has been behind the scene for quiet sometimes now trying to perfect his

craft.

The fast-rising super dynamic singer who started from the street is not only battle ready to take his position in the highly competitive industry but ready to drop his street vibes single with video.

His new street hit banger is titled, Oshaprapra featuring another creative singer, Sk2nice.

In case you don’t know, WiseBee produced Oshaprapra that has been topping musical chart lately.

The Humanitarian, Muiz Banire Stories by Isaac Oguntoye

Wealth they say cannot be measure by the amount of money you have in your bank account rather by the number of people you elevate or support in their quest for success. This according to those closed to the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Muiz Banire’s topmost priority.

This vision we gathered gave birth to forum form and supported by the former commissioner. The forum that is called United Action for Change has been at the forefront of every struggle of Nigeria youths in the aspect of making them a better and productive individual for the betterment of the society.

Some have attributed his silent in the political terrain lately to the fact that the philanthropist is focusing

more ongiving guidance to the younger generation. Recently, when he was asked if he’s going to accept a public, he said, “I don’t intend to. It is not my intention at all. In fact, age is even catching up on some of us. You know I am one of those people that believe in the ability and the capacity of the youth. As far as I am concerned, people of our age should leave the stage and give guidance to these younger elements.” He concluded.

At award ceremony, Ibidunni Ighodalo, again, recalls efforts to bear children It was a proud, but, nonetheless surprising moment for Mrs. Ibidunni Ighodalo. A prize in public was the last thing she expected.

Having worked closely with the organisers of the Runway Jazz; all week through the Masterclass and preparations leading to the show itself, it was astonishing how the award was carefully concealed until the last instance.

A woman of many parts, she only just agreed to venture out with her bridal wear, for the first time, which she is promoting under the brand name, Avant Garde. The previous day, she had participated in a training session to encourage budding entrepreneurs. At the end of the day, she lit the candle of joy for two participants by gifting them with wedding gowns worth N1 million each. It was an exciting and explosive highpoint at the training, particularly to the lucky ladies who knelt down to thank her again and again.

The dresses featured on the runway by Avant Garde by Elizabeth R were the fashion house’s high-end wedding dresses, designed in partnership with Walid Shebab Couture. For her first runway show, Ighodalo collaborated with Mr. Frank Osodi who provided the models, styled them and directed the runway flow. She described the experience as “truly magnificent feeling.”

Unknown to her, a beautiful plaque had been specially prepared with her name on it!

But the appreciation was not for the exquisite bridal collection, rather the debt of gratitude was being paid to her for being a pillar of support for many couples who are waiting to become parents.

Through her Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation, IIF, a non-profit organization created to raise awareness on issues pertaining to infertility and to provide grants for couples that require fertility

treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination, she has continued to bring hope and joy to many couples.

For this effort, she was given the incentive of the Runway Jazz Humanitarian Award. The recognition insignia was handed over to her by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo at the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Among other interests, Ighodalo has become one of the most recognizable transmitters of charity, which includes, but is not limited to an orphanage.

GratefulforthefirstaccoladefortheIIFandcoming from an unexpected quarter, Ighodalo said she

was t

o

humbled

know that people took enough notice of the work of the foundation to reward it with such great honour and recognition. She compared the moment she was called up on the podium for the award to an “out of body experience.”

Being honest, she recounted the journey of the emergence of the foundation, which also blends into her arduous struggles to bear her own biological children. She said, “It brings back memories of my years of trying to conceive and have kids. It was in the process of going through those times that the foundation was birthed.”

From the moment the idea was conceived to the transformation of the idea to real output,

Ighodalo

acknowledged that she required a good deal of efforts to deal with various challenges. For the ability to overcome the various daunting tests, she said, “I thank God first because without Him none of these would be possible. Special mention must be made of the good people who have donated immensely to the foundation.

It’s amazing how people have supported the foundation. To the couple who celebrated their wedding anniversary, this award is for them as well because they donated towards IVF treatment for 20 couples. I am also indebted to my humble friends Tonye Cole, Mrs Titi Adenuga and Pastor Mattew Ashimolowo who were at the Parents-in-Waiting Conference and donated funds for treatment of couples. To my Instagram followers who have donated immensely to the foundation, this award is for all of you and I pray that the Lord will answer every prayer in your heart and put smile on your faces. To my special administrator, Dayo Richard who has poured herself into this task and finally to our partner hospitals who have bent over backwards to be a part of this journey of putting smiles on the faces of our couples, God bless you all. May you never experience barrenness!”

Recognising that she could not have done it alone, she praised the efforts of her team.

