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FG ‘ll use extra income from rising oil prices on infrastructures 5 – Buhari

EFCC grants bail to sacked ex-SGF Babachir Lawal 6

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018 VOL. 3. NO. 562

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Daily Times disclaims ‘consent judgment’ on Ikeja complex

Ï Disowns Sen. Ikechukwu Obiora as DTN chairman Ï Raises the alarm over procurement of Magistrates’ Court judgment Ï Decries Jankara verdict ceding DTN’s N9bn properties for ‘N3m debt’

L-R: General Manager, Management, GAC Motor, Mildred Oparaeke, Miss Nigeria, Miss Mildred Ehiguese and the Sales Director, GAC Motor, Ricky Lee, during the presentation of the official vehicle to Miss Nigeria in Lagos ... on Friday. The beauty pageant was organised by The Daily Times of Nigeria.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

News

Daily Times disclaims ‘consent judgment’ on Ikeja complex Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Board and Man-

agement of Folio Media Group (FMG), owners of The Daily Times of Nigeria has disclaimed a purported ‘consent judgment’ by an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court II, presided over by Mrs. A.O. Gbajumo that claimed to have ceded the DTN Complex in Ikeja, its properties and assets to a strange firm known as Wiparquet Ltd. The Board and Management of FMG also disclaimed Senator Ikechukwu Obiora, who procured the said ‘Consent judgment,’ as the chairman of DTN. It warned that “the ‘Consent Judgement’ being circulated to FMG tenants in DTN’s operational headquarters at 5, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi – Ikeja, Lagos is a purported document procured under false pretences and should be discountenanced. The FMG further urged the general public to note that “DTN has one Genuine Chairman, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, who is also the Founder/Chairman of Fo-

lio Communications Limited. The disclaimer reads thus: “The attention of the Board and Management of the Folio Media Group (FMG), publishers of The Daily Times of Nigeria, has been drawn to a purported consent Judgement by a Magistrates’ Court II of her Honour: Mrs. A. O. Gbajumo in the Ikeja Judicial division granting assets and properties of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc to one claimant going by the name Wiparquet Ltd. “The ‘Consent Judgement’ being circulated to our tenants in our operational headquarters at 5, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi – Ikeja, Lagos is a document procured under false pretences and should be discountenanced. ‘The Daily Times of Nigeria Plc had no such suit as MIK/3450/17 in any Magistrates’ Court II Ikeja nor any part of Nigeria whatsoever. Neither did she enter into any consent Judgment with the so-called Wiparquet Limited. ‘The Daily Times of Nigeria Plc has one GENU-

Buhari signs 8 bills into law Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ President Muhamma-

du Buhari on Friday signed eight bills earlier passed by the National Assembly into law. The brief signing ceremony was held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Briefing the State House correspondents after the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Mr Ita Enang, said the president gave assent to the bills. Enang added that the bills signed include the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges), 2018. The presidential aide said the Legislative House Powers and Privileges Act grant the legislative houses in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly immunity from litigation for actions taken in plenary or committee

proceedings of the house or committee. The Act grants members of the national assembly and state houses of assembly immunity from litigation for actions taken in plenary or committee proceedings of the house or committee. Enang said the law is meant to strengthen the power of the legislators to carry out their legislative functions. Other bills signed by Buhari are Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain (Domestication and Enforcement ) Act, 2018; Rail Loan (International Bank) (Repeal) Act, 2018, Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2018, Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration Act, 2018 and Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment), Act, 2018.

INE Chairman, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, who is also the Founder/Chairman of Folio Communications Limited. Recall that Folio Communications won the bid and acquired the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc from the Federal Government of Nigeria (BPE) in 2004 at the sum of N1.250 billion. The status quo has not changed. “Our tenants are hereby advised to disregard the so-

called “Consent Judgment” whose purveryor - Ikechukwu Obiora- is seen and read to ascribe the Chairmanship of the Daily Times to himself. This is a false claim. “Our tenants should impress and enlist their lawyers to seek redress and compensation on the infringement of their rights as genuine tenants with Lease Agreements to wit: All injuries inflicted by the forced

closures, harassments and intimidation and loss of business should be recouped through the courts. “It is funny reading that the ghost Wiparquet is getting a consent judgement to take over DTN worth over N9billion for a debt of N3million. “This illegality is the height of chicanery, charade, and deceptions employing the organs of the

Judiciary. The credence lent to this charade by a deployed detachment of the Nigeria Police shall not fool anybody. “The Daily Times of Nigeria Plc also wish to assure the public that it has begun in earnest to repudiate, rollback and restore sanity and truth to the “Jankara” consent judgement being bandied by Ikechukwu Obiora and his group.”

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), departed for Addis Ababa to attend the 30th Ordinary Session of Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government summit...on Friday.

FG’ll use extra income from rising oil prices on infrastructures -Buhari

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that the Federal Government will judiciously use the extra income from the rising crude oil sales infrastructures and in the interest of the country. According to the President, “Income accruing to the country from rising oil prices in the international market will be spent on infrastructural development”. A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also quoted Buhari as assuring the nation of his commitment to

meet these objectives. Receiving a delegation from the oil giant, the Eni, led by the Chief Upstream Officer, Mr Antonio Vella, the President said extra funds outside the provision of 2018 Budget “will be deployed to infrastructure projects like roads, rail, and power, for the good of our people, and for the development of the country.” The 2018 Budget provisions had been predicated on $45 per barrel by the Executive, and the Senate had adjusted it to $47 per barrel. But prices have risen to $70 per barrel this week. The statement reads in part, “President Buhari also appreciated Eni for its upcoming investments

in the oil industry, which included rehabilitation of Port Harcourt refinery, and the building of a new one. “In my first coming, all our refineries were working. Port Harcourt used to refine 60,000 barrels per day, and it was later upgraded to 100,000 barrels. Kaduna and Warri were also working optimally, and we used to satisfy the demand of the local market. We equally exported 100,000 barrels of refined petrol. Now, no refinery is performing up to 50%. It is a disgraceful thing,” The leaders of the Eni delegation, Mr Antonio Vella, said his organization has presented a technical proposal to the NNPC to

rehabilitate the Port Harcourt refinery, and also done a feasibility study on a new refinery of up to 150,000 barrels per day capacity. Vella said, “Site selection has been completed, and 50 new graduates have already arrived in Italy for a training that will last seven months. “ There are other upstream initiatives, and a deep water project, with estimated expenditure of $13 billion.” The oil company also plans to double power generation capacity from its plant in Delta State from its present 500 MW to 1,000 MW, spending $750 million in the process.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Edo LG polls: State Assembly can validly amend Electoral Law, reduce length of poll notice – Lawyers ÏÏÏ The surreptitious plot

by the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to disrupt the forthcoming local government elections in the state, by contesting the powers of the Edo State House of Assembly to make and amend laws for local government elections, has come under attack by legal experts. Percy Okojie Esq., a lawyer, declared “The Edo State House of Assembly has the power to legislate on local council elections.” He said: “I am aware that the Edo House of Assembly pushed through a motion and the proper procedure was duly followed. Memoranda were duly sought before the bill was passed into law. The House

of Assembly has members of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Except the PDP is saying that there was no quorum while the amendment was passed. In any case, in democracy, majority carries the day, though the minority has its say. “If members of the PDP feel otherwise, they should go to court and if they have not gone to court, then they are just dancing to the gallery.” Another lawyer, Omogiate Aigbovo said that “Section 90 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the establishment of the State House of Assembly. To this end, the primary

responsibility of the House Assembly amongst others, includes to make laws for the good governance of the state.” Aigbovo explained that “despite the recent hues and cries over whether the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) can singlehandedly amend the EDSIEC Law, the position of the law is unambiguous on this. It entirely falls within the constitutional mandate of the EDHA to amend the EDSIEC law or as well abrogate the law or enact a new law.” The expert views of the lawyers are in harmony with the earlier explanation by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation and two-time

member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, who said that the “The PDP lacks a proper understanding of the law. The Assembly has the rights to make laws for the running and wellbeing of Local Governments including local government elections. The House of Assembly has performed its constitutional duties by amending the Electoral Act.” Citing a precedent in the EDHA, Ohonbamu said “Similar amendment was done under the administration of Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbo in 2007. The amendments disenfranchised certain people who were caretaker committee chairmen from contesting in the elec-

L-R Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ahukanna; Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole and CMD FMC Umuahia, Dr. Abali Chukwu when the Minister led other top officials from the ministry on a courtesy visit to the Governor in Umuahia, Abia State...on Friday.

tion and nothing was said about it then.” He added: “The function of the Edo State House of Assembly is to make laws according to the rules of the house in the interest of

all Edo people and this they have done. The PDP should approach the court of law for proper legal interpretations if they are confused and not engage in acts of rascality.

EFCC grants bail to sacked ex-SGF Babachir Lawal Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted an administrative bail to the sacked former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal. Lawal, who was arrested by the EFCC, has been in EFCC custody of the commission since Wednesday. He was ,however, released on bail on Friday evening. A source close to the commission told The Daily Times last night that Lawal was granted administrative bail on the grounds that he cooperated with the operatives during his interrogation. He added that the commission would take necessary action on Lawal in due course, saying that the sacked ex-SGF would soon be arraigned in court. The Daily Times recalls that the detention of Lawal happened barely 24 hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo issued a statement against Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhari, asking him not to seek a reelection in 2019. The development had promoted speculations in certain quarters that Lawal’s arrest was sequel to Obasanjo’s statement. But the EFCC has denied such claim, saying that its action had nothing to do with Obasanjo’s statements. The commission added that though both incidents were coincidental, its action on Lawal was sequel to the outcome of investigation which it commenced last year. The sacked SGF’s travails began on December 14, 2016, when the Senate ad-hoc committee on humanitarian crisis in the north-east indicted him of alleged corruption. The lawmakers had implicated Lawal in a grasscutting contract awarded to his firm for the clearing of “invasive plant species” in Yobe state, through the Presidential Initiative on Northeast (PINE). The lawmakers also accused Lawal of alleged spending of N570million to cut grass.

EFCC arraigns fake investigator for attempting to defraud Gov Al-Makura’s wife

Doosuur Iwambe Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Muhammed Momoh before Justice U. P. Kekemeke of an Abuja High Court in Apo on a one-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining by false presence. Momoh was arrested on December 22, 2018 by operatives of the EFCC for attempting to defraud Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura.

The suspect, while posing as a “Private investigator from the Villa” approached the wife of the governor, Hajia Mairo Tanko Al-Makura, with a proposition to help stop a purported investigation of two accounts belonging to the governor. He claimed that he came across information regarding the two accounts that had been under investigation since 2011 and also intercepted mails and gotten wind of investigation report purportedly sent to

First Bank by the EFCC. The suspect thereafter requested for N8million, but was offered N6million. Suspicious about the proposal, the governor’s family contacted the EFCC and were asked to play along with the suspect. The suspect was arrested in a sting operation after he collected marked N2million. According to the EFCC, the offence is contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud

and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006. When the charge was read to Momoh, he pleaded not guilty to the charge. In view of his plea, lawyer to the EFCC, Benjamin Manji, asked for a date to commence trial and also asked the court to remand the defendant in prison pending trial. But the lawyer to Momoh, F. U. Okolo, urged the court to admit his client to bail, citing Section 35(c) ,36(6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and sec-

tion 156,162 and 167 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to buttress his argument. The EFCC’s lawyer ,however, objected to the bail application, saying that “the prosecution is scared of the defendants not being available to stand trial as he was given administrative bail by the EFCC since December 22, 2017 when he was arrested but yet to met the conditions”. Kanji further argued that, “the defendant is li-

able to commit another offence” and urged the court to enforce stringent bail conditions when granting temporary freedom to Momoh. But in his ruling, Justice Kekemeke granted bail to Momoh in the sum of N5million and two sureties in like sum. The judge added that one of the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court. The matter has been adjourned to March 7, 2018 for further hearing.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

News

Libya Returnees’ road mishap: Edo Govt commiserates with families of victims ÏÏÏ

The Edo State Government has commiserated with families of some Libya returnees who were recently involved in a road accident along Ore-IjebuOde Sagamu expressway, Ogun State, wherein some lost their lives. In a statement signed by Secretary, Edo State Government Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, Abieyuwa Oyemwense, the

state government said that the incident was sad and unfortunate, and prayed that God grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss. According to the statement, “We are informed that the incident took place at about 10: 45 pm, last week, close to Omoo River, J4 area of the route. There was a collision which involved a white Toyota Hiace, 18-seat-

er commercial bus, with registration number, AYB 497 XA and another vehicle, a blue and white Volvo truck with registration number, KSF 79 XL.” “The Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT) commiserates with the families of the Edo State returnees who were involved in the fatal accident on Tuesday along Ore-Ijebu-Ode Sagamu ex-

pressway in Ogun State.” The statement added, “the returnees involved in the road mishap had been profiled by the Taskforce and were duly informed of the details relating to the payment of their stipend, skills and empowerment training packages put together by the Edo State Government for them. “The returnees involved in the accident had left the

welcome-back facility, set up by the state government to welcome Libya returnees who are indigenes of Edo, on the claim that they are going to their respective homes to reunite with their families, only for them to embark on an unauthorised journey at night.” The task force said that it was saddened by the illfated accident, nothing, “While we acknowledge the

right of the returnees to free movement, we warned against travelling at night.” The task force urged returnees in her facility to utilise the period, pending the payment of their stipend and training, to visit their families and reunite with them, adding that such will enable them recover fully from their sufferings in the desert and on the high sea in Libya.

Delta Police nab 3 over move to ignite herdsmen, community’s clash

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏ The

police detectives in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested three persons over their alleged move to cause crisis between herdsmen and the Kwale community. The Police Image Maker, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka who confirmed the arrest of the persons to journalists Friday in Asaba, gave the names of the suspects as Chukwudi Azuka, Collins Dumebi, John Emeka, adding that they are currently helping the police for further investigation. It was gathered that the suspects allegedly demanded money from the herdsmen after which they tied

them to trees and gave them beating of their lives. Unfortunately, the victims escaped and reported the incident to the police detectives in Kwale who immediately swung into action to arrest the suspects. Also speaking on the incident, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Ogbueshi Cassidy Iloba decried the act, and warned people to desist from causing more trouble in the state. Meanwhile, police operatives in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government area have arrested a 19 year old armed robbery suspect after he allegedly robbed a 45 year old lady of N10, 000 and other personal belongings.

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, Hon. Daniel Asuquo,; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, Hon. Oluwale Oke and a member of the committee, Hon. Darlington Nwokocha, during a joint Investigative Hearing of Committee on Power and Public Procurement on the Fast power program and Rural Electrification project for the Universities at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday. PHOTO:TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

Election year will not slow down governance in Lagos – Ambode ÏÏÏ Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday allayed the fears in some quarters that the electioneering activities in 2018 might slow down the tempo of infrastructural development being witnessed across the State, assuring that his administration will complete all ongoing projects and implement new ones. Speaking at the opening session of a three-day retreat for members of the State Executive Council, Body of Permanent Secretaries and heads of government agencies and parastatals held at Jubilee Chalet, Epe, Governor Ambode said rather than allow campaign activities to relegate governance, the State Government would stay focused on plans and programmes for the people and

Ï Says govt ‘ll give special attention to energy, environment, education sectors ensure that steady progress was achieved. The Governor said though a lot had been achieved with the active support and collaboration of the participants at the retreat since his assumption of office, a lot more still needed to be done to ensure continuous prosperity of the State and residents. According to him, “Clearly, we have recorded some modest successes and consolidated on the status of our State as one of the foremost commercial and social hubs in sub Saharan Africa. We are gradually changing the face of Lagos through our aggressive infrastructural development, urban regeneration and sectoral reforms. “All the development indices, both local and in-

ternational, reflect the fact that we are making steady progress with very bright outlook for the foreseeable future. This progress is not the result of only one person’s efforts. It was not achieved by only Akinwunmi Ambode. It was achieved by all of us in this room with the cooperation of many others outside. And for this, I commend each and every one of you for your diligence and contribution to the progress made thus far. “However, there is still a lot more to be done. I hear people saying that this is an election year and that governance will slow down but let me assure you that in this State, we will stay focused on our plans and programmes and ensure steady progress is achieved,” Gov-

ernor Ambode said. Alluding to the fact that the theme of the retreat – “Effective Strategic Planning For An Emerging Smart City,” was carefully selected, Governor Ambode charged participants to start thinking of the next level even as his administration was making efforts to complete all on-going projects, just as he said that the retreat was designed to take stock of past achievements and brainstorm on the challenges ahead. He said it was certain that Lagos was emerging as smart city, but that the challenge on effectively and strategically planning to actualize the vision considering the peculiar challenges of the State, adding that to plan effectively and strategically required thinking

not just outside the box but globally and acting it locally. To this end, the Governor said participants must look beyond the borders of the State for ideas and consider all local situation and as well do things differently and ready to be called names and to encounter resistance, saying they must however remain steadfast and let posterity judge their actions and intentions, adding that someday, the resistance would become support and endorsement. “We are all well-aware that the last Two and a Half years have been borne with a lot of sectoral reforms and majorly successful. However, reforms are not static and they require continuous review as the society we live in is also not

static. Some of our reforms remain challenging because of institutional difficulties and corruption. We presently experience this in some of our on-going reforms. “My message remains the same. Our conviction is resolute. We are totally for inclusive governance. This is a people-government and what would be of benefit to the majority of the citizenry should be our primary goal. Building effective and efficient institutions should be our goal henceforth. The institutional framework that will drive a successful MDA is what should be of concern to all of us. Institutions that are enduring should outlive me or anyone of us, likewise our reforms in the various sectors,” the Governor said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27 2018

Cabal around Buhari will not let him turn his back on second term -Anike ≥≥10&11

Madumere, Imo deputy governor, joins guber race ≥≥ 12

Delta Assembly workers pass vote of confidence on Speaker Benjamin Omoike The Delta State House of Assembly chapter of the Parliamentary Association of Nigeria (PASAN), has passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. PASAN, in a letter conveying the confidence vote on the Speaker also affirmed the Association’s happiness on members of his team of management, for their interest in the welfare of the staff of the state legislature. Chairman of PASAN, Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Emma Edozie, presented a letter of commendation to the Speaker for his outstanding and sterling leadership qualities and welfare of staff. Comrade Edozie stated that the staff of the state House of Assembly has never had it so good, stressing that the workers no longer embark on protests before getting what is due to them. He particularly commended the Speaker for the Christmas bonus to staff and the payment of outfit allowance; stressing that his emergence as head of the state legislature has brought hope and positive changes to the state Assembly. The PASAN Chairman stated that the presentation was to welcome him back to work after the Christmas and New Year break, and to reassure him of their commitment and support to his leadership of the House. Responding, the Speaker commended the workers for their renewed commitment to

OBOREVWORI excellence and urged them not to relent in that regard. While returning all glory to God for the achievements recorded in about eight months as Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Oborevwori thanked the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for all the approvals. He also paid glowing tributes to his colleagues, stating that their unalloyed support accounted for the love and unity of

purpose in the state legislature. The Speaker reassured the staff that what is due them will surely get to them, adding that the Okowa-led administration was committed to the welfare of workers in the state. On hand to receive the Association members, along with the Speaker, were the Deputy Speaker, Friday Osanebi, other principal officers and some members of the House.

Lagos lawmaker mourns Deji Tinubu, says he was a dutiful, committed public servant A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing

Epe Constituency II, Hon. Olusegun Olulade, has described the death of Deji Tinubu, Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, as a great loss to the administration and the entire state. Olulade, who was reacting to the news of the death of Tinubu, said he was yet to come to reality with the news, adding that he never imagined that the aide of the governor could die in the next 20 years. While noting that the deceased was one of the engine rooms in Governor Ambode’s cabinet, the lawmaker said “Since the inception of this administration, the late Deji Tinubu has been one of the most active members of Governor Ambode’s cabinet.

“While serving as the Special Adviser on Sports, he was a very active and recently, the governor redeployed him to Commerce, Industry and Cooperative. While alive, he was a dutiful and committed public servant. He will always make himself readily available to attend any programme. “I remember in 2016, when I held the Eleniyan Youth Empowerment Summit in Igboye, Epe, he was there live and contributed immensely from the beginning of the programme till the end. “His death is really a great loss to this state and I want to commiserate with the state government; our party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the deceased mother and wife, the Tinubu’s family members and the entire citizens of the state. “I pray that we shall never witness sudden death anymore in the state. I

OLULADE pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear this loss,” Olulade added.

