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NIGERIA INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER. EST. 1926 WWW.DAILYTIMES.NG https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

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Eid-el-Fitr: FG will do all it can to sustain Nigeria’s unity -Osinbajo Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏ Acting President Yemi Osin-

bajo says the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will do all it can to sustain Nigeria’s unity and stability to ensure speedy progress of the country.

Osinbajo gave the reassurance when a delegation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) led by the FCT Minister Muhammed Bello

paid him Sallah homage at the Aguda House, Abuja on Sunday.

According to him, a peaceful Nigeria will give room for more development and enhance welfare of the people.

The acting president, who received the delegation on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, charged all Nigerians to look beyond their ethnic or religious beliefs while dealing with each Continued on page 12

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 394

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Sultan to FG: Probe sources of weapons used by herdsmen Ï d ƕ ƏƆ Ƌ ƆƏƗ ƌƆ Ɨ ôƐ ƅ ƏƏƕ Əƌ è ƍƆƏƍƆƐƏ ƐƆ Ɔƈ Ƒ ƊƈƋƋƈ Ï nƏ Ɔ 01 Ɛ Ɛ ƊƆ ƍƍƏ ƍƏƈ ƐƆ ƅƐƈ Ɛ ƌƈ ƈƌƈ Ɔ ƆƏƗ ƌƆ ƐƐ ƅƊ Ï 1 ƒƆƏ ƌƆ Ɛ Ɗ Ɠ Ɠ Ɛ Ɛ Ɨ è ƋƆƐ Ɛ Ɔƌ ƅƐè ƕ nƊƈƓƆ Ï dƆƅƑƏƈƐƕ Ɔ ƅƈƆ ƆƆƌ ƅ ƌƍƏ ƌƈ ƆƗ -CNPP scribe

Patrick Okohue

ÏÏÏ The

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has challenged the Federal Government to probe the sources of weapons used by herdsmen accused of attacking communiContinued on page 6

INEC vows to go ahead with Melaye’s recall 6 despite lawsuit #dd Ƅ Ɛ ƍ ô6 Ə ƌ ƅ ƌƌ ƗƆƏè 8 ƾƠ Ɛ ƆƏ ƈ E

^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ ƅƕ ƏƆƋƆ Ɔ Ƒ Əƈô ƒ ƈƅƆ ƌƆ Ɔ 7

LƑ Ƌƈƌ Ƈ ƈƐ ƇƑƋ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ EƑƄƓ LƑ Ƌƈƌ ƌƌƑ ƈƐƕ ^Ə ƕƈ 1Ə Ƒ Ɨ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ &ƈƗé&Ƌé0ƈƐƏ ƅƆƋƆƄƏ Ɛƈ ƈ ƄƑƉ Č dƑ Ɨ ƕ ^6RjRë j&L9jR^& GR1nMê

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The

Federal Government has announced that it would launch a new tax awareness and mobilisation initiative known as Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS).

With this initiative, Nigeria’s economic diversification effort has shifted to revenue mobilisation which would limit external borrowing by raising financing locally.

Why I sacked Rivers executive council -Wike 7

FG to launch new tax initiative, VAIDS June 29 Ï j Ə ƈ Ɔ Ɛ ƋƆ Ɛ ơƄ ƇƏ ƌ ƅ ƆƌƆ The Federal Ministry of Finance at the weekend stated that the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo would launch the scheme on June 29, 2017.

The initiative would outline Federal Government’s plan to increase tax aware-

ness and compliance, and grant tax payers a time-limited opportunity to regularise their tax status without penalty.

The Federal Government said that the anticipated fund to be raised is at least US$1 billion, which will re-

duce Nigeria’s borrowing needs, allow investment in vital infrastructure and spur development.

The plan, which would be executed jointly by Federal and State Governments, Continued on page 12

ƗƆ Ƒ è 0ƈ ƅƆ Lƈ ƈ ƐƆƏ

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria

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THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA 2017 INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR TENDER

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Sultan to FG: Probe sources of weapons used by herdsmen Continued from page 1 ties and killing innocent persons across the country.

Abubakar, who gave the advice in his Eid-el Fitr message on Sunday in Sokoto, however disagreed that those involved in the killings and destruction communities are herdsmen, but said they are common criminals masquerading as herdsmen and should be treated as such.

This is even the former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, accused the Federal Government of refusing to do anything to arrest the herdsmen menace and reduce their carnage across the country.

“Real herdsmen do not carry guns; they only move with their cows and sticks. There could be bad eggs among the Fulani, but those carrying arms and perpe-

trating heinous killings are not herdsmen.

“Those carrying arms are criminals and should be treated as such,” Abubakar said.

While advising government to do more in addressing the problem, the Sultan said, “Government should probe the sources of these weapons and take appropriate action so as to minimise these attacks.”

Abubakar commended government’s measures aimed at combating insurgency in the NorthEast, and cautioned against complacency as the problem was not over.

The Sultan urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of the security agencies toward securing the country, pointing out that security was a collective responsibility.

Speaking on the herdsmen’s

menace in a telephone chat, former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, agreed with the Sultan that the alleged killer herdsmen cannot be genuine herdsmen, but criminal with ulterior motive out to achieve a predestined purpose.

He however argued that if indeed the government is serious about curtailing the excesses of the herdsmen, they know what to do to achieve such.

“Obviously, from the way they are acting, they can’t be herdsmen, herding cattle is just a camouflage. The government is in charge of security, they should know what to do. I don’t think the government’s inaction is because of a lack of advice that is leading to that.

“I tell you that carrying cattle around is just a cover to go and commit the kind of crimes they

Children during the during the Eid-El-Fitr celebration in Lagos… on Sunday.

are committing, but the government should be able to know what to do about it. They have the power to challenge what is going on,” Ukiwe said.

Also speaking, Secretary General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Chief Willy Ezugwu, said the actions of the herdsmen has left him confused on how to classify them whether as herdsmen or criminals, but said whatever they are should not be the problem, but the government should deal with the situation.

“As far as I am concerned, I don’t know again how to define the meaning of herdsmen, because we can see how they are causing havoc in all corners of the country, scavenging all the farm lands that we have.”

Ezugwu, who is also the Convener and National Coordinator of South East Revival Group (SERG), challenged the government to show capacity in dealing with the menace, adding: “We have been crying calling herdsmen, but they are saying the herdsmen are not theirs, but criminals, but unfortunately the Nigerian security agencies have not been able to apprehend anyone of them.

“On daily basis we see the dastardly act all over the place, so for anybody to say the people who are doing these things are criminals, yet the security agents have been unable to do anything about them and if you see the kind of ammunitions that they are using like AK 47 riffles and the rest of the weapons, you will find out that this is totally well planned.

So I don’t know if the security agencies are totally compromised because they are Fulani herdsmen or whatever, because it

seems everybody is scared about doing anything, because no one wants to say the truth.

“I was watching on television recently a man from Edo State who just came back from America, how they ravaged his farm.

Who did it? The same herdsmen; they are all over the country today, mostly in the Middle belt, South East and South South.

“Who are the heads of the security agencies, are they not their people, so, I don’t know if they are herdsmen or not, they are all criminals. You can see they are boasting, that they should not pass the law on grazing. These so-called herdsmen are lively human beings that we see on daily basis, but unfortunately the government has refused to do anything about it.

“So, to me we are in a mess in this country and we are running a Banana republic as a government. The government knows what to do if they want to do something. These people are not spirits, it is very unfortunate,” he said.

It would be recalled that Fulani herdsmen have been on rampage in most communities in Southern Nigeria, destroying farm lands and in some cases killing people, with the latest happening in Edo State.

Visiting Ewu in Esan-Central Local Government Area of the state after the herdsmen’s attack recently, the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, vowed to dislodge killer herdsmen from the state.

He said this while visiting families of two women raped and murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Continued on page 12

INEC vows to go ahead with Melaye’s recall despite lawsuit

Ï Signatories for my recall forged –Senator Francesca Iwambe, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has insisted that it will go ahead with the process of recalling the senator representing Kogi West in the Senate, Dino Melaye.

This is coming few days after the embattled senator approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an injunction to halt his recall from the Senate.

Melaye through his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, had filed a 33-page legal argument seeking to obtain an injunction against INEC. The application was accompanied by an affidavit of urgency filed by a staff of Ozekhome’s law firm.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission

(INEC), which received the signatories for the recall on Wednesday, said it would press on with the exercise.

A top-level source in the Legal unit of INEC said the electoral umpire has at least three precedents to follow in dealing with the case.

“INEC would go ahead to conduct the referendum in so far as INEC is able to verify or ascertain the genuineness of the signatures.

Every lawmaker that had faced the issue of recall in the past, from Plateau, Jigawa to Abia, ran to the courts but such actions never stopped the Commission from going ahead with the referendum”, he said.

Meanwhile, INEC’s Director incharge of Voter Education, Publicity, Civil Society and Gender Liaison, Oluwole Osaze-Uzi, said the electoral body was not yet aware of any lawsuit filed by Melaye,

adding that INEC would not want to react to issues it read in the media.

“We have not been served. We shall enter an appearance and defend what we have to defend (when served with the notice). But for now, we cannot start reacting to comments or statements we read in the media”, he said.

It would be recalled that the embattled senator had, on Friday, reportedly dragged INEC before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, seeking an order to halt the process by his constituents to recall him.

The embattled Senator has however alleged that the acclaimed figures of signatories collected for his recall were forged and fraudulent.

Addressing newsmen in Lokoja at the weekend at the press centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Melaye, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, noted

that his investigation revealed that even the dead signed the recall across the seven local government councils of the senatorial district.

Melaye, who spoke through one of his legislative aide, Mallam Abubakar Sadiq, stressed that the name of the former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, late Chief Yakubu Rotimi Obadofin, from Ijumu local government council precisely Iya-Gbede axis, was included in the list.

“Let me also sound authoritatively that here in Lokoja local government council several others whose names and signatures appeared on the list of the signatories to this failed exercise were identified and known to us as been dead long before now, such people like late Abdullahi Abubakar, his immediate younger sister, late Halima LawiI Abubakar and Ibrahim Adama of Unit Code 021 Adankolo ring road in Ward ‘A’ Lokoja

local government council.

“Also one late Salihu Black of Gegu-Beki town in Kogi local government council who until his death was a biology teacher in Government Secondary School, Koton-Karfi, also appended his signatories on the recall list.

“This recall exercise was hatched in Government House due to the manner in which Senator Dino Melaye had consistently challenged and engaged the government of Kogi State over nonpayment of workers’ salaries and pensioners for over 15 months so also the closure of tertiary institutions,” he stated.

Senator Melaye added that they claimed to have gotten over 188,000 signatories of electorate in Kogi West whereas the total vote cast in the last senatorial election of 2015 was merely 111,000 for all the candidates that participated at the election both valid and rejected votes.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Eid el- Fitr: Shun reckless statements, Buhari urges Nigerians ÏÏÏ # Ə ƅ ƋƋ Ƈ Ə Ƒ ƈƐƕ ƌ Mƈ ƆƏƈ ÏÏÏ President Muhamma-

du Buhari has sent a message of greetings to Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, announced this in a statement issued in Abuja at the weekend.

According to the statement, the President, who is currently on medical vacation in London, urged all citizens to resolve to live in peace and avoid making reckless statements.

The message reads: “I am immensely grateful to God for His mercy in guiding us successfully to conclude another Ramadan fast.

“My greetings to all Nigerian Muslims and our brothers Christians on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

“May the lessons of Ramadan namely; piety, selfdenial, prayers and generosity to the poor and needy be with us for all time.

“I, again, appeal to all Nigerians to avoid reckless statements or actions against our fellow countrymen.

“We should all resolve to live in peace and unity in our great country, which is the envy of many less endowed nations.

“Happy Eid-el-Fitr.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Buhari left Abuja for Lon-

don on May 7, to see his doctors for follow-up medical checks.

In his Eid el-Fitri message, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, urged religious leaders to continue to preach and promote the virtues of unity, love and peaceful co-existence for Nigeria to attain greatness.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Dogara urged Nigerians to eschew divisive and hate tendencies.

Dogara said that Nigerians must learn to live in harmony, tolerate one another and see the nation’s

diversity as a source of strength.

“For Nigeria to attain greatness and fulfill its potentials, we must regard our diversity as a source of strength and continue to promote and strengthen the unity, peace and progress of the country at all times,’’ the Speaker said.

While congratulating Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan fast, Dogara urged them to demonstrate the lessons of kindness, tolerance and submission to the higher authority identified with the holy month.

He also urged them to put Nigeria first in all their endeavours.

7

News

Eid el-Fitri: Tinubu calls for unity

ÏÏÏ An All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to declare support for the unity and genuine integration of all Nigerians under one flag, in one indivisible nation.

Tinubu made the call in his Eid-el-Fitri message to Nigerians, entitled “The Spirit, Strength of Our Diversity,” in Lagos.

He condemned the call for violence or issuing of quit notice by some Nigerians to fellow Nigerians, saying that the voices calling for secession and breakup are wrong and should not be followed.

“Voices calling for violence must be roundly condemned for it is wrong to incite brother to go against brother and neighbour to combat neighbour.

“However, in the spirit of understanding, we must listen to the genuine concerns of our fellow Nigerians.

“This is in order for us to make ourselves a stronger, more unified and prosperous nation built on a foundation of dialogue and collective purpose.

“We must join hands in order to bring progress.

We must decide whether our diversity shall be our strength or our weakness.

It is for us and no one else to determine, ” he said.

Tinubu, however, said that the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan point to the success of unity, not the failure of division.

He said the spirit of sacrifice, self-discipline, goodwill, justice, tolerance, mercy, forgiveness and compassion inherent in the Ramadan Fast should remain with Muslim faithful to guide their day-to-day interactions and relationships with one another. “’For all Muslim brothers and sisters and indeed for all Nigerians, may this be a happy and peaceful Eid-el-Fitri.

“The holy month of Ramadan has now passed, but we dare not allow the spirit and the true meaning behind the holy month also pass.

“We must keep hold of the excellent and wonderful things the holy month of Ramadan signifies.

Ramadan is more than a month of fasting. We fast to strengthen our relationship and our appreciation of Allah.

Presidency releases Buhari’s voice message Ï Debunks report on speech impairment

ÏÏÏ

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (l), acknowledging cheers from the crowd while returning from Eid-El-Fitr praying ground in Osogbo, Osun State… on Sunday.

Why I sacked Rivers executive council - Wike ÏÏÏ Following

the dissolution of the Rivers State Executive Council on Saturday, Governor Nyesom Wike has given reasons for his action, saying the dissolution was done to rejig the machinery of government to move the state forward.

Speaking during the Election Thanksgiving Service in honour of the Majority Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly at St Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu, on Sunday, Governor Wike explained that the dissolution of the State Executive Council was done in consultation with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) in the state.

He said: “This is when you know those who are loyal and those who are not loyal. There is no crack in government. We are working together. The dissolution was done in consultation with the leadership of PDP in the state.

“You must work with those who are loyal. Those who are not loyal will be shown the way out. Those who are loyal will come back. When you are going into another dispensation, you have to put things in order.”

The governor said that the dissolution of the State Executive Council was done at the appropri-

ate time, saying that most states had already dissolved their respective Executive Councils.

“In government, there are those hungry to come in and those hungry to go.

If you are a political appointee, you must expect any eventuality, “he said.

The governor said that the administration will continue to deliver on its promises to people.

He particularly lauded the Majority Whip of the Rivers House of Assembly, Mr. Evans Bipi, for his unwavering loyalty at the beginning of the struggle for the enthronement of a New Rivers State.

The governor said:

“When people never gave us hope, Evans Bipi was reliable. Bipi is a very loyal and committed person. Bipi is among the first group of supporters that we had”.

He thanked the people of Ogu/Bolo for supporting Evans Bipi all through the rerun elections in the area.

He directed the contractors handling the rehabilitation of schools in Ogu/ Bolo Local Government Area to speed up work.

In his remarks, Majority Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Evans Bipi, assured Governor Wike of the support of the people of Ogu/Bolo.

The Presidency has released President Muhammadu Buhari’s voice message to Nigerians to debunk reports that he is suffering from speech impairment.

Recall that recently there have been reports in the social media claiming that the President was suffering from speech impairment and memory loss.

However, in the recording, aired on Sunday by some radio stations, including the BBC, the President was heard felicitating with Nigerians on the occasion of Eid-el Fitr.

Buhari thanked them for their consistent prayers for his well-being.

The President also urged all citizens, irrespective of their socio-political affilia-

tions, to always avoid hate speech and divisive tendencies capable of causing disaffection among them.

He also prayed for good harvest as farmers embarked on agricultural activities occasion by the commencement of rainfalls across the country.

Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity had on Saturday in a statement issued a similar message.

A presidential source on Saturday had earlier confirmed that “the President is getting better “will return to Nigeria very soon”.

Buhari left Abuja for London on May 7, to see his doctors for follow-up medical checks.

PUBLIC NOTICE

That I am the above named person and deponent herein That on the 3rd of June, 2017, some men believed to be hired assassin and ritualists invaded my apartment in the midnight, butchered and killed my daughter (Adeniyi Tope) That my wife (Mrs. Adeniyi Mary) and the head of the lifeless body of my daughter was taken to unknown destination.

That the remains of my daughter’s body was then taken to the general hospital before my arrival as I was away for four (4) days on an official assignment outside the state.

That this wicked and dastardly event happened because of my rising profile in my constituency as a youth leader, hence the opposition party consider me as a potential threat because they perceived me as an obstacle to their political electoral ambitions

8 News

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

DSS nabs top Boko Haram commander, 20 others in Kano ÏÏÏThe

Department of State Service (DSS) in Kano, on Sunday, said it arrested of top Boko Haram commander, and 20 others suspects in a sting operation.

According to the Director of the DSS in Kano, Alhassan Muhammad, the 48 hours operation neutralised what would have been a bloody Eid Fitr in Kano recent history.

He disclosed that the combat operations was jointly carried out by the police and his men led to the arrest of the unit commander of Boko Haram who was also in charge of Kano, Kaduna and Sokoto.

He explained that the commander also arrested alongside 30 other suspects while

planning coordinated attacks during Sallah festivity in Kano and other major Northern cities.

Alhassan said:”We have in our Custody about 30 suspected Boko Haram terrorists including a sector Commandant whom we arrested at Rijiyar Zaki and Dorayi areas of Kano in just two days”.

The Kano DSS boss said the success story was the outcome of a painstaking effort buoyed by intelligence gathering and sharing by the police and DSS which helped put more spots areas at red alert.

He said: “Our joint intelligence gathering and the synergy that existed between all the security apparatus in Kano

give a moral buster to our giant efforts in tracking every suspicious movements and make it highly difficult for the terrorists to make any impact”.

Alhassan explained that the proactive move helped averted the dastardly planned to lay ambush on Kano and other cities in this period of Sallah Celebrations”.

The Director revealed that “arms and ammunition, primed Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs were recovered from the suspects’ hideouts in the state.”

Recall that the DSS on Friday said it uncovered a plot by suspected terrorists to attack Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Maiduguri during the Eid-elFitr celebration

Police moves to halt rape menace in Plateau Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏ

The police in Plateau state has declared zero tolerance for the upsurge in rape cases in the state, says the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Peter Ogunyanwo.

Speaking to newsmen on Sunday at the Police Officers Mess in Jos, the police commissioner said the command has employed different strategies and workable security measures to stem the tide, noting that the command has enjoyed support from the public and the media in the area of information supply which has helped in the arrest of perpetrators.

Ogunyanwo said at about 10.00pm on the June 10, 2017, one Ali Usman of Bulbulla area of Jos reported at Angwan Rogo Division that her six year old daughter, Khadija Ali, was raped by a 35 year old man, Ibrahim Mukaila of the same address, saying that Mukaila was immediately arrested and both the victim and the suspect were rushed to the police clinic in Jos where it was confirmed that the girl was defiled.

In a similar incident, the CP said, “on the June 5, 2017 at about 5pm, one Sati Usman of Ikukumung village of Tudun Wada area of Jos reported at the A Division Police

station that his daughter Judith Sati aged three years old was raped by a 43 year old man, Daniel Yahaya, of the same address; the DPO of the Division arrested the suspect who confessed to the crime and has since been charged to court and reminded in prison custody.

“On March 17, 2017 at about 6pm, one Mr. Shafiu Samila, reported to the station that one Abdulahi Yusuf, 50, who happens to be his neighbor, has constantly sexually violated his five year old niece, Fatima Ibrahim; adding that the suspect has since been taken to court and reminded in prison,” the CP said.

Effective strategic management panacea to reposition public service - Ambode Benjamin Omoike

Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has stressed that effective strategic management is a key panacea for repositioning the state’s public service.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson Oke, made this assertion at the opening session of a two-day workshop tagged: ‘Effective Strategic Management for Repositioning and Higher Responsibilities,’ organised by organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions in conjunction with Messrs Novo Consults Limited.

According to him, the importance of strategy, stra-

tegic planning, and strategic management has been proven and validated over the years and, in fact, over the centuries. He said at the end of any rigorous enquiry, one finds that to have an effective strategy is half the battle and to effectively manage a good strategy is everything.

“An effective strategy should be deeply understood and shared by the organization. What matters is whether the people of your organization understand and internalize the strategic direction you have articulated and can make tactical choices on their own. Strategic plans must be articulated in a manner such that operational and tactical decision-making can follow suit.

“Furthermore, the lead-

ing strategist must count on the employees or members of the organization to make sound tactical and operational decisions that are aligned with the desired strategic direction. To ensure that these decisions are well made, the articulated strategic direction and strategic plans must be applicable and clearly related to the issues that people face.

“It is always helpful to remember that an effective strategy provides a picture of the desired long-term future. In order to make sound day-to-day decisions, all members of the organization must be able to begin with the end in mind. All steps must ultimately keep the company on course toward the long-term objective,” he said.

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

s

A/Ibom APC organises prayer summit for Buhari –10

My position as APGA national chairman unshakeable-Oye–11

9

Of budget padding, executive revulsion and legislative arrogance Sufuyan Ojeifo At their respective plenary on Thursday, June 15, 2017, the Senate and the House of Representatives played the devil’s advocates with respect to the extent they could go in considering, scrutinising and altering the provisions of appropriation bill presented to them for approval by the President. They superciliously defended their repugnant act of budget padding and, almost, succeeded in trivialising the serious matter.

Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Bala IbnNa’Alla (APC, Kebbi), and Hon. Lawal Abubakar (APC, Adamawa), in their motions on the floors of the Senate and the House of Representatives, called attention to a statement allegedly credited to the acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to the effect that the National Assembly has no powers to introduce new projects in the budget before passing it.

Osinbajo was quoted to have said while signing the 2017 budget on Monday, June 12: “The first report is about who can do what. When you present a budget to the National Assembly, it is presented as a bill, an appropriation bill. And, secondly, do not introduce entirely new projects and all of that or modify projects. This is something that we experienced last year and this year again. It now leaves the question about who is supposed to do what.”

I presume that this may be the true position and correct interpretation of the constitutional provisions regarding the limits of legislative power and control over public funds or appropriation.

Doubtless, Osinbajo’s concern centres on responsibility, liability and due process. The budget is the fiscal policy document of the Federal Government but bears the evidential imprimatur of the executive branch, which has the responsibility to implement it in line with set objectives.

If the executive branch fails to implement the budget as proposed, it would receive the flaks.

That is liability. Interestingly, the executive has, over the years, been receiving the flaks for failure to implement, 100 percent, the budgets as always, but rather unfortunately, altered by the National Assembly. The blame should have been placed at the doorsteps of both arms of government. This is the reason it matters a great deal for proposers of budget to be different from their approvers.

The Constitution is clear about the responsibilities and powers of the three arms of government.

And because of the possibility of acting ultra vires, there is the provision for checks and balances in the exercise of the separate and disparate powers of the trinity of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

When an arm of government continues to appropriate to itself the powers that are not expressly vested in it by the Constitution, steps should be taken to seek judicial intercession to find out if the extra powers are implied and/or discretionary. After 18 years of this controversy, this is what Osinbajo should now do, beyond frowning at the characteristic insertions by the National Assembly of new projects into the appropriation bills presented to it by the executive.

Assuming, that the Acting President did not even make that observation; that does not detract from the fact of alterations to which the legislature has always subjected the national budget submitted to it by the President. True, nothing prevents a dispassionate contemplation of the issue by well-meaning Nigerians who crave the passage of a well-considered budget that is aimed

PRESIDENT BUHARI

SARAKI, SENATE PRESIDENT

at stimulating the nation’s socio-economic and political growth.

As a layman, I hold the view that Osinbajo’s

When an arm of government continues to appropriate to itself the powers that are not expressly vested in it by the Constitution, steps should be taken to seek judicial intercession to find out if the extra powers are implied and/or discretionary. After 18 years of this controversy, this is what Osinbajo should now do, beyond frowning at the characteristic insertions by the National Assembly of new projects into the appropriation bills presented to it by the executive

DOGARA, SPEAKER HOUSE OF REPS

position cannot, therefore, be said to be erroneous within the ordinary understanding of the provisions that are amply referenced in section 59 under “mode of exercising federal legislative power money bills” and sections 80-83 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) 2011 under the powers and control over public funds.

It is very clear that the power vested in the legislature, according to the explanatory note of section 81, is that of “Authorisation of Expenditure” and not the usual power to prepare, make or alter the proposals of the executive as contained in the appropriation bill. Much as the approval issue is moot, it has historically and largely accounted for the perennial frosty relationship between the executive and the legislature since 1999.

The legislature has always altered the provisions of the budget and inserted projects, which were originally not captured by the executive.

But to be sure, the legislature is not the execu-

tive. Therefore, the intervention of the judiciary by way of judicial interpretation of the relevant constitutional provisions will help to properly define whether appropriation, being a special bill, should be placed, strictu sensus, in the context of authorisation/approval or the full process of lawmaking such as to warrant the insertion of about 4,000 new projects as happened to the 2017 budget.

On the other hand, the executive is not the legislature; and, it is, consequently, constitutionally circumscribed from approving its own proposed budget estimates; otherwise, it would not need to submit the same to the National Assembly. The approving body is the legislature, which should ideally never contemplate the introduction of new projects into the budget, except it had lobbied for and harmonised such projects with the executive during the budget-making process.

It is against the backdrop of the above that the action of the legislature to insert entirely new projects in the budget derogates from its constitutional power of authorisation/approval and represents the usurpation of the power of proposal exercisable by the executive.

This does not, in my views, limit the relevance of the legislature in the budgetary process. Rather, it gives the legislature the opportunity to effectively scrutinise the bill, and be in a better stead for oversight during the implementation phase.

The intendment of the framers of the Constitution was not to turn the legislature into a rubber-stamping body. The primary purpose is to ensure that the budget proposals reflect a national outlook, connect promises to actions and stimulate real economic growth which is underpinned by equality and justice in the distribution of infrastructure development projects and creation of income and wealth.

In doing that, the legislature works within the policy framework of the budget presented to it.

The budget figures are not padded or distorted.