“I dedicate the award to God who has blessed us with children in the foundation. To all the families who are still expecting their bundles of joy, to the families who have received theirs and to everyone helping the foundation and donating from every part of the world and everyone working for the foundation, without their support, the IIF couldn’t have made it,” she said.

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Ossy Achievas to unveil charity foundation tomorrow A s part of giving back to the society at large, prominent entertainment frontier and CEO of Achievas’s Stories By Mutiat Alli

entertainment, Paul Chiori Cole, better known as Ossy Achievas, has announced the need to put a smile on the faces of less privileges individuals that cuts across visually impaired, widows, motherless babies homes amongst others via his newly launched charity foundation ‘The Richout Foundation’ The Richout Foundation is set to be officially open to the public tomorrow, Sunday May 27, 2018 via a well attended event to be held on the day widely celebrated as children day.

On why he is setting up a foundation and launching on children’s day; Ossy as he is sometimes called disclosed that the day marks his birth day and no better way best describe his vision for the less privileged.

He said ‘ Everyone sure has a

story to tell, I was not born with a silver spoon, I am only fortunate to be where I am today and as such it brings me joy to put smiles on people’s faces irrespective of their condition, tribe or identity’. The charity foundation will run as a nongovernmental Organization.

However it is important to note that TCHIKO BLESSING and TCHIKO INES are the names of the 2 kids I’m giving Scholarship till university level and in between they will learn a trade they love and I must see them succeed while we take care of others too.

Achievas entertainment is equally known to have successfully organized the first three editions of Olamide Live in Concert (OLIC) and most talked about concert of the year 2017 Davido’s 30Billion gang concert.

Mike Ezuruonye takes ‘Divorce not allowed’ to London After successful outings in Cinemas across Nigerian states, Mike Ezuruonye has taken his latest Nollywood flick, ‘Divorce Not Allowed’ to London.

The movie, which enjoyed positive from critics and moviegoers in Lagos, Abuja, Uyo, Benin and Owerri, is now set to show in Cinemas across London, United Kingdom.

This is coming after several calls from fans from the United Kingdom who saw encomiums pouring in for the movie in Nigerian social media communities. A particular UK fan had tweeted thus: “How can we see this movie in London?”

It would then appear that Mike Ezuruonye heeded that call and the movie is now set to show in Boleyn Cinemas, Barking Road, London, UK on June 23, 2018.

This was announced on Mike’s Instagram platform and it has since been welcomed with fanfare from UK fans who couldn’t hide their excitement of seeing the movie and getting the chance of a meet and greet with Mike and his friends.

“London fans can look forward to a time of their life at the cinemas when watching this movie.” Mike Ezuruonye said, when asked what fans can expect.

‘Divorce Not Allowed’ is a romantic comedy, which explores the different issues that besiege young couples and the different ways they go about solving the issues. The movie features big Nollywood names like Angela Okorie, Bolanle Ninalowo, Iyabo Ojo, Eniola Badmus and many others.

Universal Music Group dominates 2018 BET Awards nominations Nominees for the 2018 edition of the BET Awards were announced recently with Universal Music Group (UMG) artistes dominating the Best International Act category.

Universal Music Africa has one nomination with South Africa’s DistructionBoyz, while Universal Music France has two nominations with Congolese singer FallyIpupa and rappers Booba and Niska.

English singer-rapper Stefflon Don and French singer Dadju of Polydor Records, a Universal owned label,

are also nominated in the Best International Act category.

Famous for the smash hit, ‘Wololo’, the Durban based DistructionBoyz have pushed gqom music to the mainstream with their Gold selling debut album, ‘Gqom is the Future’, which features another hit single, ‘Omunye’.

The BET nominations which are selected from thousands of submissions across 20 categories, showcase some of the most gifted music makers of the past awards year. The nominations are selected

….as DistructionBoyz, FallyIpupa and Steflon Don in running for Best International Act

by BET’s Voting Academy, which comprises fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

The BET awards are voted for by the public with an interest in all genres made by black people. Voting closes on June 1, 2018, and the show will air live on BET on Sunday, June 24, 2018, from the Microsoft Theatre, Los Angeles, California, United States.

Okon Lagos, Patience Ozokwor, others star in new comedy movie, ‘Boss of All Bosses’ The comedy “Boss of All Bosses” has been slated for release in cinemas from June 15th 2018.

The movie starred a stellar cast that includes Akpororo, Nedu (Wazobia fm), Mama G (Patience Ozokwor), Okon Lagos (Bishop Ime), Senator (Bethel Njoku), Emeka Kachikwu, Adunni Ade, Sani Danja, Eniola Badmus and Babatunde Charles has been making the rounds as ‘themust watch movie’ on various fronts.