IYC tells FG to implement APC committee’s recommendations on restructuring The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide led by Barr. Eric Omare on Friday called on the Federal Government to immediately implement the All Progressives Congress (APC), Committee’s recommendations on restructuring. In a statement signed the IYC said, “While the committee’s recommendation on devolution of power, including empowering states to have legislative control over mining and oil minerals is a welcome development, the APC led Federal Government should go further to take immedi-

ate steps to implement the recommendations.” They charged the government to take further steps to ensure immediate implementation of the recommendations, especially on resource control, which has been a key demand of the Niger Delta people. “It is only when the recommendations of the committee are implemented that Nigerians and especially Niger Deltans would take the APC position on restructuring serious,” the IYC said. “The APC had promised restructuring prior to the 2015 elections only to deny knowledge of

the true meaning of restructuring after winning the general elections. “Hence, for the APC to be taken serious on the issue of restructuring, the IYC calls on the APC led Federal Government to immediately initiate the process of amending the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Petroleum Act, the Land Use Act, the Minerals and Mining Act, the Petroleum Profit Tax Act and other relevant laws as recommended by the committee to bring the recommendations into reality.

Group issues warning to Fulani herdsmen over invasion of Yewa community Groups in Ogun West Senatorial Disctrict of Ogun State under the aegis of Yewa Connecting minds (YCM), an umbrella body that comprises both youths and elders in liberation movement of Yewaland have warned Hausa/Fulani herdsmen, who had been on rampage, in the Yewa land, lately, killing and molesting natives, as well as destroying farm crops with their cattle, that their activities were no more acceptable. The warning is contained in a statement issued by the Coordinator of the group, Prince Ekunola Gbenga after the YCM emergency meeting in Ayetoro Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State. Ekunola stated that the presence of herdsmen in the community had heightened tension. Just last week, on Yewa soil, a farmer was killed and another one was also killed in Imeko Afon while protecting their farms by the herdsmen after which his farmland was set on fire, an act that aggravated the anger in members of Yewa Connecting Minds, making them call on their members to get ready to swing into action. The group noted that “the inhumane and barbaric activities of the Herdsmen in Yewaland was becoming alarming in recent times and the Federal and state government have turned lackadaisical attitude towards it. “The Fulani herdsmen should steer clear of Yewaland if their mission is to come and kill innocent citizens, Ekunola demanded. “The acts and deeds of these Herdsmen is becoming unbecoming and hence the need for self-defence if those at the helm of powers refuses to swing into action.” Prince Ekunola stated that, people of Yewa communities were under siege and the people could no longer go about their economic, social and religious activities again, revealing that his members had resolved to shed their blood to resist further attacks by the dreaded herdsmen. “Never again will YCM fold their arms and watch our people being massacred by blood-sucking terrorists under the guise of herdsmen. Urgent times need drastic measure. We warn all violent Fulani herdsmen to vacate our farmland, our backyards, our territories and boundaries now.” Ekunola added, “Farming is my people’s mainstay. The Hausas/Fulani people rearing cattle here have created too many problems, including killing of innocent people. They also defile our women and destroy their crops while grazing. They must leave if they cannot live here peacefully or face the wrath of my people who I will unleash on them.” “Yewa Connecting Minds (YCM) hereby issue a note of warning to all Herdsmen on Yewa Soil to tread softly, for the last time we are appealing to you and your sponsors to stop all inhuman acts and move out of our land before we swing into action.

“We appreciate Ogun State Government led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Security agencies for their efforts so far.” Gbenga said, “We restate that the state and the Federal Government should come to our aid and bring an end to the attacks by herdsmen,” who according to them, usually destroy their farmland.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Charles Anike is the President Eastern Union, an activist and public affairs commentator. In this interview with PATRICK OKOHUE, Anike argues that even if Buhari is in tune with the realities that he is no longer welcome by Nigerians to continue to rule, the cabal around him will not allow him to face the truth. ANIKE

Cabal around Buhari will not let him turn his back on second term -Anike There has been advice to President Muhammadu Buhari that he should not re-contest the presidency next year, but he has gone ahead to appoint a director-general for his Presidential campaign, how do you see this? As we have noted sometimes ago, that his second term bid does not come to us as a surprise, considering his longtime greed and quest for power. Looking at his colossal failure in every sector, and every aspect of governance, coupled with his old age and unstable health condition, one would have expected him to travel the part of honour and dignity by throwing in the towel come 2019. Though even if he (Buhari) haven’t been overwhelmed by the task of leadership and would want to give-up, the APC cabal and other cabals around the President will resist him as they already have compelled him to seek re-election. The APC cabals and other cabals in Aso Rock are very much aware that the President is not sellable anymore; because he has so failed “press-down, shaking together and running over”. But how we wish the President will see beyond the hypocrisy of the cabals and damn the consequences like Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and take the wisest decision to retire home after handing over come May 29, 2019. How we wish Buhari can take a cue and learn from Dr. Jonathan’s courage and statement-ship. The truth of the matter is that the Nigerian people have seen the best of Muhammadu Buhari and do not pray or wish to see his worst. The people have got to the peak of their sufferings under President Buhari and the APC, and enough is enough. For the APC as a party, 2019 will surely be the end of the road for their lies and deceits, because it is possible to deceive the people at a time but not all the time. Gen. Buhari have definitely fulfilled his longtime life ambition of becoming a Nigeria President, and therefore should as a matter of urgency go home to attend to his age and health and allow the country to experience peace and development once again. However, if he remains adamant, Mugabe’s disgraceful exit will be a child’s play to his. There has been general insecurity worries in the country and yet the President went ahead to extend the service chiefs tenure, what can you make of this? One of the major reasons Nigerians voted Buhari was due to the security challenges in the country during the previous administration. Many Nigerians then believed that Buhari being a retired General will have quick solution to the security problems. And the insecurity in the country then was the major propaganda base of Gen. Buhari and the APC, but it is very clear to all that both the military experience of the President has made no impact on the security of the country. And going by available re-

cords, more lives have been wasted under Buhari than during the Dr. Jonathan era. The rampaging Fulani herdsmen are gradually competing with the Boko Haram terrorist in killings of innocent Nigerians. You can see that in spite of the serial attacks by these herdsmen that have resulted to the death of hundreds of innocent citizens; the President is just trying to pretend to act. Be sure that if those herdsmen were to be from any other tribe, the President would have long ordered operation chimpanzee laugh in all the affected areas. The President has every reason to retain and extend the tenure of the service chiefs because they are Northerners. And talking about service, the boss of NIA was removed and the President went ahead to appoint a Northerner as his replacement, is this not a further proof of his penchant for nepotism? President Buhari has confirmed to be the worst leader that ever ruled Nigeria especially in the area of tribalism and nepotism. Just go through records and you will be shocked over his bare faced nepotism. He not only appoints Northerners, but his Fulani kinsmen to head all the sensitive positions in the country. And reason is that he thought they will help to cover his mess and incompetence, but unknown to him that they are birds of the same feather. They also lack capacity. When this administration was conversing for votes, they promised to create 14 million jobs, but today they have not only failed to create those jobs but their policies and inaction have made people loss similar or more than that number of jobs, what would you say contributed to this? The answer is simple, the present administration lacks capacity to govern, from the President down to his appoin-

Though even if he (Buhari) haven’t been overwhelmed by the task of leadership and would want to give-up, the APC cabal and other cabals around the President will resist him as they already have compelled him to seek re-election. The APC cabals and other cabals in Aso Rock are very much aware that the President is not sellable anymore; because he has so failed “press-down, shaking together and running over”. But how we wish the President will see beyond the hypocrisy of the cabals and damn the consequences like Dr. Goodluck Jonathan

tees, they all lack capacity to lead Nigeria to any meaningful development. Otherwise we could have seen or witness development in any sector. You can see that even his 3 star-super ministers are not able to record any meaningful achievement. And this President is not even courageous enough to reshuffle his cabinet. The present regime has and still is dragging this country further backward and I can tell you that in the next 20 years, the country will not be able to recover from the reward of incompetent leadership, except if we can wake up now to elect competent people come 2019. The height of monumental failures of this administration is not unexpected by those of us who know and believe in the wonders of books, because only the ignorant and people who are educated but don’t believe in education, thought that President Buhari can perform. So for us, his failure to provide jobs as promised and other failures were expected. Of course how can a man whose secondary school certificate is in doubt lead a contemporary society and succeed? There has been an orchestrated celebration on improved foreign reserve, yet the masses are there, no sign of the impact in the economy, can you talk on this? Well, we don’t know the indices they are using and I can tell you that only those cabals in APC are celebrating that. There is no impact of whatever improvement in our foreign reserve, because this is a government that has no clear agenda to impact meaningfully on the lives of citizenry. They came to power through propaganda and have continued that way. The ordinary citizens are just praying for 2019 to come. One of our members confided to me that once APC looses power in 2019, he would trek from Sokoto to Calabar in celebration. And that is to double the record of the man purported to have trekked from Lagos to Abuja. What exactly are they celebrating? Is it that exchange rate has fallen? Or that after increasing fuel pump price, we are only getting it to buy at N350 per liter and in the black market? Or is that power sector has improved? Please the only celebration we are waiting for is the exit of the APC from Aso Rock Villa. The fight against corruption has either lost its course or has been turned to witch hunting exercise, because the EFCC seem to have turned itself to tax collector following the arrest of Innocent Chukwuma over his commercial issue with GT Bank, what can you say on this? CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27 2018

11 Politics

‘Cabal around Buhari will not let him turn his back on second term’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

The truth is that since this government came to power, everything has lost its value. There is nothing like fight against corruption, it’s only the President and his men fighting their longtime enemies. Which corruption are they fighting? When corruption is both inside and outside the pants of the APC. I can tell you that since Mallam Nuhu Ribadu left the EFCC; the commission became a mere instrument to fight political and house hold enemies. The name has lost its real meaning and nobody is interested in them anymore. As for the case between Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors with the GTBank, it has assumed ethnic coloration. The management of the bank only conceived with the EFCC in order to deprive Mr. Innocent of his court victories over the bank. The GTBank cannot do what they did to Mr. Innocent to Chief Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote and other such business moguls that are not from the East. And this is why we always cry for ill treatments and marginalisation of the Easterners by top people in government. The massacre of Benue State indigenes by Fulani herdsmen has provoked general insecurity problems in the country, so much so that informed citizens are warning against a possible anarchy that could lead to so many things, will you agree with them that this portends a great danger in the country? The primary responsibility of the government is security of lives and property, and where these are absent what does that portend? The Fulanis since this government came to power assumed a new dimension in their killing activities and the Presidency refused to say anything, until few days ago, when it hypocritically ordered for the arrest of the rampaging herdsmen. Why did it take the President this long to speak? If the Fulanis were to be at the receiving end, would he have kept the long silence? The truth is that this government has failed and must not be relied upon. Every community and of course every one must device any legitimate means to defend themselves. From the statement of one of the President propagandist (Femi Adesina) it is clear to everyone that this government is not remorseful over the killings. Do you see this as mark of failure

middle belt leaders? We don’t believe in their threat, so it’s an empty threat. There are too many gullible and greedy people among those leaders you are talking about. Most especially in the middle belt, they are usually confused of where to belong. So their leaders can say this today and tomorrow they are doing another. There is serious identity crisis among the middle belt, but it’s high time they chose where to belong or they will remain a sacrificial lamb of the herdsmen. We are therefore waiting for the southern and middle belt leaders to match their words with actions. INEC has just released the time table for the 2019 general elections, what do you have to say on the time table? We don’t have any iota of trust in this inconclusive INEC. This government is the same in all departments. This same government hurriedly prepared and presented the 2018 budget in October last year, but where are we today with the budget? We can tell you categorically that this INEC is not in any way ready for any election. You can still see people complaining about their PVC this and that.

ANIKE

on the part of the Federal Government that have consistently failed to checkmate these herdsmen or a silent collaboration considering the deafening silence from the Federal Government whenever these attack takes place? The government is simply not interested, otherwise, with the number of deaths recorded from the herdsmen attacks; one would have expected the Federal Government to have ordered a serious military operation in the areas. What has happened in Benue State, Plateau, Taraba, Southern Kaduna of herdsmen attacks calls for full military operations, when compared to the IPOB agitation that the Federal Government ordered operation python dance. So it may not be totally wrong to think that the Federal Governments by its long deafening silence are in collaboration with the herdsmen; except maybe the government was

waiting until the number of people killed will outnumber the people killed by the Boko Haram under Goodluck Jonathan. What will be your advice to government on how to curtail this menace? Our advise is simple, the government should order full scale military operation as “operation Chimpanzee cry or jump” in the areas where the herdsmen are constantly attacking. The government should be sincere and committed to end the attacks. The herdsmen are not spirit; therefore they should be arrested and prosecuted. Southern and middle belt leaders have threatened that no restructuring, no election in 2019, do you see this as an empty threat or serious issue that has to be tackled before 2019? Who are those southern leaders and the

With as many as 60 or more political parties being registered, what do you think about 2019 general election? The registration of political parties should be an ongoing activity. People must not by any means denied the opportunity to participate in the general elections, which is what democracy is all about. Though it’s very unfortunate that it’s the same political jobbers in APC and PDP that are still forming the new parties, so the ideology still remain the same. Even if we have one hundred registered political parties, it is a good omen and the beauty of democracy. What kind of a President do you expect to lead the Nigerian people in 2019? We expect a President that is well educated, very dynamic to carry every section of the country along, a detribalised person that will be selfless, and that will be young and healthy enough to withstand the enormous task of national leadership. A President that will be 21st century compliant, not an analog President or one whose academic qualification is under contention or subject to probe. And not a religious bigot and one who is tribal and ethnicity minded.

Alake, Adams urge Nigerians in Diaspora to contribute to Nigeria and Yoruba’s greatness

ADAMS

Yoruba sons and daughters in the Diaspora, under the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), have been urged to get involved in activities of nation building. Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo made the call on Thursday when members of OPU paid a courtesy visit to the monarch in preparation for the 2018 OPU World Congress in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Oba Gbadebo, praised the efforts of the Convener and Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Aare Gani Adams, for the laudable initiatives, describing him as a bold, courageous and reliable son of Yorubaland. The Egba monarch, who is also the permanent chairman, Egba council of obas, said he was happy to see the progress made so far by the OPC leader in all areas, particularly, on his commitments, by using the various platforms under his leadership to promote the culture, traditions and the unity of Yorubaland. “Your new status as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland was never by accident, it was generally accepted by all Yoruba Obas and leaders because

of your boldness, courage and commitment to the unity and progress of Yorubaland. On this note, I therefore, charge all members of the OPU to see themselves as ambassadors of this great nation, wherever you are in any parts of the world, have it mind that you should come and do great things in Nigeria,” Oba Gbadebo later prayed for all members of the group. Expressing great appreciation to the Egba monarch for the prayers, Aare Adams, said the group is presently in 79 countries, across the world, adding that members of OPU have good intentions to help promote the cultural heritage of the Yorubas. He noted also that this year’s edition of the world congress is the fourth in the series, and it is meant to bring all Yoruba sons and daughters abroad together under one umbrella for networking and economic development of Yorubaland. “I am of the conviction that OPU is now a formidable force across the world, and I believe strongly that all our members will always champion the cause and ideals of our great organization,”

he said. In his keynote lecture, Dr. Soji Aderemi Fajenyo, of the department of Yoruba, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, spoke on unity and restructuring as a way of ensuring progress in Nigeria and Yoruba in particular. He said for Nigeria to make any meaningful progress, there should be unity among the citizenry, and that could be possible if the nation is restructured alongside our traditions and culture.” He also urged members of the group to continue in their efforts to promote Yoruba language, as a way of advancing the identities of the Yoruba race. Other speakers at the event include, Chief Ayinla Oke, who stood in for the Egba monarch, the Secretary General, OPU Worldwide, Prince Lanre Sunmonu, Cordinator OPU Europe, Chief Victor Mobolaji Adewale, Chief Mark Oyetunde, Chairman, 2018 World Congress, Mr Shola Agboola, Coordinator, OPU North America, Mr Segun Ogunpitan, Coordinator OPU in all African countries, and other prominent members.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Madumere, Imo deputy governor, joins guber race Stories by Patrick Okohue Imo State deputy governor, Eze Madumere, has disclosed his readiness to join the 2019 governorship race after years of silence on his political ambition. Madumere who is from Owerri zone which has not produced a governor since the return of democracy in 1999, said that he is eminently qualified to succeed his boss, Governor Rochas Okorocha. Speaking while playing host to the entire executive of the All progressives Congress ( APC ), Mbaitoli, Madumere, said that he is one of the earliest Apostles of the Rescue Mission and can be trusted. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Uche Onwuchekwa, the deputy governor, said he has decided to heed the calls across the state and beyond to contest the 2019 election in the interest of the people of the state who have shown him overwhelming support and solidarity. The party chieftains endorsed him as their sole candidate for the 2019 gubernatorial election. The party executive members

2019: Kaduna PDP endorses Makarfi for presidency .The Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ), Kaduna State chapter at its Executive Committee meeting on Friday informally endorsed former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi to run for Presidency come 2019. The party’s loyalists, who filled the conference hall at the state Secretariat in Kawo, Kaduna, to capacity during the first of its kind meeting of recent, expressed optimism that Makarfi was the right man for the job. The immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who was the first to address his party’s members asked them, if they would support Makarfi for President and a thunderous response of ‘Nigeria sai Makarfi’ rented the air in affirmative. But when the meeting was over, Makarfi himself declined to talk to the press as he walked down the hall in company of other party big wigs in the state. Should he agree to contest as being suggested to him, he would be facing other top contenders, including former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who for now, seems like the most popular candidate

MAKARFI

MADUMERE

from all the twelve wards of Mbaitoli LGA, led by the local government chairman, Mr Tony Amaechi, stressed; “among the few celebrated leaders in the state and in the country at large, the deputy governor, Prince Madumere has distinguished himself in all ramifications. He has

not only been proven to be loyal, humble but he has displayed competence to unimaginable measure.” They contested that, “among the twelve qualities that have been enumerated as regards who succeeds Governor Okorocha, our deputy governor has scored over 98%. For

us as a people, he has become a role model and the pride of Imo State. On this note, the entire leadership of All Progressives Congress, Mbaitoli Chapter presents him as our soul candidate for the governorship race.” The Youth leader, Comrade Obinna Osuji, in his speech, described the deputy governor as a “trustworthy Imo son who has shown competence, capacity, the administrative acumen and utmost love for the youth through life time empowerment programmes and mentorship.” In a similar vein, the Woman Leader, Hon. Mrs. Gladys Emesibe said; “I am particularly happy with the deputy governor of our state. All the women of our party are very happy for the development in the state. Prince Madumere is our pride. He has fear of God. He is humble and has been supportive of the governor in whatever in every capacity. All the women of Owerri zone have been calling on him to come out because of his leadership qualities. We shall work with other local government areas to ensure that he emerges the governor”.

Ambode deserves second term- Lanre Razak A former Commissioner for Public Transportation in Lagos State, Chief Lanre Razak has commended the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for his performance in transforming the state since he assumed office. Chief Razak who spoke with an online newspaper in his office at Ijora, Lagos commended the governor for the infrastructural transformation of the nooks crannies of the state, from Abule-Egba, Badagry, Epe, Alapere, Ikorodu and other parts of the state, Ambode he said with delight, has provided motorable roads. The former Commissioner said Governor Ambode has also eliminated traffic congestion in the Lagos metropolis through the Iyana-oworo axis and other parts of the state. On why Ambode should contest for a second term, Chief Razak who is also the Balogun of Epe and President of Epe Club said Ambode deserves a second term because of his performance which is visible across the state, adding that there is no need to vote for another person in 2019 when the incumbent has performed wonderfully within a period of fewer than three years. According to Razak, “no need for trial and error, since Ambode is performing wonderfully well, he needs the support of Lagosians to continue his developmental strides in the next four years. The APC chieftain said the governor had also done The All Progressives Congress (APC), Scandinavia chapter, has said that the letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to President Muhammadu Buhari is good for the nation`s democracy. Obasanjo in the letter advised Buhari to consider a deserved rest at this point in time at his age, saying “Buhari does not necessarily need to heed my advice. But whether or not he heeds it, Nigeria needs to

well in the area of security by combating the notorious Badoo boys in Ikorodu, setting up the Neighborhood Security Watch in the 57 local governments areas of the state to tackle the problem of insecurity. Also commenting on the recent statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the APC stalwart said Obasanjo is entitled to his opinion, but added that President Muhammadu Buhari is trying his best to fight corruption despite the fact that the past administrations had made things difficult for Nigerians which is not easy to repair within two years. He contended that Lagos deserves a special status as the former federal capital and economic nerve center of Nigeria, stressing that Lagos State generates 70 percent of the country’s Value Added Tax (VAT). Rasak added that 30 percent of the oil revenue should be allocated to Lagos State in order to ensure more developmental projects and to attain the status of one of the biggest cities in the world. Commenting on the clamor for the restructuring of the country, the APC chieftain said instead of restructuring, there should be devolution of power, stressing that the Federal Government is having too much power. He advised the Federal Government to cede more powers to the states to enable them be autonomous and economically

RAZAK

viable. On the emergence of new political parties, the renowned politician said the newly formed political parties lack structures and membership support, adding that the parties were formed to achieve selfish motives without focus and vision. He said some of the new political parties cannot win councillorship election or local government chairmanship election.