But it can query allocated funds on the projects proposed by the executive and get the buy-in of the executive to either increase or decrease budget figures. Indeed, new projects are not to be introduced into the budget in the misconstruction of its power of approval, which does not include the freedom to insert entirely new projects without recourse to the executive.

What should be done in the circumstance in which the legislature is interested in the inclusion of some projects in the budget is to activate pre-budgeting consultations in order to synergise with the executive through the Budget Office before the appropriation bill is presented by the president to the joint sitting of the legislature for consideration and approval.

The responsibilities of the executive include making proposals and implementing the budget.

It is not for nothing that the legislature is empowered to authorise or approve and this is an important power which it can never ever delegate. But the legislature cannot usurp the executive function of proposing projects in the budget and, at the same time, is the one to approve it and conduct oversights on the same budget.

I believe that the intendment of the framers of the constitution ab-initio was not to create the seeming mischief. But since the controversy has assumed a life of its own and lingered for far too long, the judiciary should be invited to cure the mischief by giving a clear interpretation of the laws in this respect. The acting President is urged to pursue this course of action.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

A/Ibom APC organises prayer summit for Buhari Patrick Odey, Uyo Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akwa Ibom State chapter have joined other groups to pray for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari has been away to the United Kingdom for medical follow-up following his ill-health.

Supporters of the party at the Nsima Ekere campaign ground along 4 lane Uyo at the weekend prayed God Almighty to restore the health of the President to come back home to effect and bring the needed positive change in Nigeria.

The prayer session were led by pastors and clergies drawn from different denominations across the state who offered prayers for the restoration of health to Mr. President, for political leaders and for the unity of the state and the country.

Dr. Chris Ekong while setting the tone for the summit assured that Akwa Ibom APC will always identify with Buhari in appreciation for being the first President of a ruling party to give attention to Akwa Ibom State through the appointments of its indigenes into various key federal appointments He said, “Never in the political history of Akwa Ibom State has it been so rewarding, considering the level of federal attention and presence than this era of Buhari.

“To be safe as a minority in a very competitive ethno-political confederation Akwa Ibom people had always seen as the best option an alignment with ruling government in Nigeria.

This decision had always been to serve the interest of the people while decisions are taken in the sharing of the national cake that had never been done meritoriously or done as the constitution had suggested using the Federal principle.

“Notwithstanding our cautious alignment with the ruling parties over time our reward had always been piecemeal benefits not enough to show for our political submission and contributions to the revenue base of the country as the

BUHARI

highest producer of crude oil.

“Also federal roads were left for us to reconstruct and maintain with no option of arranging a pay back before their tenure was over “But a President Buhari we never expected anything from has by today appointed many Akwa Ibom sons and daughters into various positions Hon Ekerete Ekpenyong, former House of Representatives member in his goodwill message at the summit described the prayer summit as a laudable initiative.

“This summit is organised to pray for our Presidents’ quick recovery it is quite significant and consoling that our generation acknowledges and believes in the power of prayers.

“The bible clearly instructs us to pray for our leaders. And as we pray for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari today, I also

pray that this summit will set our minds on motion to willingly and joyfully accept the wind of change that is blowing across the country.”

Special Assistant to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Security, Otuekong Uyo Nathaniel said, “It is our belief that God has already answered our prayers and our President shall return home in sound health to foster the change mandate.”

Representative of the Presidency and Special Adviser to the President on Legal Matters, Research and Documentation, Prof. Adamu Usman said he was happy that Akwa Ibom people are pleased and happy for the good gesture of the Buhari government for them.

“For Akwa Ibom to organise an event like this to pray for the President is pleasing; for the state to come out to say thank you and by this act of appreciation and gratitude the state has positioned itself for greater things to come.”

He urged them not to join forces with those working against the anti-corruption agenda, stressing that corruption is the major problem of the country today.

“Those of us who are in support of the fight against corruption should tighten our belts to see that this evil called corruption is uprooted from our land. And I assure you that the story of Nigeria will change for the better.

High point of the event was the inauguration of new APC Youth Disciples who were prayed for and charged to effect the needed change in the state.

No vacancy in Anambra Govt House, says ex-lawmaker Former Deputy Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, has expressed confidence that the incumbent Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), would emerge triumphant in the November 18, 2017 governorship election holding in the state.

Nwabunwanne, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on political matters to Obiano who was appointed the Transition Committee Chairman (TCC) of Anambra West Local Government Area, said the people of Anambra State have continued to remain resolute in their support for the governor on account of his achievements in office over the last three years.

The ex-lawmaker who spoke in an interview with newsmen stated that all those who had so far declared their intention to contest for the governorship seat have the right to do so, but maintained that “There is clearly no vacancy in Anambra State Government House. The entire people of Anambra State are pleased with the performance of His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, and they have continued to demonstrate this in the manner and way they have remained steadfast in their show of support and solidarity for the governor.

“Nobody changes a winning team. Why would the good people of Anambra State want to change a team that is performing; a team that is meeting their expectations and delivering to them the true dividends of democracy? Our dear people of Anambra State cannot be deceived.

“They know what is good for them and will surely not fall for the gimmicks of those who do not mean well for our dear state and have nothing to offer the people. Obiano has performed excellently well in all areas of governance for anybody to think they can convince the people to vote him out. Is it in the area of security? Is it in the area of agriculture? Is it in workers’ welfare or the general welfare of the entire people of the state?

The footprint of Obiano’s outstanding feats can evidently be seen everywhere in Anambra State.”

Speaking on the leadership crisis in APGA which some believe may likely prevent Obiano from securing the guber ticket and affect the chances of the party in the coming election, Nwabunwanne said: “APGA is not new to leadership crisis. So, those who are beating the drums and dancing to celebrate the leadership crisis in APGA with their warped view that it will hamper the chances of our great party in the forthcoming governorship elec-

OBIANO

tion are myopic and parochial.

“They don’t seem to understand the fact that as far as Anambra State politics is concerned, APGA has come to stay as the only party truly accepted by the people. Go and check it, APGA has always had leadership crisis before every governorship election, but that has never stopped it from emerging victorious at the end of the day,” he said.

Kaduna declaration: Group insists on restructuring ….says quit notice to Igbo is notice to all Southern Nigeria

Patrick Okohue

The South West Think Tank (SWETT) has drawn the attention of Nigerians to a letter written by the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum to the acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, pointing out that the outcome of such may spell doom for the unity of Nigeria.

The group also pointed out that the response of The Governors Forum to the letter was too weak and not in any way an attempt to address the issues raised.

SWETT in a release signed on its behalf by Chief Femi Davies wondered why the governors chose to make a general statement on the Arewa Youths position rather than being categorical.

“Instead of making a blanket statement over such national security threat, the governors should have made attempts to identify the conflict areas and seek to redress them peacefully, they are rather playing god without any single suggestion on a way out of the present mess that we find ourselves.”

According to them, “as a group we are totally in zinc with the position of the Southern Nigeria Youth Coalition on the need for restructuring.

“The letter from the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum is a mind game by the Northern people who are being clever by half, sidestepping the monumental damage they have done to the Nigerian project, while highlighting the so called sins of the Igbos.

“It should be noted that the danger posed by Boko Haram and Fulani Herdsmen are far more devastating than the Igbo rhetoric. While the Federal security agencies displays hopelessness in tackling Boko Haram, other lesser challenges are promptly stacked with much effort and many innocent persons arrested and clamped into detention.

“We hereby state equivocally that since there is no way to separate an Ijaw from Igbo, a Yoruba from Edo, who reside in the North, we take the quit notice as an affront on the entire people of Southern Nigeria.

“We are also disappointed that the governors missed a golden opportunity to kick start the process of reclaiming our nationhood, by seriously reviewing the root causes of general discontent with the present arrangement.

“SWETT is of the opinion that our highest elected leaders should not just continue mouthing the worn out phrase of “un negotiable unity “without acknowledging that there are problems with the constitution we operate,” they said.

The group added that the way forward was for the nation to restructure and a short cut to this is the re-adoption of the 1963 Constitution. “The recommendations of the last National Conference is a ready made book on how the states can develop at their own pace via regional integration and economic cooperation within the six Federating units.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

My position as APGA national chairman unshakeable-Oye Alphonsus Nweze, Awka The Enugu High Court removed National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Oye has boasted that his position as the National Chairman of the party was unshakeable.

Chief Oye who stated this in his country home, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State when the party’s stakeholders paid him a courtesy call said his purported removal was an impossible task.

He said the claimant has been going round Igbo leaders to accept him but he has been rejected wherever he went, saying that he recently met a prominent Anambra State born billionaire, who shut him out and asked him to meet Governor Willie Obiano if he was hungry.

He said APGA has a constitution and 2014 relevant sections of the party as amended stipulates that it is through the National Convention convened for that purpose that can remove him if two-third majority of the members approved it.

“They are engaging in ego trip, a journey of no return. The exercise is a nullity, an ambush. The socalled Enugu High Court has no jurisdiction and the judgment would be consigned to dustbin,” Oye said.

Stressing that his lawyers has found 24 infractions in the judgment, Oye said some people were out to dupe the state and its people, insisting that APGA has come to stay and destined to be great.

He predicted that the party will win at least eight states in the 2019 general election and urged them to work hard for the return of Governor Obiano because their political rights were dependent on that.

“If he fails to return, we will all

11 Politics

Adamawa 2019: Group urges Bindow to re-contest

Tom Garba, Yola

A pro-democracy group under the umbrella of Mubi Youths Awareness Forum (MYAF) has made a passionate appeal to Governor Mohammed Umaru Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State to recontest in the 2019 governorship election in the state.

Leader of the group, Mr Yakubu Jibrilla who made the call while briefing newsmen in Yola, said that the giant strides achieved by the governor, qualifies him to be given another four years tenure.

He said that the development of the state under Bindow was unprecedented, calling on the people of the state to support the re-election of the governor.

“We have been in the state all this while, and several governments have come and gone, but we hardly experience this kind of development.

“Today all parts of the state have benefited from one project or the other under Bindow. We cannot afford to allow him vacate the government house after his four years, we must support

BINDOW

him to administer the state for another four years.

“We must support him to continue with the good work he is doing in the state.

“We owe the governor a lot but we shall demonstrate our appreciation by re-electing him for another term of four years.

“I therefore, call on all people in the state to support the project on the reelection of Gov. Bindow come 2019,” he said.

South-South group cautions Arewa youths, urges IPOB, MASSOB, others to drop agitation

OYE

be doomed. We must work hard to reap,” assuring that party members will get their fair share, if the governor is voted for second tenure.

The chairman of Caretaker Committee of Orumba North Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Afoka, said that there was no cause for alarm as the party still remained intact.

He also said they were not afraid of Obiano making it because he has touched every sector in the state and that is why they were backing him for second tenure.

He said “some people are living in the past glory. It does not work and will not in this election. It will not happen again. We are prepared to protect our votes. We are on the

ground” said Afoka who dismissed fears that APC will use Federal might to rig the 2017 governorship election in the state.

Speaking with newsmen, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Affairs and second VicePresident of Amalgamated Markets Traders of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Emma Ozoemena, said the visit to the National chairman has confirmed that there was no cause to despair.

He said the National chairman has given the accurate information and put things in proper situation, assuring that APGA in Orumba North was solidly behind Governor Obiano’s second term and will work to achieve that.

A South-South youths group under the aegis of Oil & Solid Mineral Producing Area Landlords Association of Nigeria (OMPALAN) has condemned the statement credited to the coalition of Northern youths, calling on the Igbos to quit the North before October 1.

According to the group, what Nigeria needs now is “Peace and Unity” which they noted is chief among the Vision & Mission of OMPALAN. The group in a statement signed by their leaders, Hon. Benjamin Ngokanya and Captain John Victor Etim, they frowned at the motive of the sponsors of the controversial order and wondered what the sponsors of the hate speech would say about IPOB members on solidarity march for Trump and about North East and Boko Haram that had cost the country so much resources and brought

her disrepute in the eyes of the international community.

They called on the authorities to look beyond the frontiers and appreciate the damage done to the image of Nigeria by Boko Haram within the comity of nations and take appropriate actions to check the unfolding distrust.

“If the Igbos are unfit to live in the North because they are allegedly causing problems for the Nigerian State, what do we say about the North East and Boko Haram?

“We cannot blame the entire Igbos or South East region for the isolated actions of a tiny but, vocal group (IPOB and MASSOP), in the same way the North East region cannot be blamed and penalised for the monumental destructions and killings occasioned by Boko Haram, which has cost the tax payer in Nigeria trillions

of Naira.

CVR: INEC moves to create additional centres in Lagos The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State says efforts are being made to create additional centres for Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) in 13 local government areas of the state.

Dr Mustapha Mudashiru, the Administrative Secretary of the commission in Lagos State, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

He said the commission had pushed for more centres, especially in 13 of the 20 council areas in the state to reduce crowd in existing centres.

He added that “we requested for additional centres, particularly for some peculiar local governments in Lagos State to further address some of the challenges facing CVR in a metropolitan city like Lagos.

“We are still awaiting formal approval by the commission.

“We made the case for additional centres in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, EtiOsa, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe,

Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Surulere, and Lagos Mainland local governments.

“We are hopeful that the commission will consider this and as soon as we get approval, we will put those centres into use.

“This will go a long way in reducing crowd at existing centres because it is one of the challenges we have been facing.”

The INEC boss said the commission was committed to bringing innovation and improvement to deliver its mandate to the people.

He commended eligible residents of the state for their eagerness and enthusiasm toward the exercise, stressing that statistics nationwide showed that Lagos was leading in the exercise.

According to him, the commission’s Voter Education Department is reaching out to tertiary institutions in the state to further increase awareness about the ongoing CVR. Mudashiru noted that the commission

had carried its publicity to University of Lagos, College of Education, Technical, Akoka and would visit other tertiary institutions in the state.

He urged the Lagos State government to complement the efforts of the commission in the area of publicity and enlightenment, saying it would go a long way in assisting those who may be unaware of the exercise.

On the high volume of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to the tune of 1.4 million, Mudashiru said majority of the owners of the cards had relocated, especially students who had completed their course of study.

He urged eligible residents to show interest in the exercise to avoid being disenfranchised in future elections, saying it was free.

INEC started the nationwide CVR on April 27 to capture those who attained 18 years of age and others who did not register or those seeking replacement or transfer.

PROF. YAKUBU

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Eid-el-Fitr: FG will do all it can to sustain Nigeria’s unity -Osinbajo

Continued from page 1

other in order to move the nation forward.

“Your ethnicity does not matter and that is why for us, unity is so important that we must work together to make sure that our country is able to take care of the millions of people we govern.

“God expects us to take care of the poor and those suffering, to ensure that we use government resources only in such a way that will be good for the majority of our people.’’

He re-echoed President Buhari’s sallah message to citizens,

saying that the country must remain united.

According to the acting president, the gains of unity include, love toward one another, integrity, enjoying the endowments of the nation, gaining respect globally and diversity among others.

“Our unity is not negotiable.

We should make sure that we remain united in order to enjoy the resources God has blessed Nigeria with.

“So many nations envy what we have as a nation.’’

The acting president used the opportunity to pray for President Buhari’s quick recovery and re-

turn to Nigeria, adding that “the President still has a lot to do for Nigeria’’.

“We are praying every day and we know that the Lord God Almighty who we serve will bring our President back in good health and that he will serve this nation with the same determination and the same spirit of oneness, the same spirit that he has always served this nation from when he was a young man.

“He will serve this nation and complete the period of his service in good health, in good shape and our country will be the better for it.’’

In his remarks, leader of the delegation and Minister of the FCT, Mohammed Bello, thanked security agencies, religious and traditional rulers in the territory for their efforts toward achieving peaceful co-existence among the diverse groups in the FCT. The minister noted that the kind of harmonious relationship being exhibited by the residents of the FCT needed to be replicated in other states of the federation.

According to him, paying Sallah homage is traditional and a mark of respect for the President.

Speakers at the event com-

mended the acting president for guiding the country so well in the absence of President Buhari, who is currently on medical vacation in London.

The Acting Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Mohammad Adamu and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, FCT chapter, Reverend Samson Jonah, offered prayers for the quick recovery of President Buhari.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, some members of the National Assembly and cabinet ministers were part of the delegation.

70 % of prison inmates are awaiting trial –Danbazau ÏÏÏ Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen.

Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), on Sunday, said that more than 70 per cent of inmates in Nigerian prisons were awaiting trial.

Dambazau disclosed this when he visited Kano central prison alongside the state governor to mark this year’s Eid-el Fitr celebration.

The minister said the decision to visit the prison was to show to the inmates that the government was aware of their existence. “”The high number of awaiting trial inmates is worrisome, because the prisons are meant for convicts, but you find out at the end of the day that more than 70 per cent of the people there are awaiting trial inmates,” he said.

He said that some of the inmates were supposed to stay for few years but ended up staying for up to 15 years while awaiting trial.

Dambazau, however, commended the state governor for giving a vast piece of land for the building of 3,000 capacity modern prison in the state.

Earlier, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, said he had secured the release of 50 inmates

and also approved the release additional 500 inmates in prisons across the state.

He said that the gesture was part of the activities to celebrate Eid-el Fitr celebration in the state.

Ganduje said the beneficiaries were selected based on gravity of their offence and sign of reformation while in prison.

He advised them to desist from acts that would warrant bringing them back to prison.

He also said the state government would assist them with some money to enable them travel back to their communities.

Accident scene involving two trucks on outward Ojuelegba, Lagos… on Sunday.

FG to launch new tax initiative, VAIDS June 29 Continued from page 1

Danbazau

‘Probe sources of weapons used by herdsmen’ Continued from page 6 The deceased are Mrs. Christiana Ariu of Eko-Ujeme quarters and Mrs. Matina Emoyon of Uzogolo quarters, both in Ewu. Obaseki observed that the ravaging activities of Fulani herdsmen had become a threat to national security.

The governor said that the state was currently working out modalities to curtail the activities of criminals who disguise as herdsmen in the state.

“We are coming up with certain measures to prevent what has just happened from happen-

PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

ing again in the future.

“We will be relying on every community to give us information on time, so that we can curb such situations before it happens again.

“If we had known that people have been in the bush with their cattle for a few weeks, we would have dislodged them from there.

“If it is to feed their cattle, then we will come up with methods where anybody who brings cattle can take them to a particular place, where everyone knows that they are there and the cattle cannot roam around”, the governor said.

concentrates on the national duty of all Nigerian companies and citizens to pay their taxes, wherever their income is earned, wherever they reside and no matter how rich they are.

Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio is one of the lowest in the world at 6%; and tax evasion leaves an unfair burden of payment on those who can afford it least – the poorest people in the country.

Regulatory change is enabling easier access to information across the world: International agreements, effective from 2018, make the exchange of banking information across borders, automatic.

The Daily Times recalls that Nigeria has signed agreements with a number of nations such as US, UK, Canada, UAE, Switzerland, Mauritius, Panama and Bahamas all of whom have pledged support and cooperation to exchange information that is relevant for tax purposes on citizens.

Accordingly, all tax evaders, when identified shall be subjected to the full force of Nigerian and

international law with an imprisonment term of up to five years.

There would be a severe extra penalties up to 100% of the outstanding tax due, compound interest at 21% per annum as well as forfeiture of assets.

Tax evaders are therefore given a one-off opportunity between July 1 and December 31, 2017 to regularise their tax status in exchange for immunity from prosecution of tax offences and a tax audit, and be absolved from penalty charges and interest.

Also, evaders who delay participation later than December 31, 2017 will be liable for interest on overdue tax balances; a provision for installmental payment has been built into the scheme.

Experts, international asset tracers and investigative specialists have been appointed to assist the Federal Government in tracing assets held by Nigerians across the globe.

Similar schemes in 2016 had been implemented successfully in India, Indonesia and South Africa. VAIDS will bring Nigeria in line with international best prac-

tice and contribute to worldwide efforts to tackle corruption.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said; “During the last eight years, Nigeria has failed to reduce its debt levels despite high oil prices and nominal GDP growth. We have inherited a situation where our debt and underdevelopment is getting worse not better. This cannot continue.”

“Neither can the behaviour of some of our richest citizens and multinationals operating in Nigeria – who seem to consider paying tax to be optional. From 2018, international law will make it easier than ever to track these evaders down and punish them.”

“This scheme is in line with similar initiatives launched during 2016 in India, Indonesia and South Africa. We know they work, we know it’s the right thing to do and the Treasury desperately needs the money.”

“Finally, the proceeds of this scheme will not disappear. We will provide regular updates on the funds collected to date, and how those funds are being put to very transparent use.”

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

s PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Youth unemployment in Nigeria

F

ormer president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo sometime ago raised alarm at the increasing unemployment in the country, especially among the youth, and stressed that if urgent steps are not taken to address it, “the country may be sitting on a keg of gun powder.”

Definitely, what the ex-president said is not new to Nigerians, given that the scale of unemployment in the country is approaching a catastrophic proportion. We are equally concerned at the stratospheric rise in unemployment and the consequences it is having on national development. It is a truism that the rate of unemployment is rising and unless this is resolved, the country would be facing a precarious future of restive citizenry.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s unemployment rate has averaged 14.60 percent on yearly basis since 2004.

There is no gainsaying the fact that high unemployment is responsible for increase in the level of frustration and high rate of crime in the country.

It is equally disheartening that despite Nigeria’s vast human and material resources, gross mismanagement, profligate spending, poor leadership and corruption by public officials have stymied the optimal utilisation of these resources in such a way that they would bring maximum economic benefits and employment generation to the citizenry.

Of course, unemployment is widely regarded as a major social and economic global problem, even as the consequences have obvious and well-documented links to economic disadvantages. For example, the unemployed lack the wherewithal to

Publisher/Editor in Chief Group Managing Director Noel Anosike Group General Manager Olisa Egbunike 08034004224 Head, Operations Isaiah Udo 08033230673

purchase goods and services.

Therefore, where unemployment is high, investors are reluctant to invest in the production of goods or the provision of services because when production and consumption are down, there is no opportunity to get a return on their investment.

Aside adding to the economic imbalance of the society, unemployment also means that people have less money to pay income tax and less income to spend on goods and services. Moreover, inability to find work by youths usually creates a sense of vulnerability, helplessness and idleness, which in turn heightens the attraction to crimes and criminal tendencies.

Social commentators have for long argued that the worsening employment crisis in Nigeria is partly a reflection of government’s inability to design policies that will create more jobs, or provide the enabling environment to encourage individuals and the private sectors to expand employment opportunities without let or hindrance.

Therefore, it is imperative that all levels of government come up with clear policies to address the complex unemployment conundrum. Most importantly, there is need to counsel those seeking higher education to pursue relevant courses that would equip them for the job.

In addition, the federal, states, local government and private sector should establish skills acquisition centres to train low and middle level manpower for the economy. Over all, it is important to recognise the fact that Nigeria is in a race against time to address the present job crisis. In short, the reality of unemployment is a problem that may take years to resolve, but must be tackled with urgency.

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Dr. Okey Anueyiagu (r), with painter, Chinyere Odunukwe, admiring Chinyere’s painting at the ongoing Nkolika Nsukka School Exhibition in Victoria Island Lagos… on Sunday.

R-L: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; former Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Ikuinyi Ibani, during the Election Thanksgiving Service in honour of the Majority Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, at St Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu Kingdom, Rivers State … on Sunday.

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Comrade Taiwo Akerele and Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Sheik Abdul Fatai Enebulele at the Ed- El-Fitr celebration at the Government House, Benin… on Sunday.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26 , 2017

Cleric urges Nigerians to flee divisive tendencies, utterances

Edem Edem, Calabar

The spiritual leader of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Leader Olumba Olumba Obu, has called on Nigerians to flee from any divisive tendencies, utterances and learn to forgive one another and appealed to Muslims leaders to continue to live in peace and love with one another.

Leader Obu stated this while receiving large number of Muslims and Hausa leaders based in Cross River State, led by the supreme leader of Islamic organization and Hausa/Fulani’s communities in the state, Alhaji Salisu Abba Lawan who visited.

He congratulated the set for successfully completing their fast maintaining that fast draws one nearer to God and their visit has fostered greater peace.

He said the whole essence of his organisation was all about peaceful living of all races and nationalities.

“Nigerians must flee from any divisive tendencies, utterances and learn to forgive one another” he stated. The reli-

gious leader however said the Almighty God does not cherish division, hate, violence but love for all irrespective of religious or tribal leanings.

Theheadof thedelegation,Alhaji Lawan praised the spiritual leader for devoting his resources and energies towards love, peace and unity of humanity and religions. He however enjoined the spiritual leader not to relent on his commitment at praying for peace and consolidate on brotherhood living.

He added that it was for this purpose that in the spirit of Ramadan, all the Muslims, especially the Hausa and Fulani’s communities in the state decided to visit to appreciate and to partner with the spiritual organisation to foster greater peace and understanding amongst the many ethnic, religious and tribal groups in the state and country.

The visit was held at the international headquarters of the spiritual organisation in Calabar, 34 Ambo street, Calabar.

The visit featured the donation of undisclosed amount to the Muslim Leaders towards the building of a proposed mosque

N-Power: FG explains reasons for delay in payment of some volunteers Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

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The federal government has absolved itself and the various state governments, particularly the coordinators of its youth employment scheme, N-Power, of responsibilities over the no payments of some oof the volunteers of the programme in the state.

Making the clarifications at the weekend, a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Mr. Afolabi Imoukhuede, said that the few persons who were yet to be paid were still having issues bothering particularly on irregularities in their bank details, especially the Bank Verificationh Number (BVN).

The presidential aide, particularly noted that in Delta state, out of the 7,149 volunteers who were engaged in the programme, 5,916 were beirng paid as at May, this year, adding that 857 others were just cleared and paid last week.

He explained that while others were still having issues relating to their BVN as their accounts could not be verified by the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), 140 of the volunteers in the state do not have record of bank accounts, hence, they could not be paid.

While urging those affected to go and rectify their BVN challenges, the Presidential aide held that the programme is already growing in leaps and bounds as according to him, the current ongoing re-

cruitment has attained a major milestone by reaching 1.1 million graduate applicants within one week.

The presidential aide who used the forum to pay glowing tribute to three N-power volunteers in the state who established a mini laboratory at the Primary Healthcare Centre, (PHC) at Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area by pulling their funds together, advised others to take a cue from them by forming synergies and cooperating among themselves, in order to benefit from the government programes for cooperative.

While urging the volunteers to take their work seriously, he warned that those who perpetually absented from work or were irregular in attendance would be demobilised and replaced with applicants who are serious and desire the job. ‘’When you do not show seriousness through diligence, no one will take you seriously,’’ he said, just as he urged the volunteers to also use the opportunity to develop investment plans or pattern for themselves.

On her part, the focal person for the exercise in Delta State, and Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DSMSMEDA), Mrs. Shimite Bello said that the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is irrevocably committed to ensuring that the programme succeeds in the state.