Directed by Ike Nnaebue with Emeka Kachikwu as the Executive producer/ producer and Tobe Osuno as the Associate producer; the movie tells the story of Tony, a classy, ego tripping, self-centered, arrogant M.D at Hemcorps Oil & Gas. In the light of an absentee CEO whose identity remains hidden, he abuses his powers and becomes the perfect ladies man. His loyal PA at his beck and call acts as his informant unveiling sizzling news unfolding in the company.

He is living life to the fullest and nicknamed The Boss of all bosses, until Samuel is brought on-board as a Rival

M.D at the CEO’s request.

Special tasks are assigned to both as they compete for the exalted position deploying every trick in the scheming book to win or be fired. The employees are caught in the middle and camps are formed, alliances are made amidst the backdrop of comical scheming, romantic escapades and betrayal.

Tony is fighting hard to win the affection of the slay Queen he’s dying for while focusing on the tasks but a bad move he makes threatens his ambition and sets him on course for what he never bargained.

According to Tobe Osuno “The story though told in a comical way is invariably a true reflection of what obtains in the corporate environment. It’s a reminder of the corporate gymnastics, power tussle and the reward handed over to deserving employees for their hard work. It is a good movie and we urge folks to come out in mass to watch same” Boss of all bosses is powered by Mind Bursters film ventures and distributed by Silverbird Film distribution.

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Woli Arole, Small Doctor, Lord of Ajasa, others for ‘Laffmattaz ‘ Akure invasion

L7 Gist

Mutiat Alli The Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has thrown his weight behind ‘Laffmattaz’, the rave comedy show which has been making the rounds in South Western States.

Making its next stop in the Akure edition tagged, ‘Laffmattaz Live in Akure’, organisers have promised that the comedy show will be the mother of all comedy slash entertainment convergence in the history of Ondo State come Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at The Dome, Akure.

Among the entertainers billed to deliver stellar performances for the evening are Omobaba No 1, Koffi, Woli Agba, Kennyblaq, Peteru, Woli Arole the prophet, Dr. Smile, Baba Alariya, Sweet Steve, Hondastevo, MC. Ajele and other acts.

Musical acts that will be thrilling the audience for the highly anticipated show are Reminisce, Small Doctor, Slimcase Oshosondi, CDQ, Dorman, Faze, Sound Sultan, Lord of Ajasa and many others.

Photos: Friends, families and colleagues pay tribute to late Omoge Campus …As family & TGMAN float foundation Mutiat Alli It was all tears and emotions at the Lagos State Television Blueroof premises where movie practitioners, family and friends of the late Aishat Abimbola better known as Omoge Campus all converge to pay tribute to the late actress via a two day programme organized by the Musa Family and the Golden Movie Ambassadors of Nigeria (TGMAN).

The well attended event had in attendance the presence of colleagues of the late actress, Human Right activist, Dr. Joe Odumakin who led other attendees to a candle light procession alongside TGMAN president Amb, Saidi Balogun round the Alausa environ and back to the Blueroof

where the artiste night was properly held.

The second day witness an array of Muslim Clergy who prayed for the deceased and family members at the 8days Fidau Prayer held in same venue.

As part of immortalizing her legacy, the Musa Family and TGMAN families made known to the public the formation of a cancer foundation in honor of the departed tagged ‘ The Aisha Abimbola Cancer Foundation’ created with the intention to educate, inform, sensitize, prevent and eventually proffer treatment to all cancer relates ailments. However this initiative will be supervised by Amb. Saidi Balogun who doubles as an Entertainment Health Ambassador, a title that was bestowed in UI.

Montaigne Place Spa launches ultimate beauty and anti-aging secret A healthy skin is a mirror of a healthy body. Exposure to the sun, lifestyle, food and stress may cause the skin to age prematurely resulting into uneven skin tones, dark circles, acne, pigmentation, age spots, wrinkles and fine lines.

Besides exercising regularly, having enough sleep and a good diet, there are other remedies that have been proven to slow down the aging process leaving the skin looking beautiful and young.

One of such discoveries is the Murad Method Treatment.

The Murad Method is a specialized treatment that

includes spa sessions, DIY home remedies, a diet plan to create and maintain beauty in diverse ways.

First of all, The Murad Method takes into consideration the various skin types. Every skin is different, the same approach on all skin types with regards to facial treatment does not yield great results. The Murad Method provides a personalized treatment depending on the skin type, concerns and overall state.

Stress is a beauty thief and an aging monster. Therefore, face massages are done in between treatments to relax

the body physically and mentally while the Murad products work their magic on lines, wrinkles, acne, pigmentation, and other skin concerns. However, the treatment does not end at the Spa. The Murad Method provides easy do-ityourself at home products and remedies that can help maintain the skin till the next Spa appointment.