Obasanjo’s letter to Buhari good for democracy, says APC Scandinavia move on and move forward.” But, the Presidency, through the minister of Information and National Orientation, Lai Mohammed, said that criticisms of Buhari administration had been taken in good faith. Mohammed said: “We have no reason to

believe that former President Obasanjo has any motive beyond the well-being of the nation in issuing his special press statement. “We have also taken his admonition in good faith, and we thank him most sincerely for taking time off his busy schedule to pen such a long statement.’’

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

News13 Ambode to deliver UNILAG convocation lecture ÏÏÏThe

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (fifth left), with High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Christopher Thornley (fourth left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Lagos Global, Prof. Ademola Abass (third left); Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. James Christoff (middle); Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (fifth right) and some members of the Executive Council during the Canadian High Commissioner’s courtesy visit at the Governor’s residence in Epe... on Thursday.

N5.6bn fraud: EFCC rearraigns Dasuki’s aide, Col. Ashinze

Doosuur Iwambe - Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Economic and Fi-

nancial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday re-arraigned Colonel Nicholas Ashinze, a former special assistant to the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki; on a a 13-count amended charge. Ashinze and his co-accused an Austrian, Wolfgang Reinl, Edidiong Idiong and Sagir Mohammed were re-arraigned alongside five companies accused of allegedly diverting huge sums from the office of the former NSA before the Abuja division of the Federal

High Court. The companies are: Geonel Integrated Services Limited, Unity Continental Nigeria Limited, Helpline Organization, Vibrant Resource Limited and Sologic Integrated Services Limited. At the resumed sitting before Justice Gabriel Kolawole, counsel to the EFCC, Ofem Eket informed the court of his intention to amend a charge dated October 6, 2017. Defence counsels did not object to the amended charge. Part of the ended charge read: “That you, Col. Nicholas Ashinze, being a serving officer of the Nigeria Army and a former Special Assistance

(SA) to the immediate past National Security Adviser, (Col. Sambo Dasuki Rtd), Wolfgang Rein being an Austrian National and Managing Director of Geonel Integrated Services Ltd and Geonel Integrated Service Limited on or about 22nd April, 2014 at Abuja, in the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court did transfer the sum of Five Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N550,000,000) to Edidiong Idiong being a lawyer practising in the name and style of Law Partners & Associates knowing that the said sum forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit; ‘ corruption’ and thereby committed

an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (prohibition), Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) and (4) of the same Money Laundering (prohibition), Act 2011 (as amended). Meanwhile, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the amended charge. Justice Kolawole granted the application to amend the charge and further stated that the evidence provided earlier shall stand. Meanwhile, Eket told the court that the case was for cross-examination of the first witness (PW1), Hassan Saidu. Saidu, while being cross-

examined informed the court that the investigation of the defendants by the EFCC was triggered by a letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) dated 9th December, 2015 alleging that the defendant was operating suspicious accounts. Saidu informed the court that there are two payments; one was processed from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF, to the tune of N3.125billion and the other one was processed from the ONSA to the tune of N2.5billion. The matter has been adjourned to March 14, 2018 for continuation of trial.

Belemaoil producing denies sponsoring crisis in Ogoni land Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏBelemaoil

Producing Ltd, an indigenous oil producing company in Rivers State, has strongly denied allegations credited to the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, that the company was sponsoring groups in Ogoniland to cause crisis in the area, over the planned resumption of oil exploration in the Ogoni axis of Rivers State. Belemaoil in a statement signed and circulated in Port Harcourt Friday, by its Manager, Corporate Affairs/ Legal Services of the company in the Niger Delta, Mr. Samuel Abel-Jumbo, stated unequivocally that the allegation was a mere fallacy,

unfounded, and should be disregarded. Mr. Abel Jumbo stated that the company had never orchestrated any crisis in any community in the State and had no intention or reasons whatsoever to engage in such acts. According to him, Belemaoil was a peaceful and well organized indigenous company with a track record of promoting peace and cohesion among communities, strengthening local economies of communities where they operated, and providing hope and support for the future of the communities. He stated: “I’m glad they said it is an allegation; there is no truth in it. The Manager stated that

Belemaoil Producing Ltd, being an indigenous oil producing company, could not be part of any plan or any intention to cause any crisis. “We have never and we do not have any intention to cause any crisis in any community. We are a well organized oil producing company with our headquarters and operational base here in Rivers State; we cannot be here and sponsor any problem in Rivers State because Ogoni is in Rivers State. It is a mere fallacy, there is just no truth in it,” he said. He also stated that the company has not sponsored any group to attack the leadership of MOSOP, adding that Belemaoil was not desperate to take over the operation of OML-11 in Ogoniland. The Manager added that

the host communities also had a stake in deciding which company should resume oil production in the area. “Prior to this time in 2015/2016, we reached out to the oil bearing communities in Ogoniland and we sold our BELEMAOIL Model to them, our philosophy that guarantees host community direct participation and partnership in our operations; a philosophy that provides an opportunity for wealth creation within our host communities. The oil bearing communities in Ogoniland bought into our idea. “Belemaoil is not new to Ogoni land. They saw the reason why they will prefer Belemaoil ahead of any other company for the divestment of OML-11. We never did it

with any form of rancour at that time, so there is no reason why at this point in time we should then begin to sponsor groups. “It is not a do-or-die affair. If the oil producing communities in Ogoniland want Belemaoil to come in and take over the operation of OML-11, they are the ones that will rise up and say so,” he said. Continuing, he said that the Nigerian government was aware of what the company was doing in their current OML-11 communities, and how they had brought a new lease of life and hope to those communities by changing the narrative in host communities/company relationship.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, is to deliver the University of Lagos convocation lecture for the 2016/2017 academic session. Dr Taiwo Ipaye , the Registrar, University of Lagos, said in a statement on Friday in Lagos that the lecture, slated for February 19, has the theme ‘Inclusion: The Path to a New Nation’. The lecture is part of programmes lined up for the convocation ceremony proper. According to Ipaye, a preconvocation news conference to kick start the ceremony has already been slated for February 14. She said that an opening exhibition and the inauguration of the 12th Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe would precede the lecture. Ipaye said the convocation ceremony proper had been scheduled for Feb. 20 to February 22. According to her, Day 1 of the ceremony will feature the congregation for the award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and the announcement of prize winners for graduating students of the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences for the morning session. She said graduating students for the Faculties of Arts, Environmental Sciences and Sciences would be attended to during the afternoon session on the same day. The Registrar said on Feb. 21, there would be award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and the announcement of prize winners for graduating students of the Faculties of Engineering, Law and Management Sciences for the morning session. She said that graduating students from the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Pharmacy and the Distance Learning Institute would be conferred later on the same day (afternoon session). Ipaye said that on February 22, the final day of the ceremony, there would be the congregation for the award of higher degrees of the School of Post graduate Studies.

Cartoon 14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

(LAGOS) Stella Emele 08037862794

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

FG to repatriate 91, 000 Nigerian refugees in Cameroon in February

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has commenced the processes to bring back 91,000 Nigerians currently taking refuge from the Boko Haram insurgency in Cameroon. It was learnt that the repatriation of the refugees who were camped in Minaowa village in Cameroon would commence by the end of Feb-

ruary, 2018. The Head, Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, the Presidential Committee on NorthEast Initiative, Dr. Sidi Mohammed disclosed on Thursday that the tripartite commission set up by the FG, Cameroon and the United Nations High Commission for

Refugees, had concluded plans to bring the displaced citizens back to the country. Speaking at the coordination forum and tracking indication validation workshop in Abuja, he explained that the Cameroonian government was not complaining about the huge number of refugees on

its territory, but added that “action speaks louder than voice.” Mohammed said, “The processes have already begun, we are doing the profiling, putting the reception centres in place. Initially, we were looking at early February, but by and large, before the end of February, the final processes of bring-

ing them into the country will start. The people are in a hurry to come back to the country.” Responding to the reports of rape and sexual abuse at internally displaced persons camps in the North-East, he stated that the PCNI had strengthened the security situation in the camps and also brought human

protection to the front burner to curtail the incidence of rape and sexual abuse. He equally disclosed that the PCNI is carrying out biometric data capturing of IDPs which he said would be used for the economic development of the North-East region and also for reconciliation of families.

Governor’s convoy saves students from hoodlums ÏÏÏ

L-R: Sokoto State Governor ,Aminu WaziriTambuwal; UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer for Sokoto State, Muhammad Mouhiddeen and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’adAbubakar, signing MoU at the launching of Advocacy and Community Engagement Forum in Sokoto… recently.

The convoy of the Governor Abubakar SaniBello of Niger on Friday saved the lives of injured students of the Army Day Secondary School, Minna, attacked by hoodlums. The governor’s convoy was on the way to Abuja when they saw the unfortunate incident. “The students were on their way home after the school closing hour. The hoodlums attacked and wounded some of the students,” a member of the convoy said. The governor directed the ambulance of his convoy to rush one of the injured students who had his hand stabbed by the hoodlums to be taken to IBB Specialist Hospital

Minna for treatment. Sani-Bello said: “I have given directive to the commissioner of police to ensure that all those responsible for the attacks on the students are arrested and prosecuted. “We will continue to ensure that our people enjoy relative peace and arresting the hoodlums will serve as deterrent to others with the same intentions. “I am using this medium to call on parents to caution their children on the kind of peer group they associate with.” Sani-Bello said the state government would not allow people with criminal tendencies to disrupt the stability in the state.

Fulani herdsmen invade Ogun community, kill two, burn farm ÏÏÏGroups

in Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun State under the aegis of Yewa Connecting Minds, an umbrella body that comprises both youths and elders in liberation movement of Yewaland, have warned Hausa/Fulani herdsmen, who had been on rampage in Yewaland lately, killing and molesting natives, as well as destroying farm crops with their cattle, that their activities were no more acceptable. The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Coordinator of the

group, Prince Ekunola Gbenga, after the YCM emergency meeting on Friday in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State. Ekunola stated that the presence of herdsmen in the community had heightened tension. Just last week, on Yewa soil, a farmer was killed. Another one was also killed in Imeko Afon while protecting their farms from the herdsmen. After this, his farmland was set on fire, an act that aggravated the anger of mem-

bers of Yewa Connecting Minds. The group therefore called on all its “members to get ready to swing into action”. The statement by Ekunola added: “The inhumane and barbaric activities of the herdsmen in Yewaland has becoming alarming in recent times and the Federal and State Governments have turned lackadaisical attitude towards it. “The Fulani herdsmen should steer clear of Yewaland if their mission is to come and kill innocent citizens.

“The acts and deeds of these Herdsmen is becoming unbecoming and hence the need for self-defence if those at the helm of powers refuse to swing into action.” Prince Ekunola stated that people of Yewa communities were under siege and they could no longer go about their economic, social and religious activities again. He revealed that his members had resolved to shed their blood to resist further attacks by the dreaded herdsmen. He said: “Never again will YCM fold

their arms and watch our people being massacred by blood-sucking terrorists under the guise of herdsmen. Urgent times need drastic measure. We warn all violent Fulani herdsmen to vacate our farmland, our backyards, our territories and boundaries now. “Farming is my people’s mainstay. The Hausas/Fulani people rearing cattle here have created too many problems, including killing of innocent people. They also defile our women and destroy their crops while grazing.

They must leave if they cannot live here peacefully or face the wrath of my people who I will unleash on them. “Yewa Connecting Minds (YCM) hereby issues a note of warning to all herdsmen on Yewa soil to trend softly. For the last time we are appealing to you and your sponsors to stop all inhumane acts and move out of our land before we swing into action. “We appreciate Ogun State Government led by Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Security agencies for their efforts so far.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Features

Adewole: Gradually changing the narrative in Health Ministry By Kazeem Akintunde He came to the job with an intimidating profile, and he has, in his usual style - devoid of noise and self adulatory - gradually but surely turning around the face of the health sector in the country. He is Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, the current Minister of Health in Nigeria. He is not a politician, but one of the technocrats head-hunted by President Muhammadu Buhari to serve in his government at a time when many Nigerians are desirous of change. And change he has brought to the health sector in the country. Professor Adewole came at a time when the health sector was facing series of challenges. He set for work by identifying how he could change the narratives and provide basic health care to large number of Nigerians. After an extensive survey, he became convinced that the way to go is to rehabilitate Primary Heath Care Centres across the country to provide basic health care for the people. With over 30,000 Primary Heath Care centres spread across the country with many of them in a state of disrepair, he went to work by identifying the challenges facing the PHCs and how to best tackle them. In some of the PHCs, gigantic structures are on ground without the needed facilities, while in some, human resource, such a medical personnel as well as drugs are in short supply. In changing the story, Adewole came up with the idea of rehabilitating a minimum of 10,000 PHCs across the country with each ward having a functional PHC. With budget provision dwindling, he turned to development partners and state governors to drive the initiatives.

He came up with three models that could be used to fund PHCs across the country. These are: Result Based Financing (RBF), Performance Based Financing (PBF) and Decentralised Facility Financing or Direct Facility Financing (DFF). Though most of the PHCs are owned by state governors, Professor Adewole, with support from President Muhammadu Buhari, promised to assist states in getting the required funds from international donors, many of whom were keen in rendering assistance to the country in the provision of health care facilities. Late last year, the Health Minister went on a tour of three PHCs rehabilitated in Nasarawa State using three different models highlighted above. At the end of the tour, Adewole said that the essence of the mission was to access which of the models to recommend to state governors. “We have visited a PBF supported facility, a DFF supported facility and one that is an orphan, with no support and the different is clear. “Part of our challenge is to decide which one we are going to use to fund the PHCs all over the country. Maybe I am biased, but I am a supporter of DFF and if you ask me to grade the PHCs I have visited today, the DFF is the best, followed by one in Akwanga and then the other one at Wulko. “Our job is to adopt a model that is peculiar to the people as we don’t want to do anything that is strange , we want the people to decide on their own which model to adopt, own it , manage it and then make it work. It won’t be owned by the federal government, state won’t own it, but they can support and we are going to put the policy there, it would belong to the people at the local level”.

The Health Minister has also, under his watch, strengthened and upgraded the National Centre For Disease Control (NCDC), to a level where it can successfully tackle any health emergency in the country. It was therefore not surprising when the agency successfully managed the outbreak of Lasa fever in some parts of the country as well as the Monkey pox virus that broke in the latter part of last year. Indeed, there have been several commendations to what the NCDC has achieved so far with the National Assembly now set to empower the agency by enacting relevant laws to strengthen the work of the agency. A former Chief Medical Director at University College, Ibadan, before becoming the Vice Chancellor of the entire University, Professor Adewole has also turned his attention to the Tertiary Health Institutions and he has identified eight of them to be upgraded to World class teaching Hospitals. With one coming from each of the six geo-political zones in the country in addition to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and the National Hospital, Abuja, Professor Adewole has embarked on comprehensive upgrading of facilities in those teaching hospitals. Each of those centres will now devote much of its resources to research on Cancer and one other major ailment such as trauma, Kidney problem, liver issue etc. It was under his watch that the ‘Save One Million Lives’ programme was launched on the 14th of July, 2016. The programme is essentially state driven but with federal government support as well as support from international donors making available $350m while each states got $1.5m in the

Professor Adewole

first trench. The money is meant to assist state governors provide high impact Maternal and Child health care services across the country. The programme is however not finance driven but performance driven, as states that are able to meet set targets benefit by further access to the funds. The overall objective of the programme as the name implies, is to ensure that one million lives of women and children in remote areas, who may not have access to health care, are saved. To further ensure that Nigerians have access to good health, Professor Adewole has pursued vigorously, the implementation of the Basic Health care Provision Fund which was established under the National Health Act No 8 of 2014. The Act was enacted to ensure improved health outcomes, provide a legal framework for the provision of health care services and to establish an organisational and management structure for the health system in the country. Indeed, the Act specifies that all Nigerians shall be entitled to a basic minimum package of health service (BMPHS), while funding for the BHCPF would be from contributions, including an annual grant from the federal government of not less than one percent of the consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), grants from International donors and funds from other sources. The National Assembly has given assurance that the one percent grant as stated in the policy framework would soon become a reality before the end of the year. The Minister has also had to

launch a special intervention for the North East region of the country after the dreaded Boko Haram terrorists were sent packing from the region has he has had to visit Borno, Bauchi, Yobe and Taraba States.During the visit, Professor Adewole and his team met with state governors, state health teams, Nigerians living in internally displaced camps and the programme he put in place has ensured that there was no outbreak of epidemic in any of those camps. The Rapid Result Initiatives that he launched ensured that over 200,000 undernourished children in the North were treated. Under his watch, he also established the National Supply Chain Integration Project in a bid to ensure that Nigerians have access to a continuous and available supply of safe medicines all year round. The initiative is working to reduce inefficiencies in the supply and logistics chain and multiple distribution agents. The previously fragmented system made oversight difficult as demonstrated by the recent expiration of millions of commodities as well as the diversion of such commodities to black markets. The war against Malaria fever has also been scaled up under his watch as prevalence level has dropped in some states while states out of stock of treated mosquito nets have gotten fresh consignments. Access to family planning commodities has been scaled up with the re-launch of the Family planning logo. He has also succeeded in reducing the acrimony between the unions in the health sector as se-

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Elumelu appointed champion for immunisation in Africa ÏÏÏ Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a public-private partnership committed to saving children’s lives and increasing access to immunisation in the poorest countries has announced the appointment of Dr. Awele Elumelu as Champion for Immunisation in Africa. The announcement was made at the breakfast meeting of leaders from the private sector and Ministerial representatives from the donor countries, hosted by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday. “We are delighted that Dr Elumelu will bring her knowledge and expertise from health and business sectors towards championing the cause of immunisation. “Her engagement will be particularly important this year, as we move towards the

Mid-Term Review, where the Vaccine Alliance will report on progress made in reaching its goals halfway through our five-year strategy.”, said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “We are looking forward to working closely with Dr Elumelu to help make immunisation a priority for Africa’s public and private sector leaders”, he added. Elumelu, a general physician, is a Trustee of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. A leading voice in the African healthcare sector, Dr. Elumelu is the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited and CEO Avon Medical Practice. She leads the healthcare investments of African proprietary investment group Heirs Holdings. As a Gavi champion, she will lend her voice and network to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation in

Africa, ensuring that even more children have access to immunisation, creating life changing interventions. Dr. Elumelu thanked Gavi for the privilege of lending her voice to championing the cause of immunisation that will impact lives of children across Africa. “Childhood immunisation is a critical intervention and I am honoured to play a role in this important programme, targeting almost 10 million African children, who are not fully immunised. Gavi’s unique approach of bringing together public and private players is an example to us all and, not least in Africa, where governments and the private sector need to work much more closely together, to deliver economic opportunity and social good. “I would also salute the extraordinary example of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foun-

dation, in catalysing this initiative – it is an illustration of how intelligently directed private wealth can achieve innovative and tangible impact on huge scale”, Dr Elumelu said. In addition, Mr Tony Elumelu also announced the partnership between the United Bank of Africa and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to generate demand and awareness. Another aspect of the partnership will include fundraising from Bank’s customers to support immunisation programmes in Africa. He also announced the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s partnership with Gavi where over 3,000 entrepreneurs across Africa will act as ‘immunisation advocates’ in communities. The total number of entrepreneurs supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation would reach 10,000 over the next six years.