Members of Nasrul-Lahi-l Fatih Society (NASFAT) and other worshippers, led by Acting Chief Missioner, NASFAT, Alhaji Morufu Onike-Abdul Azeez, during the Eid-El-Fitr celebration at Lagos State Old Secretariat, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos… on Sunday. Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Transparency crucial for advancement of better Nigeria– AG Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

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The Auditor-General of the Federation (AuGF), Mr. Anthony Mkpe Ayine, has emphasized that transparency is very essential in advancing a better Nigeria for the benefit of all.

Mr Ayine noted that the essence of audit is for value addition and the office of the AuGF was desirous of having a good working relationship and add value to the operations of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC).

He said this during a visit to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu on Thursday in Abuja.

During the visit the Minister identified the role of the OAuGF as crucial to the achievement of the Nation’s developmental goals.

Kachukwu, who identified audit as an important element of governance, said the OAuGF has the onerous responsibility of ensuring that Fedral Government resources are well managed and utilized.

He explained that the Management of the Corporation intends to continue with its open door policy approach and will always be ready to engage and respond positively to issues raised by stakeholders in clearing areas of doubt in its operations.

Dr Kachukwu revealed that the Ministry has transmitted from being a supervisory body to a huge income driving Ministry with over $10 billion income earning capacity despite falling crude oil prices.

In his presentation the Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr Anthony Ayine said the OAuGF has a critical and constitutional mandate of ensuring that all revenue due to the Federation of Nigeria are received and fully accounted for and also to ensure that any revenue generating leakages are identified and reported on, with appropriate recommendations, hence the need for the Ministry of Petroleum Resource, NNPC Group and the OAuGF to have a good

working relationship.

Speaking further, The Auditor-General pointed out the necessity for the authorized staff of the OAuGf to have access to subsidiary documents of Joint Ventures Operational and also carry out checks in the Liquefied Natural Gas Companies. He said this is necessary for the purpose of transparency, accountability and in the national interest.

Mr Ayine also noted that the Financial Regulations (FR) 3210(v) provides, that Audited Accounts of bodies established by the Acts of Parliament (parastatals) should be submitted to the OAuGF not later than 31st May, of the following year.

He therefore appealed for compliance to the rules.

Lastly, the AuGF requested for assistance in the areas of capacity building for some of the officers of the OAuGF in some relevant technical areas of oil and gas sector.

In his response to the AuGF observations and requests, the Honourable

Minister who noted that the visit is the first of any AuGF to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on assumption of office promise to cooperate fully with the OAuGF. He assured that when the Ministry is doing the audit of its joint ventures and companies, the OAuGF would be involved and included in the team. He also gave the assurance that the Ministry will ensure that representatives of OAuGF have easy access to all the documents they require to carry out their audit checks.

Dr Kachukwu gave the assurance of the willingness of the Ministry to assist with the training of some officers of the OAuGF, including engaging them in internship programmes.

The Minister revealed that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has observed some gaps and also identified some differences in the operations of its Agencies and the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, (NEITI).

Chanchaga Water Works: Gov Bello directs release of water to Minna metropolis Saka Bolaji, Minna

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Niger state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has directed the state Ministry of Water Resources and Dam Development, to commence release of water to Minna metropolis.

The governor gave the directive when he paid an unscheduled visit to Chanchaga water works at the

weekend.

He said the directive became necessary following the continuous total rehabilitation and upgrading of the water works aimed at finding permanent solution to perennial water scarcity in Minna Metropolis.

Governor Bello said the exercise was also to ease water challenges being faced by residence of the metropolis as well as offer

experts from the ministry opportunity to identify leakages, burst pipes and other challenges with a view to solving them preparatory to full utilization of the water works.

“Based on the level of work done so far, it is now time water was released in order to identify other key challenges in the water works value-chain. Above all, this will reduce water

challenges faced by residence. Again, once water is released residents across Minna will be convinced more than ever of our commitment to finding permanent solution to water challenges in Minna.“ Governor Bello said that one of the top priorities of the administration is addressing water challenges in the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

APC petitions EFCC over alleged diversion of relief materials for Bakasi IDPs Edem Edem, Calabar

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Ostensiblely stemming from the flurry of complaints emanating from Cross River State Government, Senator Florence Ita Giwa and the Internally Displaced People (IDP) of Bakassi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) South South has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to urgently commence investigations on the matter.

This, the party said, is awith a view to ascertaining the whereabouts the materials estimated at millions of naira.

The party demanded for prompt intervention to stop the deluge of attack that may lead to tension in Bakassi in particular and Cross River State in general.

The opposition party in a

petition titled ‘Shortchanging of Bakassi people, incitement against Senator Florence Ita-Giwa: A Call for Prompt and Thorough Investigations and Prosecution,’ made available to our correspondent dated June 19th 2017, requested for thorough investigations and accordingly prosecute perpetrators of the act of sabotage and crime against humanity.

In the petition signed by the National Vice Chairman (South South) Ntufam Hilliard Eta, the party said the issue in question is the orchestrated plot by the Senator Ben Ayade junta to incite the people of Bakassi Local Government Area against their political leader, Senator Ita-Giwa and by extension cause her violent attack and embarrassment by her people.

“We recall that recently there was a fire outbreak at

Atai Ema Community in Dayspring Island, Bakassi local government area following which, Senator ItaGiwa demonstrated her humanitarian and leadership disposition by requesting the intervention of the federal government to assuage the plight of the victims” “The National Commission for Refugees responded by donating relief materials to the victims after the Commission in concert with the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. John Inaku, some SEMA officials and media personnel from the NTA, Channels TV, AIT, CRBC, Punch and The Nation Newspapers visited to confirm and ascertain the level of damage.

“Princess Ita-Giwa had suggested that the relief items be kept in the custody of SEMA pending distribution to the

victims. That suggestion was actually accepted as the SEMA DG, Mr. Inaku took delivery of the said items for custody. However, few days after the custody of the materials, the Governor, we are told directed the DG of SEMA to release the items to a committee, members of whom were all drawn from the PDP” the petition added The committee, Eta disclosed, had since evacuated the relief items from the SEMA store purporting to distribute same to the victims but has not delivered and or distributed same to the affected persons, an indication that the items must have been diverted. In fact, we have it on good authority that the items have been distributed amongst cronies and politicians loyal to Prof.

Ayade without recourse to the affected persons.

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DHQ assures public of safety of lives, property Andrew Orolua, Abuja

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The military has assured the public of their safety and property in any part of the country.

A statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Major general John Enenche, on Friday, said the assurance became necessary following “so many requests in the recent past, to know from the Military about the safety of Nigerians living in parts of the country, other than their aboriginal habitats.”

“As such, it behooves on the Defence Headquarters to reassure the general public that all lives and property in Nigeria are secured and safe at any location they reside.”

“Thus, the Armed Forces of Nigeria are constantly on surveillance

and in collaboration with other security agencies to curb acts capable of distorting the peace.”

He said that members of the general public are requested to immediately report suspicious movements and any act that points to creating any situation of insecurity to lives and property to the nearest security agency.

Other means such as the Nigerian Army call Centre, short code 193 and email: na.callcentre@ army.mil.org should be readily utilised.

“The Armed Forces hereby reaffirms its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians living in any part of the country.

Therefore, all should go about their normal life wherever they are living without fear or intimidation,” the DHQ stated.

Fight against crime: Delta police introduces community e-surveillance scheme Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Cross-section of people boarding free train ride from Lagos Train service terminus to Osogbo, Osun State, provided by the Osun State Government for the EidEl-Fitr celebration… at the weekend.

Stakeholders task NASS on direct capture of vulnerable groups in Constitution Miriam Humbe, Abuja

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The non-direct mention of women, girls and the physically challenged who are the vulnerable groups in society is a source of concern to stakeholders, who have urged the National Assembly to ensure their direct capture in the laws.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006 and came into force on May 3, 2008 as the first legally binding international instrument with comprehensive protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, and sets out the legal obligations on states to promote and protect these rights worldwide as stated in United Nations

Enable, 2008–2011a.

Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Shettima Bukar-Abba and the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), Abuja chapter, Theresa Ngozi Ikenga, while speaking exclusively to The Daily Times in Abuja, strongly advocated for same.

Bukar-Abba said: “There is also, no direct reference to gender issues, people of physical disabilities. We want them to be directly mentioned in the laws, not to generalise, equity and all these things. These are vulnerable groups and we need them to be mentioned directly”.

He said talks were ongoing between the FCC and Nation-

al Assembly on this issue “and they are cooperating.

They have been assisting us.

We have already given them our own submission. I was made to understand that it would have passed second reading in the House of Reps or Senate.”

Although he was not certain about the current position, Bukar-Abba added that “as at last year, I know that this has been tabled in front of the Houses. This year, we hope more things will be coming in and there might be some changes in the law”.

According to Ikenga, “FIDA is really concerned about the plight of women, children and the physically challenged ones. Unfortunately, the constitution did not really make specific pro-

visions on these areas. FIDA believes that these areas of interest should be specifically taken care of.

“What we have in the Constitution is a general thing saying women are protected where we have fundamental rights; chapter four of the Constitution that says there is freedom from discrimination. And we know that it is women who are usually discriminated against in our society.

“So we feel that that area does not specifically speak about women, but covers women to an extent. Another area that says women are protected in the Constitution is the area of punishment for rape but of late, we have seen too that men can be raped,” she added.

Determined to ensure better policing, the Delta State Police Command, in partnership with Sunny Crown Technologies is to introduce Community e-Surveillance Scheme.

The scheme will feature the official inauguration of the Intruder Alarm and Public CCTV Monitoring Centre, in Asaba, the state Capital.

The public launch of the scheme, according to Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Andrew Aniamaka will take place on Tuesday, July 11 2017 at the Christian Police Chapel, Command Headquarters, Asaba.

DSP Aniamaka said that the platform is for integration of public/private partnership policing with state of the art technologies.

He said that athe idea is in response to challenges of community policing in contemporary and modern policing in our country and called on persons, organisations, hotels, institutions and communities to embrace it.

The police image maker said that when fully operational in the state, criminals will have no hiding place, but it will enhance crime management as the identity of suspects will be recorded b the gadgets to be connected to compounds without the knowledge of hoodlums.

Also speaking, the Senior Project Consultant, Community e-Surveillance Scheme, Delta State Police Command Platform, Mr. Adewale Adetunji, said that the inauguration of

the platform in Delta State will enhance public security.

According to him, ‘’this platform is established for integration of public/private partnership policing for effective and continuous surveillance of designated locations linked to the platform to curtail pervasive criminal threats in real time.’’

He said that with the launch of the platform, members of the public are required to register their homes and business premises so that such locations can be equipped with real time intruder detection and notification systems, thereby strengthening security around our homes, business concerns and otaher valuables facilities and installations.

Mr. Adetunji who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Sunny Crown Technologies said ‘’integrating your existing cameras and intruder detection system on the new platform will further provide security coverage for the entire community and facilities, thereby eliminating threats to lives and property within any given location linked to the platform.’’

According to him, ‘’the essence of the whole thing is to enhance community policing with better modern technology that will imrpve upon crime fighting and prevention in society.’’

Meanwhile, a Pentecostal Pastor in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state, (named withheld) was at the weekend allegedly caught having sex on the church alter with the wife of one of the member.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION Jonathan’s cousin distributed $40m loot to other coys, says witness Stories by Andrew Orolua Abuja

Mr. David Nkpe, the 10th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin, Azibaola Robert, wife, Stella and company, Oneplus, said on Friday that the sum of $40 million paid to the defendant’s bank account was distributed to several companies’ accounts after the payment was made by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The witness, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who investigated the alleged crime told Justice Nnami Dimgba that the commission discovered that the $40 million payment by the ONSA was for a ‘Safe House’, but he could not explain to the judge what a safe house is.

His attempt to explain what a safe house is was vehemently objected by the defendant’s counsel who said the witness was shopping for an explanation.

The defendant’s objection was subsequently upheld by the judge.

But “the mandate instruction shows that the payment was for a Safe House Project. But I did not confirm the property to be Safe House,” Nkpe said.”

He went on: “We investigated the utilisation of the funds and discovered that the funds were transferred to other companies including Bureau de Change and some of the funds transferred offshore to countries like London and United Arab Emirates”.

He added that, “Another sum of $1.493 million was transferred to ‘Kakatar El Ltd’ which is also a company under One Plus Holdings; a sum of $2million was transferred to ‘Capitafield Investment Ltd’ and another $330,000 transferred to

Acting EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu (1st right); Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (3rd right); Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro (2nd left) and others at the commissioning of Ibadan Zonal office of the EFCC ... recently

a company called ‘Teledom’.”

Friday’s trial session came to an abruptly end following the pleading of Sylvanus Tahir, the counsel for the prosecution for an adjournment. He told the judge, he had another criminal matter in another court.

Although the defendants were ready to cross examine the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operative, Tahir who on Wednesday secured the court nod to filed additional proof of evidence, asked the court to grant an adjournment to enable him attend another court.

“My Lord, I am in a difficult situation again just as I was on Wednesday and I need your authorisation to leave this matter and attend to another one in another court”.

Tahir pleaded with the judge, who was taken aback by the request and wondered

why prosecution did not come prepared to go on with the case after two adjournments in a week.

Trouble had started for the prosecution when it tried to introduce some extraneous documents which were not listed in the proof of evidence and served on the defendants as required by the court, the defendants vehemently objected to the move and a heated argument between the two parties.

The development forced the judge to stand down the matter for one hour to enable the prosecution to furnish the defendants with the ‘fresh evidence’.

But upon resumption, the EFCC counsel suddenly rose up and asked the judge for permission to attend to another matter in a different court, a development that took the judge aback.

Court okays EFCC’s bid for more proof of evidence against Omokore The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to file additional proof of evidence in the trial of Jide Omokore and five others over $1.6bn fraud.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, in granting the request, ruled that the jurisdiction of courts to try offences is prescribed and dominated by statues.

He stated this while ruling on the application by the prosecution to file additional evidences against the defendants.

Justice Dimgba said that going by the amended charge filed by the prosecution, there is no doubt that they are offences creating statutes which gave the court jurisdiction.

He added that the essence of practice direction is not intended to take away jurisdiction of the court even when it had been granted the jurisdictions.

He said Section 379 (2) of the ACJA,

provides that the prosecution can at any time before judgment file additional evidence.

“That section does not contain any restriction as to admission of additional evidence, nor does it say that it is only evidence that is placed that can be review”, he ruled.

He further stated that where additional evidence is brought by the prosecution, the approach is not for the defence to seek for the charge to be dismissed.

“It is for the defendant to sort for more time and this is not what the defendant has asked of the court”, the judge stated.

Counsel to Abiye Membere (5th defendant), Folabi Uti, in his argument against the application said that with a new proof of evidence being filed there was need for the defendant to approach the court for interpretation.

“The prosecution have concluded investigation that is why the defendant is in court, bringing more evidence means

when the charge was filed investigation was on-going”, he submitted.

Responding, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs(SAN), said the purpose of front loading and serving the defence is to enable them prepare.

He said Sec. 379(2) of Administration and Criminal Justice Act, states that the prosecution can file notice of additional evidence before judgment and there is no time or limit given in the section.

It would be recalled that Omokore was arraigned alongside Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, and David Mbanefo, on an amended nine count charge of corruption and money laundering.

They were alleged to have diverted the sum of $1.6bn said to be part of proceeds from the sale of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.

Two of Omokore’s companies, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited, and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited, were also joined as defendants.

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Misconduct: LPPC withdraws rank of SAN, privileges from Nwofor

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LLPC) has withdrawn the esteemed rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Mr. B.E Nwofor A withdrawal letter dated 22nd day of June 2017 signed by Ahmed Gambo Saleh Esq, the Chief Registrar of Supreme Court and Secretary, Legal Practitioners’ privileges Committee LPPC, was served on Nwofor on Friday.

The LPPC said it took the decision at its 126th General Meeting where it considered complaints filed by Court of Appeal against Nwofor and Nwofor responses to the same complaints.

“The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee at its 126th General meeting held on 22 of June 2017 considered extensively the complaints filed by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria against B.E I. Nwofor Esq, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, with his response to same and all material facts and have decided that B.E I. Nwofor Esq, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria conducted himself in a manner, unbecoming of a holder of the esteemed rank of a “Senior Advocate of Nigeria”.

The letter reads in part, “By the reason of the foregoing, the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, including its privileges has been withdrawn from B.E.I Nwofor Esq. forthwith.”

Though letter did not details of Nwofor’s misconducts that earned him demotion in rank, reliable sources said the Court of Appeal of complaints might not be unconnected with allegations of N350million bribe Nwofor leveled against Justice Jumai Sankey the Chairman of the Court of Appeal three-man panel that later disqualified themselves from sitting over the Ondo State PDP leadership tussle and by extension Ali Modu Sheriff and Ahmed Makarfi factions crisis.

The allegations was contained in a petition by Biyi Poroye against the three-member panel of judges when Nwofor was his lead lawyer.

In the petition sent to the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, Biyi Poroye claimed that the justices of the appellate court over the matter received a N350 million bribe to rule in favour of the Makarfi faction.

The bribe, Poroye - a factional chairman of the Ondo chapter of the party - alleged was received from the former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

Also, Poroye in an affidavit said he believed the judges had been compromised on the grounds that Justice Jumai Sankey was allegedly prone to corruption.

The petitioner said Sankey had also been sick for a long while – five years – and therefore prone to corruption.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION ICPC has powers to investigate anybody in Nigeria, Judge insists Andrew Orolua, Abuja

Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has affirmed the powers of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations of corrupt practices made against any person or authority in Nigeria, even if the allegations arose in civil disputes.

This was a fall-out of the ruling of the judge when he dismissed a suit filed by seven persons against the Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation challenging their invitation by ICPC during the investigation of a matter involving them and one of Nigeria’s notable legal practitioners.

In the suit with number FHC/L/ CS/1315/2015 between High Chief Waheed Gbadamosi Eletu, S.B. Joseph, SAN, A. A. Agbojuaje, Esq, Mr Ashimi and 4 others vs ICPC and Attorney General of the Federation, filed

by Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa, Esq the claimants, four members of the Eletu Family of Lagos, two lawyers and a surveyor had sued to challenge their invitation, the freezing of bank accounts and investigation by ICPC over an alleged dispute with Chief Afe Babalola, SAN on payment of professional fees of $10m in respect of his legal services which led to the recovery of a vast expanse of land for the Eletu family in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State at the Supreme Court.

The applicants were claiming a total of N600m damages for alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

In a judgement dismissing the claim, Hon. Justice Rilwan Aikawa held that following the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Attorney General of Ondo State vs Attorney General of the Federation and 36 Others (2002), that ICPC had a statutory duty to investigate allegations of corrupt practices made against any person or authority in Nigeria and that neither the claimants nor the court has the discretion to stop a statutory agency of government from performing its duties.

Hon Justice Aikawa further agreed with the submission of ICPC’s counsel, E. A. Shogunle, Esq, that the 1st Respondent, ICPC, had established that there were reasonable grounds to suspect that certain high-ranking public officials and lawyers acted in abuse of their offices to facilitate a breach of contract with Chief Afe Babalola in order to confer corrupt advantage upon themselves in violation of sections 19 and 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

The judge further held that paragraph 10 of the counter affidavit of the 1st Respondent established that there were reasonable grounds to invite the applicants to assist in the investigation, noting also that ICPC was not at liberty to disclose the identity of the petitioner and suspects until investigation was completed. He however cautioned that the investigation “should not last till eternity”.

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Ayine urges Auditors-General to synergise to enhance FG’s anti-graft war Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr. Anthony Ayine, on Friday, tasked auditors-general at all levels of government to work in synergy to boost the Federal Government’s war on corruption.

Ayine made the call in a statement signed by Mrs. O Ogunmosunle, the Head, Media and Public Relations, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation in Abuja.

Ayine spoke when a team of AuditorsGeneral for Local Governments in the Federation led by its Chairman, Mr. Reuben Nwosu, visited him in his office.

He said the Office of the Auditor-General required independence to make the desired impact.

He commended move by the National Assembly on the proposed amendment for the independence of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) and the states.

“I strongly support the position that the National Assembly should effect an amendment to specifically include the Office of Auditors-General for Local Governments (AGLG) in the Constitu-

tion.

“This will not only guarantee the independence of the Office of the AGLG, but will give confidence as well as enhance job performance at that critical level of auditing for public accountability.

“The House of Representatives has passed the Audit Bill presented to it by my Office.

“I am also optimistic that the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will also concur and pass the Audit Bill into law.

“When this is passed into law, it will strengthen the performance of the OAuGF, to achieve professional, administrative and financial independence, ’’he said.

Ayine pledged the commitment of the office of the Auditor-General to ensure that same were replicated at the state and local government levels, for the mutual benefit of Nigerians afterwards.

He said that the OAuGF had appointed a contact person to coordinate the joint collaborative efforts of all levels of the Offices of the Auditors-General in the country.

According to him, the move has become imperative because of the peculiarity of the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI), Nigeria, which has Auditor-General in all the three tiers: Federal, State and Local Governments.

According to the statement, the Chairman of the Conference of AuditorsGeneral for Local Governments in the Federation congratulated Ayine on his appointment as Auditor-General for the Federation.

Nwosu expressed confidence that the Auditor-General would promote transparency, accountability and integrity in the Public Financial Reporting of the Federal Government.

He implored the Auditor-General to sustain the Supreme Audit Institutions, (SAIs) in Nigeria, which are about 73, and ensure uniformity in practice, transparency, accountability and peer-review mechanisms in the institutions.

He, however, encouraged Ayine to ensure that SAIs, Nigeria under his watch and leadership showed clear commitment and collaboration with the Federal Government in its efforts in the anti-corruption drive.

“This should be shown in the public financial management of the Federal, State and Local Governments, ’Nwosu said.

Anti-graft war: EFCC rewards 25 youths The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rewarded 25 youths with Net book laptops with Bribe Buster application for joining the Commission in the anti-corruption campaign through their art works.

The Director, Public Affairs of the commission, Mr. Osita Nwajah, presented the gifts to the youths during the launch of the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI), an NGO, in Lagos.

Nwajah, who represented the commission’s Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, said that the commission had been in a partnership with the Creative Youth Initiative against Corruption (CYIAC) sponsored by Prof. Wole Soyinka.

According to him, the 25 recipients emerged from the three-month intensive creative programme organised by the commission to curb corruption through creative development.

The director noted that the students, aged between nine and 14 years, showcased their talents in painting, drama, poetry and singing.

“The Net Book, a mini laptop, is packaged with educational materials and Bribe Buster application; an animated video series for children and youth developed by TRACE International, USA, for the purpose of advancing commercial transparency worldwide.”

Nwajah said that the commission was very delighted to be identified with the CYIAC, stressing that its involvement in the project was a deliberate effort at

achieving a corrupt-free Nigeria.

“Corruption is fighting back and it is easy to be discouraged; but the EFCC will do all it can within its powers to ensure that corruption is fought to the barest minimum.

“One of the ways to achieve the preventive mandate of the commission is

Magu, acting EFCC chairman

to support this initiative. The CYIAC is a corruption preventive initiative of the EFCC. “It kicked off in October 2016 and is committed to lead change in children and youth by eradicating corruption through character (attitude) and skill (aptitude) development for the positive advancement of Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Mr. Foluke Michael, the Project Director of the CYIAC, said that the project was aimed at creating corruption awareness in children and youths, adding that the objective had been achieved through various forms of art.

The Chairperson of CYCDI, Chief Oyenike Okundaye, in her remark, said that her organization would provide the necessary support and platform to ensure that CYCDI delivered its objectives of building a new Nigeria.

She said that the platform would engage children, youths, women and the creative community for the advancement of the nation.

The CYCDI is an NGO that aims to empower children, youths and women through creative development, to support the creative industry.

It also seeks to support other community development projects by promoting creativity, entrepreneurial skills, empowerment programmes and wealth creation in children, youths and women in Africa.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

21 Public Notice

OSENI ADESOLA JUMAI

ESTHER OLUFUNKE ADEPEGBA

KEHINDE VICTORIA OMOTORO

MRS. EMMANUELLA DANIEL AKPEYI

MAFE FALILAT ADEJUMOKE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as GARUBA ADESOLA JUMAI, now wish to be known and addressed as OSENI ADESOLA JUMAI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BUKOLA ESTHER ADEOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ESTHER OLUFUNKE ADEPEGBA. All former documents remain valid.

PEERLESS & FLAWLESS CLEANERS LIMITED, UBA and general public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as ERHIRHIE VICTORIA OMOTORO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KEHINDE VICTORIA OMOTORO. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EBERI-KALU EMMANUELLA UWAEZU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. EMMANUELLA DANIEL AKPEYI due to change in my marital status. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as DELEGUN FALILAT ADEJUMOKE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MAFE FALILAT ADEJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, MURAINA BULIYAMINU AREMU, AND B. AREMU, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, MURAINA BULIYAMINU AREMU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS ORJI CHIDIMMA LOVETH

CORRECTION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

FLORENCE OKORONKWO METCHIE

UGWUABOR

I, formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM ALLI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ABRAHAM ALLI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as FLORENCE MAXIMUS (NEE OKORONKWO), now wish to be known, called and addressed as FLORENCE OKORONKWO METCHIE. All former documents remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed asUGWUABOR CYNTHIA OLUCHI now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUALOR OLUCHI CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHUKWU I formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWU JANE UJUNWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOLO JANE UJUNWA. All former documents remain valid.

UNIZIK and General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NKECHI EUPHEMIA NWATU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NKECHI EUPHEMIA EGBELI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABRAHAM ALLI

KENE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS KENE NDIDIAMAKA AMANDA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKEKE NDIDIAMAKA AMANDA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UGWU AMARACHI FRANKLYN I formerly known and addressed as UGWU AMARACHI N. D now wish to be known and addressed asUGWU AMARACHI FRANKLYN. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OGWU KENECHUKWU FIDELIS I formerly known and addressed asAKACHUKWU KELECHUKWU FAVOUR now wish to be known and addressed as OGWU KENECHUKWU FIDELIS. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME CHUKWUEMEKA JONATHAN NWOBODO and PRINCE JONATHAN CHUKWUEMEKA NWOBODO refer as one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed asPRINCEWILL JONATHAN CHUKWUEMEKA NWOBODO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

MRS. ONWUASO OLUCHI PRECIOUS

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGOCHUKWU OLUCHI PRECIOUS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ONWUASO OLUCHI PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid.

General Public please take note.