Finally, food impacts on the health and wellbeing of the skin. Each Murad Spa session ends with a diet plan depending on the skin concern to achieve maximum results.

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Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Spotlight Mutiat Alli Emotions are the most present, pressing and sometimes painful force in our lives. We are driven day by day by our emotions. We take chances because we’re excited for new prospects. We cry because we’ve been hurt and we make sacrifices because we love. Without a doubt, our emotions dictate our thoughts, intentions and actions with superior authority to our rational minds. But when we act on our emotions too quickly, or we act on the wrong kinds of emotions, we often make decisions that we later lament. Our feelings can alter between dangerous extremes. Veer too far to the left and you’re bordering on rage.

Steer too much to the right and you’re in a state of euphoria. As with many other aspects of life, emotions are best met with a sense of moderation and logical perspective. This is not to say that we should stop ourselves from falling in love or jumping for joy after great news. These truly are the finer things in life. It is negative emotions that must be handled with extreme care.

Negative emotions, like rage, envy or bitterness, tend to spiral out of control, especially immediately after they’ve been triggered. In time, these sorts of emotions can grow like weeds, slowly conditioning the mind to function on detrimental feelings and dominating daily life. Ever met a person who’s consistently angry or hostile? They weren’t born that way.

But they allowed certain emotions to stir within them for so long that they became inbred feelings arising all too frequently.

Follow these steps to control your emotions and regain rationality in any challenging situation: Don’t react right away: Reacting immediately to emotional triggers can be an immense mistake. It is guaranteed that you’ll say or do something you’ll later regret. Before refuting the trigger with your emotional argument, take a deep breath and stabilize the overwhelming impulse. Continue to breathe deeply for five minutes, feeling as your muscles intense and your heart rate returns to normal. As you become calmer, affirm to yourself that this is only temporary.

Ask for divine guidance: Faith is our saving grace in our darkest moments.

No matter your creed, developing a healthy relationship with the divine world will help you surmount your obstacles more easily. This is because when you believe in a higher force, you also believe in the power of divine intervention to show you what you must do, teach you why something is happening or even save you from a certain unwanted situation. When burdened with emotion, close your

Managing your emotional reactions eyes, envision a positive solution to your problem, and ask the universe to illuminate the best path forward.

Find a healthy outlet: Now that you’ve managed your emotion, you’ll need to release it in a healthy way. Emotions should never be bottled up. Call or go see someone you trust and recount to them what happened. Hearing an opinion other than your own broadens your awareness. Keep a journal and transfer your emotions from your inner self onto the paper. Many people find it helpful to engage in aggressive exercises, such as kickboxing or martial arts, to discharge their feelings. Others meditate and chant to return to a tranquil state of being.

Perform whatever activity is best-suited to you in order to liberate your being from pent-up sentiments.

See the bigger picture: Every happening of our lives, whether good or bad, serves a higher purpose.

Wisdom means being able to see past the moment and discern the greater meaning of any given situation. You may not understand it in the beginning, but as time goes by, you’ll begin to see the bigger picture falling into perfect order.

Even in the midst of an emotionally upsetting moment, trust that there exists an ultimate purpose which you will come to comprehend soon.

Replace your thoughts: Negative emotions bind us to recurring negative thoughts, creating cycles of downright negative patterns. Whenever you are confronted with an emotion which is making you feel or think something bad, force it out of your mind and replace it with a different thought. Imagine the ideal resolution to your problem playing out, think about someone who makes you happy or remember an event that makes you smile.

Forgive your emotional triggers: Your emotional triggers may be your best friend, your family members, yourself or all of the above. You may feel a sudden wave of anger when your friend “does that thing she does,” or a stab of self-loathing when you remember something you could have done differently. But when you forgive, you detach. You detach from the resentment, the jealousy or the fury lingering within you. You allow people to be who they are without the need for

escalating emotions. As you forgive, you will find yourself disassociating from the harsh feelings attached to your being.

Accept responsibility for your reaction: Accept yourself as powerful instead of as victim to remove the veil of self-deception. When you seek to identify what is triggering how you feel in the moment, you give yourself the chance to feel differently if you want to.

You will also have more clarity on what you need to do or what you need to ask for to change your circumstances.

Choose what you want to feel: With practice, the reaction to your emotional triggers could subside, but they may never go away. The best you can do is to quickly identify when an emotion is triggered and then choose what to say or do next. Ask yourself: Are you really losing this need or not? Is the person actively denying your need or are you taking the situation too personally? If it’s true that someone is ignoring your need or blocking you from achieving it, can you either ask for what you need or, if it doesn’t really matter, can you let the need go for now?.