Breast cancer awareness: Mrs Akeredolu takes BRECAN to Imo, Abuja The clinical breast

ÏÏÏWife

of the Ondo State Governor and founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) Chief (Mrs) Betty AnyanwuAkeredolu has disclosed her plan to organise a town hall meeting on breast cancer in Imo State as part of activities on the campaign against breast cancer and awareness. According to a release from the office of the First Lady, stated that the event which would come up on the 1st of February 2018, is part of activities marking the 2018 World Cancer Day, at the auditorium of the Imo State University, Owerri, would be chaired by a renowned medical consultant, Revd Dr Angelica Anele, from the Federal Medical Centre Owerri. The release further stated that the event would also featured investiture of Imo State executives of BRECAN, fund raising and clinical breast clinic among others.

screening programme will commence by 8:00 in the morning, while the investiture proper comes up by 2:00 pm same day. The Special Guests of honour are the Executive Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha and his wife, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, while His Royal Majesty Eze Samuel Ohiri, Eze of Imo and his queen Ugoeze Chioma are expected to be Royal Father and Royal mother of the day respectively. In a similar development, the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Anyanwu-Akeredolu, will inaugurate the Abuja chapter of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) on Sunday February 4th 2018, at the NAF Conference Centre Abuja by 4pm. According to the organisers, the event will also feature a public lecture and fund raising for the organization. While a keynote address will be delivered by Dr. U. N Shagaya.

Niger Delta perm sec seeks retired personnel’s’ welfare ÏÏ Federal L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose; Chairman, Ekiti State Council of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Clement Adekola and members of the union at the monthly NURTW meeting at the union’s office along Ijan Road, Ado-Ekiti...on Friday.

Unemployment: FCTA, ITF to partner on skill Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has expressed the readiness of his administration to collaborate with Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to inculcate necessary entrepreneurial and vocational skills in FCT youths. The Minister gave this indication when the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Sir Joseph Ari paid him a courtesy call recently. He said: “We are ready to partner with Industrial Training Fund to reduce unemployment in the Territory by ensuring that our youths acquire the necessary skills that would make

them self-employed and employers of labour. This is especially very important now that there is so much influx of people from every part of the country into the Territory.” Malam Bello who was represented at the occasion by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa lauded the enormous contributions of the ITF in repositioning the nation’s economy on the path of sustainable growth and development. His words: “We know that Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is one of the foremost institutions that has helped Nigeria economy tremendously. In fact, your role is even more critical now that we are having unemployment issues.” Earlier, in his remarks,

the Director-General and Chief Executive Office of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Sir Joseph Ari explained that given the position of FCT as the gateway of Nigeria, the Agency believed that partnership with FCT Administration, particularly in the area of skill acquisition would assist immensely to achieve the dream of President Muhammadu Buhari of empowering young people with requisite skills. “We are here to synergize with FCT Administration being the gateway of Nigeria to achieve the dream of President Muhammadu Buhari which is hinged on empowering people with skills in different areas, he explained.” The Director General further remarked that the

Agency has keyed into the policy of Federal Government concerning ease of doing business and other international trends. In another development, closing ceremonies for the nationwide National Industrial Skills Development programme embarked by the ITF in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry, in the 36 states of the federation, is to commence in Abuja on Monday, January 29, 2019. A major highlight of the event would be the presentation of starter-packs to all graduands. According to a release by the Fund, this is to ensure that beneficiaries utilize the knowledge acquired from the training for entrepreneurship, vocational and overall economic development of the country.

Government has been tasked to focus more attention on the welfare of the retired civil servants in appreciation to their contribution to the development and growth of the country. This it said will be in the effort to reduce the stress some of them pass through in getting their pensions and gratuities after retirement. Aliyu Aminu Bisalla, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, gave the advice Friday in Abuja during a send forth ceremony organized in the honour of Mr. Bibowei Amula, a Deputy Director and Coordinator of the Rivers State Liaison office of the Ministry, who retired from the civil service at the age of 60 years. Bisalla, who commended the retiring staff on his contributions to the achievement of the man-

dates of the Ministry, especially in ensuring and maintenance of peace in Rivers State, added that his services would still be sought on “moving the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs forward”. He disclosed that efforts would be made to make the Ministry’s liasion offices, in the Niger Delta region more conducive in order to make them more productive and appealing to staff. The Permanent Secretary also assured that staff welfare would be given priority in scheme of things in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. In his remarks, Director, Human Resources Management, Mr Emmanuel Evong represented by Mrs Saidat Ogunjobi, a Deputy Director in the Ministry, commended Mr. Amula for his meritorious service and assured him of the ministry’s support.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

MRS OGUIKE IFUNANYA JANEFRANCIS

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IGWE JOSHUA SUCCESS

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ENEH

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ALIOKE I, formerly known and addressed as ALIOKE CHIZOBA GEORGINIA, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWUKA GLORY CHIZOBA GEORGINIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UDEH

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS UDEH OBIAGELI STELLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWONNA OBIAGELI STELLA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

EZEUGWU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EZUGWU NNEDINSO BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWU NNEDINSO BLESSING. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NNAM

I, formerly known and addressed as NNAM EMELDA UKAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed as NNAM NWUKA EMELDA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 25, 2018

Change of Names 22

CHIWETALU

ONUORAH

OKAFOR

UGWU

EDEH CHIZOBA

ONUORAH

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS CHIWETALU IFENYINWA JULIET, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIWETALU IFENYINWA JULIANA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONUORAH IFEOMA ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGU IFEOMA ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKAFOR SABINA ANAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as NDIFE SABINA ANAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWUKE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EDEH CHIZOBA VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UGWU CHIZOBA VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONUORAH MAUREEN EKENE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ENEHFRANKLIN MAUREEN EKENE. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NWEKE

MERIILYN CHIOMA

MMAHI

EDEH MARTHA

I, formerly known and addressed as NWEKE PETER IKECHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as PETERS PETER IKECHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH MMAHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MMAHI OKORIE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EDEH MARTHA CHIOMA,now wish to be known and addressed as ENYI MARTHA CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SALAWU MARIA TAIWO

MRS JENYO ADIJAT

ADEWUYI BILIKIS IDOWU

MRS MAYOKUN DAMILOLA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SALAMI MODINAT AJOKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SALAWU MARIA TAIWO AND MY DATE OF BIRTH WAS 13TH MAY 1980. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERN TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OLUWOLE ADIJAT TITILOLAOLUWA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS JENYO ADIJAT TITILOLAOLUWA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERN TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BADMUS BALIKIS IDOWU NOW KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEWUYI BILIKIS IDOWU. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, AUTHORITIES CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OLUWAMAYOKUN DAMILOLA FAMUREWA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS MAYOKUN DAMILOLA OGUNLEYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS CHIOMA MERILYN CHUKU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MERIILYN CHIOMA ALLAPUTA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

NAPOLEON IKE CHIDI

SOSANYA ADETOUN

MRS ADEGBOYEGA DAMILOLA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NAPOLEON IKECHUCKWU ODODO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NAPOLEON IKE CHIDI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT SOSANYA ADETOUN TEMILADE AND SOSANYA ADETOUN GRACE REFERS AS ONE AND SAME PERSON NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS SOSANYA ADETOUN TEMILADE. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ABAYOMI DAMILOLA CELESTINA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ADEGBOYEGA DAMILOLA CELESTINA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL AND AUTHORITY CONCERN TAKE NOTE.

LOVE HOME OF SUPERSEED FOUNDATION

THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES AND APPOINTING OF NEW TRUSTEES. UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. OLD TRUSTEES 1. STEVE ONAOPEPO TOLUWASE 2. DAMILOLA SHARON TOLUWASE 3. BARR ODOMA TENIMU UWODI NEW TRUSTEES 1. COMFORT EKWUOJO TOLUWASE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY PUBLIC NOTICE

APOSTOLIC GRACE REVIVAL CHURCH

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. REV. IGIETSEMEH OMOKHUDU SUNDAY - SENIOR PASTOR. 2. BLESSING IGIETSEMEH. 3. ROWLAND GODWIN CHIBUIKE . 4. DEEKAE RICHARD IKE. 5. OGUAMANAM CHIJIOKE . AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. 2. TO ESTABLISH CHURCHES AND OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP. 3. TO ESTABLISH SEMINARY TO TRAIN MINISTERS, EVANGELISTS, LAY WORKERS, ETC. 4. TO PROVIDE FOR THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 5. TO ESTABLISH MEDICAL CENTRES, SCHOOLS, CHARITY HOME AND OTHER TRAINING CENTRES FOR CHARACTER AND SKILL ACQUISITION. 6. TO PRINT AND PUBLISH TRACTS, RELIGIOUS BOOKS, MAGAZINES, ETC AND DISTRIBUTE SAME. 7. TO ESTABLISH CARE CENTRES FOR ORPHANS, AGED PERSONS AND LESS PRIVILEGED PERSONS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREETMAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR. OWOBU COLLINS EROMOSELE .

CHUKWUMA I, formerly known and addressed as CHUKWUMA CLEMENTINA NWANEZIUZO, now wish to be known and addressed as ONAH CLEMENTINA NWANEZIUZO. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OCHOR

I, formerly known and addressed as OCHOR OLIVE CHINENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as NGOZI-AMUZUO OLIVE CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. Imo State University Owerri, Federal University of Technology and General public should please take note.

OYEBADE ODUNAYO

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS KOLADE ODUNAYO & KOLADE ODUNAYO OLUWAKEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OYEBADE ODUNAYO IFEOLUWA KOLADE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THE EASY SPOTLIGHT ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION 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 TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ADEJUWON OLUWASEYI OLOMOLA(PRESIDENT) 2. OLANIKE IDOWU OLOMOLA (SECRETARY) 3. AYODELE SAMUEL ODESHILO(MEMBER) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO CREATE LONG -LASTING SELF - EMPLOYMENT AND WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR LESS PRIVILEGED PEOPLE AND THOSE WITH LOW INCOMES INCLUDING WOMEN, THEREBY EASING THEIR SELF-SUFFICIENT. 2. TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE GROWTH OF A VIBRANT SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE SECTOR IN NIGERIA TO MOVE TO A MARKET ECONOMY. 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 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

EVANGELICAL CHRIST DIVINE CHURCH

THE GLORIOUS BALM OF GILEAD MINISTRIES INTL.

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 ACT OF 1990. BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 1. NWOKE MICHAEL ONYENATURUCHI - CHAIRMAN. 2. JOY OLUCHI MICHAEL - SECRETARY. 3. KING ABRAHAM - TREASURER. 4. RAPHAEL WINNER - MEMBER. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE CHRISTIANITY & TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO WIN SOULS FOR CHRIST JESUS & TO TRAIN PREACHERS MISSIONARIES TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD. 3. TO PLANT & STRENGTHEN CHURCHES & MINISTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD & TO HELP THE NEEDY & LESS PRIVILEGED IN D SOCIETY. 4. TO BUILD HOPE IN D DOWN TRODDEN . 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 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE ABOVE NAMED ORGANIZATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (C.A.C.) FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTER ACT N0. 1 OF 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. SIS. ANGABA BLESSING JONATHAN - SECRETARY. 2. ELDER ANTHONY UWAKWE. 3. EVANGELIST (MRS) VICTORIA NWARIBE. 4. PASTOR UMUNNA NWARIBE (SENIOR PASTOR) THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATIONS. 2. TO EXERCISE ALL WORKS OF RELIGION AND CHARITY GEARED TOWARDS THE ADVANCEMENT OF CHRIST’S KINGDOM. ANY OBJECTION THERETO SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, WUSE ZONE 5 , ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE PUBLICATION. SIGNED: PASTOR UMUNNA NWARIBE (SENIOR PASTOR)

SIGNED: NWOKE MICHAEL ONYENATURUCHI (CHAIRMAN).

THE KINGDOM VOICE LAST DAYS OUTREACH

OBINWANNE HUNTERS SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

GRACELAND FOR BRIDE OF CHRIST CHURCH

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990. TRUSTEES 1. CHIEF PAUL EZUBEBEM -CHAIRMAN 2. MR ABEL NNAKAIHE -SECRETARY 3. DR AZUBUOGU AMALUGHALO 4. MR CHUKWUDI SILVESTER EZENWABASILI 5. CHIEF EGBOGU ALOY CHUKWUDIEBERE 6. CHIEF ALOYSIUS NWOKEJI AIM AND OBJECTIVE TO UNITE ALL MEMBERS AND PROMOTE COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT. 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.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. PASTOR IKANWU-OJO EMMANUEL - PRESIDING PASTOR. 2. EMMANUEL DORCAS. 3. EKELE SAMUEL ABUH. 4. ETIM GLORY ODIONG 5. IKANI ADEJOH FELIX. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. 2. TO ESTABLISH CHURCHES AND OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP. 3. TO TRAIN MINISTERS, EVANGELISTS, LAY WORKERS, ETC. 4. TO PROVIDE FOR THE SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 5. TO ESTABLISH SCHOOLS AND OTHER TRAINING CENTRES FOR SKILL ACQUISITION FOR ITS MEMBERS. 6. TO PRINT AND PUBLISH TRACTS, RELIGIOUS BOOKS, MAGAZINES, ETC AND DISTRIBUTE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREETMAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE PUBLICATION.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED OUTREACH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. GINA GINA ADE - PRESIDING PASTOR. 2. GINA EUNICE. 3. ISEKI SIMON PETER. 4. WORDU NWOBISI DAVID. 5. OGBEKENE OGAGA GODSPOWER . AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. 2. TO ESTABLISH CHURCHES AND OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP. 3. TO TRAIN MINISTERS, EVANGELISTS, LAY WORKERS, ETC. 4. TO PROVIDE FOR THE SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF MEMBERS. 5. TO ESTABLISH MEDICAL CENTRES, SCHOOLS AND OTHER TRAINING CENTRES FOR SKILL ACQUISITION. 6. TO PRINT AND PUBLISH TRACTS, RELIGIOUS BOOKS, MAGAZINES, ETC AND DISTRIBUTE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREETMAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: BARR. OWOBU COLLINS EROMOSELE.

SIGNED; BARR. OWOBU COLLINS EROMOSELE.

SIGNED : BARR ILOBI UCHENNA 08033139828

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

23 News

Kidney transplant: Adewole pledges FG’s support over FMC Umuahia Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia

ÏÏÏAs a way of

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (seventh right); and Commissioner of Police at the State Command, Mr. Abiodun Odude (sixth left), and other senior officers and new area commanders from the command during a visit to the Governor’s Office, Ibadan... on Thursday. Photo: Governor’s Office

N1.4bn fraud: S’Court confirms conviction of ex-Kogi LG boss Daudu ÏÏÏThe

Supreme Court on Friday, dismissed the appeal by Gabriel Daudu, former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly and former caretaker chairman, Ogori/ Magongo Local Government Area of the State over his conviction on 77 count charge of money laundering Daudu, who was first arraigned in April 2010, was prosecuted by the EFCC on a 208-count charge bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N1.4billion. Lawyer to the EFCC,

Wahab Shittu, fielded 13 witnesses and tendered 47 exhibits to prove the charges against Daudu. Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the case at the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, found him guilty of 77 counts and sentenced him to 2years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently. Dissatisfied by his conviction, the former council boss through his lawyer, Joseph Daudu, SAN, approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, asking it to reverse the judgment. But in a unanimous

decision on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 the appellate court upheld the ruling of the lower court and dismissed the appeal for “lacking in merit.” Still not satisfied, Daudu proceeded to the Supreme Court, urging the apex court to grant him a post conviction bail pending the determination of the appeal before it. The apex court on Thursday, July 6, 2017 granted the convicted council boss bail in the sum of N2million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must have landed property and must

be resident in the FCT. But in considering the main appeal, a panel of five Justices of the Supreme Court in a unanimous judgment on Friday resolved all the issues against the appellant (Daudu) and accordingly dismissed the appeal in its entirety. Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs who delivered the lead judgment described the appeal as “unmeritorious”. With the Supreme Court dismissing the appeal by Daudu, the convicted LG boss will have to return to prison to complete his sentence.

Activist challenges Igbo politicians on Igbo presidency Alphonsus Nweze,

ÏÏÏAs

the scheming for the 2019 presidential election intensifies, prodemocracy and human right activist, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, has called on the Igbo political class to work hard to achieve the Nigeria president of an Igbo extraction. Ezekwueme who is the Chairman of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) in Anambra State said the great tribute Igbo political elites can pay to late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former vicepresident of the country was to work assiduously to realise Nigerian President of Igbo extraction. Ezekwueme who spoke when the leadership of Anambra state Moralist organization paid him courtesy call said “I wish to solicit for support of all and sundry in our collective

efforts to ensure the election of president of an Igbo extraction at the end of President Muhammadu BuharI’s tenure as was done to the South west in 1999, when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo ran for PDP and Olu Falae flew the Flag of AD/APP for president of Nigeria. Igbo political elites should close ranks and pursue vigorously and religiously this president of an Igbo extraction as the greatest tribute to Dr. Alex Ekwueme”. He called on Obasanjo to ensure that power come to the Igbo nation after Buhari’s presidency since he has assumed the conscience of the nation and the leader of new Nigeria. But he said this cannot be possible without Ndigbo revolutionalising their political culture , stressing that the long overdue

election of president of Igbo extraction will be a mirage if urgent steps were not taken to educate our people on the need for them to get involved in electoral process. He described what he called low demand for public accountability and abdication of citizen’s constitutional duty to vote and be voted for. The CLO boss lamented that civil society groups in the country so soon retired to their shells immediately democracy retuned to Nigeria for the hawks to take over the country, saying that it is their duty to build a nation that works and to that extent. He commended Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state for his resolve to disengage the services of corrupt officials in his government, stating that this move was in agreement with

CLO’s call for zero tolerance for corruption in the state and the country in general. CLO he said had called for an investigation into the allocation and utilization of N20m and N10m for communities and markets in the state as well as incessant multiple revenue agents, extortion, exploitation inspite of the governor’s directives against such. Earlier the convener of Anambra Moralist Group Rev Jude Enemuochukwu extolled the contributions of Ezekwueme in his selfless sacrifices to ensure justices and rule of law to all. He said the main objective of the group was to inculcate moral values, fear of God and egalitarianism into the society even as he condemned the monetization of polities in the state and the country in general which will make it impossible for a moralist to win.

encouraging the Federal Medical Centre, FMC Umuahia over its kidney transplant feats, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole Friday assured the hospital of the support of the Federal Government over the programme. Prof. Adewole, who was in FMC Umuahia to access the kidney transplant feat and as well as commission the hospital’s new Multi – Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Ward, said the kidney transplant feat needs celebrating, wondering why the hospital is keeping the information quiet. He assured the hospital of “any support the transplant team may need”, expressing his happiness that the FMC Umuahia is now involved in the transplant business. According to the Health Minister, the feat needs sensitization as well as support from the federal government, private individuals and the benefiting patients, stating “if we can do it here, we can revise medical tourism outside the country”. He appealed to the media in the state in particular and Nigeria in general to help disseminate the information about FMC Umuahia feat. Speaking after commissioning an ultra-modern Multi – Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Ward, Prof Adewole, disclosing that the federal Government have started an accelerated TB control programme in 2017 which is continuing this year. He directed the hospital to include the position of the centre in its position in their next meeting with him in Abuja, while urging the staff of the centre to be careful not to be infected. Later in a courtesy call on the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Prof Adewole informed the governor that he was in the state to also commission the TB reference laboratory at Amachara Specialist Hospital and the pharmaceutical mega mall market, Aba to centralize drug distribution as well as to visit the FMC, Umuahia

and thanked the Governor for keeping the flag flying, stressing that there is a lot to gain from partnership between the state and the federal government. According to him, his ministry has concluded plans to upgrade the kidney transplant of the centre as a way of reducing medical tourism. The Governor later commissioned the TB reference laboratory at Amachara specialist hospital in company of the minister of Health. Responding, the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu assured the minister that the state will support the interventions of the federal government in the health sector geared towards ameliorating the sufferings of the people. No state, he said can do it alone except it keys into what the federal government is doing and commended the Minister for his interventions in the healthcare system of the country and appreciated him for taking things that concern Abia state seriously. The Governor maintained that Abia state places a lot of premium on the health of its citizenry and has plans to establish a specialist hospital for under-5 and their mother, and has a free Medicare programme for the elderly in the state geared towards elongating lives among other programmes. He said that the state will in the next few weeks make available to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia N100 m to support the kidney transplant programme and expressed the hope that the programme will check medical medical tourism. He further said that it plans to introduce a new policy in the state where hospitals in the rural areas will be manned by qualified medical personnel who are indigenes of the area. PRINCE AKINJOLE OLUWATOBI I, formerly known and addressed as AKINJOLE OLUWATOBI FISAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as PRINCE AKINJOLE OLUWATOBI. All former documents bearing my name remain valid. General public and Authorities concerned please take note.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Abia Assembly suspends CJ as Ikpeazu swears-in acting CJ Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏBarely 48 hours after

the bitter confrontation between Abia state Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe and the Chief Registrar, Benson Anya, the State House of Assembly, Friday suspended her for alleged acts of tyranny and gross misconduct. This followed a petition presented on the floor of the House on matter of urgent public importance by the member representing Ukwa west, Mr Mezie Nwubani, and dated January 22 with the caption “Justice Theresa Uzokwe’s unending acts of tyranny, infamy, gross misconduct and incompe-

tence: Urgent need to save the administration of justice in Abia.” The petition jointly signed by Dr. Anthony C. Agbazuere and Mr Obinna Nkume, the Executive Director and Director, Legal Services of the Global Centre for Peace and Justice, an Umuahia-based non-governmental organization, had accused the CJ of acts of lawlessness and disrespect to state authorities, denigration of the office of the CJ, financial malfeasance and embezzlement of funds and “morbid hatred for Abia and her citizens,” among others. Citing the provision of Sec 292 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Nwubani evoked the empowers the House to investigate the allegations levelled against

the CJ, while the member representing Isialangwa North, Chief Martins Azubuike, called on the house to be properly guided by section 36 of the Constitution, which he said provided for fair hearing, in handling the petition. Following a motion by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Chief Solomon Akpulonu, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Chief Abraham Oba, the Honourable members urged the house to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations, while calling for the suspension of the CJ and appointment of an acting CJ by the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu. In the resolution, the Speaker, Chief Chikwendu Kalu, announced the sus-

pension of the CJ and mandated the governor to appoint an acting CJ “in order not to create a lacuna within the justice system in the state”, while also announcing the constitution of an eight-member committee, headed by the member representing Obinwa West, Hon A C Thomas Nkoro, to carry out the investigation of the CJ. The committee had seven days within which to carry out its investigation and report its findings to the House. Meanwhile, following the directive of the Abia State House of Assembly, the state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu that same day, swore-in a new Ag Chief Judge. He is Honourable Justice Obisike Orji.