NWATU

NENGI I formerly known and addressed as NENGI BRAIDE AWOU now wish to be known and addressed asNENGI ZANE BROWN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS OKORIE ADA VIRGINIA

MRS OGBO NDIDI BIANCA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKORONKWO ADA VIRGINIA and MRS ELEKWACHI ADA VIRGINIA now wish to be known and addressed asMRS OKORIE ADA VIRGINIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OTU NDIDI BIANCA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OGBO NDIDI BIANCA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS ONYENKWELU CHINYERE MARIA

OMOKWE FELICIA CHINASA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EKWE CHINYERE MARIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ONYENKWELU CHINYERE MARIA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OMOKWE BLESSING CHINASA now wish to be known and addressed as OMOKWE FELICIA CHINASA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS CLETUS HAPPINESS

MRS OKOROAFOR EBERECHI JULIET

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NWAOKOCHA HAPPINESS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CLETUS HAPPINESS. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME That I was formerly known and addressed as FREDRICK EZEKIEL that I now wish to add EMUGHELLI to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed asFREDRICK EZEKIEL EMUGHELLI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

ODIHEKACHI CHIDERA VICTORY

I, formerly known and addressed as Master CHIDERA VICTORY UZOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as Master ODIHEKACHI CHIDERA VICTORY. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IZENWATA EBERECHI JULIET now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOROAFOR EBERECHI JULIET. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWATALIE

I formerly known and addressed as NWATALIE FRANCISCA NGOZI now wish to be known and addressed as NWATALIE FRANCA NGOZI. All former documents remain valid.

BANKS and General public please take note.

OLISAKWE CHINENYE GLORIA

I formerly known and addressed asONSAKWE CHINENYE GLORIA now wish to be known and addressed as OLISAKWE CHINENYE GLORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBO IYKE SAMSON

I formerly known and addressed as AGBO IYK OCEAN now wish to be known and addressed as AGBO IYKE SAMSON. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General public please take note.

OKADIGBO VIVIAN AFOMA

I formerly known and addressed as AKPAMGBO VIVIAN OGUNDU now wish to be known and addressed asOKADIGBO VIVIAN AFOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MR IWEAJUNWA PROMISE CHIEDOZIE

I formerly known and addressed as MR ODOEGBULAM PROMISE CHIEDOZIE now wish to be known and addressed as MR IWEAJUNWA PROMISE CHIEDOZIE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LUCKY EMMANUELLA NKEIRUKA

This is to notify the general public of loss of original Land Document, belonging to MR. ANTHONY ODO C. of A/4 Aldorton Road Layout, G.R.A, Enugu C of O Reg. as 14/14/1385 Power of Attorney Reg. as 72/72/1486.

Deed of Assignment Reg. as 19/19/1505, 98/98/1571 and 10/10/1646 Enugu Land Registry. All efforts to trace it proved abortive. If found please return to Ministry of Land Enugu.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEAJAM EMMANUELLA NKEIRUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as LUCKY EMMANUELLA NKEIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public please take note.

ADEBAYO OMATAYO MOYAWO

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. DADA OMATAYO MOYAWA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEBAYO OMATAYO MOYAWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OBILONU CHIMA BONNIFACE

I, formerly known and addressed as OBILONU CHIMA, now wish to be known and addressed as OBILONU CHIMA BONNIFACE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYIBE CHIDIMMA LOVETH now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ORJI CHIDIMMA LOVETH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS ABAH ANULIKA CHRISTIANA

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EZEUGO ANULIKA CHRISTIANA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ABAH ANULIKA CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MISS ANEKE CATHRINE CHIKAODINAKA

I formerly known and addressed as MRS ANEKE CATHRINE CHIKAODINAKA OKONKWO now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ANEKE CATHRINE CHIKAODINAKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as BAMGBOSE SULEMAN ADEDIMEJI ORIYOMI now wish to be known, called and addressed as DIMEJI-BAMGBOSE SULEMAN ORIYOMI All documents names remain valid Banks, Immigrations, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

that the name ALIU ZAINAB BLESSING and ALIU ZAINAB ATEKEGBE, refers as one and the same person; now wish to be known and addressed as ALIU ZAINAB ATEKEGBE. All former documents remain valid general public should please take note

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

that JAMES MARY IFEOMA ARUA refer as one and the same person as JAMES MARY IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and General public take note.

MRS. EZE NKEIRUKA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEREAFOR NKEIRUKA,now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EZE NKEIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

MRS. CHIAMAKA BENJAMINWILLIAMS

UDOGU VERONICA SANDRA ODU

I formerly known as UDOGU VERONICA ODU wish to be known and addressed as UDOGU VERONICA SANDRA ODU .

All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS ADELEMU DOYIN SUBOMI

I formerly known as MISS ALABI DOYIN SUBOMI wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADELEMU DOYIN SUBOMI. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OYEMWENSE OSAGIODUWA EVARISTA

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. EMMANUEL NDIDI AMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. CHIAMAKA BENJAMINWILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I formerly known as OMORUYI OSAGIODUWA EVARISTA wish to be known and addressed as OYEMWENSE OSAGIODUWA EVARISTA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

IBRAHIM HARUNA

MRS. PATIENCE EMMANUEL OKON

MRS. NAOMI ANUKAM

MRS. LOVE JOHN ECHEM

I, formerly known and addressed as, KELECHI UZONDU, now wish to be known and addressed as, ETUNNU AKELACHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. NAOMI EKE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. NAOMI ANUKAM. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. LOVE WORUKA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. LOVE JOHN ECHEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS HOPE FRANKLYN EFRUIBE I, formally known and addressed as, MISS IDORENYIN SUNDAY STEPHEN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS HOPE FRANKLYN EFRUIBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

I, formally known and addressed as OKWESILI VIRGINUS ANAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as KANAYO OKWESILI KANAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME AND CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

I, AFORJI, SUNDAY CHINDO, now wish to add AFORJI to my name which was formerly SUNDAY CHINDO in my First Bank, Diamond Bank Account and BVN. I now wish to be known and addressed as AFORJI, SUNDAY CHINDO. All relevant authorities and the general public should please take note.

DIMEJI-BAMGBOSE SULEMAN ORIYOMI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as, PATIENCE CORNELIUS OKON, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. PATIENCE EMMANUEL OKON. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME AND CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH I, formerly known and addressed as INNOCENT OKAFOR, now wish to be known and addressed as INNOCENT IFANYICHUKWU IHEDIOHAMA. I also wish to correct my date of birth which was wrongly written as December 25th,1972 instead of 31st December, 1972. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

bearing my former names remain valid Banks, Immigrations, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

GLORIA IFEOMA AGBO

GLORY CHRISTOPHER RAPHEAL

KANAYO OKWESILI KANAYO

OLUKEMI OMOLADE OYAWOYE OMOTINUGBON I Formerly known and addressed as Olukemi Omolade Oyawoye now wish to be known, called and addressed as Olukemi Omolade Oyawoye Omotinugbon.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS GLORIA IFEOMA NNAJI now wish to be known and addressed asMRS GLORIA IFEOMA AGBO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, GLORY IFEANYI NWACHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as, GLORY CHRISTOPHER RAPHEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ETUNNU AKELACHI

I, ONYENAMA DESMOND CHUKWUNATU, wish to correct my name which was wrongly written as, ONYENAMA DESMOND CHINAKA, instead of, ONYENAMA DESMOND CHUKWUNATU. I now wish to be known and addressed as, ONYENAMA DESMOND CHUKWUNATU. My correct date of birth is, 23rd June 1978, not 23rd July 1978. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, SAMSON BENJAMIN and BEJAMIN ONUCHE, refer to one and same person. That I now wish to be known and addressed as, BENJAMIN ONUCHE. MY correct date of birth is 16th sept ,1973. All former documents remain valid. FCMB BANK and the General public should please take note.

I formerly known as IBRAHIM HARUNA SULEIMAN wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM HARUNA . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

EJALONIBU IBRAHIM OLADIPUPO

I formerly known as SOETAN IBRAHIM OLADIPUPO wish to be known and addressed as EJALONIBU IBRAHIM OLADIPUPO. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

LOVEHOME LIGHT MISSION

AUCTION SALES! AUCTION SALES!!

The General publi is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate AFFAIRS Commission, for registration under part’’ c” of the companies and ALLIED MATTERS Act No 1 of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. Oluwanife Bukunola Samuel 2. Asafa Recheal Oyeladun 3. Kehinde Titilayo Olaniyan

THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF SCRAP MOTORS, SCRAP MOTORCYCLES AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AT THE NIGERIA POLICE, DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS, OLD GRA DIVISION OF THE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND. AFTER 21 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

NNAMDI EDUCAMIA FOUNDATION (NEF) This is to inform the general public that the above namedFoundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Nwachukwu Nnamdi 2. Okere Lyna Amarachi 3. Nkiruka Chiedu

-

Chairman Secretary

AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To help students maximize their intellectual potentials 2. To empower students unleash their creative force Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 daysof this publication.

Signed: Nwachukwu Nnamdi Chairman

22 Public Notice

AMYS OBJECTIVES Female child empowerment.

Caring for the Orphans,Widows, Girl-child, and Women.

Empowering the needy in our society Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi lronsi maitama street Abuja within 28 Days of this publication signed Oluwanife Bukunola Samuel

OLOIBIRI OIL AND GAS ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

GBARAIN/ EKPETIAMA INDIGENOUS PROFESSIONAL IRON BENDERS ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Faith Onome Ronami Wilkinson (Chairperson) 2. Godsgift Diepreye W. (Secretary) 3. Owaba Charles Dumaro 4. Endurance Agih

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Angel Okpobo (Chairman) 2. Zaiki Ebidouye (secretary) 3. Tuaton Nana (Treasurer)

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To unlock and promote the tourism potentials in the Oloibiri Brand.

2. To harness, train and groom the next generation of entrepreneurs.

3. To promote peace and environmental conservation for sustainable socio-economic development

AIMS & OBJECTIVES:

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

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

Signed: Chairperson

Signed: Chairman

CHAPEL OF GOD’S GLORY INT’L BADAGRY This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts of 1990.

The trustee names (1) Rev. Ahove Emmanuel Mawule (General Oversee) (2) Rev. Akoja Oluwafemi Akindele (secretary) (3) Pastor. ( mrs) Kuton Base (Treasurer) (4) Elder. Whetode Mike Adoku Aims and objective: (1) To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2) To make Christian eligible for the kingdom of God through the teaching of the word of God Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitaima, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees ADEYEMI

1. Gbarain / EKPETIAMA youths to work together in unity.

2. To enable members of the association to work together with CDB office

THE PAINTER FAITH AND FIRE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL UHOLOR COMMUNITY, UPPER EKEHUAN, ROAD BENIN CITY The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied matters Act,1990.

Trustees: Apostle Suleiman Balogun Prophetess (Mrs.) Nogie Balogun Pastor Oluwadamilare Sunday David Pastor Elijah Emmanuel Pastor (Mrs.) Uhunoma Cynthia Omenlo Minister (Mrs.) Rita Omigie Minister (Mrs.) Faith Aghavbere Aims and Objectives To proclaim, preach and teach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for the purpose of soul winning and transformation of lives and destines, and outreaches etc.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris crescent, off Aguyi ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees.

1. ONE VANDALIZED RANGE ROVER JEEP REG. NO. LAGOS EA 195 EKY 2. ONE SCRAP OLD TOYOTA CAMRY REG. NO. RIVERS AG 670 KPR 3. ONE SCRAP TOYOTA COROLLA WITHOUT REG. NO. 4. ONE SCRAP 505 PEUGEOT CAR WITHOUT REG. NO. 5. ONE SCRAP OLD MAZDA 626 REG. NO. GS 914 EKY 6. ONE SCRAP OLD OMEGA CAR REG. NO. AQ 848 WWK WITHOUT KEY 7. ONE SCRAP OLD MERCEDES BENZ CAR REG. NO. LAGOS FN 677 KJA 8. ONE SCRAP OLD VOLVO CAR REG. NO. DU 278 ABC 9. TWO SCRAP OLD QLINK MOTORCYCLES WITHOUT REG. NOs. 10. ONE OLD TIGER GENERATOR, ONE SCRAP BLUE BIRLA YAMAHA GENERATOR, ELEVEN PIECES OF SHORT IRON, SOME YARD OF WELDING CABLE, ONE OLD AIR COMPRESSOR, ONE OLD MATCHET, IRON ROD, KITCHEN KNIFE, FOUR 25 LITERS OF DIESEL, ONE OLD ACER LAPTOP COMPUTER, TWO DAMAGED LAPTOPS, ONE DAMAGED HP LAPTOP, ONE OLD DELL LAPTOP COMPUTER, THREE DAMAGED PHONES. 11. ONE ENGINE, HALF ROLL OF CABLE, PUMPING MACHINE, USED NEPA CABLE, 16 PIECES OF TAMPOLINE POLES, ARMOURED CABLE, IRON SAW, WHEEL BARROW, TWO OLD SHOVEL, ONE OLD DIGGER, ONE OLD ENGINE VALVE. AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. SIGNED: ALH. UBALLO DANU AUCTIONEER

STEP OF GLORY SALVATION OUTREACH THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT,1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. PROPHET NWAEZE CHUKWUEBUKA EMMANUEL ----- GENERAL OVERSEER 2. IKWESI ROSELINE OBIAGELI -------- SECRETARY 3. OPARA CHINEDU STANLEY-------- MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD TO THE WORLD. 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST THROUGH EVANGELISM. 3. TO ORGANIZE SEMINARS, SYMPOSIA, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND FAITH CLINICS TO ENHANCE THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF THE PEOPLE IN THE LORD. 4.

TO DELIVER THE OPPRESSED, HEAL THE SICK AND SET THE CAPTIVES FREE THROUGH THE WORDS OF GOD. 5. TO ENGAGE IN CHARITABLE AND EVANGELISTIC WORK BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION,PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA , PMB 198 ,GARKI,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED BY: CAJETAN AMASIKE ESQ.

TEENAGE ZONE FOUNDATION FOR YOUTHS The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:( 1) Dr. David Nkiruka (2) Nwankwo Ngozi (3) Oba Abdulrasheed (4) Faith Audu (5) Ayinla Barakat (6) Oluwatobi David (7) Dr. Gbaja-Biamila Titilola ( 8) Dr.Ezeobi Paschal (9) Dr. Somefun Oluwatosin.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To promote welfare of Members (2) To advocate for equal opportunities for vulnerable adolescent and young persons ( 3) To strengthen participation of members in socio-economic and political activities in communities (4) To strengthen health and hygiene awareness among members (5) To promote economic empowerment of members through vocational,entrepreneurial and business skills training (6) To strengthen sexual and reproductive health among adolescent and young persons.

(7) To empower adolescent and and young persons through personal development training for positive social transformation.

(8) To promote positive health lifestyle among members.

(9) To support members to meet their educational goals.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

AGBAJA NKPORO YOUTH ASSOCIATION

THE PREVAILING KINGS CHURCH

This is to inform the General Public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act , 1990.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act, 1990.

THE General Public Is Hereby Notified That The Above Named Has Applied to Corporate Affairs Commission For Registration Under Part “C” Of The Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) PASTOR ELUCHIE EDWIN EJIMOGU (2) PASTOR ANNA ELUCHE CHINENYENWA -SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. SAMPSON ANYA OGBU -Chairman 2. AGWU AGWU EMMANUEL. - Secretary 3. KALU OGBONNA 4. ORJI AGU KALU 5. UKA NKECHI RITA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR ABRAHAM OLAOYE 2. MRS ADERONKE OLAOYE 3. MR SOLOMON OLABODE 4. MRS FELICIA AJAO

DECISION GROUND CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTİVES ARE:(1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST NATIONWIDE. (2) TO RAISE FUTURE LEADERS AND MINISTERS OF GOSPEL (3) TO ADD VALUE AND MEANING TO THE LIVES OF PEOPLE (4) TO RAISE MEN OF FAITH, LOVE AND HOLINESS THROUGH THE POWER OF RESSURATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To Assist Agbaja Youth Financially in Pursing Their Career To Set Out Goals 2. To Assist In The Development Of The Agbaja Community By Initiating Developmental Programs

Aims And Objectives: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO OPEN THE EYES OF MEN AND WOMEN, SO THAT THEY MAY TURN FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT, AND FROM THE DOMINION OF SATAN TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 3. TO OPEN THE GATES OF DESTINIES BY TEACHING THE WORD OF GOD

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

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

Any Objection to the Registration should be Forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off AGUIYI Ironsi Street, MAITAMA, ABUJA Within 28 DAYS of This Publication.

SIGNED BY :SECRETARY

SIGNED BY : SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

CENTRE FOR YOUTH CREATIVITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

OFIKI PROGRESSIVE LEAGUE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. AKAKABOTA OGAGA. - CHAIRMAN 2. BARR. ADJARHO VOKE. LEGAL ADVISER 3. FAVOUR CLARK. SECRETARY

TRUSTEES: 1. ENGR. KINGSLEY NWARU --CHAIRMAN 2. MR. ADEGBOYEGA TAIWO -- SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. MUSTAPHA WAHAB KOLAWOLE -- PRESIDENT 2. MRS. AYANKOLA FOLUKE ELIZABETH – SECRETARY 3. Mr. ADEROJU EMMANUEL ADEMOLA 4. Mr. ADEGBIJI SUNDAY ADEMOLA 5. Mr. OLAEWE SUNDAY OLANREWAJU

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ADVOCATE AND PURSUE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS IN NIGERIA AND DIASPORA IN LINE WITH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL POLICY ON EDUCATION. 2. TO ADVOCATE FOR BETTER INFRASTRUCTURE AND LEARNING FACILITIES IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING IN NIGERIA

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO EMPOWER YOUTH WITH CREATIVE MINDS WITH THE NECESSARY ASSISTANT FOR THE REALISATION OF THEIR DREAMS

FOUNDATION FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR D C ANYANELE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: JACOBS U. BLESSINGS 08184740408

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1. To promote unity and solidarity among all members and promote mutual co-operation and respect amongst members of the forum.

2. To promote educational assistance to meet the needs of OFIKI people, widows, less privileged and students of higher institutions of OFIKI origin across the three quarters.

3. To work towards better qualities of life in OFIKI community or residence by influencing governmental projects, to OFIKI town.

4. To promote the welfare of the members and support each other, when conditions and events calls for each support, and to speak in one voice towards any goal mutually pursued.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication Signed – President

23 Public Notice FAKOREDE ADEBOLA ENITAN

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Talabi Adebola Enitan, now wish to be known and addressed as Fakorede Adebola Enitan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

This is to Confirm and Certify that I, Okezie Benita Chinonso I am also the same person bearing Okezie Benita .C. Which I use for my BVN. I am the same person bearing the two name.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS. ALADE YEMISI OMOTOLA

ABIONA MAKANJUOLA EZEKIEL

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ALALE YEMISI OMOTOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. ALADE YEMISI OMOTOLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ELISHA SURU MAKANJUOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABIONA MAKANJUOLA EZEKIEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

NKECHI ONUORAH

CORRECTION OF NAME

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

GAJI MODINAT ABIOLA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

IGOMETI WISDOM OGHENEOTEGA

Formerly known and addressed as ENO ELIJAH in BVN and Diamond Bank account now wish to add NYAMA. I now wish to be known and addressed as ENO ELIJAH NYAMA. Wrong Date of Birth is 7th of July 1978. Correct Date of Birth is 7th of July 1979. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as GAJI MODINAT ABIODUN ABIKE now wish to be known and addressed as GAJI MODINAT ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to Confirm and Certify that MR KALU UKWA OBASI STEVE also known and addressed as MR KALU STEVE UKWA is the same person with both names as arranged. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as BANKOLE WISDOM now wish to be known and addressed as IGOMETI WISDOM OGHENEOTEGA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

IMHOMOH AUGUSTINE

CORRECTION OF NAME

NWAMAKA CATHERINE NWABUIKE OCHEI

MRS. TAIWO GRACE BUKKY.

On my DRIVER’S LICENSE, my name was wrongly written as SAMUEL STEPHEN UCHEGBU Instead of SAMUEL STEPHEN-UCHEGBU. That my correct name is SAMUEL STEPHEN-UCHEGBU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NWAMAKA CATHERINE NWABUIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAMAKA CATHERINE NWABUIKE OCHEI. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

REMOVAL OF NAME

AROGUNDADE-LAWAL OMOYEMI

OKUNADE ADEBISI AYINDE.

ADEYE VICTORIA OLUWASEYI

That my name was wrongly written as ADEBOYE ADEMOLA RAFIU instead of ADEBOYE RAFIU DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note

That I MFON MARCUS UDOM want to remove MFON as my first name now wish to be known, called and addressed as MARCUS UDOM. All former documents remain valid.

General public, please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINTOBIOJUTALAYO SHAKIRAT OMOYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as AROGUNDADE-LAWAL OMOYEMI. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SULAIMAN BAKARE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKUNADE ADEBISI AYINDE. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as KOMOLAFE VICTORIA OLUWASEYI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYE VICTORIA OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

OMOLOJU OLUWAKEMI BUSOLA

EZENWAKA CHINENYE CALISTA.

IJEH HELEN .A. NKIRUKA

WAKEEL AFEEZ ADEMOLA

ADAKU EDITH OFOEGBU

KENNETH ATA IMAFIDON

I, formerly known and addressed as OMOLOJU OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOLOJU OLUWAKEMI BUSOLA. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

I formerly known as DIKE CHINENYE CALISTA wish to be known and addressed as EZENWAKA CHINENYE CALISTA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as EMEH HELEN NKIRUKA wish to be known and addressed as IJEH HELEN .A. NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as WAKEED AFEEZ ADEMOLA wish to be known and addressed as WAKEEL AFEEZ ADEMOLA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as ADAKU EDITH IWU wish to be known and addressed as ADAKU EDITH OFOEGBU .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as IMAFIDON CHRISTOPHER wish to be known and addressed as KENNETH ATA IMAFIDON. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NKECHI NNEKA ENARO, now wish to be known and addressed as NKECHI ONUORAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public, please take note.

ASSOCIATION OF INTERNAL CONTROL AND CYBER SECURITY PROFESSIONALS OF NIGERIA THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALUKO JOEL OLATUNJI - CHAIRMAN. 2. OWOPUTI MOROLAYO ANNE - SECRETARY. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH EDUCATION, RESOURCE SHARING, ADVOCACY, PROFESSIONAL NETWORK, AND NECESSARY INNOVATIVE TOOLS THAT WILL EMPOWER EACH ONE TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL AND ORGANISATIONAL SUCCESSES. 2. TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO ACQUIRE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON INTERNAL CONTROL, RISK MANAGEMENT AND CYBER SECURITY. 3. TO EXPOSE MEMBERS TO MODERN INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES, AND TO AFFORD THEM PRACTICAL LEARNING THROUGH TRAININGS, SEMINARS, CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS ON INTERNAL CONTROL, RISK MANAGEMENT AND CYBER SECURITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR VINCENT ODJE 08092423133

GENERAL BUILDING MATERIALS DEALERS ASSOCIATION SABON LUGBE , OFF UMARU MUSA YAR’ADUA WAY ABUJA. THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1 OBIEZE FESTUS 2. BONIFACE UDE 3. JOSEPHAT NWEKE 4. ISREAL EZE 5. UZOMA EKPEMADU

ENO ELIJAH NYAMA

I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH FAVOUR AUGUSTINE, now wish to be known and addressed as IMHOMOH AUGUSTINE. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

POWER WITHIN ME FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. TOYEEN FOLAYAN. - CHAIRMAN 2. ADEBAYO FOLAYAN. - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. DEALING WITH FAMILY SETBACKS PARTICULARLY ADDRESSING BROKEN HOME 2. TO EMPOWERING THE MIND OF THE YOUTH BY BRINGING OUT THE POWER WITH 3. TO REDIRECT THE HEART OF THE YOUTHS AND IN TURN BUILD A STRONG AND PRODUCTIVE NATION ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

CHRISTIAN EXOUSIA CENTRE

TRUSTEES: 1OKAI BAMICHE C. - CHAIRMAN 2 ONYEMOWO RITA OKAI - SECRETARY 3 AKINTUNWA A. FRED 4 OTORKPA THANKGOD JOSEPH 5 OCHENJELE ELAKECHE MARY 6 CHRISTOPHER JOHN GODOBE

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1 TO ASSIST, PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE WELFARE AND INTEREST OF MEMBERS

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE AND ADVANCE THE KNOWLEDGE AND TEACHINGS OF JESUS. 2. TO HOLD CHURCH SERVICES, OPEN AIR CRUSADES AND OTHER MEETINGS 3. TO CARE AND PROVIDE FOR THE POOR, AGED AND NEEDY 4. TO PERFORM ALL CHRISTIAN RITES.

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

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

SIGNED: HENRY E. AKUNNE

SIGNED: SECRETARY

AUCTION SALES! AUCTION SALES!!

ALLIED IMMACULATE GENTLEMEN CLUB OF NIGERIA

THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION SALES OF SCRAP MOTORS, AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AT THE NIGERIA POLICE, DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS, DIOBU DIVISION OF THE RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND. AFTER 21 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. 1. ONE SCRAP BUS WITHOUT REG. NO. 2. ONE SCRAP BUS MITSUBISHI WITHOUT REG. NO. 3. ONE SCRAP VOLKSWAGEN SALOON CAR WITHOUT REG. NO. 4. ONE SCRAP LEXUS JEEP WITHOUT REG. NO. 5. ONE SCRAP NISSAN SUNNY WITHOUT REG. NO. 6. TWO OLD TABLE FRIDGE, ONE OLD AIR CONDITION, THREE MOTOR BATTERIES, TWO SUMEC FIREMAN GENERATORS, FOUR HOME THEATRE, ONE DVD PLAYER, ONE SAMSUNG TV SET. 7. ONE FOAM, ONE OLD PHONE, ONE LG FRIDGE, ONE STANDING FAN, CELLING FAN, A SONGAS WITH CYLINDER, CD WITH FOUR SPEAKERS, STABILIZE, 42 INCHES OF LA TELEVISION SET, ONE OLD AIR CONDITIONER SAMSUNG AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. SIGNED: ALH. UBALLO DANU AUCTIONEER

UBA FXMART (BDC) LIMITED RC: 728339 COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT CAP C20 LFN 2004 PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES UBA FXMART (BDC) LIMITED (RC: 440417) (IN MEMBERS VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE OF FINAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 468 (1) & (2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2004 that the Final General Meeting of the above Company shall be duly convened at 57, Marina Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday, the 26th day of July, 2017 at 10:00am.

Agenda: To present the Statement of Account of the voluntary winding up proceedings of UBA FxMart (BDC) Limited, and giving any explanation thereof.

DATED THIS 20TH DAY OF JUNE, 2016 SIGNED MR. UBA OSIGWE ESQ Liquidator

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 ILUSANYA ADESEGUN ADEBAYO- CHAIRMAN 2 ODESEYE AYOTUNDE ABIDEEN – SECRETARY 3 OLANIYI JOSEPH SHINA - MEMBER 4 SOLANKE ADEGBOYEGA SAMSON – MEMBER 5 AJAYI LANRE CLEMENT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE To promote interest of members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication SIGNED - TRUSTEES

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGUNJIMI GRACE BUKKY, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. TAIWO GRACE BUKKY. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

ONE VOICE AND TOGETHERNESS INITIATIVE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, DECREE NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ENO, CLEMENT USEN - PRESIDENT 2. UKPAI, FELIX ESSIEN - SECRETARY 3. ADIAKPAN, MARGARET AYADU 4. JAMES, JOSEPH OKON 5. OTUKHO, IME EDET 6. EKANEM, STELLA AKPAN AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRARGENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: PRESIDENT

MRS OLAOLU FEYISAYO OLAYINKA I formerly known as BANJO FEYISAYO OMOLARA wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLAOLU FEYISAYO OLAYINKA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as OGU CHIBUIKE DOMINIC instead of OGUH CHIBUIKE DOMINIC. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SALISU MUSA OLA

MISS SEGBENU JULIANA FUNMILOLA

I formerly known as SALISU MUSA DELE wish to be known and addressed as SALISU MUSA OLA .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as MRS ADEKUNLE JULIANA FUNMILOLA wish to be known and addressed as MISS SEGBENU JULIANA FUNMILOLA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

24 News

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Amosun, Daniel charge Nigerians on unity, peaceful co-existence Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ

Ogun state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel on Sunday urged all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion and tribe to continue to live in peace, unity and harmony, stressing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its national unity.