Ex militants who surrendered their arms and ammunition during the Amnesty Programme initiated by the Ondo State Government protesting at the OSOPADEC office in Akure... on Friday

IPOB : Court dismisses suit seeking to compel Burutai to produce Kanu Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal High sitting in Abuja on Friday dismissed the suit filed by the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), seeking an order to compel the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Burutai to produce Nnamdi Kanu in court to face his trial. Trial court judge, Justice Binta Nyako while ruling on a fundamental human rights enforcement suit brought by IPOB lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, ruled

that the suit lacked merit. She said that the suit was anchored on the doctrine of last seen. The judge said the doctrine of last seen is mostly used in murder cases. She however, that in the instant case, the affidavit attached to the application did not state that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Burutai or any soldier was the last that saw Kanu before his disappearance. “In the entire affidavit nowhere it was shown that the Chief of Army Staff General Burutai or any soldier was the last that

saw Nnamdi Kanu before he was declared missing.” She added that the suit lack merit and she dismissed it. Justice Nyako further noted that IPOB was not the right person to make such complaint in a matter where the defendant had secured his bail thorough guarantors. “Ejiofor , the substantive matter has been adjourned to February 20 and the court had demanded that the guarantors must produce the defendant in court to face his trial”, she

added. Nnamdi Kanu, Chidi Ebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawusi and Bright Chimeze were facing a five count treasonable felony charge before Kanu disappeared. IPOB claimed their leader who was admitted to bail on health ground was in his father compound on September 11, 2017 when soldiers raided the compound that resulted in the killings of more than 20 of its members.

Nigeria strategic to tackling maritime crimes in Gulf of Guinea –NIMASA DG exponentially from 97 ÏÏÏThe Director General rise in 2015 to over 1221 in 2017”. of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has described the Nigerian maritime sector as strategic to tackling issues of insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). Dr. Peterside, who stated this while presenting a paper titled; “Nigeria’s role in combating maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea” at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London, noted that Nigeria which accounts for 65 per cent of cargo generated and accounts for the largest population within the region is central to the success or otherwise of the fight against piracy in the GoG. While acknowledging that maritime insecurity has economic, social and environmental implication in the region, the NIMASA DG told the international community that Nigeria is leaving no stone unturned to solve the challenges, which has led it to approaching the menace through a total spectrum maritime strategy which include law enforcement, Regional Cooperation, Response Capability building and enhanced maritime domain awareness for all organs of government responsible for maritime security. “We in Nigeria have installed satellite surveillance systems, Coastal Radar systems, and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System GMDSS amongst others. The AntiPiracy bill which is currently undergoing legislative procedures is aimed at criminalizing piracy and all maritime crimes in the country’s maritime domain with attendant punishment enshrined in the Nigerian legal framework.” He said. The NIMASA DG noted that the implementation of an Integrated National Surveillance and Waterways Protection Solution with command and control infrastructure in the Agency is part of Nigerian government deep blue contract to enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea. In his words, “The deliverables from the deep blue project are expected to bolster Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and increase monitoring and compliance enforcement within the Nigerian waters and it’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)”. The fact that the Nigerian Navy has stepped up its activities in the Nigerian creeks which has seen the figures of illegal refineries destroyed

Dr. Dakuku also cited global maritime piracy statistics obtained from icc-css, which shows a decline in piracy attacks in Nigerian waters from 445 in 2010 to about 180 in 2017 as an indication that the fight against piracy in Nigeria is headed in the right direction. Accordingly, the NIMASA DG noted that Nigeria’s intervention has led to the establishments of ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Security Strategy (EIMS), and Inter-Regional Coordination Centre (ICC) in Yaoundé Cameroun and that Nigeria played a leading role in the establishment of African Integrated Maritime Security (AIMS). Speaking further, he highlighted factors that makes Nigeria strategic in the fight against maritime crimes in the region to include; being the country with the highest number of military contingent and might within the region, huge deposit of oil and gas; thereby making it a place of interest for international energy dynamics, the geostrategical location of Nigeria and the country with the largest delta areas of the world characterized by thousands of creeks. On the operational level, he disclosed that NIMASA, through collaboration with the Nigerian Navy in 20122013 established “Operation Prosperity”, which has seen to the reduction of criminal activities in the region. “NIMASA on behalf of Nigeria also houses one of the five designated Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC)”, he said. Dr. Peterside who is the current Chairman of the Association of African Maritime Administrations (AAMA) called for continuous collaboration amongst partners across continents and proffered that improved profiling and information sharing on maritime criminality and illegality, enhanced maritime domain awareness and surface to air patrol capabilities, functional legal framework, integration of national inter-agency efforts, youth empowerment programmes amongst others are factors that can help bring solutions to the issues surrounding insecurity in the maritime space. The Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, is an independent policy institute based in London with a mission to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

25 News

FG to NBC: Sanction violators of broadcast code Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction broadcasting organizations that violates the nation’s Broadcasting code saying the violation by many radio and television stations is a threat to national peace, security and unity. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture gave the directive in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State on Friday while addressing participants at the DSO Stakeholders’ Retreat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday. He said: ‘’As I have said on a number of occasions, this Administration will neither stifle press freedom nor tamper with freedom of expression. But it will also not condone a situation in which broadcast stations

will set the nation on fire by ignoring the minimum standard as contained in the Broadcast Code. ‘’If we set the country on fire by our actions, none of us will escape the consequences. For those who may think this is far-fetched, let me remind them that a radio station, Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), played a (catalytic) role during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide that left some 800,000 people dead”. Alhaji Mohammed said the Broadcast Code was clear when it said in Section 0.2.1: ‘’Broadcasting shall influence society positively, setting the agenda for the social, cultural, economic, political and technological development of a nation, for the public good”. He also quoted three other relevant Sections of the Code: Section 3.1.2 (Materials likely to incite or encourage to the

commission of a crime or lead to public disorder shall not be broadcast); Section 3.9.1 (Language or scene likely to encourage or incite to crime, or lead to disorder, shall not be broadcast) and Section 0.2.3g (Broadcasting shall be mindful of the degree of harm and offence likely to be caused by the inclusion of any material in programming, in general or in specific terms). ‘’Unfortunately, many of our broadcasters today are wilfully flouting these critical Sections of the Code by broadcasting inciting materials and language that can encourage or incite crime or lead to disorder. The situation has become worse in recent times, in the wake of the Farmers/Herders’ clashes. ‘’The killings in Benue in the New Year are unfortunate, condemnable and unacceptable. But the coverage of the aftermath of the kill-

ings by many broadcast stations has shown a flagrant disregard for the Broadcast Code, lack of professionalism and outright irresponsibility. Many broadcast stations are guilty of this,’’ the Minister said. According to the Minister, ‘’For those who may want to misrepresent us, this is not a call for censorship, but a call for responsibility and total adherence to the Broadcast Code. Playing, over and over again, the footage of dead bodies in the aftermath of any crisis is capable of inciting public disorder. Rolling, time and time again, the footage of mass burial of victims of any crisis is equally inciting. Offering your platform to public commentators who use incendiary language or engage in ethnicbaiting is detrimental to national peace and unity”, he added. Alhaji Mohammed com-

mended the stakeholders for the success recorded in the Digital Switch over (DSO) last year, saying it was a ‘’pleasant irony’’ that a year that was marked with bickering ended with DSO rollout in Kwara and Kaduna States within 48 hours. He said the momentum must be maintained by making the year 2018 the most successful yet in the country’s digitization pro-

cess. ‘’This retreat is therefore highly commendable, as it provides the stakeholders the opportunity to take a holistic look at the whole process and come out with the way forward. I have no doubt that the retreat, coming so early in the year, will have a positive impact on the DSO process, and speed up our rollout in the new year,’’ the Minister said.

3 killed, 8 injured, 20 houses burnt in fresh attack in Plateau Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏPolice have confirmed

three deaths in last night’s (Thursday) renewed attack by suspected Fulani armed men in Jebbu-Meyango, Bassa LGA, in Plateau State. The attack which took place at about 7pm, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, Matthias Terna said also left eight others wounded. According to him, the attackers killed and roasted their victims beyond recognition and burnt houses numbering 20. The attackers the PPRO said fled on sighting the Police rescue team drafted to the area after a distress call was made. He said, “Yesterday (Thursday) at about 1900hrs, the Police Division in Bassa Local Government received a distress call that JebbuMiango in Bassa was under attack. “The Division immediately informed the Command

and we mobilised to the place. “While we were close to the village, the armed men suspected to be Fulani Herdsman sighted us and took to their heels. “Three people were killed and burnt by the armed men: One Danlami Gomaster male of Kwall District and one Emmanuel Audu male of Jebbu-Miango were identified while the last person is yet to be identified. “Eight other persons sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries and were taken to Enos Hospital in Bassa for medical attention. “20 housing units were also set ablaze.” The Police spokesman said investigations were on to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the attacks. However, our correspondent had earlier reported that armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen had attacked a passenger vehicle near Jebu Bassa, leaving scores dead.

...As govt opts out of cattle colonies ÏÏÏPlateau Taking and handing over to the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Lagos on Friday

Over 127,000 PVCs uncollected in Adamawa Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏThe

Adamawa state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ibrahim Gaidam has said that over 127,000 permanent voter’s cards (PVCs) are not yet collected (uncollected) by some residents of the state since their enrolment in 2015. He revealed that Yola North is the LGA with the highest uncollected PVCs of 34,734, followed by Yola south with 13,840 Mubi north (10,236),Fufore (9225),Ganye (7961),Demsa (6875),Madag-

ali (6727),and Shelleng with the least uncollected PVCs of 5183. He debunksedthe rumours that the continues voter registration exercise in the state will end in January saying the exercise which began on the 27th of April, 2017 and is still ongoing has registered a total number of 154, 791 new voters as at the 25th of January, 2018 and that the exercise will continue beyond January. He warned politicians and political parties against premature campaigns for elective positions via indiscrimi-

nate placement of posters and billboards which according to him amount to serious violation of election laws that restricts campaigns to within days to election. Gaidam said, the practice speaks very little of politicians and their intentions and which might portray them in a negative light as desperate people who want to grab power at all cost. Gaidam made the remarks Friday, during a stakeholders meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yola.

Ibrahim Gaidam, advised politicians against hate speeches and to take advantage of the comprehensive voter register within the disposal of INEC to design an ideologically sound and program based campaigns strategies that will enhance the credibility of elections and electoral processes in the country. Gaidam decried the state of Political aparthy in the state saying despite INEC’s registering 68 Political parties in the country; there are only twelve political parties with recognisable offices in the state.

state government on Friday debunked rumours making the rounds in the state of carving out lands for cattle colonies in Riyom, BarkinLadi and Bokkos LGA of the State. This was contained in a statement signed by Dan Manjang, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor and made available to newsmen in Jos. The statement said, “the attention of the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has been drawn to the news making the rounds, particularly in the Social Media that parts of Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas have been carved out for the creation of colonies for cattle, in fulfilment of his promises to the Fulani who have pressured him, to either cede those areas or he faces the other side

of their viciousness which may cost his aspirations. “The Governor herein after state unequivocally that this thinking is not only the figment of the imagination of its authors, who want to make political capital out of it, but false, malicious and highly mischievous. “Governor Simon Bako Lalong has and does not contemplate such action and further calls on all good citizens of Plateau to bury such imagination of these elements bent on throwing the State into confusion; cattle colonies are not in the imagination of Governor Lalong. “Consequently, the Governor urge all peace loving citizens of Plateau State to discountenance such mischievous information but to gravitate towards issues that unite us rather than those that divide us”, the statement said.

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

EFCC denies probe of Kingibe over alleged $2m NIA scam ÏÏÏThe

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, his wife, Olufunso and some senior citizens cutting the cake during the UPLIFTing the Aged programme to mark the governor’s 60th birthday at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto in Abeokuta...on Thursday

Dickson endorses APC committee report on restructuring Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Governor of Bayel-

sa State, Henry Seriake Dickson, has commended the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, on its far reaching recommendations on the issue of the proposed restructuring of the country. Gov. Dickson gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja in a Press conference. The APC Committee on Restructuring, led by the Kaduna State governor, Nasiru El’Rufai had recommended state ownership of onshore mineral resources including oil, state control of police, prisons but also recommended expunging the local government from the constitution. He stressed that the recommendations had further strengthened the agitations for true federalism and resource control in the Niger Delta adding that it will reduce tension and unneces-

sary agitations heating the polity. He called on the federal government to be sincere with the implementation of the recommendations, while urging the APC to ensure quick implementation of the recommendations of its committee before the conduct of the 2019 general elections. He emphasized that implementing the report before the general elections was the true test of the sincerity of the APC led government. The Governor said that what the APC committee did in its recommendations were the most fundamental of all the approaches to the burning issue of restructuring in the best interest of the country. He said, “Yesterday, El Rufai, who chairs the APC committee submitted its report. While it is true that we are dealing with a proposal, this is coming from an unexpected quarters, and in the light of the opposition to structuring

from some leaders, I thought that what the APC did was unexpected. “Let me start by commending the committee and the leadership of that party for making what I will call the most fundamental proposal dealing with the issue of restructuring. This is very refreshing, and for me, when I see what is right, I commend it; when I see what is in the best interest of our country, I commend it because my politics is driven by conviction, not convenience. “With the kind of proposals that they have done, I thought I should appreciate their patriotism and commitment to building an equitable and prosperous Nigeria.” Dickson further called for the establishment of a multiparty committee to work out the final details to enable the executive sponsor a bill to the National Assembly. He stressed that there was need to mobilize national con-

sensus to engage the National Assembly in order to ensure the implementation of the issues raised in the report before 2019 general elections. “I want to say that at this time, if we are all sincere about the injustices, and inequities, then I call for a multiparty committee to deal with the final details of the issues, the issue of the police, the judiciary, the control of land. We need a multiparty committee to discuss and agree and work on draft legislation bills that will be jointly sponsored at the National Assembly. “All of us need to mobilize national consensus to engage the National Assembly, So that we can drive all these issues, before the next election. That is the test of sincerity” Dickson emphasized. The governor maintained that he would intensify consultations across party lines to work towards the actualization of the desired implementation of the report.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied its involvement in a spurious report of investigation of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe over an alleged collection of $2 million from the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA). The Commission in a rejoinder issued on Friday and signed by Samin Ammadin, Acting Head, Media and Publicity, titled Re: Former MKO Abiola’s running mate, Amb. Babagana Kingibe allegedly receives $2m from Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), said no official of the EFCC spoke with the author of the said online report. “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has been drawn to a publication in sojworldwide of January 25, 2018, an online news report, entitled: Former MKO Abiola’s running mate, Amb. Babagana Kingibe allegedly receives $2m from Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA). “The report, among others, states that “Revelations have emerged from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on how the former Chairman of the NIA Presidential Panel, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe received the sum of two million US dollars ($2,000,000) against his name from the National Intelligence Agency coffers”, he said He said the petition that triggered the NIA investigation detailed alleged roles of certain individu-

als, and all those individuals are being invited and they are making useful information to the Commission; at the appropriate time, we would do the needful. The Commission, therefore, urged both the traditional and new media practitioners to eschew rumours and outright lies in the business of informing the public on the activities of the EFCC, especially in relationship with the ongoing investigation on the petition in respect of NIA activities. In another development, the Commission has commenced investigations of two suspected oil thieves, alongside a vessel: MT MARINA EXPRESS handed over to it on Thursday, January 25, 2018 by the Nigerian Navy Ship: NNS PATHFINDER’s Naval Base, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The suspects: Caleb Oluwaseun and Okuneye Taiwo were arrested by the Nigerian Navy Ship: NNS PATHFINDER’s patrol team deployed for anti-crude oil theft and illegal bunkering operations around St. Bartholomew River, Port Harcourt. The vessel they were operating and which has now been confiscated, was a 110m Vessel laden with estimated 1,600 metric tons of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. The NNS Pathfinder’s Commander, Navy Captain Victor Choji, who handed over the suspects to the EFCC, said that they were operating the Oil Vessel without requisite approval by the naval authority.

Herdsmen, farmers clash: We ‘ll leave no stone unturned at solution - FG Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has said that finding lasting solution to Farmers/ Herders clash in the country is a task that must be done assuring that it will leave no stone unturned to solve the problem. The Hon Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh gave this assurance on Friday in Abuja while receiving the formal report of the National Livestock Conference held on the 25 Septem-

ber 2017 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja in which all key stakeholders in the Livestock sector participated. According to the Minister, Government proposal to set up Cattle Colonies and encouragement of ranches remain the best option to the killings and the toxic hatred that the current altercation is generating; saying that the wanton loss of lives is not acceptable, hence the need to take necessary steps that will permanently stop the killings, protect the farmers, as well as secure modern way

of livelihood for the herdsmen. “We have listened to what people have said and we recognize people’s rights to freedom of expression: but let me reiterate once again that the government is not seizing land of any Nigerian to give to Fulani herdsmen for them to colonize. The Program is also not an appeasement of Fulanis at the detriment of crop farmers either. If we as Government and citizens don’t find a practical solution to the problem as quickly as possible, it will get worse tomorrow.