Amosun, who spoke after observing the Eid-el-filtr prayer at the Lantoro Praying ground, Abeokuta, the state capital, also urged Muslims in the country to imbibe all the virtues of Ramadan, saying “We must not forget to put to use all the lessons we have learnt during Ramadan.”

The governor who was accompanied by some members his cabinet enjoined all the people of the country to work towards national cohesion and unity of the country, saying “Let us all continue to live and love one another.

Amosun noted that one of the virtues of the holy period was unity hence all and sundry must work to achieve unity in the country rather than working towards things that would further divide the country.

“Let us run away from anything that divides us and speak more of what unites us,” the Governor stressed.

“We have been living together in Ogun State both Muslims and Christians in peace and harmony for a long time, there is no different between us, we are one and I urge us to continue with this,” Amosun added.

The Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu, in his sermon, charged Muslims not

to stop doing good among which he said was helping the less privileged in the society.

“As Muslims, we must continue with all the good deeds we did during the Ramadan must not end there, we must continue to help the less privileged and give alms to the poor.”

Former governor of the state, Gbenga Daniel, has congratulated Muslims on the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri marking the end of the 30-day fasting period charging them to renew their faith in Allah and pray for peace and unity in the country.

Daniel, in a goodwill message signed by his Media Officer, Ayo Giwa, said; “Muslims should be guided by the spirit of the period of total abstinence, keeping away from vices in all ramifications and imbibing the teachings and pious lifestyles of the Holy Prophet Muhammed.”

Also, the former governor urged Muslim faithful in the country to uphold the lessons of the Holy Month by avoiding all sinful acts that were abhorred and not allow them to become part of their lives after Ramadan.

The celebration of Eid-elFitri, he stated, goes beyond merry making but rather, a period of total submission to the will of Allah as demonstrated during the fasting period.”

He then urged Muslims and other religious faithful in the country to continue to have faith in Nigeria and pray for the leaders while also calling on the citizens to reflect on how to contribute meaningfully towards making Nigeria great and pray for greater strength and unity in our diversity.

Lagos Speaker preaches love, unity, urges Nigerians on Eid-el-Fitri Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏ

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has called on Nigerians not to relent in sharing love among themselves.

Obasa, who disclosed this in his Sallah message through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Razak, also urged Nigerians to continue to work for the unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

The Lagos Assembly Speaker also urged Nigerians to be vigilant at all times and cooperate with the government at all levels to fight crimes in the society.

“Ramadan teaches us love and unity and I want to urge us not to relent in sharing the love and unity we have done during the fasting period. We should continue to spread love and peaceful

co-existence. This is the essence of Ramadan which we must not neglect,” Obasa stated.

The Lagos chief lawmaker also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant at all times so that they will assist government at all levels in combating crimes.

“The issue of security is a collective task involving the governed and the government. So we must be vigilant at all times.

We must be able to provide information on any questionable individual or group in our communities to security agents.

This will assist government in nipping crime in the bud,” he advised.

Obasa also assured Nigerians that the All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels is committed to improving their lives and enhancing their welfare.

“I wish you all, a happy and fulfilling Sallah celebration,” the Speaker concluded.

L-R: Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon. Salihu Maidaji; Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, during the Eid-El-Fitr celebration at the Sokoto Praying Ground… on Sunday.

Biafra: Fayose wants FG to dialogue with Kanu Gbengs Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

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As a way to avert the looming crisis that could lead to dintegration in the country, Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose, has urged the federal government to go beyond rhetoric and dialogue with the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, instead of muzzling him and his group.

Besides, Fayose also called for a review of federal revenue sharing formula as a means of dousing growing ethnic-based tensions in the country.

Speaking on some national issues on Sunday, Fayose who noted that the igbos has been grossly marginalised advised the Federal Government to be equitable, fair and just to all sections of the country, and especially the Igbo.

Condemning the October 1 ultimatum issued to Igbo by some northern youth leaders to leave the North, the governor said the federal government must take steps that will address the agita-

tion of the people.

He said, “As much as secession is not an option, the handlers of our democracy must be equitable, fair and just to everyone.

“The igbo have continued to suffer because of the perceived role of Emeka Ojukwu. If we say past governments didn’t do well what has the present government done differently?

“I agree that secession is not desirable but there must be justice and equity. When people are being killed or villified, you must expect a reaction. No region should begin to use power to oppress another. If Nigeria is truly one, it will not get to a stage that one region will openly call on another to leave its land.

“The Acting President Yemi Osinbajo is doing his best but that is not enough. We must remember that those who make positive change impossible make violent change inevitable. A situation where a section will be suffering forever because of their

role in the civil war is not fair.”

Suggesting the way forward, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Governors Forum called for a review of “the revenue sharing formula because it is not a true reflection of our collective interest. For the country to move forward the states should takeover economically.”

He also urged the federal governments to dialogue with Kanu and release other members of the IPOB in detention.

“The Federal Government must purge itself of some responsibilities because the actual development is at grassroots.

The states and the local governments are nodal points of developments.

“The Federal Government should dialogue with the aggrieved and forge ahead. Using force will not help because some of those things they thought had died in the past are now rearing their ugly heads.

Glo extols Muslims on Eid-el-Fitri, prays for Nigeria’s progress ÏÏÏ

Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications operator, Globacom, has extended congratulatory messages to Muslims across the nation on the successful completion of this year’s annual one month-long fast, called Ramadan.

The operator in a press release urged Muslim faithful to inculcate the lessons learnt during the fast to make a positive impact on their neighbours and the larger society, while also praying for the progress of the country.

Every year, Muslims across the world fast from sunrise to sunset in the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. The practice is the fourth pillar of the Islamic faith lasts a full month, usually 29 and 30 days.

Globacom encouraged all Muslims to use the opportunity of

the celebration to pray for the peace, unity and development of the nation, and to fully imbibe the tenets of Islam as taught by Prophet Mohammed.

“We wish all our Muslim brethren a very happy Eid-el-Fitri and we pray that the Almighty Allah will grant their prayers for peace and progress of Nigeria. ‘’It is a season of charity, peacemaking and forgiveness. We must use this season to remember to care for the poor and the needy in line with Allah’s injunction to be our brother’s keeper,” Globacom said.

Globacom said it would provide a platform for all Muslim subscribers on its network to enjoy this year’s Sallah through its Islamic value-added offerings like the Glo Adhan, Daily Prayers, Daily reflection, Islamic

Digest and Hausa Islamic Services.

Globacom subscribers can access the services by sending Adhan to 7728 or by dialing *7728*786#. They can also send IDH to 50550 for Daily Prayers, REF to 50550 for Daily Reflection, DIG to 50550 for Islamic Digest and IDH to 50550 for Hausa Islamic Digest.

This year’s edition of the annual religious rite began on the 27th of May after the sighting of the moon and ends on the 25th of June 2017on the Roman calendar.

Eid-el-Fitri is celebrated annually by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the Ramadan month of fasting. The day of Eid falls on the first day of Shawwal.

The Faithful fast throughout the month and pay their Zakat before offering the Eid prayers on that day.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Features

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Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè CƑ Ɔ ƾÕè ƾƠơƣ

HOSTCON applauds FG as 5,000 youths line up for screening Isaac Olamikan, Warri Barring any last minute breach between the Federal Government, the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCON) and oil producing companies in the 14 oil producing states across Nigeria, peace and stability may soon envelope the hitherto volatile and devastated host communities.

This hope is anticipated following the Federal Government’s alignment with some of the proposals of HOSTCON, the body fighting for the improvement in the welfare of the people of the oil producing communities.

The National Chairman of HOSTCON, Bishop Mike Emuh, in a recent chat, assured The Daily Times that all is set to actualise this dream because “Some of the proposals which have been assented to by the government through policies pronouncement, include payment of penalty levies for gas flaring, pipelines surveillance contract to be handled by the people from the oil producing communities and setting up of regular and modular refineries in the oil producing communities among several others.

“In line with these, discussions have already commenced with some foreign investors who are prepared to provide technical expertise and financial support for the take-off of the projects,” Emuh said.

However, the legislative support needed to back up the policies implementation is suffering a huge setback as a result of the different signals coming from the two arms of government - the Senate and the House of Representatives.

While the senate in its own version of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) did not think it is necessary to give the people of the oil producing communities a mention in the scheme of things, reps members are thinking otherwise and have agreed that the interest of the oil producing communities will be protected.

Meanwhile, as the nation is waiting the final outcome of the legislative pronouncement, the screening of the first batch of over 5,000 youths for training in pipelines surveillance commenced at the HOSTCON Guest House in Effurun, Warri in Delta State.

The expansive compound was filled with eager youths from the 14 states that make up the HOSTCON namely: AkwaIbom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Kogi, Kaduna, Lagos, Ondo, Osun and Rivers.

In a chat with The Daily Times during the exercise, Secretary, HOSTCON Youth Wing, Kogi State, Mr. Friday Ojadi

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Kogi State qualified to be a member of the HOSTCON as a result of the abundance of oil and gas found in some parts of the state.

“By this, we are entitled to benefit from the HOSTCON package.”

Ojadi reiterated that the issue of pipelines surveillance to be handled by the people of the oil producing communities

is appropriate as only the people know their terrain and thus know how to secure facilities therein.

“Our concern right now is that the National Assembly should not play games with the issue of 13 percent derivation which HOSTCON is entitled to,” he said, speaking the minds of the people.

Corroborating Ojadi’s statement, leader of HOSTCON Youth Wing, Edo State, Mr. Abilo Dennis said the policy making people of the oil communities are contracted to secure oil pipelines and facilities in their localities is welcomed. “It is well conceived and will minimise hostilities in such communities,” he said.

Stating that they are “the hen that lays the golden egg,” Mr. Steve Ukpong, Coordinator, HOSTCON Youth Wing, Akwa-Ibom State said HOSTCON deserves recognition by the government and the national assembly members.

Also delighted at the development was Secretary of HOSTCON Youth Wing, Warri in Delta State, Comrade Ichekor, who said the recognition that government is now according oil producing communities in Nigeria is welcomed, affirming that it is in line with what is obtainable outside

the country.

“Our fear now is the sections that were expunged by the senate when they were deliberating on the PIGB. We totally condemn this action. It’s uncalled for and could set back the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta region. It’s a way of denying us our benefits from the resources that we are blessed with.”

Ichekor gave kudos to their son, Victor Nwokolo, who represents Ika North in the House of Representatives “for his thoroughness and steadfastness in ensuring that we are not shortchanged.”

Condemning hate comments by some dissident groups, Ichekor pledged HOSTCON’s support for the Buhari and Osinbajo administration. “We’re not in doubt that they will lead us to the Promised Land. We believe in a united Nigeria. We are not in support of hate speeches being made by different groups.”

Assuring that HOSTCON has come to stay, Chairman, HOSTCON National Youth Committee, Comrade Agadia Samuel gave glory to God for the development.

“We pray for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari. HOSTCON have surely come to stay,” he said.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Southern Kaduna Crisis: Army mobilises four troubled communities with water Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏ

Four troubled communities in Southern Kaduna has benefited from the social responsibility program of the Nigerian Army under the auspices of the Special Task Force (STF), aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the civil populace.

According to the Commander the STF, Major General Rogers Ibe Nicholas, the sinking of three

boreholes in three communities and renovation of a one block classroom in a community in Plateau state is a sure way of appealing to the hitherto troubled communities to continue to coexist together.

The project, financed by the Defense Headquarters in Abuja, is to reassure the benefiting communities that the military is committed, not only in protecting lives and property, but

to also see to their welfare.

The Chief Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, who was represented by Air Commander Oluwole Akinsanya, tasked the benefiting communities to see the facilities as a unifying factor and to desist from senseless crisis which at the and can only lead them to suffer lost of basic social amenities.

Consequently, the STF Commander, General Nicholas tasked members

of the communities to always report suspicious movements capable of disrupting peace in the said area.

He told newsmen that peace has returned to the troubled part of Southern Kaduna.

The benefiting communities are all in Godo Godo district of Jema’a local government area except for EKAN primary school in Ganawuri community of Plateau state.

Cleric tasks Christians on worship of God Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ

Christians have again been charged to worship only the living God wholeheartedly for the salvation of their souls.

A cleric, Pastor John Ebun, gave the charge on Sunday in his sermon delivered at the Emmanuel Men and Women choir service of songs of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ilorin district headquarters.

Pastor Ebun, who spoke on the theme ‘therefore come out from them,’ urged them to shun evil and desist from sin.

The cleric implored Christians to be a shining example to others and live a life of trustworthy by saying the truth at all times.

He admonished them to always read the Bible to

serve as a guide and not to derail in the journey of life.

The Primate of the Resolution Church of Christ, national headquarters, Ilorin, Doctor Martins Olobatoke emphasised the need for Christians to exhibit good habit that would make Christ to reign in them.

Prophet Peter Oladipo of C & S Movement Church, Ipetu-Igbomina, also called on faithful to imbibe the teachings of the Scripture and shun evil act to inherit the kingdom of God. Pastor Taiye Aransiola of United Evangelical Miracle Church, Ilorin in his sermon titled “long life your heritage” noted that God want the people to enjoy a long life, fruitful and satisfying life on earth.

Pastor Aransiola charged Christians have the fear of God at all times.

Nigeria has great future in Biotechnology –DG, NABDA Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

ÏÏÏThe Director General,

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (m); his son, Damilola (2nd l); Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite (l); Baba Adini of Egbaland, Alhaji Rasheed Raji (2nd r) and Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu (r) at the Eid-El-Fitr Praying Ground, Abeokuta, Ogun State ... on Sunday.

Nigeria’s Unity: Okowa canvases support for Osinbajo Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏ

Delta state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on Nigerians to support acting President Yemi Osibanjo in ensuring a more united and peaceful nation.

He made the call at the weekend in Asaba during the commissioning of a private broadcast station, Bridge Radio 98.7 FM. Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, accompanied by some of his aides, attended the commissioning exercise.

According to the governor, “the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, within the last few days, has been working tirelessly to unite us as a nation and we need to support him in whatever ways that we can.

“Information is power, that is why we are happy that this station is coming on air this time in our na-

tion’s history; information is power when you disseminate the right information because a misinformed man is dangerous to the society,” Governor Okowa said, adding, “we should properly educate our people for us to have a more united country, the press can make or mar this nation depending on what voices that connects the people.”

While stating that the people should be allowed to speak freely, Governor Okowa asserted, “even when the people are allowed to speak freely, such speeches should be tailored to unite us as a nation rather than destroy our country, because, we are in trying times as a nation, we are in recession and there are different ethnic groups speaking with different voices that does not tend to unite us as a people.”

The governor who was

accompanied to the commissioning exercise by the member representing Ika federal constituency in the National Assembly, Victor Nwokolo, Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Tim Owhefere and other top government functionaries used the occasion to charge the media to mould a better society, stating that the media should be a veritable vessel to curb cultism and drug abuse.

He disclosed that his administration, apart from empowering Deltans to be self-sufficient, has also provided the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive, assuring that the state will continue to be an investors’ haven.

Edo State Governor in a brief speech, said communication is very vital for a better society to be achieved, stating, “it is so important that our media houses adopt global tech-

nology standards and that is what we are witnessing here; we are very glad that this is happening because, you are going to use this medium to inspire a new generation of people; I have no doubt that is is going to be a successful venture.”

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the radio station, Dr. Henry Nzekwu, said the station will offer quality broadcast to Nigerians, adding that it is designed to provide a voice for the people through quality programming and world class technology.

He commended the Governor Okowa administration for providing the enabling environment for investment to thrive in the state, assuring that the station will continue to partner with government to ensure a progressive and peaceful state.

National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Lucy Ogbadu, has said that Nigeria has great future with the appropriate deployment of Biotechnology in the Agricultural Sector.

Ogbadu, who described Biotechnology as a cuttingedge tool that has the potential of changing the way farming is done and ensuring a food- secured Nigeria made the disclosure while addressing participants on the occasion of the North East zonal 2017 hosting of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, Nigeria Chapter Awareness Programme in collaboration with the Programme for Biosafety Systems (PBS), Washington, the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) and the Taraba State Government, held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo.

The Managing Director, who said that they were in Taraba State for a Sensitization tour on the need to use Biotechnology further appreciated the state government for its numerous assistance to the Technology Incubation Centre and the establishment of the Green House Project, all in Jalingo the state capital.

She added that the application of biotechnology in the agricultural sector would help in alleviating problems currently faced by the local farmers especially, with the growing concern about the environmental impacts of large scale use of insecticides and pesticides and the cam-

paign launched to reduce the use of such chemicals.

“Biotechnology tools can be utilized to produce plants that would be resistant to pests thus reducing the use of pesticides.”

“Biotechnology tools can also be applied to improve the nutritional quality of crops thus curbing malnutrition, especially in the North-East part of our country,” she said.

While calling on the media to have a rethink on the coverage and reportage of biotechnology, she said, “Nigeria has the finest opportunity to queue into it to be able to feed herself and grow her economy.

“Science delivers tangibles and facts that can’t be dismissed with emotions. You can only dismiss scientific facts with more scientific motions, Agric. biotech is the future for African Agriculture.

No nation becomes great without science and technology. I urge media to report science based on evidence and facts,” she noted.

Earlier, in a welcome address, the Taraba State Commissioner, Ministry of Science and Technology, Alh. Hassan Hamman, appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari who, according to him, promised significant investment in agricultural science to boost food and industrial production, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, through its Agency, the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) were not left out as they played tremendous role in encouraging the use of science as a major driver of our development efforts, leading to a knowledge- based economy.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

News 29

Umahi flags off ANDP 5,000 housing project in Ebonyi ÏÏÏ

Cross-section of people boarding free train ride from Lagos Train service terminus to Osogbo, Osun State, provided by the Osun State Government for the Eid-El-Fitr celebration… at the weekend.

Residents abandon farms over herdsmen allege continued siege on Delta community Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏThe menace of Fulani herds-

men in Delta state, seems to have taken a dangerous dimension as residents now live in fear following intermittent onslaught against them by the aggressors.

Since last weekend, at least one person has been killed and no fewer than three others wounded as a result of gunshot wounds inflicted on them by the herdsmen at Ulogwe farmland, Oloa-Ossissa.

These incidents are coming weeks after the gruesome murder of about six persons by herdsmen in their farms at Ossissa and has forced the farmers to abandon their farms once again.

In the latest attacks, father and son were the first victims before others were waylaid and shot at by

the herdsmen. While the son died instantly, the father was seriously injured and currently receiving treatment in an un-disclosed medical facility.

The development has sent jittery among the farmers, who have deserted their farm lands, already destroyed by the invaders One of the villagers and an indigene of Umudike-Ossissa, Stanley Isiekwene, told our reporter that fear has once again gripped the people of Ossissa and Oloa-Ossissa following the renewed attacks on their farmers.

He said that after the recent killings that attracted the governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to the community, the people expected that the area will remain calm and wondered why hostilities continued on the aprt of the herdsmen.

Mr. Isiekwene pointed out that

the father and son who were the first victims, were going to their farm to work when they ran into the herdsmen and were shot and grievously wounded.

He appealed to the state government to re-oil its peace and security machinery and intervenes to resolve these latest attacks, adding that the people are now living in fear.

One of the victims, who refused to disclose his name, told our reporter that they have abandoned their farms because of the herdsmen.

He also appealed for government intervention to enable them go back to farms.

It will be recalled that on May 11 this year, Fulani herdsmen invaded a farm in Ossissa, killing about six persons.

Waste collection: Court declines to issue restraining order on LASG Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The High Court of Lagos State, on Friday, in a suit commenced by the Incorporated Trustees of Association of Waste Managers in Nigeria (PSP operators), refused to issue any restraining order as prayed by the PSP operators, seeking to restrain the Lagos State Government from engaging any other entity to carry out domestic waste collection in Lagos State.

The Court also held that it is premature to consider applications that will determine the substance of the suit.

Consequently, the Court made an order for accelerated hearing of the matter. Flowing from this, the Court adjourned the matter for 4 (Four) consecutive days in October 2017 for trial.

Also, Counsel to the 4th and 5th Defendants (Visionscape Group & Visionscape Sanitation Solution), informed the Court of his motion

for leave of Court to file a Further Counter Affidavit which was objected to by the Counsel to the PSP operators. This led to a heated debate between the Counsel to the PSP operators and the 4th and 5th Defendants. Thus, the court stood down the matter in order to restore calm.

At the resumed hearing, Counsel to the PSP operators made an oral request to the Court for the status quo to be maintained. Also, he prayed that the Lagos State Government should be restrained from engaging any other person to take over domestic waste collection in Lagos State.

In opposing the application by PSP operators, Mr. S.A. Quadri, lead Counsel to Lagos State government, stated that the contracts between the aforesaid PSP operators and the Lagos State Government had since expired at different times and the latest in November, 2016.

Sequel to the expiration of the aforesaid contract, the Lagos State

Government in December 2016, entered into a contract with another Nigerian company to carry out domestic waste collection in the state.

He further stated that the aforesaid company will be utilising their funds and employing modern technology of comparable standard with the one utilised in developed countries, to carry out domestic waste collection in Lagos State.

Quadri stated that the expired transactions between Lagos State and the PSP operators were not sustainable as the Government was bleeding cash. Whereas, the newly engaged contractor will deploy its funds and equipment to achieve the Cleaner Lagos Initiative. He added that it is a cost saving measure for the State Government.

He said the Lagos State Government is also not oblivious of the business concerns and livelihood of the PSP operators and has made adequate provision for them. They are meant to handle commercial waste disposal in Lagos State.

The governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, on Saturday laid the foundation for the 5,000 unit of blocks for less privileged in Umuobuna Etiti Uburu in Ohaozara local government area.

Umahi, at the ceremony which attracted members of the state Executive Council, traditional rulers, businessmen youths and many others, thanked the initiators of the project, Africa Nations Development Programme for considering Ebonyi State for the project.

The governor added that a similar project would take place in Izzi Local Government Area and enjoined the people to release their land for such development.

Umahi,who headed straight to the venue of the ceremony from his working visit to Abuja, also said that his administration and the Bank of Industry have planned to deposit N2 billion each to fund small scale industries.

The governor, in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, noted that the aim was to enable people engage in productive ventures. He explained that the money would be made available for any group of people in the state with viable projects.

His words “We have concluded discussion with the Bank of Industry and what the BoI is funding small scale industries and programmes.

We have offered to deposit in a common account the sum of N2 billion and the bank will add their own N2

billion. With this, any group of persons or corporative that comes up with viable project today, they will draw from this fund. It doesn’t matter if the entire fund is spent in one LGA. It’s going to be first come first served. This is an incentive to draw our people out to begin to do things with their hands.”

The governor said that efforts were on to settle for investors interested in the development of limestone and salt in the state. He disclosed that a multi-national cement company Larfage, was at the final stage of establishing the biggest cement factory in the country in Ebonyi LGA. He said, “ We have also spoken to about three investors that are very much interested in our salt and limestone and it’s our that Nigercem in Nkalagu will very soon resume production. We’re also working with Larfage to develop the biggest cement factory in the whole of Nigeria at Ebonyi LGA. They’re at the final stage of doing this.”

While the governor appreciated the ANDP for the project, he announced that the two- kilometre of road requested by the organisation would be constructed.

“Your Excellency, Ambassador Samson Omojuyigbe, we want to thank you very much and we will give you all the support. Presently, we have very good road network around this location and the only request you made which is about two kilometres of road, the moment you start construction, we will do the road to encourage you.”

Gani Adams bags 47th chieftaincy title Patrick Okohue

ÏÏÏThe national coordinator of

Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, was on Sunday honoured with the chieftaincy title of Awhannukongan (Asiwaju Ogun of Badagry) by the Akran of Badagry, De Wheno Aholu MenuToyi, as part of activities to celebrate the 40 years coronation anniversary of the Badagry monarch.

At the ceremony which held inside the palace of Oba Akran, the prominent monarch stated that the reason Otunba Adams was offered the chieftaincy was in recognition of his laudable contributions to the promotion of tourism sector in Badagry through Olokun Festival Foundation which yearly organises Olokun Festival for almost the last 15 years.

The antecedents of Otunba Adams as a fearless freedom fighter, according to a white cap Chief, Onusekan Gbewa l , the Jengen of Badagry is part of the reasons he was being so recognised. To him the Chieftaincy title is long overdue because of Adams’laudable efforts to the growth and development of Badagry, but added that God’s time is the best.

Addressing Adams, he said “I am aware that you have been given more than 46 chieftaincy titles in different places in Yorubaland, I

pray to God that you will be given the mother of all chieftaincy titles in Nigeria which all of us will come and celebrate with you soon.

Another member of Badagry Council of Chiefs, White cap chief Adesine Hundogan, Agoloto of Badagry, in his speech revealed that with the grace of God, during the period that Gani Adams started celebrating Olokun Festival in Badagry, the Federal Government and Lagos State government have discovered crude oil in many places in Badagry making Lagos part of oil producing states.

Chief Abiodun Whedoku Patinvoh, the Baale of Yafin also told Otunba Adams that he should always count on the support of the good people of Badagry in all his progressive endeavors especially the ones that has to do with the promotion of culture.

In his acceptance speech, Otunba Gani Adams thanked Oba Akran and the council of chiefs for giving such an important chieftaincy title to him despite the fact that he is not an indigene of Badagry. He promised that he will not betray the trust bestowed on him by the people of Badagry promising that whatever connection and influence he has that will be useful in boosting the development of Badagry community, he will not hesitate to put it to use.

30 Foreign

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Terror plot in Mecca targets Grand Mosque

Saudi security forces work at a scene after a suicide bomber blew himself up in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 23, 2017.

Bonny Amadi with Agency reports Saudi Arabia authorities have reported that they prevented a plot targeting at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, one of Islam’s holiest places, during the final hours of Ramadan.

Saudi Interior Ministry officials said that a man accused of planning the attack on Islam’s holiest places blew himself up in Mecca during a gunfight with police.

Police said that in series of police raids, five people, including one woman, were arrested in Mecca and in the kingdom’s Red Sea port of Jeddah, The five people arrested were thought to be part of the same militant group, but there was no word on the identity or affiliation of the bomber who blew him-

self upn Friday.