“We didn’t envisage how much high voltage emotion and politicking this issue has generated. It is one of our characteristics as a country that we live. We needed to educate the herdsmen, educate every one of us of the need to move away from what we were doing that is bringing conflict for many reasons: avoiding crisis and making this industry more productive”. The Minister commended the Committee for a good job, announcing that members of the Committee will play a major role in implementing

the decision of the government after a quick study of the report. In his remarks while presenting the report to the Minister, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr Gideon Mshebwalla said the Committee identified lack of access to land, low productivity, old practice of open grazing, lack of access to finance, inadequate water provision, inefficient landholding, poor infrastructure and support facilities as well as low level of extension facilities are the major factors militating against optimal

development of the sector. The Committee recommended resuscitation of the grazing reserves, encouragement of private people to go into setting up ranches in addition to the Federal Government setting up of cattle colonies and intervene in the provision of infrastructures and support services like roads, electricity, water, improved pasture and provision of extension services as well as empowering the Agricultural Research Institutes to invest on research that will be accessible to the end users.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

27 News

Bayelsa to spend N210m to train 105 youths in civil aviation skills Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏBayelsa

The New General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Okwudili Azinta (right), while taking over from his predecessor, Major General Chukwunedum Abraham, at the division Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ondo politicians have hijacked amnesty programme – Ex-militants

‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏSome

ex-militants have stage a protest to kick against the shady deals noticed in the Amnesty Programme initiated by the Ondo state government. The protesting ex militants under the aegis of United Sea-Wolf Avengers, the Niger Delta Militant Vanguard, the Awaja Camp, Dragon Camp and the Lion Camp. The ex militants have begun their protest since Wednesday night at the premises of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) in Oba Ile area of Akure, the state capital. The protesters also prevented the staffs and disallowed vehicular movement into the commission as they set up bonfire and placed fetish item at the front gate. On Friday, some workers who reported for duties were stranded as the militants barred them from accessing their office. They carried placards

Ïj ƏƆ ƐƆ Ɛ ƏƆ ƑƌƆ ƐƈƋƈƐƈƆ ƈ Mƈ ƆƏ #ƆƋƐ ƅƏƆƆƊ Ï Ɗ RƈƋ ƌƍ ƈƆ j y ƅ Ɛ Ɛ Ƌ ƏƆ

with an inscription bearing, “Nigeria and Ondo State Government Are Playing Upon Our Intelligence’’: “Ondo State Politicians Have Hijacked Amnesty Slots”. Others included: “We regret Laying Down Our Arms and Ammunition’’ and “All The Generals Say No To The Amnesty Slot’’. They accused the State Government of conducting a ‘fake’ Amnesty Programme and deceived them into laying down their arms with promises unfulfilled to also incorporate them into the programme. The ex-militants described the Amnesty programme organized by the Ondo state government between November 9 and November 21 as a sham and also accused the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi of allotting slots to his friends, allies and political family. Many of them alleged

that instead of using the Amnesty program to achieve peace in the riverine area, Mr. Ajayi was using the exercise to build structure for his senatorial ambition. The ex - militants maintained that the State Deputy Governor has politicized the exercise by giving more people from the non riverine areas such as Irele and Okitipupa into the Amnesty programme. On the 9th of November 2017, the Ondo State Government and the Presidential Amnesty Committee enrolled some ex-militants in the state who submitted their arms and ammunition willingly. Daily Times also recalled that the state government had given the ex-militants a 21-day ultimatum to submit the arms to the State Amnesty Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi. General Deji Ehinmowo, the leader of the ex-

agitators who addressed journalists said some politicians in the state have hijacked the Amnesty Programme and allotting the slots to their friends and supporters. Mr. Ehinmowo said that the group had given prior notice to the Department of State Service and Nigeria Navy in Ilaje Local Government about the hijack of the slots by politicians. He said that the military was supposed to determine those to be enrolled, not politicians who allocating the slots to their cronies. “We don’t believe in politicians, all what we believe is that they should incorporate us because we have already submitted our guns. “We were told that 2,000 militants held in Ondo State will be incorporated with the over one million militants incorporated in the 2009 Amnesty Proclamation by the Federal Government.

State Government on Friday said it is preparing the youths of the state to benefit maximally from the international airport under construction in the state. To this end, the government said it has concluded plans to send 105 youths from the state to various locations across the country to acquire relevant skills in civil aviation which would qualify them to be gainfully engaged in the airport when it becomes operational. Commissioner for Youths Development, Chief Collins Cocodia who disclosed this when he presented the scorecard of his ministry in the ongoing Inter-Ministerial/Agency Briefing to mark the sixth anniversary of the Restoration Government of Governor Seriake Dickson said the sum of N210million would be expended to provide the training for the youths. According to him, the beneficiaries would be trained in traffic control, navigational aid maintenance, Ffre fighting and rescue, Aerodrome security, flight dispatch, among others. The Commissioner said a total of 5,683 youths have been trained in various skills by the government in the last six years, in addition to 40 members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. Other trainings lined up for youths in the state this year according to the commissioner include a joint venture between the state government and the United Nations Institute for Research and Training, UNITAR, where some youths would be trained to acquire skills in Diving, Drilling, Automation, In-

strumentation, etc. He said the state government and the German government had struck a deal for the training of 100 youths in solar energy for 15 months, stressing that the training which would take place in the state would cost the German government a whopping sum of N405 million. Cocodia also said in furtherance to the efforts of government to re-orientate the minds of the youths to refrain from cultism and other social vices, government is packaging Bayelsa Youth Entertainment Clinic, where renowned Nolly wood stars would be used as resource persons to train the youths in Acting, Script writing, Film production, Editing, Modeling, etc. He said as a result of the efforts of the state government in youth empowerment, the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, rated Bayelsa second best after Benue State in youth empowerment during the National Youth Policy Review, 2016 organized by the Federal Ministry of Youths. The Commissioner however lamented that many of the youths who benefitted in most of the trainings are not using the skills so acquired to help themselves. He said many of the beneficiaries who were given starter packs to begin to fend for themselves are in the habit of selling off the starter packs and use the money for other frivolities. He urged the youths to complement the efforts of government aimed at curbing crime and criminality in the state by making skills acquisition free of charge, and said the youths should use such opportunities to help themselves.

Nigerian Army’s redeployment: New GOC takes over 81 division

Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏ Following the recent

redeployment of senior officers in the Nigerian Army, Major-General Peter Dauke has handed over the mantle of leadership of 81 Division to Major- General Enobong Udoh. During the handing over cum taking over ceremony which held at the Division’s Headquarters in Lagos on Friday, the Out-Going Gen-

eral Officer Commanding (GOC), Dauke said in spite of the challenges associated with his tenure, some remarkable successes could also be seen; this he attributed to the support and cooperation of the Officers and soldiers of the Division. He said. “I appreciate the Soldiers and the Officers of the Division for their cooperation during my tenure. Most importantly, the role each and every one of us

played in the just concluded Exercise Crocodile Smile II. It is for your cooperation and understanding we were able to deal with the various security challenges confronting the Division and in general Nigeria. We have surmounted the threats in our areas of responsibility, although it was not easy but we tried to understand each other which led to success. “Today I make boast to say that the discipline of the Division from when I took

over has improved. I therefore urge you to do everything to take it to the next level. “ While addressing the Officers and Soldiers on a final note, Dauke encouraged them to extend the same hand of support they had given him to the new GOC. He said, “ As I will be leaving for National Defence College, I urge you to extend similar hands of fellowship, cooperation and understanding you gave me to the

new GOC because I have no doubt of his capacity.” The new GOC, MajorGeneral Udoh who was redeployed form 6 Division Port-Harcourt said his tenure will do its best to uphold professionalism. He said, “I thank God Almighty for another opportunity to serve in this capacity. I also thank the Chief of Army Staff who found me worthy again. To whom much is given, much is expected. I also believe in

work and professionalism. Some of the projects carried out by Dauke in his tenure are said to include: 20 blocks of Soldiers Quarters renovated by Alhaji Aliko Dangote at Ikeja Cantonment, an Ultra modern multi-purpose hall built at Ikeja cantonment, the reconstruction of the chief of Army staff Guest House at Takwabay which was commissioned by the COAS during the operation Crocodile Smile II.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Lassa fever outbreak: Ebonyi sensitises monarchs, others Edward Nnachi, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏAs most states across

the federation battle the scourge of Lassa fever, the Ebonyi state government has embarked on state-wide sensitisation and public awareness campaign geared towards educating the people of the state with a bid to preventing its further spread. To drive home this move, the state’s Ministry of Health, Thursday convened stakeholders meeting in the state namely traditional rulers, chairmen of local gov-

ernment areas, coordinators of development centres, development partners, market women, students, among others to sensitise them on the best way forward in preventing the disease. Speaking at the sensitisation and public awareness campaign programme, at the Osborne La-Palm Hotel, Abakaliki on Thursday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Umeruike Daniel, stated that Lassa fever has become a disease of public health importance and one that had posed serious challenge to mankind.

Daniel, who said the state has had a fair share of the problem, noted that the virus’ outbreak in 2016 happened “when Daniel has come to judgment as our pragmatic Governor, Chief David Umahi graciously undertook to construct and equip the Virology Centre which was completed in a record time and handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health”. The Commissioner, revealed that the virus was preventable and curable if the patient commenced treatment early, said the

state had intensified its community sensitisation and contact tracing “as we have 145 contacts on surveillance”, adding the essence of the programme was to get the traditional rulers and the local governments chairmen involved in order to help step down the sensitisation exercise to various domains. Contrary to the trending view that Lassa fever originated in Ebonyi state, the Commissioner also revealed that it was on record that the disease was first discovered in Nigeria in 1969 in a vil-

lage called Lassa in Borno State, pointing out that Ebonyi state only recorded the first case in 2005 when it killed five health workers at the then Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH). He thanked Engr. David Umahi for building and equipping the National Virology Centre Abakaliki, which according to him had helped to bridge some of the gaps that had made it difficult to tackle the deadly disease. “Lassa fever has become a disease of public health im-

portance and it’s one of the new diseases threatening mankind. “As you can see, in recent times mankind is badly challenged by strange diseases. If it’s not Lassa fever today, it’s Ebola or Monkey Pox. Ebonyi State has had a fair share of it”, he said. He urged the traditional rulers to stand up and kick against practices capable of exposing people in their domains to the disease, which according to him included home embalmment, bush burning and uvulectomy by traditional healers.

Ambode’s special adviser, Deji Tinubu slumps, dies

ÏÏÏ The Lagos State Gov-

L-R: Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Nasir Mohammed Ladan; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Head, EdoJobs, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare; Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties; Hon. Mika Amanokha and Edo State Coordinator, NDE, Mrs. Ayo Edegbai, at the flag-off ceremony of NDE training programme for 76,400 people in various states in Southern Nigeria, held at Imaguero College Hall, in Benin City.

Oyegun has done a good job – South-South leaders Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏSouth-South leaders

on Friday said National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is concerned about the unity of the ruling party and the country’s needs as well. They insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not divided. “There is unity of purpose among members of the ruling party. Members are not feeling defeated or excluded. The party makes them feel hopeful, enthusiastic and proud. There is no disconnection between the state and national executive of the party.” In a statement in Yenagoa, the leaders praised Odigie-Oyegun for making the ruling party not

only the strongest but the biggest political party in Africa. “We applaud what Oyegun has done since 2014.” Signed by the chairman, South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry, the leaders praised Oyegun for his dynamic leadership, quality of his thought and purification of the country’s politics. Specifically, the leaders praised Oyegun for his inclusive strategy, placement of the power of the party in the hands of the people, respect for different opinions and incorporation of international standards into the running of the ruling party. “Odigie-Oyegun is in agreement with the political climate and in accord with the country’s needs, as well as those of

the party.” They commended the former governor of Edo State for promoting the culture of democracy, good governance and respect among members. “A member sees and feels in his or her daily encounters that there is a level playing field. APC is internally democratic. There is transparency in decision making and input from members in determining the party’s choice of candidates. Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is a promoter of democratic values. He is integrating groups and individuals into the political process, thereby strengthening the unity of the ruling party” The leaders described as careless and provocative statements by politicians such as Chief Richard Perekeme Kpo-

do, Okon Etim, Omolayo Akintola and Timi Frank. They urged Kpodo , Okon Etim and Timi Frank to stop bringing the South-South geopolitical zone into disrepute and ridicule. “The spirit of fraternity is very strong in APC. Chief Richard Perekeme Kpodo, Okon Etim, Omolayo Akintola and Timi Frank do not mean well for the ruling party”. They advised APC members nationwide to renew their commitment to ensure that the party retains power in 2019. “Chief Odigie-Oyegun is restoring morality back into politics. He is leading the ruling party in tune with popular sentiment” the leaders said. “APC is consolidating democracy in Nigeria” the leaders added.

ernment has confirmed the death of Mr. Deji Tinubu, the Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives. The Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan expressed “shock and disbelief’ over the sudden death of Mr. Tinubu and has reached out to his immediate family to commiserate on this huge loss to the family and the residents of Lagos State. “We are still in shock. All of us at the State Executive Council are in disbelief. He was a good and committed patriot who brought his passion to his job. He was a gentleman who maintained excellent team spirit. We shall miss him,” he said. Bamigbetan said the late soccer fan slumped while

playing five- aside match with fellow participants at the ongoing retreat of members of the state executive council and permanent secretaries at the Jubilee Chalets, Epe. Doctors and nurses rushed to give him first aid and he was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Epe where he was confirmed dead. An autopsy is expected to be carried out while burial arrangements will be announced by the family. The late Deji Tinubu was the son of late Kafaru Tinubu, one of Nigeria’s foremost police officers. He is survived by an aged mother, Bintu Tinubu and wife, Yemisi. Tinubu was sworn in as Special Adviser on Sports and Chairman of the State’s Sports Commission on October 19, 2015. He was recently moved to take up his new portfolio.

Fed Poly Mubi seeks Bindow’s intervention over tussle with host community Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏThe

Governing Council, Federal polytechnic Mubi has called on Governor Jibrila Bindow of Adamawa State to intervene in the land tussle between the polytechnic and the host community. Mr Bassey Usang, Chairman of the Council made the call on recently during a courtesy visit on the governor in Yola. Usang said that the institution was experiencing a lot of encroachment in recent time. He said that some people had removed some existing beacons with the pretext that their fathers were not paid compensation when the land was acquired for the institution. He however, said that there were valid documents showing that compensation was paid with names of recipients on

the payment schedule. The chairman appealed to the governor to direct the Surveyor General of the State to re-establish the removed beacons. He also requested the Governor to facilitate the obtaining of a Certificate of Occupancy for the institution. According to him, this will go a long way in stopping many of the distractions we are currently experiencing from land speculators. Usang commended the governor for the construction of the three km road that passes the frontage of the institution. He also sought the assistance of the state government in improving the infrastructural development on the Mubi campus. In his remark, Bindow said that the government would look into the issue of encroachment on the polytechnic land.

FEATURES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Gov Umahi’s golden strides in Ebonyi Governor Umahi

Edward Nnachi, Abakaliki That the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi has made lasting strides in infrastructure and agricultural development in Ebonyi State is not in doubt. What people are saying now is that within his first term in the saddle as the governor of the state, Engr. Umahi has written his name in gold in the annals of the state as a result of the progresses he made in the areas of infrastructure development and agricultural reinvigoration. Even President Muhammadu Buhari who paid an official visit to Ebonyi State recently was pleasantly surprised by the pace of infrastructural development embarked upon by Governor Umahi. Among the initial projects which President Buhari commissioned were a 700-metre twin Trans-Sahara Bridge linking Enugu and Ebonyi States with Cameroon; the Senator Offia Nwali flyover; the 14.5km Abakaliki-Afikpo road; foundation laying of the Ebonyi City Mall; foundation laying of the Muhammadu Buhari Bridge and unveiling of the Akanu Ibiam statue. If anything, Engr. Umahi is God’s gift to Ebonyi State as people in the state have never seen massive infrastructural development in the state the way Governor Umahi has done it. They have also not seen a governor who is very focussed in agricultural development the way Governor Umahi has focussed on agricultural development of the state. Meanwhile, Governor David Umahi has presented year 2018 appropriation budget of N208.331 billion to the state House of Assembly for approval.

Current state of Udensi Round-About, Abakaliki under Gov. Umahi

The bill which has passed second reading at the Assembly was tagged “Budget of Divine Manifestation” with N100.562 billion expected to be sourced from both internal and external loans. Presenting the budget, Governor Umahi explained that N13.965 billion will come from internally generated revenue within the state. Governor Umahi further noted that expected inflow from Federation Account will gulp N72.916bn and N18.889bn unutilized dedicated funds that will be carried forward into the budget. He maintained that capital expenditure stood at N165.005 billion inclusive of contingency provision of N5.5bn for capital projects while recurrent expenditure will gulp N43.326bn including inbuilt contingency fund of N3bn. According to the Governor, “the economic sector has a provision of N124.064million, thus taking the largest-chunk of the Capital provision. This is justified on the basis of Government’s serious commitment to commence the construction of flyovers, rehabilitation of urban roads, construction of rural roads and the ring road, water reticulation in our urban centres among other commitments. “Within the Economic Sub-sector, works and transport has the highest allocation of N96.567bn followed by Ministry of Power with the sum of N4.626bn and the sum of N63.811bn is shared among other sub-sectors”, he said. Engr. Umahi also said that his administration in 2018 would increase her tax aggressively by diversifying in other areas untouched. On his administration’s achievements in 2017 Governor Umahi said, “We have continued to pay salaries and pensions by 15th of every month. We have cleared all arrears of salaries, pensions, leave allowances, promotion arrears and paid workers 13th month in December 2016.

“We increased workers’ salaries by 5%. We have paid about 40% of all gratuities that was unpaid from the creation of the state. We have injected about N4 billion to attract N4 billion from Bank of Industry making a total of N8 billion towards granting soft loans to civil servants and general public for business enterprise,” the governor said. Speaking on the state government’s achievements in 2017 in the area of agricultural development when he placed the 2018 budget bill before the Ebonyi State Assembly men in the hallowed chamber of the State House of Assembly, Abakaliki recently, Governor Umahi said, “in keeping with our promise of making Ebonyi State the number one economy through agricultural revolution, we are almost there, adding that “this time last year, Ebonyians paid between N10,000 and N12,000 for a bushel of rice. But today, because we have kept faith with our promise, Ebonyians today are paying just N5, 000 for a bushel of rice, a reduction of more than 50%. And yet we still have plenty more to do in this area – the price of chicken must come down to N1, 500”. Still on agricultural development, he listed some of his achievements in the sector in 2017 to include purchase of three modern rice mills installed parboiling units of machines in the rice mills at Ikwo, Izzi and Oso Edda, advanced rice production to over 65,000 hectares in the state; purchased four cassava processing machines issuing of loans of over N2.5 billion to farmers, expansion of fertilizer plant by building two new ware-houses and purchased a brand new fertilizer plant; launching of one-man one-hectare programme; purchase of over 50 tractors to help our farmers, among others. Also in 2017, Governor Umahi said the state government empowered over 4000 youths with N250, 000 each as grants especially those who were hawkers in Lagos. The government also empowered over 4,500

widows with N100, 000 each to assist them start various businesses. In the Works and Transport sub-sector, Ebonyi State government also under Engr. Umahi has recorded some impressive accomplishments. Among the projects accomplished in this area are the following: Completion of over 300km of internal roads within the capital city; commencement of a minimum of 20km per LGA of road construction of which most of the roads are on concrete pavement. Average completion of these roads is over 70%; building of over 10 bridges across the state; completion of two twin flyover bridges of each length of 700m while the third bridge at International Market is over 80% completion; maintenance of over 200km of our roads scattered in our 13 Local Government Areas of the state. In the education sub-sector, the Ebonyi State governor said the government in 2017 invested N6 billion from its UBEC Partnership Fund with Federal Government. The state governor has channelled these funds into the renovation and construction of new school buildings and equipping some of our schools. Other achievements of the state government in the education subsector include: the accreditation of Ikwo College of Education fully to start the award of degree; accreditation of School of Health Technology for issuance of their professional certificates; ensuring that the state maintains 10th position in National rating for WAEC and NECO Examinations; and the introduction of School Agricultural Programme in most secondary schools, among others. The governor has also introduced school evangelism and moral instructions in all our primary and secondary schools and pay monthly subvention of N200 million to Ebonyi State University and N50 million to Ikwo College of Education, respectively. In the area of electrification, the

state government installed a minimum of 6km of street lights in all Local Government Areas of the state. It also installed street light within our capital city with coverage of over 30 percent. The state government also pursued aggressive rural electrification projects. The government also purchased 1.5mw of biomass plants. They are now ready for installation. Also in 2017, the government built for EBSU, 100KVA Solar Plant. On water supply, the Ebonyi State government accomplished the following in 2017, completion of Oferekpe water project and it is fully in operation, near completion of Ezillo Water Scheme while we have advanced Ukawu Water Project to a completion level of over 80%; and reticulated water within the capital city to about 35% coverage and we give water to the public daily. Also, water projects are currently ongoing at Uburu, Izicha Forest, Sakamori line, Ugwulangwu, IshinkwoUkawu and Juju Hill and shall all be completed by first quarter of 2018. In lands and housing, the state government has also accomplished the following projects three projects of new Government House is ongoing and will be completed before the end of 2018. Ecumenical Centre site is about 30% completed and will be fully completed by 2018; the Mall Project has commenced. The state Government has equally renovated the Presidential Lodge, the Governor’s Office and Governor’s Lodge and built the waste to wealth plant, and embarked on the building of the Mushroom Export Process Factory, and built a Modern Rest House for students of EBSU. Concluding his speech at the state house of assembly, an elated Governor Umahi said: “Ebonyi workers have never had it so good since the creation of Ebonyi State. And they are going to have it even better. We have only done two years, and we still have many more years to go.”

News 30

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

EFCC starts orientation course for fresh cadets ÏÏÏThe 183 cadets of the

EFCC’s Detective Inspector Course 4, that recently graduated at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, have commenced the orientation and reorientation process, at the EFCC Academy, in Karu, Abuja. Babashani Umar Sanda, the Academy’s Acting Head of Legal Studies, who represented Dr. David Tukur, Commandant of the Academy, at the commencement of the program, January 25, 2018, welcomed the Officers on behalf of Ibrahim Magu, the Acting Chairman of the commission. “Discipline is the bedrock of our profession in the EFCC and I hereby advise you to take it very seriously by obeying orders and show respect to your seniors and instructors,” he said. He further urged them to do the right thing at all times “just as the Chairman has always directed, so that you do not cut short your stay here at the Academy and at the Commission”. According to Ayo Fadahunsi, co-coordinator of the orientation course, they “shall remain at the Academy for four weeks during which they shall be integrated into operations of the EFCC”.

Deji Tinubu: Lagos speaker condoles with Tinubu family, Ambode Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏThe

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), fielding questions from journalists shortly after the opening session of a 3-Day retreat for Executive Council members and Body of Permanent Secretaries with the theme - Effective Strategic Planning for an Emerging Smart City, at the Jubilee Chalet, Epe, on Thursday, January 25, 2018. With them are Head of Service, Mrs. Folasade Adesoye (right) and Commissioner for Establishment & Training, Dr. Akintola Benson (left).

N11bn corruption trial: S’ Court dismisses Shema, others’ appeal Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Supreme Court on

Friday dismissed the appeal filed by embattled former governor of Katsina state Ibrahim Shema and three others challenging their trial by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over 11 billion Naira fraud. The apex court said that the lower court was right when its upheld the decision of Katsina State High Court that the 22 count charge against ex -Gov Ibrahim Shema, Sani Hamisu Makana, Lawal Ahmad Safana and Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba filed by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were competent. Shema and the three other defendants had challenged their arraignments before

Justice Bako of the Katsina state High Court on the ground that the EFCC has no power to try them under a law enacted by Katsina State government. Delivering the unanimous judgment of the Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Sidi Bage held that EFCC is empowered by its establishment Act to investigate and prosecute any person accused of corruption. EFCC is also empowered by the provisions of its establishment Act to enforce any other laws relating to economic crimes. Justice Bage agreed with the lower court that the 22 count charge filed against the defendants were competent. He dismissed the appellant’s prayer to depart from its previous decision in fa-

vour of their application. He said the appellants did not provide any cogent reasons that would warrant the apex court to depart from its decisions. “This interlocutory appeal lacked merit and it is hereby dismissed,” he held. According to the court document, ex -gov Shema, the fourth defendant had conspired with three other defendants who served under him and diverted a total sum of 11 billion Naira belonging to local government councils in the state to Shema . On March 28, 2017 when the matter came up for hearing, the trial court was informed by counsel representing the accused persons that his clients had filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, challenging the ruling delivered by the

trial court in respect of the motion to quash the charge. The Court of Appeal on September 13, 2017 upheld the ruling of the lower court. Consequently, a new date of October 24 was fixed for the trial to recommence at the lower court. However, when the trial resumed counsel representing the accused persons, A.T. Kehinde(SAN) informed the court that his clients in the exercise of their constitutional rights, have approached the Supreme Court, to set aside the ruling of the lower courts in respect of the motion to quash the charge against them. Justice Bako acceded to the counsel request for adjournment and fixed February 13, 2018 for report on the supreme court decision.

South East leaders reject cattle colonies Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Igbo Leaders of Thought which is the apex think tank of Ohaneze Ndigbo has rejected the recent plans from the federal government to establish cattle colonies in the region. The group also condemned the lack of empathy from federal government over the 73 lives lost to the herdsmen in Benue State just as they maintained that erosion has created enough pressure on the scarce land in the region, adding that extra pressure from cattle to be quartered in colonies will increase the damage. Addressing the media, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike who is a key member of the group said that the South Easterners are basically farmers who practice shifting cultivation. He said that an empty unfarmed land

Ïd ƕ ƆƏ ƈ Ɔ Ƒ ƌƆ ƅƆ Ɛ Ƌ Ɨ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƏƆ ƈ

does not mean that the land is under utilized. He said, “We reject without equivocation the proposed establishment of Cattle Colonies in any part of lgbo land. “That the proposed Cattle Colony is not only conservative, retrogressive and obnoxious; It is also parasitic, anachronistic and antipeople; it is not in sync nor in tandem with international and modern best practices in an era where technological advancement has made life stock raising a pleasure rather than a punitive, hazardous enterprise. “The South East is unarguably one of the most densely populated regions in Sub Saharan Africa, and constant pressure on the land has resulted to the prevalence of many gully erosions in the

area. “Any additional pressure and appropriation of land through the creation of political Cattle Colonies will aggravate rather than ameliorate the situation and further reduce the hitherto insufficient arable farmlands for our people. “It should be remembered that our people still practiceshifting cultivations. That a parcel of land is left to fallow and manure does not mean it is unutilized” Madubuike added. Reacting to the rumour that a governor in the South East has already carved out land for cattle colony, he replied. “The social media reports and some rumours making the round that a governor in lgbo land is a contemplating donating 10,000 hectares of land for Cattle Colony had better remain at the realm of

rumour mongering because Ndi lgbo will resist any such undemocratic and unpopular action. “The governors as the Chief executives of the states, hold the land in their states in trust for the people. They have no moral rights to give out any land for whimsical reasons, fancy or grandstanding. Governors in lgboland are therefore advised in their own interest not to give out any land in lgbo Land for Cattle Colony as our people will vehemently resist it.” The group also reminded the federal government that top countries that produce the best beef and milk across the world do so not in colonies, but in ranches. They further stressed the call for the restructuring of the country, saying that federal government is over

whelmed with the problems in the country. “We assert unequivocally that the immediate restructuring of the polity involving the devolution of powers to the states is imperative for the peaceful coexistence of the different ethnic nationalities that were bundled together by the imperial overload without their consent. “An over bloated and centralized centre, far removed from the units that gave it power, will always function in fits and starts when it fails to surrender sufficient portions of its powers to the sub nationals in matters that are essentially local. We will restructure Nigeria not only for ourselves but, more importantly, for our children and grand children to increase their social opportunities and substantive freedoms”.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has expressed shock at the sudden death of Mr Deji Tinubu, the Special Adviser to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Commerce and Industry. Obasa in his condolence message to the Tinubu Family and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led Lagos State Government, prayed to God to give the deceased a peaceful rest and the family as well as the state government the fortitude to bear the huge loss. “The sudden death of Mr Deji Tinubu was shocking. He was a likeable man, diligent and humble. His contributions to the development of this state, within and outside government, cannot be overlooked,” the Lagos chief lawmaker said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak. According to the Speaker, the late Tinubu died at a very critical time when his services are most needed to complement the present administration’s desire to ensure that Lagos continues to excel. “However, who are we to question Almighty Allah? It’s His desire that our brother’s time on planet Earth has expired. We pray to Him to give the Tinubu family and the Lagos State Government under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode the fortitude to bear the huge loss. We also pray that the soul of Deji Tinubu continues to find peace with his Creator,” Obasa prayed.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

NADP distributes 100 units of knapsack sprayers to Nasarawa youths Augustine Kuza, Lafia

ÏÏÏNot fewer than 100 youth across Nasarawa state over the weekend celebrated with their families as Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (NADP) distributed 100 knapsack sprayers to selected youth. The programme which was a step down from the federal government empowerment scheme tasked participants to utilize the Agricultural

tools accordingly, as the proper usage would yield bumper harvest at the end the year. Addressing participant at the NADP office along Agyaragu Tofa road in Lafia, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural resources Jamil Zakari Yakubu congratulated the youth for being lucky to have being among the 100 youth across the 13 local governments in the state. According to him food security is looming in

the state which is why the state government deemed it fit to select them to be beneficiary of the scheme to in turn go back to their various local governments to contribute their quota to the development of Agriculture, adding that at the end of the programme they would be value chain to the society. Zakari Yakubu used the occasion to appeal to farmers and-herdsmen in the state to co-exist among themselves as he advised them to be their brother keepers.

Speaking earlier the programme manager of Nasarawa Agricultural development programme Mr. Stephen Kpama called on beneficiary of the scheme to take it very serious just as he advise them not to disposed their knapsack to cover up their economic needs. He added that the proper utilization of the tools would encourage the Federal government to embark on another set of people to benefit from the programme in the state.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (left), inspects an ongoing construction of Ogoni/Andoni/Opobo Unity Road...on Friday.

Adamawa earmarks N2b for women, youth empowerment –SSA Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏA Senior Special Assis-

tant (SSA) to the Governor of Adamawa State on poverty alleviation and wealth creation, Alhaji Ayuba Audu said that the administration of Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow has earmarked over N2 billion for youths and women empowerment in the state. According to him the essence is to consolidate the 2018 budget which was tagged: “Budget of hope and empowerment” where it can productively engage the youths in the state into meaningful and productive business ventures

to reduce the rate of poverty . Ayuba Who is also the coordinator of poverty alleviation and wealth creation programme of the state told our correspondent that 2017 under the administration of Jibrilla Bindow trained over 10,000 youths into various skills acquisition, empowered them with self reliance business knowledge. He revealed that the beneficiaries are drawn from all the political wards in the state, received training in Handset repairs with software diagnostic test equipment, others were trained in aluminium artisan work and many others received training in tailoring.

“As you are all aware Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrila Bindow is a performing Governor in the area of infrastructural development, health and education sector where he declared a state of emergency in the two sectors, this years is going to perform more in the area of human empowerment and development as he earmarked over 2 billion Naira to empower our youths in the state.” Ayuba said He however refuted rumours of giving forms on free loans, but exposed that the forms being given to beneficiaries are N-Power loans in form of grants to youths that are into small and medium

enterprise (SMEs) and is a free interest loan payable within a stipulated time. He further said that the idea is to properly engage the youths to be more productive and hard work as is not a free monthly allowance as it used to be. According to him the wisdom is to engage youths around the 226 political units of the state to help in sanitizing their communities, cleaning all the water ways blockages, clearing all the refused dumps while some are to help in securing the peace and harmony of the state that has been distorted by Boko Haram insurgents.

31 News

ABIA, ASPIMSS commissions trauma centre soon

Sunday Nwakanma, Umuahia

ÏÏÏThere

are strong indications that Abia state accident trauma center would be commissioned soon. This was even as the General Manager Abia State Passengers Integrated Manifest And Safety Scheme, ASPIMSS, Hon. Kingsley Onyemaechi Megwara says,the trauma center is of critical value to the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. Interacting with newsmen in Umuahia, the ASPIMSS boss said, “right now, the trauma center is about 70 percent completed. By the special grace of God, we are projecting by the end of April, that the edifice would have been completed, and we expect that the governor will be coming forward to commission the trauma centre. Casualties that we normally take to other hospitals will now be directed to our trauma centre, so that we can effectively take care of our patients”. He said the governor in his vision has a special dream for the trauma centre, adding, “As we speak, approval has been given for procurement of the equipments once the edifice is completed. “We will be on course to have that edifice not just completed but properly equipped. The trauma center is of very critical value to the governor’s overall dream of saving lives here in Abia state and we are trying hard to key into that dream”. Megwara said that plans are also on top gear to recruit more hands once the edifice is completed. He said, “Not quite long ago, the Commissioner for Health visited our office and I know that there are plans to recruit doctors and nurses to help that trauma centr”. He said, “The Com-

missioner for Health has promised that we will be working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to make sure that, that place gets a grade A type of doctors with specialized knowledge on critical care. Additionally, there is a collaborative work in the works between some Abia doctors from America, who said they will volunteer from time to time to come down and give us all of their assistance. “You see, Dr. Ikpeazu started that project and that is one of his babies and that is why we are doing everything in our power to make sure that, that edifice is completed and that we do what we are supposed to do there. ASPIMSS boss however pointed out that, the actualization of the trauma center will not stop the scheme from taking accident victims to the nearest designated hospitals. “Now the fact that we have our trauma center will not stop us from taking patients to other hospitals. You know that proximity is extremely very important in what we do. If we have a patient or a casualty that is closer to Aba, obviously we will use the facility in Aba. Proximity is quite important”, he further buttressed. He said before the trauma centre, ASPIMSS has been doing its best to take care of accident victims by responding rapidly to the scene of the accident and conveying victims to the nearest designated hospitals. “Before the trauma centre, we have been doing the best that we can. Typically, we take most of our accident victims to either the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, General Hospital in Amachara or General Hospital, Aba. Those are the three typical hospitals that we normally take our patients to. The corporation these hospitals have given to us so far is very encouraging”.

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Business Times Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

NPDC Targets 500,000 Barrels of Crude Oil Per Day Production

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LCC increases toll tariffs along Lekki-Epe Expressway Page B3

Africa prefers fair trade to marshall plans – Osinbajo

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5 days after: 250 NNPC trucks yet to have impact on Lagosians Stories by Simon Ugwu

The fuel scarcity continues to bite harder in lagos not minding the aclaimed 250 trucks released five days ago by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to distribute fuel in Lagos on order to address issues of scarcity. Lagosians have resulted to buying from the black market as they were made to join long queues for fout to five hours in oder to buy Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS). Those who cannot afford to buy from the black market have packed their vehicles pending when the scarcity will end. Stakeholders said it is worrisome for a national corporation like NNPC to make such annoucement without concrete arrangement. Some who spoke to the Daily Times on the condition of annonimity accused NNPC of misleading the citizenry in this regard. It will be realled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Sunday said that it had released 250 trucks of petrol to Lagos metropolis for effective dispensing at filling stations to forestall any scarcity. The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division (NNPC), Mr Ndu Ughamadu, disclosed this in an interview with

Newsmen in Lagos. According to him, there has been a slight change in the distribution network in Lagos, as Lagos is currently being supplied by members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN). “At the weekend there was a hitch in discharging of petrol by ships which has been ratified. “Today, 250 trucks have been discharged to Lagos compared to less than 200 trucks usually allocated to Lagos at the weekend,” he said. The NNPC spokesman said that the ships which commenced discharging since Saturday night had finished discharging, adding that in a couple of hours the long queues will disappeared and normalcy will return to Lagos. Ughamadu, urged motorist to avoid hoarding of petrol and panic buying, as there is sufficient products in stock that will last for days. The NNPC spokesperson also acknowledged a slight hitch at the Port Harcourt refinery due to power problem. “Port Harcourt refinery is slightly down for now, pending when the problem will be rectified. Our correspondent who went round Lagos metropolis however reports that fuel queues had

Director of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Mordecai Ladan (R) and the new Managing Director & Snr. Vice President, Addax Petroleum Development (Nig.) Ltd Mr. Colin Klappa during a courtesy visit to DPR hqtrs , Lagos . started springing up again in most filling stations in the metropolis. The queues which were noticed in the early hours of Saturday had begun to increase by afternoon across the state. Many of the filling stations operated by major marketers were not selling while outlets owned

by Independent Marketers were shut. At Ikorodu, Epe, Ikeha, Airport Road, Osgodi, Mile 12 and Lekki axis most filling stations who had products were selling above the official pump price. Reacting to the situation Alhaji Abiodun Lawal spokesman of NIPCO said the company was

consistently loading and supplying to marketers, but the volume had marginally dropped. “I can confirm we are currently loading but I don’t have the statistics; however I must say that we don’t have enough supply at the moment. I think that explains the resurgence of queue at filling stations”, he said.

AEDC decries N49.58bn unpaid electricity bills in Niger The Managing Director, Engr. Ernest Mupwaya spoke during a presentation on Thursday at the Niger State Council on Quality and Constant Electricity Supply in Minna, the Niger State capital. He said, annually, the Distribution Company (DisCo) incurs an average debt accumulation of N11.48bn, and that the total debt owed by both small and large electricity customers has risen to

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

N49.58bn. Mupwaya acknowledged the desire of the people of the State to have significant improvement in the power supply but emphasized that such increase in electricity supply must be matched by an equal level of payment to sustain the company. He also emphasized the efforts of AEDC to improve power supply to the region saying Niger has been getting 20 percent of the DisCo’s energy allocation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) since 2016. Mupwaya, however, noted that of the average N1.5bn electricity supply bill delivered to the Niger Region monthly, only about N450 million revenue is collected. The DisCo supplies electricity to the state and three others including Kogi, Nasarawa and the Fed-

eral Capital Territory (FCT). Part of AEDC’s investments covering the region is the installation of 120,000 meters in 2017 at over N4bn and has planned more this year to improve services to its customers, it noted in a statement from the spokesman, Ahmed Shekarau. “However, because we know that our customers in Niger State, just as in the FCT, Kogi and Nasarawa states, are anxious to have meters, we are considering putting bulk meters at transformer points so that clusters of customers such as villages or estates would be billed in accordance with readings taken from such meters”, he said. A resolution was passed at the meeting to set up a15-man joint Niger Stakeholders-AEDC Committee to develop a comprehensive mechanism for improving electricity supply in the state with a correspond-

ing increase in bills payment. The committee to be chaired by the Niger State Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe will comprise three representatives from the state government, three from AEDC, two from the youth groups, and one each from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), TCN, the security agencies and the media. Earlier, the Niger State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Ketso, said the administration is passionate about improving electricity just as the residents are yearning for improvement in the power supply which gave rise to convening the meeting to seek solutions. Participants at the meeting acknowledged the challenges facing AEDC even as they appeal to the

company to do more to ensure improved power supply. The unavailability of gas is preventing the generation of over 1,500 megawatts of electricity on a daily basis since the beginning of this year. Gas-fired power plants contribute about 70 percent of Nigeria’s total electricity on the national grid. But the latest industry data showed that the thermal plants had been facing gas supply challenges lately. The unavailability of gas is preventing the generation of over 1,500 megawatts of electricity on a daily basis since the beginning of this year. Gas-fired power plants contribute about 70 percent of Nigeria’s total electricity on the national grid. But the latest industry data showed that the thermal plants had been facing gas supply challenges lately.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

‘CBN may not cut Rrates To Keep foreign investors’ Myke Uzendu with Agency Reports

L – R shows Dr. Ore Sofekun, Managing Director, Vencap Limited; Mrs. Tope Omojokun, Managing Director, Investment-one Funds Management Limited; Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Shared Services, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mrs. Adejoke Chukwuma, Chairperson, Investment-one Funds Management Limited; Mr. Tony Ibeziako, Ag. Head, Listings Business Division, NSE; Mr. Azubuike Okonkwo - Director, Investment-one Funds Management Limited and Mrs. Gbemi Adelekan- Director, Investment-one Funds Management Limited during the Listing of Abacus Money Market Fund at the Exchange today.

Enugu Electricity Station to gulp N200m Stories by Simon Ugwu The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has said that the proposed Enugu National Meter Test Station (NMTS) would gulp N223 million. Its Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Pe-

ter Ewesor who disclosed this at the foundation laying and groundbreaking ceremony of the project, said that the station, expected to be completed in 18 months, would serve the South-East electricity consumers. Ewesor said that it became necessary to bring NEMSA services closer in order to end the

long-suffering the people of the South-East have been subjected to, by going to Port-Harcourt or Lagos to resolve the various electricity issues in the zone. He said that the station was not only timely but also worthwhile, saying “we must reinforce investors, utility companies and consumers confidence in the Nigerian power sector”.

According to him, the benefits and advantages of the meter test station included “providing infrastructural development in line with this administration’s promise to the populace; improvement of economic activities in the state, the South-East zone and Nigeria at large and providing employment generation.”

European bank to back Kenyan Akiira Geothermal Project The European Investment Bank (EIB) has indicated that it’s preparing a 155 million ($192 million) loan package for the 70MW Akiira Geothermal Project in Naivasha, in Nakuru County, Kenya. The project includes a consortium of investors from Kenya, the US and Denmark. EIB East Africa head, Catherine Collin, spoke to the Business Daily Africa on the sidelines of an energy conference at

Strathmore University. “The loan is under commercial terms but will be lower than 10% interest in euros after risk pricing,” said Collin. The Akiira project has an estimated project cost of EUR 310 million ($380 million) and is being financed through a mix of debt (70%) and equity (30%), according to the executives. Media reported that the project has a power purchase agreement for Sh9.5/ kWh ($0.09237

kWh) signed in August 2015 with electricity distributor Kenya Power. Akiira Geothermal Project Akiira was expected to start power generation by December 2016; however, it suffered delays after exploration of its initial wells yielded less steam, prompting further drilling and tests. The exploration process began in August 2015, targeting to drill up to 15 steam wells, each with an average capacity of

5MW, bringing the expected installed capacity to about 75MW. Centum Investments owns a 37.5% equity stake in the Akiira consortium, with the remaining 62.5% owned by American firms Ram Energy, Marine Power, and Danish company, Frontier Markets. The Centum consortium is expected to contribute 30% of the project’s cost of $380 million while the rest will be funded through commercial loans.