Meanwhile, Saudi authorities could not name the Islamic State group as the mastermind of the terror plot, even as the IS has a long history of antipathy toward the Saudi royal family.

Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry spokesman, Major General Mansur alTurki, told state-owned Al Arabiya Television the incident in Mecca was not the first potential terror attack that security forces had averted recently, but added, “We hope it is the last, especially concerning the Grand Mosque.”

Both Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah condemned the alleged plot against Mecca, which Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said was another sign that “terrorism is rampant and growing now across the whole world.”

Casualty escalates as thousands flee C’African Republic’s province over military bombardment A joint U.N and Congo Republic government statement has reported that more than 80,000 people have fled their homes in Pool province surrounding Congo Republic’s capital since the government began military operation in the area last year.

The military actions in the province ,involving occasional aerial bombardments, aims to curb what the government says is a resurgent rebellion led

by Pastor Ntumi, an enemy of President Denis Sassou Nguesso from the oil-rich country’s 1997 civil war.

Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso

While it has been hard to confirm death tolls and the impact on residents, any clear evidence of escalating violence could be damaging to Sassou Nguesso’s ruling party, the Congolese Party of Labour, ahead of legislative elections next month.

The United Nations is seeking around $20 million in emergency funding to provide humanitarian assistance in the province, after a recent visit found widespread malnutrition, the statement released late on Friday said.

A day after a court in Ghana ruled that arrival of two former Guantanamo prisoners in the country, was unconstitutional without parliament’s approval, the Ghana’s government reassured that two former prisoners living in the country remained under supervision.

Ghana’s Information Ministry said the government will comply with the Supreme Court ruling and seek approval for the Yemeni men’s continued stay. Parliament has three months to act.

The men “have been comporting themselves well since their arrival in Ghana,” the ministry said in a statement.

Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby were held at the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as enemy combatants, accused of training with al-Qaida and fighting with the Taliban.

They had been cleared for release in 2009, but the United States won’t send Guantanamo prisoners to Yemen because of instability there and officials

Ghana assures public on security over exGuantanamo detainees had to find another country to accept them.

John Dramani Mahama, former Ghana President has said that the two Yemenis admitted into his country in January 2016 after a direct request by the U.S, pose a security threat.

Several religious and civil society groups in Ghana protested Mahama’s decision at the time. Last week’s ruling came after two citizens sued Ghana’s attorney general and interior minister, accusing the government of illegally bringing in the two former detainees At least four other former Guantanamo prisoners have been resettled to subSaharan Africa: two to Cape Verde and two to Senegal.

Malaysia Customs seizes 400 kg of pangolin scales from Ghana

Malaysian Airports Customs Director Hamzah Sundang, left, displays seized 393.50 kg of pangolin scales from Ghana in 16 boxes worth $1.2m

Malaysian customs officials said they have seized nearly 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of pangolin scales worth 5 million ringgit ($1.2 million) from Ghana.

The seizure brings the total amount of confiscated pangolin scales to 1.4 tons in two months.

Hamzah Sundang, Kuala Lumpur airport customs director said officials found the scales in 16 boxes labeled oyster shells at the airport cargo warehouse on Thursday based on a tip. He said the boxes arrived on a Turkish Airlines flight from Ghana and that no one had been arrested.

Eight species of pangolin, or scaly anteater, live in Asia and Africa and are targeted for their scales and meat. More than one million have been poached in the past decade, threatening the creature with extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

In Vietnam and some parts of China, pangolin meat is considered a delicacy, while its scales of keratin, the protein also found in fingernails and rhino horn, are widely used in traditional Chi-

nese medicine.

Last Friday, officials seized 288 kilograms (635 pounds) of pangolin scales at the airport cargo warehouse in 12 boxes also labeled oyster shells and flown in from Ghana. Those scales were worth about 3.7 million ringgit ($870,000), officials said. In May, officials made two hauls totaling 712 kilograms and estimated to be worth more than 9 million ringgit ($2.1 million).

Custom officials also have seized 18 rhino horns and 330 exotic tortoises at the airport warehouse since May. Wildlife trade monitoring group TRAFFIC hailed Malaysia’s seizures but voiced concern over the alarming volume of wildlife contraband from Africa.

“Multiple shipments comprising of rhino horns, pangolin scales and live critically endangered tortoises ... entering Malaysia signifies a very worrying pattern; that traffickers feel they can continuously move their contraband through the country,” Kanitha Krishnasamy, an official with TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, said in a statement this week.

Monday, June 26, 2017

31

EXTRATIME

Why we always struggle against Cameroon - Babangida

F

ormer Nigeria international, Tijani Babangida, says the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon’s physical style of football has always been a problem for the technically better Super Eagles.

The Super Eagles will host Cameroon in Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo in August.

The Eagles are top of the group on six points, while Cameroon are second on two points.

Babangida who represented

Nigeria at two Africa Cup of Nations (2000, 2002) finals, stated that games between the two countries is alwas like a tournament final. “I don’t see Cameroon as a team that are technically better than us. But in terms of being physically endowed, they are stronger,” Babangida told reporters.

“I remember when we played against them, they hit us very hard and most of us don’t like the physical side of football.

“When they play against us

D

the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup but pointed out that they still remain second best to some of the teams at the tournament.

“I saw them play earlier this year at the 2017 AFCON and I have watched two of their games at the ongoing Confederations Cup and I think they are improving but it is clear that there are teams who are stronger than them mentally and technically.

“In their game against Australia, I believe they should have won, but they failed to kill off

Ekundayo

N

igeria’s Larry Ekundayo is confident he will beat English opponent, Gary Corcoran, to clinch the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Welterweight Strap at London Copper Box Arena on Saturday July 8, Completesportsnigeria.com reports. A win for Ekundayo in that bout will see him move into the top 15 world ranking WBO welterweight category a n d also see the 35 year old vie for the vacant WBO welterweight title.

The Stoke Newington’s born boxer,told

Chelsea fails to loan Nigerian Striker to Newcastle remier League champions Chelsea failed to rubber-stamp Tammy Abraham’s proposed season-long loan move to Newcastle United because they did not want the striker to be distracted.

The Mirror says Chelsea higher-ups were concerned about the city’s famous nightlife and urged him to snub The Magpies.

Abraham, 19, is expected to complete his move to Swansea City after the 2017 European U21 Championship.

The prolific youngster is one of the hottest talents in English football and is reportedly sought after by at Least 3 premier league clubs.

Gary

reporters after his training on Sun- day that he is cur- rently training hard a n d smart as the bout is a make or mar for him.

“I will try to get the bout wrapped up as soon as I can. When you’re in the ring with Corcoran it’s no joke!” he began during a chat with Completesportsnigeria.com.

“I’m giving my all to this bout in training to ensure I don’t lose.”

Corcoran has won 17 of his last 18 bouts losing just once and he is also nine years younger that Ekundayo but the Nigerian boxers says that will count for nothing when they both step into the ring as he will puts his friendship aside for WBO Inter-Continental Title.

“I’m experienced and I know what it takes to get to this level. I’m not leaving anything to chance neither I’m I going to underrate him.”

Meanwhile tickets for Corcoran vs Ekundayo bout is priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £250 the different seat categories on offer.

Iheanacho hails Messi as king of football in birthday message

P

Abraham

Babangida

Boxing: Ekundayo vows to defeat Corcoran for WBO title

Ikeme returns for Eagles against Cameroun

aniel Akpeyi’s future in the senior national team is seriously in doubt following the return to training of first choice goalkeeper Carl Ikeme ahead of Nigeria’s tie against Cameroon in the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers.

Akepyi broke into the team and won the trust and confidence of coach Gernot Rohr ahead of Dele Alampasu and Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the absence of Ikeme, but after the 0-2 loss against South Africa, Akpeyi was faulted for the goals conceded by the Nigeria media.

Rohr confirmed after the game that Ikeme’s return will no doubt see him reclaim his number one shirt for the clash against Cameroon, and it appears he is well on course to be back for the game after his injury troubles.

they have that better luck too and edged us. That seems to give them that belief that anytime they meet us, it is a final to them.

“During my playing career, I played against them (Cairo 1991 All Africa Games and AFCON 2000) and I didn’t win anyone which was very unfortunate.”

Babangida who won gold with Nigeria’s U-23 Olympic team at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, praised Cameroon for their performance at

the game which means African football is still behind European football.” And ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo in August, Babangida tipped the Eagles for victory.

He added:”I think we can surprise them and beat them home and away. It is possible.

We all saw how South Africa shocked us in Uyo. But it is going to be a very difficult game.

“And we must also note that they (Cameroon) are playing in a tournament despite the break unlike our players who are still holidaying, which was evident in the Super Eagles performance against South Africa.”

K

Messi

elechi Iheanacho has hailed Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi on the day of his birthday, and labelled him the King of Football.

The Argentina international celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday, June 24, and he received a lot of birthday greetings from several footballers, including from the Manchester City number 72.

Iheanacho has never played against Messi in a competitive fixture, and watched proceedings from the bench as the Barca number ten opened the scoring after 21 minutes in City’s 3-1 win in the Champions League last November.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Over 200 youths to participate in Anambra

Whoever wants to eliminate Ndigbo, South south people will AT4 fail –Anakwe

Skills Acquisition training phase 2

AT 2

We’re behind Obiano’s second term bid –Bakery material boss ÏÏÏ Few

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (left), welcoming Stuart Symington, US Ambassador to Nigeria at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia...recently.

Jubilation as Obiano commissions 2nd phase of street lights Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

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Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has promised to complete the third phase of putting street lights in the state.

With his determination to ensure complete eradication of crime in the state, the Governor has completed and commissioned street lights of phases one and two in the state and vowed to continue with phase three project in his second tenure in office.

Governor Obiano said this during the commissioning of the second phase of the street lights in the state at Afor- Nkpor market, Idemili North local Government Area of the State.

The Governor said that the street lights would help to scare away criminals and urged the people of the state to ensure adequate protection of the lights

Anambra

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The Anambra Times

which will help them to also transact business in the night.

The Governor said,”we have commissioned the first phase at Amansea. This is the second one that we are commissioning to give the people in the state light, scare aware criminals and encourage light life. The project’s phase three will come up by my second tenure because you need this light.”

In his speech, the Transition Committee chairman of the Local Government ,Chief Ralph Nnabuife Asha, extolled the Governor for his kind gesture and urged the people to vote en mass for him to enable him continue with the dividend of democracy which he has continued to provide.

He described the Goverrnor as God-sent to ameliorate the suffering of the people, hinting that the first phase was at the boundary between Anambra and Enugu states to help checkmate move-

Special Project Editor Kenneth Madueke

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

ment of people and wares.

According to Asha,”the second phase which he has just commissioned stretches from Amansea to Niger Bridge head and we will ensure the protection of the project

because of its cost and benefits to the people of the state”, he stated.

Speaking, the traditional ruler of Ogidi,, Igwe Onyido, commended the governor for carrying the people along.

ANSG begins 2017 neglected tropical diseases drug distribution ÏÏÏ

Anambra State Ministry of Health in Collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Carter Centre and other partner agencies have commenced the 2017 distribution of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) drugs in the state.

The exercise which has been a yearly activity in the state since its ten years inception is geared towards the eradication of the four-key Neglected Tropical Diseases namely Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis) caused by the bite of an infected Mosquito, River blindness (Onchocerciasis) caused by the bite of an infected blackfly, Soil Transmitted Helminthes (Intestinal Worms) caused by tiny worms and Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) caused by tiny worm found in dirty and stagnant water.

Addressing a team from the Carter Centre on advocacy visit in Awka, Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Joe Akabuike, said the Health

well-being of the people of the State has been of paramount importance to the state government under the leadership of Governor Wille Obiano, stressing that this year drug distribution will be Judiciously distributed and effectively supervised to ensure that it gets to everybody in the state from 5years and above.

Dr. Akabuike also stated that since 2010, the result so far in respect to River blindness shows that the transmission is suspected to have been interrupted, and recent epidemiological evaluations have shown that the prevalence has been drastically reduced from pre-control in 1997/2000 to elimination stage now. He advised everybody from 5years and above to avail themselves of this opportunity and get treated as the drugs will be distributed from state to L.G.As, down to the Community level Villages, Churches, Market, e.t.c.

years ago, some bakery material dealers in Onitsha took a bold step to develop a new market at Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra state along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway.

The decision that time was not all that popular but today, the traders were better for it as the market has been growing in leaps and bounds.

The chairman of the Amalgamated Bakery Material Dealers Association, Ogbunike, Chief Ben Ezeneme, attested to this when he spoke with the media in his office.

He said more people were coming to seek for shopping space in the market, an indication that the market is becoming popular among the traders and equally growing.

Chief Ezeneme who is the Dike Ora of Oraukwu said the attraction the market holds for the traders and their customers was because of the continuous improvement being done there.

He said his administration particularly has done a lot to give the market face-lift including 12 feet German flooring of the market, which cost them N12 million.

The chairman said the most important achievement they made since they came in was the presence of peace in the market, without which there will be no normal business activities.

“I think the most important thing is that there is no crisis in the market. I brought peace in the market. Everybody is going about his/her business without fear of intimidation or harassment,” said the chairman.

He, however, said their major need now is the construction of Ecobank road which is posing a difficult task for them as vehicles conveying goods in and out of the market always fell with the goods.

The road, he said, has been cost to take about N35million to construct , saying that they will channel their N10million project to the road, where it stopped , they will finish the remaining portion.

“That road is the only major challenge we have now in this market. We have water. The former Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, dug a borehole for us.We have bought and installed transformer and light on our own, which cost us N8 million . We are looking on Governor Willie Obiano for the construction of the road. We know he will do it because we support him for second term more than100 percent.

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

No true democracy in Nigeria –NACAMA President ÏÏÏProfessor Peter Emeka katchy,

L-R: Thomas Achebe; Chike Ubaka Ikemefuna; NDLEA Counsellor, Mrs. Chinwe Thompson; Chukwunweike Victor Enwezor, Founder of Come Alive Initiative (CAI), and other colleagues the NDLEA counsellor, during an event in Onitsha...recently.

My position as national chairman is unshakeable –Oye Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

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The Enugu high court’s removed National chairman of All Progressives (APGA), Chief Vicrtor Oye, has boasted that his position as the National Chairman of the party was unshakeable.

Chief Oye who stated this in his country home, Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra state when the party’s stakeholders paid him a courtesy call, said his purported removal was an impossible task.

He said the claimant has been going round Igbo leaders to accept him but he has been rejected wherever he went, saying that he recently met a prominent Anambra state- born billionaire, who shut him out and asked him to meet Governor Willie Obiano if he was hungry.

He said APGA has a constitution and 2014 relevant sections of the party as amended stipulated that it is through the national convention convened for that purpose that can remove him if two-third majority of

the members approved it.

“They are engaging in ego trip, a journey of no return. The exercise is a nullity, an ambush. The so-called Enugu high court has no jurisdiction and the judgment would be consigned to dustbin,” Oye said.

Stressing that his lawyers have found 24 infractions in the judgment, Oye said some people were out to dupe the state and its people, insisting that APGA has come to stay and destined to be great.

He predicted that the party will win at least eight states in the 2019 general election and urged them to work hard for the return of Governor Obiano because their political rights were dependent on that.

“If he fails to return, we will all be doomed. We must work hard to reap, assuring that party members will get their fair share, if the Governor is voted for second tenure.

The chairman of Caretaker Committee of Orumba North Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Afoka, said that there was no cause for alarm as the party still remained intact.

He also said they were not afraid of Obiano making it because he has touched every sector in the state and that is why they were backing him for second tenure.

He said “some people are living in the past glory. It does not work and will not in this election. It will not happen again. We are prepared to protect our votes. We are on the ground,” said Afoka who dismissed fears that APC will use federal mighty to rig 2017 governorship election in the State.

Speaking with newsmen, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Market affairs and second VicePresident of Amalgamated Markets Traders of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Emma Ozoemena, said the visit to the National chairman has confirmed that there was no cause to despair.

He said the National chairman has given that the accurate information and put things in proper situation, assuring that APGA in Orumba North was solidly behind Governor Obiano’s second term and will work to achieve that.

Over 200 youths to participate in Anambra Skills Acquisition training phase 2 ÏÏÏOver 200 youths drawn from the

twenty-one (21) local Government Areas of Anambra State are to participate in the second phase of Anambra State Skills Acquisition Training Programme, put together by the Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Youth, Entrepreneurship and Sports Development.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Awka recently, Commissioner for Youth, Entrepreneurship and Sport Development in the state, Barr. Uju Nwogu, said that the training was in line with the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano to empower the youths.

She stated that the exercise was designed to make the youths self-reliant and self-confident by equipping them

with contemporary skills to combat unemployment.

“You may recall that last year at the Youth Centre in Mgbakwu, 200 youths of Anambra State were trained in various self-sustaining skills. “Now less than a year, another batch of 200 will commence the training. This is a demonstration of our belief that developing entrepreneurial mind-set in the youths is panacea to economic growth”, the Commissioner added.

The training which commenced at the Federal Youth Development Centre, Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area will last for two weeks.

Participants in the programme are being trained on various skills such as: shoe making, confectionery, decorations, phone repairs, solar

power and interlocking. They are also to being trained on landscaping, tiling, wall screeding, Plaster of Paris (POP), fish hatchery, hair-making and other entrepreneurial skills.

Declaring the training open, Governor Willie Obiano, represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Harry Uduh, urged the youths to bear good fruits and justify the investment on them.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the empowerment of the youths, recalling that over 55% of his political appointments are youths including the Commissioner for Budget, Economic planning and Development Partners, Mark Okoye, who according to him, is the youngest commissioner in the state.

the President of National Complementary and Alternative Medical Association, (NACAMA) has said that Nigeria is yet to practise true democracy.

Speaking at a book launch in Awka, Anambra state capital, Prof katchy said, “the only true democratic polity experienced in Nigeria lasted for six years, 1960 to 1966”.

“That was when there was true federalism and after that, there was a coup that ushered in unitary system that brought in corruption,” he said.

Prof. Katchy said it was in the National conference of 1979 that restructuring was recommended, but from that 1979 till date, both the civilian and military were still practising military system because of oil money and the constituent states became redundant .

“If there is restructuring, there will be true federalism. When we have true federalism, there will be regional police. Nigeria is afraid of history, and that is why they removed history from school curriculum. Let history be restored in school curriculum, those people who are agitating do not know or read history.

Those who are agitating and want to be carved out is because history was not taught to them. The author of this book did a good job by authoring this book so that those who do not know the history of this country will know,” he said.

Earlier, the book reviewer, an Associate Prof. Head, political Science Department, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Rev. Ifeanyichukwu Ojukwu, recalled that “the missionaries permeated us and brought us together via indirect rule, amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria”.

He commended the author, a lecturer at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe,Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr Chris Nwosu, for his work, adding that according to the author, there are 250 tribes in Nigeria and more than 500 languages.

He said, “since the amalgamation of Northern and southern Nigeria in 1914 by the colonial masters, we have not achieved true democracy, we are pretenders to democracy and we are still on the road to democracy.

The author, Chris Nwosu, said “Nigeria is not yet a democratic nation and if you want to know whether it is true or not you look at the indices of the democracy. One of them is the rule of law. Do we have independence of the judiciary, no, how do we conduct elections and the ones conducted, were they free and fair?.

He said it was inspiration from God and love for writing and reading, especially motivational books, saying “no human being can claim monopoly of knowledge”.

He said, “you have to read to broaden your academic horizon and it is by reading other people’s work that you can put up yours”.

Popular clergyman challenges Igbos to use their intellect ÏÏÏPopular

Catholic priest in Anambra State, Rev. (Fr) Emmanuel Obimma, has challenged Ndigbo to fight for divine right on their knees.

Rev (Fr) Obimma spoke penultimate week while holding a prayer session at Building Material International Market Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The cleric said Igbos inherited greatness from God and are blessed

by God, urging them to use their intellect employed during the Nigerian Biafran civil war to survive to emancipate themselves now.

Asking them to return back to their God, Father Obimma challenged them to follow the divine principles so that they will get results to their needs.

Quoting third John verse two, the cleric said “as a Christian, there must be evidence of God’s blessing.

Abinitio, God created you to prosper.

God created you to be a mega achiever. Pray for the Igbo renaissance again”.

Lamenting the marginalization of Ndigbo in Nigeria, the cleric questioned the abandonment of the Second Niger Bridge project by the Federal Government but asserted that no matter the amount of deprivation , Igbos were destined to be great.

“Christ was made poor for you to become rich. Cry no more. If you do what you suppose to do, God will do His own part,” he said.

The priest took time to pray for the prosperity of the traders in the market.

Speaking shortly after the session, the President of the Market, Jude Nwankwo, said they had to invite the man of God to pray for them because of the way things are in the country and in the world in general.

He said, “ we noticed a lot of hardship. A lot of people come to beg now because of hardship. There is sickness, poverty all over. And then most importantly, we need peace in the market. So, we decided to bring the Ebube Monso to pray for us. We believe that wherever there is peace, love and unity, there will be progress.

With the prayer, all these problems would be wiped away. And the result would impact on the state and even the country”.

Continuing, the President said “God has been using this man of God to do wonders, so we decided to bring him. And as you can see, God has used him to bless us. You can see how happy the people are dancing, jubilating and praising God. Some even told me to close the market for the day, so that they keep on praising God”.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

ANSG screens over 5,000 new born babies for sickle cell disorder ÏÏÏ The Anambra State Gov-

ernment has so far screened a total of five thousand, one hundred and six babies for the early detection of sickle cell disorder since the inception of the screening exercise in 2012.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Joe Akabuike, who gave the indication at a press briefing during the World Sickle Cell Day, gave the breakdown of the screening as four thousand and sixty one representing babies with AA genotype status, one thousand and one representing babies with AS status, thirty eight with SS status, and six with AC status.

Dr. Akabuike noted that the feat was facilitated through the installation of an Iso electric focusing machine, microscopes, computers and other equipment at the Chukwu Emeka Oduemegwu –Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka by the state government and its collaboration

partners, the Globalsickle cell alliance association of public Health liberations and Newborn screening initiative.

He described sickle cell disease as a hereditary blood disorders occasioning lack of Healthy Red blood cells carrying adequate oxygen throughout the body.

The commissioner advised the general public to be careful in selecting their spouse partners to eliminate the disease.

According to him, intending couples should go for genotypes test before engaging in marriage.

He listed the symptoms of the disease to include fatigue, episodic pains, jaundice, frequent infection, eyes problems which can be managed with drugs like folic acid supplement, antimalarial and antibiotics prophylaxis, fluid intake and drinking of water.

Sickle cell day is celebrated every June 19.

The Anambra Times 3

Obiano urges youths to acquire new skills Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏAnambra

State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has urged youths in the state to key into new opportunities which his administration offers to acquire skills as a means of personal development and route to gainful employment.

Obiano made this call recently at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Awka, the state capital, during the 2017 Diocesan World Youth Day. The governor, represented by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano, advised the youths to take advantage of government’s sponsored skills

acquisition and training programmes, adding that whitecollar job is no longer enough for the rising youth population.

He advised the youths to resist temptation’s temptation and stand for what is good for your sake and for the good, Obiano pointed out that his government is tackling unemployment issues by providing automatic employment to physically challenged persons and also training those ones who are keen to learn new skills.

The Governor said He assured that the prevailing peace and stability in the state is being sustained with steadfast commitment to the maintenance of the safety of lives and

property of Ndi Anambra.

Speaking later with the youths, wife of the Governor explained how supportive her NGO, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ), has been to Obiano’s administration, stating that over 2500 persons benefitted from the various trainings and empowerment programmes in various skills.

She urged the youths to brace for the challenges ahead by working hard to achieve their dreams and to be prayerful as true Christians.

The highlight of the occasion is the presentation of award to the governor as the Most Youth Friendly Governor.

Presidential aide wants agrarian programme in Anambra replicated nationwide ÏÏÏ The Senior Special Assistant

to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment, Mr. Afolabi Imoukhuede, on Friday, hailed the agriculture scheme in Anambra State as a model that should be replicated in other states.

He said this to the News Agency of Nigeria while reacting to how the N-Power volunteers in the state were being utilized to add value to the economy of the state and country.

According to him, the practice in Anambra State is a big lesson to volunteers in other parts of the country.

“The lesson from Anambra state for us is really to showcase what we saw in the Agric Development Programme.

“I like the fact that there are three clear strategies they have set in place.

“One is the fact that they empower our N-Agro participants with the agronomy and the techniques and the technologies that they need to know.

“The second is that they also give them demonstration sites where they are able to practicalise all that they are being taught in theory.

“We saw fishery, crop farming and poultry and livestock and what have you.

“And the last but not the least is now the linkage of after they have learnt this and demonstrated this and linking it to community farming, the private farms, community farmers that the state themselves are supporting.

“And that of cause gives them the opportunity to access the markets

and to commerce.

“That is very commendable in what we have seen with the N-Agro and complementarity with Anambra State Agriculture Development Programme.’’

According to Imoukhuede when the monitoring team carries out visits, it looks for models that work and showcase them and try and get every other state to copy best practice.

He said that when N-Agro was designed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the ADP its intention was to ensure that it could achieve all the things seen in Anambra State.

He said it was for the volunteers to get the knowledge and be able to go out there and impart knowledge to farmers adding that data was key as the M&E team saw the innovation with the Anambra Farmers’ Data Centre.

“That (data collection) is even one big thing that our N-Agro will be doing, that is why they are getting devices.

“To be able to go and register farmers and register their farms with coordinates and being able to use those devices to monitor maybe outbreak of diseases or pesticides on site.

He recalled the experience the monitoring team had in Delta on the issue of Army worms’ infestation on maize farms.

He said that was very complementary to what the N-Power was doing and the ability to demonstrate it so that the volunteers themselves could become Agro-business people.

Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and Mr. Guang Zhongqi, Consul-general of the Chinese Embassy during a courtesy call on the governor at the Governor’s Lodge in Akwa... recently

New Police CP solicits stakeholders support in crime combat ÏÏÏ The new Commissioner of

Police in Anambra State, Mr. Garba Umar, has solicited the support and cooperation of people of the state to sustain the sane security environment in the state.

Umar, who assumed office in Awka on Wednesday, joined the force in 1990 and last served as a police commissioner in Bauchi State.

He replaced the former CP, Sam Okaula who proceeded on retirement having clocked the mandatory age of 60 years.

While paying tribute to the outgone Okaula, the new police boss pledged to sustain and build upon the existing se-

curity in the state.

“I am receiving the baton from a gallant officer who has carved a niche for himself in the history of crime fighting in the state.

“It is our hope that we shall not only maintain the standard he set, but also improve on it.

“The good people of Anambra deserve their right to peace and tranquillity and it is our foremost calling as Police officers to ensure that no threat undermines the quality of life the people enjoy.”

Umar pledged loyalty to Gov. Willie Obiano as the state Chief security officer, and promised not to abuse the trust

reposed in him and officers in the command by the InspectorGeneral of Police.

He said that the three cardinal policy thrust of the Inspector-General of Police which are Change Begins with Me, Bail is free and Zero tolerance to Corruption would form the bedrock of his leadership.

Earlier, Okaula in a short speech, described the new police commissioner as a `seasoned officer’ and urged the people to enable him to succeed.

He said he was glad to have served the force and had to bow out when the time was ripe.

The Anambra Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Whoever wants to eliminate Ndigbo, South-South people will fail –Anakwe

Chief Ozo Anakwe is the former PresidentGeneral of the defunct Onitsha Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (OMATA), a prominent stakeholder and opinion leader in the affairs of Anambra state and indeed Ndigbo.

In this interview with our Anambra state Correspondent, Alphonsus Nweze, Anakwe speaks on the raging issue of quit notice handed down to Ndigbo by the Arewa youths to vacate the North by first October this year, Buhari’s alleged hatred of Ndigbo, the coming Anambra State Governorship election on November 18, 2017 among others. The excerpts:

How do you see the success of sit at home by IPOB? The success of sit- at- home by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) was because of the treatment being meted by President Mohammed Buhari on South East and South South since he came to power, an unfortunate development that had rather united South East and South South. And because God is against such ill- treatment,He refused to give him the strength to complete his mission against Ndigbo. I do not share the view of those who urge us to pray for Buhari to die. But in as much as l am not wishing him death, I cannot pray for somebody, who is against my people, my future; one who does not include my people in all his appointments, who sent my people to prison without conviction by Court of competent jurisdiction, who refused to court-martial the soldiers that were killing my people who engaged in peaceful demonstration and who told Femi Fani-Kayode that he hates Igbos, and will not forgive them.

Wishing him success is for him to succeed in eliminating my people So,I disagree with the clergies who told the christians to pray for Buhari. They should count me out. My prayer is that whoever will want to eliminate Ndigbo and the people of South South shall not succeed. And I am saying it in the name of Jesus.

What is your view on the

quit order on Ndigbo residing in the North by the Arewa youths?

I advise Arewa youths to emulate other ethnic groups like Afenifere, Ijaw, Ohaneze Ndigbo and others as well as progressive youth groups in the country to embrace education .

It will help them learn technology instead of staying in the bush and learn violence and how to destroy lives and properties of Nigerians especially that of Ndigbo.What they suppose to be thinking of themselves is to understand that as future leaders, they should imbibe the habit of going to school. Ndigbo can go without their properties in the North but with their hardwork , they recover them in less than 20 years but if left for Arewa youths, they can squander them in less than five years .This shows that they don’t have conscience, sense of justice that Ndigbo should not complain of lack of appointment because they failed to vote Buhari What is the way forward?

The way forward is for Nigerians to choose two options, either allow Biafra to go or take the advice of Ndigbo to fundamentally restructure Nigeria, according to the National Constitutional of conference of the former President, Goodluck Jonathan because you cannot refuse to move and still refuse others to move forward.

Those Northern leaders who believe in justice and fair-play know that they are not fair to Ndigbo, that they have ill-treated Easterners but those who have no conscience still want the state quo to remain. My advice and warning to Federal and state governments is not to play politics with Nigeria judiciary.

How do you see the recent utterances by Dr.Chris Ngige that Igbos are not benefitting in Buhari’s administration because they did not contribute to his electoral success?

In my opinion, he is talking from a shallow mind, instead Igbos looked before they leapt, they have examined Buhari and found out that he would not deliver, that giving him power will not be for the interest of the country. Today,Ndigbo have been vindicated for the

What did Obasanjo do when the then National Assembly moved to impeach him. They are there for jamboree. They are not there to protect the people and government of Nigeria. By now, Buhari should be facing impeachment, because he has committed a lot of impeachable offences if we go by the Constitution of the Federal Republic.

Even market women know that he cannot contest in 2019. What are they going to tell Nigerians?

It is because they have nothing to tell Nigerians that they are talking of second term.

Anakwe following reason. Those who sponsored his election are disappointed; they are not proud of the government they worked hard to enthrone. My question is, are the Christian North who voted for him happy today they did? Are the Southern Kaduna people who voted him happy today?. Are the Yorubas who voted him happy today?. Are the APC members happy today?

Is British Government that worked for his election proud of his election? Will Obama and Cameron be bold to say they sponsored Buhari? Are Members of security agencies in the country happy with the type of lopsided recruitment?

Are Nigerians generally happy with the performance of INEC today? What of the strained relationship between the executives and the National Assembly?. What is the relationship between Buhari and Nigeria’s judiciary? Where in the World has the type of bail condition given to Nnamdi Kanu by Justice Nyako happened? How many Nigerians have been in prison without trial or government outrightly and blatantly failed to obey order of court of competent jurisdiction?

What do you say about the persisting recession in the country with a lot of Nigerians suffering?

The economy is not moving forward. Our naira has drastically fallen against dollar. Inflation is on the increase. How many employment opportunities do we have since the inception of this government. Unem-

The Anambra state I know, their members and sympathizers are not more than 18 persons in each Local Government.

And dreaming of capturing Anambra state is like a tortoise, boasting he will defeat an elephant. ployment rate in the country has gone up. How many roads and other infrastructure have this government built? How many megawatts have they added to the national grid? Our industries have closed down.

How many people have Fulani herdsmen killed, yet Federal Government has not done anything. Since independence till date, no president of Nigeria has assaulted the Judiciary like this President, went to their residences in the dead of the night and arrested them.

Even with Buhari ‘s inability to run the country because he has stayed in the hospital more than he stayed in his office, some people still insist he will contest again. How do you see this?

They are talking of second term when he has not been able to rule in the first term.

My problem is that National Assembly is not up and doing.

What of the November 18, 2017 governorship election, APC has boasted it would win at all cost? And a lot of politicians are rushing to the party to contest the governorship election?

Those rushing to APC are like a lady rushing to a man to protect him against a masquerade.

Immediately she runs to the man, the masquerade will stop pursuing him. Tell me those who are rushing to APC who have never held political appointment? For people like Jim Nwobodo, once beaten twice shy.

Some of them were alleged to have embezzled PDP campaign fund. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have been prosecuting FaniKayode, why not prosecute these people as well. They have run to APC to shield themselves .They are there because rain is falling there. When the rain stops, they would come back to the house they started their journey.

But I want to tell you that all their boasts are empty. The Anambra state I know, their members and sympathizers are not more than 18 persons in each Local Government. And dreaming of capturing Anambra state is like a tortoise, boasting he will defeat an elephant. Those top politicians who crossed over to APC have lost about 98 percent of their supporters. My advice to them is to join other party not APC, if they are serious of contesting the coming governorship election. Their hopes and confidence are on INEC and the security agencies, not on the voters of Anambra state. As far as Anambra I know is concerned and in my capacity as the former President-General of traders in the State, there is no APC in Anambra state as at today.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Naira closes at 305.85/$1, as money market shut for Eid Page B3

Profit taking weakens NSE All Share-Index by 4.99 %

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Etisalat: CBN, NCC adduce reasons for intervention

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Interbank rate eases as I&E FX, unofficial rates near convergence

L-R Nigerian Singer and MTN Ambassador, Iyanya Mbuk; Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Sanit-Nwafor; MTN Foundation Director, Aisha Pamela Sadauki and MTN Foundation Director, Dennis Okoro at at the closing ceremony of the 2017 MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care in Lagos.

Motolani Oseni The Nigerian interbank rate eased to around eight per cent on Friday, from 15 per cent last week after the central bank repaid 152.6 billion naira ($500.57 million) in matured debt and paid refunds to banks for their forex cash provisions, just as the Nigerian currency, Naira, against US dollar at Investors and Exporters FX window and the unofficial forex market, on Friday, almost close at a converging rates.

Forex traders, believed that sustainable FX injection into the forex market by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would improve the nation’s economy.

But they noted that further drop is expected in the overnight rate to around five per cent this week if the government, as expected, releases its May budget allocations next week to its agencies.

“We are anticipating additional cash flow from budgetary allocations to government agencies,” one currency traders said.

The Nigerian foreign exchange market has up to six exchange rates, but has been dealing with forex shortage challenges arising from low oil prices, but with continuous intervention into the market by the CBN up to the tune of The CBN had injected $195million to meet market demands last week and is expected to inject another into the market this week, a follow up to over $800million that was injected into the inter-bank foreign exchange market in prior week.

According to CBN, the $195 million breakdown of the intervention shows that the sum of $100million was offered to authorised dealers interbank wholesale window and $50 million (through the Small & Medium Enterprises window), and $45 million (for invisibles).

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Deputy Business Editor Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Monday, June 26, 2017

S’ African bankers at NSE, seek business partnership Ganiyu Obaaro Desirous to enhance business relationship with Nigerian firms, a group of South African bankers have visited the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and the Lagos Business School, LBS, to advance that objective The Investment Bankers have, therefore, lauded the LBS for hosting the International Executive Development Programme (IEDP) for the banking sector and Training Authority (BANKSETA), held in Lagos.

According to a statement by TPT International, a business communication firm, “The fiveday programme, which started on Monday, June 19, 2017, brought together high potential leaders from the investment banking sector in South Africa; and immersed them

into the best practices of the Nigerian economy, culture and environment.”

The Mabiletsa, of Absa Capital, South Africa, commended the Lagos Business School for hosting them in Nigeria, an experience he said had broadened the delegation’s horizon on the uniqueness of the Nigerian economy and market.

He revealed that Nigerian businesses “have created a niche space in terms of their innovation and expertise which can make them partner favourably with South African banks as well as other banks on the continent.”

Jared Bleak, Lead Professor/ Orchestrator, Duke University, said that the key learning from the week-long programme was evident in the prospects for Nigerian banks becoming more international and how they could collaborate with

other markets on the continent and even the rest of the world.

He commended the Lagos Business School for exposing the team to a fast-emerging market on the African continent, as well as the warm reception.

Dr. Franklin Ngwu, Senior Lecturer, Strategy, Finance and Risk Management, Lagos Business School, said that it was a great feat helping the South African Investment bankers to understudy the Nigerian financial sector to see areas of opportunity, investment and collaboration with the two countries.

The statement added that, CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Mr. Oscar Onyeama commended the Lagos Business School for the IEDP initiative, he stated that opportunities such as this affords the stock exchange an avenue to share relevant information

which boosts confidence in the Nigerian capital markets and in turn the Nigerian economy.

Dr. Enase Okonedo, Dean, Lagos Business School, expressed appreciation to all organisations that welcomed the LBS/IEDP-BANKSETA participants during their tour for showing support during the programme and wished the South African bankers a safe trip back home.

Some of the activities included visits to the International Centre for Commerce (ICC) Balogun Market, Lagos; NIKE Art Gallery; SLOT Systems Limited; Computer Village, and interactive sessions with Afri Invest, Ecobank and Fintech CEOs (Konga, Venture Garden, Interswitch etc.)

Also included in the activities was a visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), where they got an expose into the Nigerian economy, the capital markets and participated in the activities of ringing the closing bell on the NSE trading floor. The participants were given adequate exposure to the Nigerian economy, culture and environment.

Oil demand set to slow in 2017 due to weak economic outlook Simon Ugwu with Agency report

The IEA forecast for 2017 was cut by 100,000 barrels from last month, following a revision to the global economic outlook by the International Monetary Fund, IMF, after Britain voted to leave the EU The drop in price of crude oil reflects a loss of confidence in the market after the latest meeting of Opec, where ministers from oilproducing states failed to cut back supply Corbis

Oil demand growth will weaken more than expected in 2017, as a climate of economic insecurity continues, according to the world’s leading energy body.

Global oil demand is expected to grow by 1.2 million barrels a day next year, down from 1.4 million barrels a day in 2016, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday.

This also represents a 100,000 barrels a day decrease from last month forecast.

The IEA trimmed its forecast

following the International Monetary Fund’s decision in July to cut its world economic growth, following UK’s vote to leave the European Union, EU. “Global oil demand growth is expected to slow from 1.4 mb/d in 2016 to 1.2 mb/d in 2017, as underlying support from low oil prices wanes. The 2017 forecast – though still above-trend – is 0.1 mb/d below our previous expectations due to a dimmer macroeconomic outlook. The 2016 outlook is unchanged from last

month’s report,” the IEA report said.

If demand is weakening, supply has increased substantially over the course of last month.

An increase in production from Opec and non-Opec countries drove global oil supply up by 800,000 in July.

Oversupply helped send oil prices from $115 a barrel in June 2014 to as low as $27 in January this year. Crude later recovered to around $50 but fell again towards $40 in July.

Business News B2 Bonny Amadi Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Mr. Osita Abolma has called the operators of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) as well as agricultural firms located in Delta State and environs, to leverage on the new office established by the agency in the state.

He said this was the only way in which the efforts made in establishing the Delta office would be fully harnessed.

Aboloma who was speaking during the handing over of the

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

SON urges SMEs on standardisation office recently by the state government, added that the idea was to bring standardisation benefits closer to firms within the Delta-Edo axis so that more firms would be integrated into standardisation regimes of the SON. Commending the state government for helping to make the office a reality, he said the administration had demonstrated good faith in accommodating the SON within its territory, urging other states

to follow the good example of Delta.

The SON DG also promised that technical and support staff would be deployed to the office shortly to make it functional.

According to him, the office would work to fast-track registration and other formalities within the zone, in line with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business mantra.

“To that extent, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, would be assisted in having

their products and processes registered, as way of helping them improve their processes, become more marketable, and their products more competitive in the international market.” He added.

The SON DG said another area of prime focus, was the agricultural sector where he said Nigeria had great potentials yet to be fully harnessed.

“Our unflagging efforts have seen to the establishment of Nigeria’s first food laboratories

accredited by the International Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (ILAC) of the United States. The SON food laboratories have capacity to test 200 products and thereby cover all known food items on the table,” Aboloma stressed.

He said with the laboratory, Nigerian exporters would now be more confident to approach the international market with their products having obtained the certification from the SON laboratories after due tests.

OAU, UNILAG, others to enjoy stable power Simon Ugwu Eight Federal Universities are to enjoy uninterrupted power supply from off grid captive power plants, following a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed with the Rural Electrification Agency, REA. The eight Federal Universities and one Teaching Hospital that signed the MoU with the REA include Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bayero University, Kano, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, University of Lagos, Akoka, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile Ife. The MoU signed by the universities and REA comes under the Federal Government’s first

phase of Energizing Education Programme, EEP, which targets nine institutions, and the projects will be completed in 2018, and over 300, 000 students and staff are expected to have access to uninterrupted power supply.

Seven of the nine planned power plants (10.5MW out of a total of 26.56MW) will be fuelled by solar energy, in line with the Federal Government’s energy – mix policy.

According to REA the programme aims to provide uninterrupted power supply for 37 Federal Universities and seven Teaching Hospitals in the country through the utilisation of off grid captive power plants in a bid to resolve power challenges in institutions of higher learning, and also to add value to staff and students’ performance and productivity.

It further stated that the programme will also install street lighting to enhance security measures on campuses, develop

NB partners farmers on local raw materials

Joy Ekeke

As part of efforts to improve productivity of cassava starch, sorghum and others, the Nigerian Breweries PLC (NB) has announced plans to increase the sourcing of local raw materials to 60 per cent by 2018.

The Manager, Corporate Communications and Brand Public Relations of NB Plc, Mr. Patrick Olowokere, stated this during a factory tour of one of the firm’s major raw material suppliers in Ado Awaiye in Iseyin area of Oyo State.

According to him, our global target is to achieve 60 per cent by 2020, but we have said to ourselves that by 2018 we can achieve that target.”

“By 2020, Nigerian Breweries would have finalised plans to increase its sourcing of raw materials from 57 to 60 per cent, the margin is small but apt.”

He further explained that the company was sourcing about 57 per cent of its raw materials locally and that it had started partnering with local farmers in different parts of the country to increase the percentage.

“The company was always looking at ways to partner with local farmers and processors to develop agricultural value chains that will strengthen the economy and save foreign exchange.”

“Over 250,000 sorghum farmers benefited in the Northern agronomical zones as at 2013, producing over the 100,000 tons the company needs annually.”

Olowokere, stressed that the company was currently sourcing about 99 per cent of its packaging materials locally and is keen to work with more indigenous companies to boost local food production.

L-R: Executive Director, Fagbems Group, Adebayo Gbemisola, Managing Director, Hassan Gbemisola, Head of Marketing, Lagos Traffic Radio, Dare Durosimi and the Chief Operating Officer, Fatgbems Group, Dare Adeola at the Lagos Traffic Radio Lecture Series Two Supported by Fatgbems Group in Lagos on Thursday.

Etisalat: CBN, NCC adduce reasons for intervention

Tony Nwakaegho

The ongoing crisis between Etisalat, a telecommunication provide and 13 consortium of banks, led by Access Bank Plc, has not abated, as the Federal Government has continued to mediate in the matter and save the economy from having any after effects, including job losses and negative impacts on the its revenue base.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it intervened in the crisis between Etisalat and a consortium of 13 Nigerian Banks over a syndicated loan of about $1.2bn granted the telecom company to save over 4,000 jobs and stripping of the company’s assets.

Mr Isaac Okorafor, CBN spokesperson said in a statement issued to the press that “Although it should ordinarily not be the role of a regulator to decide how individual bad loans are resolved, the CBN believes that Etisalat is a systemically important telecommunications company with over 20 million subscribers that if not well han-

dled, may have negative implications for the banking system itself.”

He further revealed that the CBN and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had suspected that banks might go ahead in the usual way and downsize the company’s over 4,000 staff, adding that this was why they reached an agreement to intervene.

He added that both regulators implore the consortium of banks to re-assess its position in dealing with Etisalat.

On it part, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), insisted that the consortium of banks seeking to takeover Etisalat Nigeria over the protracted $1.72 billion debt impasse must first cross some regulatory hurdles.

Simon Ugwu, with Agency report

2014, according to report The only other time the code has been used was in a series of attacks on banks and media companies in South Korea in 2013 which Washington and Seoul blamed on North Korea – though they did not provide independent verification at the time.

Symantec said the hackers had managed to steal more than $81m (£55.4m) from the central bank of Bangladesh in February this year and failed to steal $1m (£680,000) from the Tien Phong Bank in Vietnam in December last year.

N/Korea could be behind bank heists, experts say Thieves stole more than £55m after ‘world’s most secure’ payment transfer system is breached for the first time North Korea could be behind spate of cyber-attacks on Asian banks, according to digital security analysts.

Private firm Symantec said it had evidence that thieves had either stolen money or attempted to do so from banks in the Philippines, Vietnam and Bangladesh by using the same piece of code that was involved in the Sony Pictures hack in December

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni The Nigerian currency, Naira, on Friday, closed at the official foreign exchange market on a slight downward trend of 305.85 to a dollar against 305.75 closed the previous week, data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has showed.

This is just as the Nigerian money market suspended all trading activities till resumption on Wednesday 28, June, 2017, due to two-day public holiday declared by the Federal Government to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Fitr.

The naira had traded on the official interbank market at 305.75 to a dollar the previous week, but dropped to 305.85. However, it appreciated against the other two major currencies, closing at 389.13 and 341.72 compare to 390.44 and 341.40 traded to the

B3

Money Market

Naira closes at 305.85/$1, as money market shut for Eid

Pound sterling and Euro, respectively.

Also, the local currency at the Investors’ and Exporters’ Foreign Exchange (I&E FX) window, on Friday, closed at 362.16, against 363 rates on Thursday, but better than N365.29 closed a week ago, according to data obtained from FMDQ website.

But at the parallel market, the Nigerian currency, remained unchanged at 368 to a dollar, the same rate it closed the forex market upper Friday; and the first trading in the week under review.

Although, Business Times findings, showed that foreign exchange operators at the unof-

ficial segment of the market often capitalised on the closure of the official forex market, most especially, during holidays to hike price of the local currency against the US Dollar.

It would be recalled that the CBN has been intervening on the official market in the recent time in order to narrow the spread between rates on the official market and black market - where the local currency trades around 30 per cent weaker. It has sold about $5 billion since February.

Therefore, insisting that it can sustain continuous injection of dollar into the forex market, while the explaining over the weekend that it would not suc-

cumb to pressure to further devalue or float the nation’s currency.

In fact, the Acting Director, Public Communications of the apex bank, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, recently, said that the bank would not devalue the Naira, as that would escalate inflation and worsen the economic situation in the country.

He said that CBN had the constitutional mandate to regulate the currency and prevent any economic situation that would expose Nigerians to hardship.

According to him, those clamouring for the Naira to be devalued are not patriotic, but are selfish out to promote the in-

tersts of their foreign partners.

He insisted that the CBN would continue to stabilise the Naira and resist any policy that would make it go beyond the current exchange rate of less than N400 per US Dollar.

“We can’t float the Naira, because it will escalate inflation.

We can’t kill our people by pleasing foreigners.The CBN has the responsibility to protect our people economically; and we won’t introduce a policy that will inflict hardship on them.”

He called on Nigerians to patronise locally- made products as against foreign goods, so as to stimulate the economy and exit the current economic recession.

Afreximbank issues record $750m Euro notes As part of its new five-year strategic plan, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has successfully issued a $750 million Euro notes, with a deal tenor representing the longest ever achieved in the Eurobond market.

The $750 million issued will help the bank to extend the average tenor of its liability book under its Euro Medium Term Note programme.

Afreximbank closed the seven-year Regulation S (Reg S) only notes on 13 June, priced at a spread of 220 bps over mid-swaps (m/s) and a coupon of 4.125 per cent, with Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International plc as the sole coordinator and joint lead manager/book runner.

(Reg S are bonds or stocks that may not be offered, sold or delivered within the United States.)

Barclays Bank Plc., HSBC Bank plc., Commerzbank and Standard Chartered Bank were joint lead managers and book runners.

The order book reached $2.7 billion before being scaled back to $2.2 billion after the initial pricing thoughts were revised from m/s plus 250 basis points (bps), down to m/s plus 220 bps. In the end, 39 per cent of the allocation went to continental Europe, 28 per cent to the United Kingdom, 19 per cent to Asia, and 7 per cent each to the Middle East and Africa and the United States offshore.

Prior to pricing the transaction, Afreximbank met with more than 60 investors during comprehensive roadshows held across Asia, continental Europe and the United Kingdom.

Speaking after the clos-

ing, Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President in charge of Finance, Administration and Banking Services, said that the deal would be of great benefit to the Bank’s African borrowers who would enjoy the positive effects of the reduction in the Bank’s cost of funds.

“The level of subscription and diversification of investors, coupled with the highly competitive pricing achieved, is testimony to the continued investor confidence in Afreximbank,” he said.

According to him, the strong feedback from the road shows confirm investor confidence in Afreximbank’s credit profile and strategy, notably, their satisfaction with its successful equity capital raising efforts.

L-R: Board Member, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN), Segun Olugboyegun; Vice Chairman, ICCN, Alarcon Mauricio and Treasurer, ICCN, Dorothy Ufot, SAN during the recent 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ICCN in Lagos.

Tax evasion: FG to raise $1bn, urges defaulters to regularise payment As the Federal Government of Nigeria continues to source for how to finance the N2.36 billion deficit in the 2017 budget, Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, has said that the fiscal authority hopes to raise at least $1 billion from a scheme that will give tax evaders a chance to make payments retrospectively.

The government says it has created a ‘window’ that would allow tax defaulters to pay soa s to avoid sanctions The 2017 budget, which has a record expenditure outlay of N7.44 trillion, has been giving Nigerians concern over the strategy the Federal Government seeks to finance the deficit in the budget.

But the finance ministry

disclosed that the scheme would be launched on Thursday, June 29, 2017, so as to give evaders immunity from prosecution, penalty charges and interest, if they “regularise their tax status” between July 1 and December 31, 2017.

It said tax evaders, who delayed participation until after December 31 would be liable for interest on overdue tax balances.

International asset tracers and investigative specialists have been appointed to assist the government in tracing assets held by Nigerians, the ministry said in an emailed statement.

According to her, “Anticipated funds to be raised are at least US$1 billion, which will reduce Nigeria’s borrowing needs, allow invest-

ment in vital infrastructure and spur development.”

The country’s record 7.44 trillion-naira ($22.95 billion) 2017 budget, signed into law last week, seeks to increase capital expenditure to stimulate growth.

Economists have long criticised the low levels of tax in Africa’s most populous country; and in March. the government enunciated plans to increase its overall tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio to 15 per cent by 2020 from the current six per cent.

The government has previously announced plans to increase a luxury goods tax to 15 per cent from five per cent.

But a breakdown of this year budget showed that N434.41 billion would be

spent on statutory transfers, N1.66 trillion on debt servicing, N177.46 to retire certain maturing bonds, N2.99 trillion on non-debts recurrent, and N2.36 trillion on capital expenditure.

To finance this, the Federal Government said it expected to generate N2.12 trillion from oil revenue and N2.96 trillion from nonoil avenues.

About 11 per cent of the expected revenues, which is N558.8 billion is to come from recovered loots and misappropriated funds.

This brings the total projected revenue to N5.08 trillion, leaving a deficit of N2.36 trillion.

The budget deficit is to be financed mainly through borrowings; as N2.32 trillion is expected

to be sourced externally, while N1.25 trillion will be sourced locally.

However, Financial Expert, Mr. Akintunde Sowunmi, has expressed concerned over the implication of borrowing N1.25 trillion from local sources, especially the banking sector, arguing in that it would create encumbrances for private businesses to also get credit.

In view of this, he advised government to lean more toward foreign borrowings, adding that it was easier for them to get foreign loans than private businesses.

“I am concerned that the bulk of the deficit will be financed by internal sources and that will significantly crowd out the private sector.

Capital Market B4 Afolabi Adesola The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) closed the week ended 23 June, 2017, on 4.99 per cent decline, ending a four week bullish run, driven by profit taking.

The ASI declined by 4.99 per cent to 32,122.14 points, while the market capitalisation also depreciated by 4.99per cent to close the week at N11.108 trillion.

Total volume traded declined by 15.58 per cent to 2.3 billion shares compared to 2.7 billion last week, with Zenith Bank, Transcorp, and FBN Holdings accounting for 28.80 per cent of the market volume.

The value of trades also fell by 23.30 per cent to N24.58 billion compared to N32.04 billion traded in the previous week, with Zenith Bank, Guaranty, and NB accounting for 49.53 percent of total value.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Profit taking weakens NSE All Share-Index by 4.99 %

Conoil records 130%, 118% drop in PAT/profit

...crude oil drop drop affects market performance Also traded during the week, were a total of 63,927 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N841,330.04, executed in 11 deals, compared with a total of 16,300 units valued at N973,376.00 transacted last week in 3 deals.

A total of 2,212 units of Federal Government’s Bonds valued at N2.098 million, were traded this week in 7 deals, compared with a total of 12,193 units valued at N12.440 million transacted last week in 14 deals.

Another reason identified for the downturn of the market was a plunge in the prices of crude oil to

seven-month lows, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropping below $44 per barrel and Brent dipping below $46.

Also putting a damper on the market was the Etisalat Nigeria’s process to convert a syndicated loan by 13 Nigerian banks to equity and mounting concerns over most stocks trading above consensus’ fair value, driving sell-off across the banking sector.

A breakdown of the performance of the indices thus showed the Banking and Industrial Goods recorded the largest losses of -6.78 per cent and -5.36 per cent respec-

tively. This was consequent on profit taking in Zenith Bank and Access Bank that closed the week 11.18 and 11.40 per cent lower respectively.

The Industrial Index, however, fell on account of Dangote Cement’s 4.59 per cent loss and Wapco that fell 9.16 per cent during the week in review.

Losses recorded in the shares of AXA Mansard -15.77% , NB -7.38% and OANDO -13.40% ensured that the Insurance, Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas indices, shed 5.36 per cent, 3.95 percent and 0.80 per cent, respectively, at the end of the week.

L-R: Ogun State Malaria elimination programme manager, Mrs. Olamide Adeyinka; student of Molusi Senior College, Ijebu-Igbo, Aregbesola Raheemat; Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health Abeokuta, Dr Qundus Yusuff; student, Keshiro Olayemi and Marketing Manager, Mortein, Rb West Africa, Mrs Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi at the Mortein sponsored Annual Malaria Quiz Competition for Health Cadets in Ogun State won by the school.

FG’s N21bn OMO bills’ sale at 18.00%/18.60% heightens NIBOR rates

Bonny Amadi

Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) Sale of .N21billion worth of OMO bills at 18.00 per cent and 18.60 per cent stop rates, in a sustained effort to further maintain squeeze on system liquidity, led to increase in money market rates during the week.

The fixed income market space, reacting to the liquidity tightening by the apex bank regulator, witnessed money market rates expansion across tenors.

The 1month, 3month and 6month NIBOR rates increased by 6bps, 17bps and 59bps to 19.33 per cent, 21.37 per cent and 23.67 per cent respectively.

At the close of week on Friday 23 June 2017, in-

vestments in the bond market were upbeat as yields increased on average.

Though, June 2019 bond still offers highest in terms of returns, but while the yield on the June 2019 fell by 3bps to 16.50 per cent, return on the Feb 2020 and January 2026 increased by 4bps and 6bps to 16.38 per cent and 16.08 per cent respectively. However, earnings on the 5yr, 7yr and 10yr benchmark bonds remained unchanged at 16.16 percent, 15.91 per cent and 16.20 per cent respectively.

Developments in the fixed income market and equities market during the week, were somewhat influenced by trends in the foreign exchange (Fx) market, as the CBN sustained its intervention , as the Naira continued to close

at N305-306 levels against the USD. However, at the parallel market, the Naira last Friday closed flat N368 against the USD, N465 against the Great Britain Pounds (GBP) and N410 against the EUR. However, the NGN gained +0.23 per cent at the Investors and Exporters’ Foreign exchange (FX) window to close at N362.16 against the USD. The cross impact of developments in the fixed income market and the fx market, reflected on the equities market during the week as liquidity freeze, continue to impact investments in the market.

The All Share Index closed the week on a negative note with a -2.45

per cent decline, the week on week loss on the ASI closed trade at -4.99 per cent, while the YTD return shrank to +19.53 per cent.

The week’s negative performance reflected in all sectors, as Dangote Cement declined by -466.38pts), Nigerian Breweries dropped -141.52pts, while UBA also declined by -92.96pts, all of which hedged the gains recorded by GTBank which added +13.71pts, Oando’s +11.56pts and TransCorp Hotel’s +7.06pts appreciation.

Market turnover weakened compared to previous session as investors exchanged over 417m units of stocks valued at c.N3.25bn in 5,456 deals.

This represents a -18%

and -36% decline in both volume and value traded respectively.

Meanwhile, experts have predicted that the NSE ASI will this week remain volatile due to likelihood of further profittaking. “That said, we however see the current downtrend as presenting attractive entry point for discerning investors” Investment One analysts noted.

…as cost of sales increases by 23% to N21.16 billion Bonny Amadi Conoil Nigeria Plc has reflected impact of hash operating environment, as its first quarter result 2017, has showed that even though turnover grew by 29 percent, profit before tax and profit declined massively compared to the preceding period.

The company’s Q1 2017 result for the period ended 30th March ,2017, recently released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that revenue grew by 29 per cent to N24.74 billion, from N19.04 billion recorded in the preceding period 2016.

However, its administrative expenses rose to N2.18 billion from N1.74 billion posted in the preceding period of 2016.

The company’s Q1 result, which according to the company was delivered late on time, released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, to the capital market community, was long overdue and has succeeded in easing pressure on the company caused by MFR (Minimum Regulatory Filling) tag by the NSE X-Compliance report.

With the delivery of the company’s Q1 result, cross section of stakeholders have expressed confidence that Conoil is positioned to release its Q2 period report on time, to guide investors in taking future investment decisions.

Conrad Eberemu, Conoil Company’s secretary said in a statement released by the NSE that late filing of the company’s result, was due to changes in the company’s board of Directors and the company’s secretary, as the company regrets any inconveniences late filling of results has cost shareholders and general public.

Meanwhile, cost of sales also buoyed by 23 per cent, to N21,16 billion, from N17,06 billion in the prior period of 2016.,thus reflecting impact of harsh operating environment.

The result showed that Profit Before Taxation, PBT, dropped by 130 per cent to N255,085million, from N860,608, while Profit for the period also dropped by 118 per cent, to N173,458 million from N943,765 posted in the preceding period.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

32,122.14 5,456.00 417,568,366.00 3,246,563,461.08 11,107,927,530,111.58

NSE All Share Index

Naira Value (m)

34,500

99,000

79,000 32,000 59,000 29,500 39,000 27,000

19,000

24,500

(1,000)

10-Mar 15-Mar 20-Mar 25-Mar 30-Mar 04-Apr 09-Apr 14-Apr 19-Apr 24-Apr 29-Apr 04-May 09-May 14-May 19-May 24-May 29-May 03-Jun 08-Jun 13-Jun 18-Jun 23-Jun

B5

Daily Times Nigeria Monday June 26, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

B6 CSR

CSR, a critical tool for development Stories by Godwin Anyebe Globally, Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, has continued to impact the people, in deed, serving as a tonic for development. That is why countries and corporate organisations have continued to key into it as a veritable medium for impacting lives.

In fact,in a world where economic performance, growth and development are defining business success, companies are also challenged to ensure their environmental and social impact lead to a sustainable growth and development.

Patrons of brands are becoming more mindful of where to spend their money. While many brand owners are fulfilling parts of their CSR model, a few of them are truly embedding corporate it into their business model; and in a way, responding to the expectations of consumers.

The trend has moved from a slow growth and a stagnant population to an era of sustained economic growth. Although, the government plays a key role by way of providing the enablng environment for a sustainable business, private sectors remain the engine room for economic growth and development.

Indeed, CSR is still one of the medium, owners of brands can engage in, and contribute to the growth and development of a nation.

Daily Times checks showed that every now and again, the media reports yet another example of

CSR. While the act receive applauds in some quarters, others are of the opinion that, most of what is reported cannot be measured as real corporate social reason-ability leading to growth and development of a nation.

It is events, such as these, that have led to calls by analysts for corporations to take their social responsibilities as seriously as they pursue their economic objectives. However, other scholars subscribe to the theory of the firm, whereby activities have to be directed towards delivering shareholder value.

Another area that analysts believe is causing lots of issues is the youth demography. For these analysts, one of the biggest problems facing the youths today, is the unequal access to opportunity and the lack of emphasis on education.

In order for reap economic growth, younger population must have access to quality education, adequate nutrition and health.

Therefore, growth opportunities, through youth development initiatives, if tapped and nurtured appropriately could induce remarkable societal changes and impact lives.

Nigerian youth is facing acute pressure from getting a job to performance at the workplaces. There is need to create a productive workforce that can make a significant contribution to Nigeria’s economic development. One of the ways to build such workforce, is to provide enough opportunities for education, skills’ development and entrepre-

L-R: Marketing Director, Christos Giouras; Managing Director, Alex Goma; Brand Manager, Premier, Aisha Bello; Sales Director, Chris Stamoulakatos and Brand Manager, Beauty, Deedi Modey all of PZ Cussons Consumer at the launch of Imperial Leather Deodorant Body Spray in Lagos.

neurship.

Commenting on this issue, a public affair commentator, Abiodun Aremu said; “One of the sustained ways of addressing poverty is youth skills’ development. It goes a long way as skills can be used to earn livelihood, assist others and even invest for future use. Skills can be equated with long lasting empowerment. A significant step is to reduce the rural and urban gap, especially in educational infrastructure and attitudes to education.

Catching and training them young, is a priority.

“It could be extremely precarious to leave out youth without proper skills set and training.

Alienation from employability and job opportunities, could invite youth towards crime and create anti-social elements.

Therefore, it is critical to build formal institutional mechanisms to address skill development programs. Technical education should aim at raising skilled workforce that is employer ready.”

According to him, “Corporate bodies, through their corporate social re-

sponsibility programes that ensure a spirit of entrepreneurship should be inculcated right from the school to create more jobs than job seekers for a vibrant economy. It helps youth engage in innovation, production, distribution, consumption, regeneration, and etc. Systemic linkages have to be established to link education with training, placement and real life scenario to survive and sustain in the competitive world.”

Also speaking to Daily times on this issue, a brand marketing g analyst, Ad-

Power Oil begins new initiative In order to consolidate on its walk heart on initiative, Power Oil brand is set for another walk heart on event across various cities in Nigeria.

The event, which is part of Power Oil brand corporate social responsibility (CSR) is meant to enlighten the larger society on the importance of exercise to their hearts.

The exercise, which will commence from next month, will take place in five major cities in Nigeria, including; La-

... artistes, others to participate

gos, Ibadan, Porthacourt, Abuja, and Enugu. It will feature Nigerian Artists, such as, Sound Sultan, Funny Born, Mc Bonus, among others.

Speaking on this development recently in Lagos, Power Oil Brand Communications Manager, Ijeoma Opara said, the initiative is meant to educate people on the importance of walking to their hearts, and it is in line with the recommendation of the American Heart

foundation which suggest that thirty minutes walk daily is important to our hearts.”

According to her, “better stamina means you will burn calories more efficiently, increasing your physical fitness and well-being. An experienced walker who weighs one hundred and fifty pounds burns up to hundred calories per mile with long distance walking. Imagine how fit you will look once your me-

tabolism is running like a finely tuned engine!”

She said that; “Looking great, isn’t the only benefit of long distance walking, either. Many long distance walking and running events are tied to charity fundraising, giving you loads of opportunities to help good causes.

Imagine how great you’ll feel when you reach your mileage goal for your favorite charities!”

Also speaking, the PR manager for power oil,

Omotayo Azeez said, “The brand has been doing this for the past three years, and is looking forward to improving this year’s edition by doubling the turn out. We have already informed the necessary agencies across all the states, which have agreed to partner us on this initiative, including the Nigerian Heart Foundation, and the Federal Ministry of Health.”

According to her, “what informed the choice for five cities is equal representation of the Nigerian

ewale Okoya said; “Youth are powerful. They represent courage with wisdom and energy with will power to take leadership. The energy and wisdom have to be respected, guided and nurtured for future roles.

Youths need to be in leadership role. Youth can be antidote to bad governance and corruption. They have power to change. Education programs should aim to teach young minds right from the school level; the importance of choosing right people who would take charge of governance is very key.”

populace, and the brand may choose to increase the number in the near future”.

She said, “Obviously, walking twenty miles takes more time than your routine five-mile daily walk, so, one long distance walk per week is a practical way to start.

But for most beginning walkers, the transition from walking for an hour to walking for two is a natural one, as your physical strength slowly improves and you build up strong walking habits.”

Insurance B7 Stories by Bonny Amadi The insurance sector, during the week ended Friday, 23 June, 2017, recorded a total turnover of 88,697,763 shares , out of which turnover in four insurance firms lifted the turnover by 75 per cent with combined turnover of 69.01 million shares.

Reflecting the commitment of investors in insurance stocks, AIICO Insurance, WAPIC Insurance , LASACO Assurance and LINKAGE Assurance lead activity table of the insurance table during the week, with a combined turnover of 75 per cent of the 88.69 million shares recorded by the sector during last week.

AIICO Insurance emerged

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

AIICO, WAPIC, LASACO, LINKAGE boost insurance turnover by 75% the most traded stock in the sector with a total turnover of 22,247,204 million shares, worth N13,737, 449.92 and was exchanged by investors in 266 deals at N0.58 per share.

AIICO Insurance, it will be recalled, grew underwriting profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 by 326 per cent, to a profit position of N12.45 billion, from loss position of N5.5 billion.

The growth, the company said was driven by slim underwriting improvements in the non life business and release of reserves in the life business. AIICO’s

gross premium in 2016 recorded a 17.8 per cent drop to N27.1 billion from N32.9 billion in 2015.

Managing Director, Mr. Edwin Igbiti, explained at the company’s latest Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, that reduction in the company’s gross premium during the period was driven by strategic decision to reduce premiums written in the long-term business (retirement product) as a result of higher market risks.

WAPIC Insurance placed second on the sector’s activity table for the week, with a total turn-

over of 21,017,607 million shares worth N10, 534,732.56 , transacted by investors in 209 deals at N0.50 per share.

Daily Times Nigeria recalls that shareholders of Wapic Insurance at the company’s 58th Annual General Meeting held recently, endorsed the company’s bid to raise N10billion fresh capital or its equivalent in any foreign currency.

The fresh capital, the shareholders maintained, was a proactive step towards positioning for anticipated regulatory approach towards raising mini-

AXA Mansard boosts youths’ earning power AXA Mansard has again demonstrated its commitment towards empowering youths by organizing a financial literacy awareness campaign at NYSC Orientation Camps to sensitize corps members on various decisions that impact their finances and future.

AXA Mansard stormed the Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt NYSC Orientation camps, to enlighten the 2017 Batch ‘A’ Corps members on the different solutions available to them to help provide financial security against life’s uncertainties.

Corps members were also educated on the long and short terms’ investment vehicles available to help them save towards projects and goals. In addition to the financial awareness exercise at the camps, AXA Mansard provided free basic medical check-up, which included BMI and blood pressure, and medical consultation to Corps members.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Kola Oni, Group Head, Strategy, Planning and Marketing at AXA Mansard noted that, “At AXA Mansard, we are passionate about empowering to people to live a better life through our General Insurance, Savings & Investment, Pension and Health Insurance offerings. One way to achieve that is to empower our youths on the importance of planning to secure for their future, early in life, using solutions available within their reach.”

AXA Mansard is genuine life partner that can be trusted, from protecting your loved ones and assets through AXA Mansard Insurance, providing medical insurance solutions through AXA Mansard Health insurance, short, medium and long term investments through AXA Mansard Investments, to securing your future through retirement savings via AXA Mansard Pensions.” Oni noted.

mum operating capital of insurance firms in the country.

LASACO Assurance placed third on the Insurance sector’s activity table for the week with 18,636,290 million shares worth N9,324, 177.00 and exchanged by investors in 68 deals. The company’s stock traded at N0.50 per share.

Linkage Assurance placed fourth on the sector’s activity table during the week, with a turnover of 7,112,112 shares worth N3,867,003.48 and exchanged by investors in 93 deals and at N0.61 per share.

L-R: Karen Roux, MD, Duke Corporate Education, South Africa; Oscar Onyema, CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange; Dr. Enase Okonedo, Dean, Lagos Business School; Dr. Frankline Ngwu, Faculty, Strategy, Finance and Risk Management, Lagos Business School and Jared Bleak, Lead Professor/Orchestrator, Duke University, when the IEDP-BANKSETA delegates visited the NSE to learn about the Nigerian economy and capital markets, hosted by the Lagos Business School on Thursday.

13 insurance firms to pay N5, 000 penalty daily over late result Thirteen Insurance firms are likely to be faced with a daily fine of N5,00.00 for nonsubmission of their 2016 audited financial statements, starting form June 30, 2017, as provided by the Insurance Act. Rasaaq Salami, spokesman for National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) recently said that out of the 41 insurance companies that submitted their 2016 accounts, NAICOM approved 32, and queried the accounts of nine companies namely: ARM Life, Nigerian Re, UBA Metropolitan Life, Sterling Assurance, KBL Insurance, Linkage Assurance, Standard Alliance General, Niger Insurance, and Guinea Insurance He said that, irrespective of the nine submitted accounts that were queried, about 13 other insurance firms were yet to submit

ÏGƈ Ɗ Ɔè Mƈ ƆƏè 1Ƒƈ Ɔ è Ɛ ƆƏ ƎƑƆƏƈƆƗ

their audited accounts to NAICOM, and have till June 30th to deliver.

The companies, yet to submit their 2016 audited accounts, according to NAICOM, include Goldlink Insurance, Nicon Insurance, IGI, IEI, African Alliance, NAIC Insurance, Unic Insurance, and Great Nigeria Insurance Five listed insurance firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) were, however, captured by the x-compliance report and may for none submission of their 2016 audited financial statements for the period ended 31 December, 2016.

Daily Times Nigeria recalls that NAICOM recently warned insurance firms on late submission of their audited financial statements, saying that imminent

daily fine for late submission will commence July 01, 2017.

NAICOM warns that any of the 58 insurance firms, which fail on timely submission of 2016 audited result, or results falling below IFRS standard, risks withdrawal of operational licenses in line with the Insurance Act of 2003.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) X-compliance report as at Friday, June 23rd 2017, showed that about five insurance firms are likely to face the NAICOM’s fine of N5,000.00 daily , should they fail to submit their results before the end of second quarter 2017 (Q1), on June 30th 2017.

The Insurance Act imposes a daily fine of N5, 000.00 against firms that failed to meet the June

30th deadline.

Some of the listed insurance companies and few unlisted companies have been noted as likely victims of the Insurance ACT, the companies, according to the NSE X-Compliance report are, Equity Assurance, Guinea Insurance and Sovereign Trust Insurance, for failing to Non Rendition of 2016 audited financial statements.

Others are, African Alliance Insurance and Universal Insurance Company, both of which are labelled Minimum Regulatory Fillings (MRF) for none rendition of their 2015 audited financial statements.

NAICOM rule requires insurance firms to submit their financial statements on or before the end of (Q2) second quarter (June 30th) every year, or barred from engaging in further business activities.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday,June 26, 2017

B8

Business Interview

Capital market ‘ll soon recover –Kayode How will you access the capital market’s recovery in the last few weeks?

Firstly, the capital market is on a path of recovery. The market’s resistance level still stood at 42,000 points, but as at date still hovers around 33,000 points. This shows that the market is trying to mimic what the economy is doing, which is recovery from recession. As projected by the World Bank, the country is set to come out of this recession ; and this is what the market is trying to mimic Looking at the dynamics of the market, what do you think are the drivers of this market recovery?

The dynamism of the market is based on selected stocks, which are moving based on particular reasons, and because of the multiplier effect of those stocks, other stocks are being pushed up and that is what’s driving the market upward.

Weeks ago, we received a report from Morgan Stanley firm, saying, they are increasing the weight of the Nigerian Stock in their Index from 6.5 to 7 per cent. Morgan Stanley is one of the most respected investment banking firms in the world ; and for this reason, we have some fund managers that are replicating that index.

So, if Morgan Stanley is increasing its weight of Nigerian stocks on its index, the fund managers will also need to increase their weight to perfectly mimic the Morgan Stanley Index.

For the fund managers to do this, they have to buy more of the stocks in the Morgan Stanley Index. We have about 10 stocks in the Morgan Stanley Index which are First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Nigerian Breweries, Dangote Cement and others.

With the forces of demand, these stocks, which are being bought from our market, will push the price of the stocks up which will in turn move the index upward.

As you know, we operate a value weighted index, which mirrors the gains of high cap stocks to affect the general Nigerian All-Share Index, and those stocks that are in MSCI

Muhammad Jamiu Kayode is the Head, Securities Dealing at APT Securities and Funds Limited. With over 8 years’ experience in stockbroking and investment services. Jamiu, in this interview with ADESOLA AFOLABI, spoke on the dynamics in the nation’s capital market, the secret behind foreign portfolio investments’ growth, among other sundry issues. Excerpts. are big stock s like Nigerian Breweries, First Bank, Dangote Cement, etc and that is the reason why the market is generally moving upwards.

How do you think the recent decline in the price of crude oil will affect market’s performance, given that some oil stocks are also listed on the MSCI? I don’t think the decline in the price of oil will affect the market. I say this because before now, during the days when the price of oil was on a decline, the Federal Government had no clear policy on the exchange rate. However, now that they have adopted the floating rate policy, and it is working fine, the investors can now move in to the country with their dollars, and repatriate at a time they deem fit. There is more ease of transactions, unlike what we have be-

fore.

Even with the oil price on a decline, if the Central Bank pfnieria, CBN, can maintain the tempo of interventions in the FX market and sustain the policies aimed at improving investor confidence, we should expect that the decline in oil pricing, will not have much adverse effect on the market.

In summary, looking at coming weeks, how do you see the equities market performance going forward?

Not ruling out the fact that our market moves in steps and bounds, (i.e. if we move three per cent upward, we can have a decline of one percent); the market will continue on an upward trend, but there will surely be one or two days of decline recorded as a result of profit taking by investors.

Muhammad Jamiu Kayode

Life&

TIMES Monday, June 26, 2017

Kemi Lala-Akindoju: What makes a good movie is quality of script

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

It was fun working with veterans on set –Kemi Lala-Akindoju Kemi Lala Akindoju is a talented Nollywood actress. Although, she started as a stage actress some years ago, Kemi has over the years grown to become a producer, a casting director and a drama instructor. She has featured in a number of movies including The CEO, Alanpoza, Dazzling Mirage and several stage performances. In 2010, she won the Actor of the Year Award and later went on to win the African Trailbrailzer Award which has put her career in the limelight.

Ever since, Kemi has never relented in associating herself in positive drives. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Kemi talks more about her role makes a good movie and other projects amongst others.

What role did you play in Banana Island Ghost?

How exciting was it for you on the set of movie?

Have you worked with him before?

and now seeing her act in a play full-length movie; how will you rate her performance and delivery?

Was there a particular role you would have

So, how do you feel working with veterans on set with the likes of Bimbo Manuel and Saidi Balogun?

What attracted you to the script?

role?

Why the Indian Ninja?

Going through the thriller of the movie, we saw lot of stunts and some fantastic moves, do movies?

Life&

T E A M

A lot of people know her for her comic things

Aside B.I.G, what other products are you working on?

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, June 26, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Amazing

benefits of egg shell There are many fruit, food and vegetable that can boost overall health and can even heal certain conditions for example Crumation and some nuts play a role in improving memory, the list are endless.

Eggshells contains calcium content (one 1/2 teaspoon of crushed, powdered eggshells contains about 400 mgs. of elemental, or absorbable, calcium), a mineral responsible mainly for bone health.

Mikhail Tombak, Ph.D., says that osteoporosis can even be treated by eating eggshells, explaining that calcium is 90 that interestingly, the makeup of eggshells is incredibly similar to our teeth and bones.

Eggshell membranes contain substances like glucosamine and hyaluronic acid which improve joint elasticity and shock absorption.

How to turn egg shell in powder form Usually, egg shell are tossed in the trash can or put in the compost pile, but ingesting them one of the fastest and healthiest way to get more calcium in your body system while also keeporganic eggshells and then boil them in any bacteria. Make sure the shells are free from any form of dirt.

In the meantime, heat the oven to 200 degrees. Once the shells are boiled, place them on a cookie sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until very crispy.

While baking them fully ensures that bacteria are eradicated as best as pos-

sible, many opt to skip this step, content with the boiling process, Finally, remove them from the oven and then grind them in a coffee grinder or another preferred into a powder-like form. It is as simple as that. egg shells off conditions that affect the joints, ensuring they are kept as fully-functioning as possible .

Eating eggshells has also been linked to quickly decreasing pain in and keeping that increasing pain away.

Egg shell has been said to have even been suggested as a way to regrow and remineralize teeth rather than face dental treatments that may be costly and involve use of harmful metals

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 26, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Super 7 health benefits of Garlic you don’t know Garlic is a wonderful seasoning to add aroma, taste, and added nutrition to your dishes. We often recommend using raw chopped or pressed garlic in many of our dishes However, if you cannot tolerate raw garlic, you can add chopped garlic to foods while they are cooking. It is best to add it towards the end of the cooking process to retain known as a natural health remedy that has long been used to treat various ailments. It is extremely easy to source in most countries and can be consumed cooked or fresh. It is most easily included in your food or can be eaten on its

super easy to keep in the cupboard for everyday use. It is recommended that adults consume no more than one clove two or three times a day and that children have one quarter to one half a clove, once or twice a day.

Listed below are super 7 reasons why you should include garlic in your everyday diet.

Garlic helps purify the blood Tired of covering up those zits with concealer every purifying your blood from inside to get healthy skin on the outside. Take two cloves of raw garlic with some warm water every day, early in the morning and consume a lot of

water and have it with 2 cloves of garlic in the mornings.

Garlic is going to provide you relief from that stubborn to leave). Taking 2-3 cloves of raw or cooked garlic a day to lift up the taste) is not only going to relieve a stuffed nose and cure the cold but also build your immunity against these frequent visitors over time.

According to Dr. Shikha Sharma, Delhi-based Health and Wellness Expert, and founder of Nutri-health says,” One of the earliest uses of garlic was by meat-eaters because it was believed that meat could cause infection

used by laborers who are exposed to infections and disease-friendly environments till recently, its plethora of to it.”

She added, “Garlic can be added to hot stews, broths

Garlic prevents Cancer Several studies have indicated an association between daily consumption of garlic and prevention of stomach and colorectal cancers. It is said to strengthen the immunity of the body against cancer.

had in its raw state.”

Garlic Prevents Heart Disease helps to lower cholesterol levels because of the antito regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is essential to remember that the sulphur-containing compound Allicin tends to lose its medicinal properties when garlic is cooked whole. It is imperative to consume garlic craw or semicooked to derive any of its

The invigorating properties of garlic protect the skin from the effect of free radicals and slow down the depletion of collagen which leads to loss of elasticity in aging skin.

Applied topically, garlic does wonders to skin infected with fungal infections and provides relief from skin ailments like eczema. It is also an effective remedy for fungal infections All of us know about the wonders of onion for hair but its brother, garlic is no less of a hero for your thinning mane.

Well, its surprise time. Rubbing crushed garlic extract on your scalp or massaging with garlic-infused oil is known to prevent and even reverse hair loss.

Garlic can be used to remove Splinters

Garlic is one of the best kept medicinal treasures of the past era - it has been used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections for the last 7,000 years.

Studies suggest diluted garlic extract helps children with tapeworm infections.

A garlic-based mouthwash may not sound like fresh, minty breath but a very small quantity of its extracts

folds of time but users and believers still vouch for the splinters. Place a piece of cut garlic over the splinter cut and cover with a bandage- and voila! Bye-bye splinter.

Caution Asthma patients should not consume garlic as it may have side-effects.

Garlic should be avoided before surgeries or medical operations.

Do not consume more than 2-3 garlic cloves in a day without consulting a doctor.