The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), one of the upstream subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), will increase its daily crude oil production to 500,000 barrels per day before 2022. This target was announced by the Group Managing Director of

the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, during the inauguration of the board of directors of the company in Abuja. Addressing the members, the GMD who also doubles as Chairman of the board charged them to grow the company’s assets and ensure that the 500,000 barrels per day crude oil production target is met by 2022”.

He disclosed that the company was currently supplying 50 per cent of the West African Gas Pipeline system gas, adding that it was the in thing to have more gas assets, while commending the company for leaving up to expectations. Dr. Baru directed that NPDC’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with host communities

should be tied to the availability of the lines saying “as stakeholders, they share in both our success and losses as well”. Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of the company, Mr. Yusuf Matashi, said from the meteoric growth the company had witnessed since 2016, the GMD’s target of 500,000 barrels per day was realisable by 2022.

NPDC targets 500,000 barrels of crude oil per day production

In spite of expressed optimism by the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that the bank will begin a gradual cut in monetary policy rates by the end of the second half of the year, the Chief Executive of Afrinvest Securities Limited, Ayodeji Ebo says a rate cut will be unlikely due to the high risks associated with the economy. The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele had on Wednesday said the apex bank plans to begin a gradual rate cut by the end of the first half of the year as inflation continues to subside. Inflation which had risen to almost 19 per cent last year January had maintained a steady decline standing at 15.37 in Cut Emefiele in an interview said once inflation gets to low double digits “and high single digit happens, then it should be easy for MPC to begin to look at easing. I want to think that between the end of the first and second quarter, we should begin to see easing.” Ebo stated that a cut in rate would impact rates at the money market causing investors to consider putting their funds in other countries where the risks are not as high with a good enough returns in investment. “This will affect the current stability at the foreign exchange market and that is what the government would not want at a time the country is approaching an election period.” He explained further that while the argument for a cut in rates is for increased lending to the real sector, a lower benchmark interest rate would not result in increased lending by banks. “Bringing down the MPR will not translate to improved lending by the banks. There is nothing like patriotic lending because we have to grow the economy. The banks will not use private money to grow the economy when they still see there is evident risks within the space. It is about the risk environment. Most of the companies that they would have borrowed to are struggling in terms of returns on their investment as they have factor in the cost of power as well as infrastructure and by the time you factor in those things your business is not profitable and you cannot service your loan so the bank will not lend to you. “For instance a lot of banks lent to the power sector during the privatisation but a lot of them got their hands burnt, so no matter how low interest rate come that will not translate proportionately to increased lending as long as they continue to see that risks.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Stories By Motolani Oseni The management of Sterling Bank has announced the appointment of Dayo Orimoloye and Moronfolu Fasinro as Chief Risk Officer and Chief Client Engagement Officer, respectively. Orimoloye, the Bank’s new Chief Risk Officer, has over 22 years of senior management experience with leading financial institutions in Africa, North America and Europe. His key areas of expertise include Risk Management, Project Finance, Capital Markets, Treasury and Business Development. Prior to joining Sterling Bank, he was the Group Chief Risk Officer of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated based

B3 Money Market

Sterling Bank appoints chief risk officer, chief client engagement officer in Lomé, responsible for developing the Enterprise Risk Management framework and carrying out risk oversight functions. Some of his previous roles include Senior Vice President, Risk Management and Capital Markets Groups at Wells Fargo Bank, Vice President Risk Management Group at HSBC and Risk Manager at Citibank. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Finance respectively from California State University Hayward, as well as an MBA in Finance from the University of

California, Berkeley. Fasinro, the bank’s new Chief Client Engagement Officer, is a consummate professional with over 22 years work experience spanning the financial services sector in Nigeria and manufacturing industry in the United States of America. He joins the Senior Management Team of the Bank with demonstrated leadership competencies and broad technical knowledge in Service Innovation, Quality Assurance and Channels Management. Prior to joining Sterling Bank, Fasinro was Vice Presi-

dent, Service and Channels Management Group at First City Monument Bank (FCMB) with responsibility for design and implementation of service strategy. He also had oversight for branch operations, continuous improvement, channels and service innovation groups at FCMB. Fasinro joined FCMB as Group Head, Continuous Improvement and Service Management (FCMB) from Denso Sales California USA, an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corporation. Moronfolu Fasinro started

his career at Denso Sales California, where he managed several teams and various projects delivering process automation, quality assurance and targeted improved customer experience over a period of nine years. Fasinro holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering from the Middlesex University, London, England. He also holds various quality control qualifications notable of which is the Advanced Product Quality Planning from Eastern Michigan University, Michigan, USA.

FG makes U-turn, gets Involved in electricity metering Myke Uzendu with Agency Reports The Federal Government has made a U-turn over an earlier decision to leave metering in the hands of electricity distribution companies, DisCos. In a statement by the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola while inspecting the National Meter Test Station at Oshodi, Lagos, said the government had resolved to roll out more electricity meters this year, adding that giving out meters is no longer the duty of the DisCos. “We plan to roll out meters, and we must,” Fashola, said. “The core business of DisCos is to transport energy; their business is not to supply meters”. “The government will address metering more vigorously this year with regulations which will open up business in metering to more investors”. According to the minister, taking metering off the DisCos will reduce the pressure, allowing them to focus on their core business of electricity distribution. Fashola’s statement confirms an earlier report by SweetCrudeReports, that the government will revive the 2015 abandoned metering plan. According to the report, the metering plan set in motion by the Obasanjo administration was also picked up by Jonathan’s administration but later abandoned. The metering project to supply over 600, 000 meters as at that time, was to be funded from the sale of the NIPP power plants, however, the plants are yet to be sold up till date. If all goes according to plans by the Buhari administration, local meter manufacturers such as Mojec, Moman, and others, as listed in the 2015 contract seen by SweetcrudeReports, will likely get the deal for the supply of the meters.

LCC increases toll tariffs along Lekki-Epe Expressway ... Commercial buses to pay N100 from Feb 1

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC), has announced a review in toll tariffs at the Admiralty Circle Toll Plaza and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza with effect from Thursday, February 1, 2018. According to LCC, the increment has become necessary following extensive consultations held with stakeholders in the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway of Lagos State In an official statement made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, the toll fare increase is as a result of current economic and business realities that have

adversely increased the cost of operations and maintenance of the company’s loan obligations. The Managing Director, LCC, Mr. Mohammed Hassan noted that the feedback and recommendations received during the series of consultations held in December 2017 with stakeholders in Eti-Osa Local Government area and its environs considerably influenced the new toll fares to be paid by motorists plying the Expressway and the Link Bridge. Detailing the new development, Mr. Hassan said: “Since the commencement of tolling in December 2011, the toll tariffs had remained the same despite the continuous increase

in the cost of operations to ensure that the toll plazas and the road infrastructure are well maintained. The toll review has also become necessary to enable the company meet its loan obligations to its local and foreign lenders, considering the fact that foreign exchange rates have continued to increase astronomically in the last couple of years. LCC cannot continue to operate or provide the services required from us if we do not review the toll tariffs”. Many of the consulted stakeholders including traditional rulers & community leaders, residents’ associations and youth groups, Eti-Osa Local Government officials, members

of the media as well as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Eti-Osa Local Government Area agreed that there was a need for constant upgrade of road facilities, as the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe corridor was rapidly becoming an international economic hub for investors.mo Reacting to the new toll fares for branded commercial vehicles popularly called ‘Danfo’, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Jakande, Eti-Osa Local Government Chapter, Alhaji Taofeek Oluwa, commended the foresight of LCC in consulting with leaders and members of the NURTW in Eti-Osa LGA.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

US presidency not for me – Oprah Winfrey Chat show icon Oprah Winfrey has brushed off speculation she might run for US president in 2020, saying in an interview published Thursday she lacks “the DNA for it.” When Winfrey delivered a rousing speech at the Golden Globe Awards earlier this month it rekindled longstanding speculation over the billionaire’s political ambitions and a possible run for the Oval Office. Some Democrats still reeling from Hillary Clinton’s shock loss to Donald Trump — have embraced the idea of having their own celebrity candidate the next time around. But in an interview with InStyle, carried out three weeks before the Globes and published in the fashion magazine’s March issue, the 63-year-old downplayed the idea of a presidential run, saying: “That’s not for me.” “I’ve always felt very secure and confident with myself in knowing what I could do and what I could not,” said the selfmade entertainment tycoon. “And so it’s not something that interests me. I don’t have the DNA for it,” she added. It was unclear whether the enthusiastic response to her Globes speech after which anonymous friends of the chat show queen were reported as saying she was “actively thinking” about a 2020 run may have brought a change of heart.

‘Crude oil price increase should not affect economy diversification’ A member of Osun House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged the Federal Government not to allow the slight improvement in the price of crude oil at the international market affects its economic diversification policy. Oyintiloye (APC-Obokun), said this on Sunday in Osogbo. “While an increase in the price of crude oil at the international market was desirable, it should

not be seen as the panacea to the economic challenge in the country.” “Recently, the price of crude oil at the international market was reported to have moved up to between 69/70 dollars.” “This slight increase should not affect our economic diversification but rather, the government must begin to focus on other sectors for economic stability.’’ According to him, the over-de-

pendence of the nation on crude oil among other factors is responsible for the economic challenges the nation is facing. Oyintiloye, who chairs the House Committee on Information and Strategy, said it was high time that the nation began to deepen productive activities in other sectors such as Agriculture, Tourism and Solid minerals. He said that the nation needed

to invest immensely in education, science and technology and also learn to take advantage of the digital age to create new opportunities for younger generations. Oyintiloye, however, said that he was confident that the economy would get better through determination of the Federal Government and resilience of the state’s government to grow the national economy.

GenCos gulp N152.9 bn of N701 bn power sector fund in 7 months Simon Ugwu The Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) has disbursed a total of N152.974 billion to 23 power generation companies (GenCos) within the first seven months of 2017, according to a report. This disbursement represented 21.6 percent of the N701 billion payment support facility provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for Nigeria’s power sector A document revealed this also contained other payments made by the NBET to the Gencos from what it collected from the market within the seven-month period, amounting to N83.351 billion. The document further showed that aggregate payments from the CBN facility and market collections to the Gencos within the period totalled N236.353 billion. It also represented about 80 percent of the generating company’s invoices within the payment cycle

and in line with the NBET’s strategy of paying the Gencos’ monthly invoices in this regards. A further breakdown of the payment details disclosed that while all the traditional Gencos in the country – Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro hydro plants, as well as Egbin, Transcorp Ughelli, Olorunsogo, and Shell Afam VI, amongst others, consistently got paid within the period, up to eight out of the 10 power plants built under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) and managed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC) equally got paid their invoices, to buttress a recent claim by the Managing Director of the NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, that the N701 billion had saved the power sector from near collapse. The document stated that in January, the NBET paid the Gencos N17.798 billion from the CBN facility and N10.261 billion from the market collection to bring its total payment for the month to N28.063

billion; in February, it paid N19.419 billion of CBN facility and N12.694 billion of market remittance to the GenCos to make it N32.113 billion for the month; and subsequently remitted in the March payment cycle to the GenCos a total of N35.504 billion containing N22.716 billion from the CBN facility and N12.787 billion from the market. In April, N33.136 billion was paid to the GenCos, out of which N20.414 billion and N12.723 billion were from the CBN facility and market collections respectively; payments for May, were N22.819 billion (CBN facility) and N12.768 billion (market collections), totalling, N35.587billion, while that of June was N35.717 billion (that is, N24.424 billion (CBN facility) and N11.293 billion (market collections). For July, the NBET paid the GenCos a total of N36.209 billion, containing N25.383 billion, from the CBN facility and N10.825 billion, collected from the market. In March 2017, the Federal Exec-

utive Council (FEC) approved that the CBN guarantees payments by the NBET to Gencos for electricity they generate through the N701 billion facility. The NBET would also have about 10 years to liquidate the loan to the CBN. A government memo, which was obtained in June 2017, stated that the NBET would administer the loan, which has a two-year moratorium and five percent annual interest rate, over a period of two years. Meanwhile, it was also learnt that NBET has again extended the execution window for the power purchase agreements (PPAs) it signed for Nigeria’s 14 pioneer utility-scale solar plants by another six months to enable promoters of the projects to meet up with the condition precedents in their PPAs. The PPAs were first signed in July 2016 between the promoters and Nigeria’s federal government, their tenure was however renewed in July 2017 after they expired and made to last for six months which

again expired in January 2018. Sources in the NBET said that another six months extension was given on the PPAs, which were reportedly distributed between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank by the government. Both development finance institutions have reportedly been working on closing them out to enable promoters to achieve financial close for the projects. Collectively, the 14 solar power projects would when completed, generate 1,125 megawatts (MW) of solar electricity to augment Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity. They will cost the promoters about $2.5 billion. NBET in 2017 also announced that the promoters of the solar IPPs had posted their development securities of $20,000 per megawatt to it via letters of credit. The securities, it explained then, were to guarantee that the IPPs would achieve financial closure by their target closing dates.

B5 Tourism

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

How filling station ‘ll evolve in a high-tech future

Simon Ugwu Nigeria is urged to embrace the new technology which will soon overtake the world in the area of the petroleum retail industry which has evolved over the past three decades - in terms of structure, layout, ownership and technologies. Processes are more streamlined through integrated process and systems, from mechanical DU, tank gauges, to electronic, automated desktop underwriter (DU)/ automatic tank gauging (ATG) and fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), and integrated point of sale (POS), back office system (BOS) and hours of service (HOS). Traditional petrol forecourt ripe for disruption But the traditional forecourt model where the processes are manual is, once again, ripe for disruption. Take, for example, the process of filling up your tank and purchasing goods at the convenience stores. With technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics, the possibilities are endless. If we have a look at macro-trends in the retail energy sector – including environmental concerns, new forms

of biofuels, price pressures, and the advent of driverless cars – they are changing the game for fuel retailers. Our classic petrol forecourt scene may not be around for much longer, as forward-thinking energy players use advanced technologies to redefine the forecourt experience. Petrol stations are under pressure from a number of retailers as they look to adapt to changing demographics (digital natives, millennials), and new technologies like e-commerce, robotics, mobility, and the IoT. All these trends are upending site operations and customer service. A few ways to deliver new offerings and value propositions Here are a few ways to deliver new offerings and value propositions, enabling forecourts to evolve in the future – enhancing customer engagement, marketing efficiency, business capability: 1. A shift to format less forecourts As we gear away from petrol and towards cleaner energy, the design of the forecourt need not be constrained by the logistics of filling the wells. Forecourt owners can

differentiate their customer experiences by altering the layout, adding new value-added services, and catering better for those customers that aren’t even filling up their cars. The entire ecosystem could be wrapped within the same loyalty or member programme. 2. Smart payments Imagine an end to payment related challenge such as waiting for handheld POS devices, often damaged by the rigour of all-day, outdoor use, and often struggling to connect to payment networks. Automated payments technology could invite consumers to link their debit or credit cards in a once-off registration process, and then fill up at any time. As you pull off, the value of the fuel, groceries, and other items will be automatically billed to the card that you’ve registered. 3. Loyalty on steroids Fuel retailers have a fantastic opportunity to fuse data from various incoming streams - from filling-up behaviour, to purchase choices within the forecourt shop. Equipped with this knowledge, they can start tailoring special offers to consumers and creating compelling loy-

alty offerings to entice customers to visit again soon. By smartly and sensitively applying facial recognition video technology, the loyalty experience could become entirely seamless to the user. 4. On-demand, drone delivery The short-range, highfrequency requirements make the forecourt an ideal place to use drones to deliver packages of groceries from the store, to the owner’s vehicle. This not only simplifies and speeds up the process of buying from the shop, but also has a ‘wow factor’ that again helps to differentiate the station from its peers. Another slant on this concept of ‘extending the forecourt experience’ is to start delivering fuel and grocery purchases to the consumer’s home or workplace. By integrating online ordering and payment facilities, retailers can make concepts like remote delivery and clickand-collect a reality - giving them a clear edge over the competition. 5. Electric charging Electric charging units, and new sources of biofuels will give us an alternative to the traditional petrol and diesel pumps. As we move

towards green energy, the forecourt will evolve – to include solar panels, wind turbines and other sources of power generation. 6. Integration into connected cars One of the biggest boons for forecourt owners will be the ability of connected cars to sense fuel quality and oil quality. Now, those forecourts that brand their petrol as ‘premium grade’ will have irrefutable evidence to prove it. Obviously, for those peddling lower-quality, less refined fuel, their inadequacies will quickly be brought to the surface with the advent of connected cars. 7. Beyond energy for autonomous cars Moving past merely ‘connected cars’ and into the realm of autonomous vehicles, service stations will have the opportunity to cater for multiple life simplification and vehicle needs beyond energy both when it is with driver or driverless to reincarnate itself as a “destination for lifestyle adapted needs” independent of markets, formats, segments. This is a fascinating challenge for forecourt owners to navigate. 8. New business models to complement or supersede

As we shift from petrol to electricity, we no longer need to keep everything contained in one venue. Retailers could position electric charging stations in shopping centre and office car parks, at airports, and in residential areas, to increase the convenience for drivers and allow them to charge their cars while going about their daily activities. These are just a few of the technology sets that can be combined to reshape the forecourt experience. Making this a practical reality may be a step-by-step journey, but with the availability of cloud-based software, the platform that brings it all together can be easily deployed. Using open standards APIs, companies can build the platforms for the future and start readying their operations in preparation for an exciting, futuristic, forecourt, which will stand out from the one across the road. 9. Where to start the forecourt transformation journey Petroleum retailers are well placed to leverage digital disruption to develop and enhance their site formats and operations in order to deliver differentiated offerings and customer experience. Future sites will assume significantly extended features which extend beyond the physical site. These extensions may include homes, vehicles, microsites as well as a virtual store - providing a seamless customer experience. Within the next five to ten years, we will see the best-in-class petroleum retailers seize new opportunities by enabling future-ready adaptive forecourts. This will extend the service offering on many levels – from opening the door to new and emerging segments to highly personalised customer engagements and the ability to offer seamless end user experience across physical as well as virtual realms.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

B6 Tourism

Anxiety as Cyprus seeks re-election bid Simon Ugwu Cyprus gears up for a presidential election next week with incumbent Nicos Anastasiades favourite to win as he pledges a fresh push to reunify the divided island after talks collapsed last year. After a low-key campaign, opinion polls put the conservative in the lead as he claims credit for the island’s economic recovery since its debilitating financial crisis of 2013. Anastasiades, 71, however, looks unlikely to win the January 28 first round outright, and is expected to face a run-off on February 4 against either communist-backed Stavros Malas or Nikolas Papadopoulos, a former president’s son who takes a tougher line on peace efforts. Apathy appears high and opponents have failed to land a major blow on the former lawyer as he has pitched his bid for a second five-year term. Barring a backroom deal between his opponents — which analysts say is a possibility — he looks set to win, according to opinion polls. “I think Anastasiades will win,” bank worker Costas Kakoullis, 54, told AFP at a campaign rally for the president at a sports club in Nicosia. “Firstly because he has come so close to reunification and secondly be-

cause of the economy.” – Reunification prospects – As always, the nearly 44-year division of the island between the internationally recognised Greek-majority Republic of Cyprus and a Turkish Cypriot statelet in the north looms large over politics in the EU’s mosteasterly member. In July, two years of UN-backed talks between Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci came closer than ever to reunifying the island but collapsed in acrimony before the finishing line. Despite that failure to bridge key issues, including the future of tens of thousands of Turkish troops stationed in the north, Anastasiades insists he remains committed and wants talks with Akinci to restart. “We hope for a new effort immediately after the election — within weeks,” Michalis Sophocleous, the director of the president’s office, told AFP. While the international community still sees Anastasiades and Akinci as the best bet to solve the festering dispute, scepticism runs deep over whether the rival sides are ready to make the sacrifices needed for a final breakthrough. Sophocleous insisted Turkey needed to be clearer about how much

it will offer. For those pushing for a long-elusive reunification, the upcoming poll is a litmus test. “This election will indeed prove whether we will move to a government prepared to engage in a process that will take it till the end,” said Andromachi Sophocleous, an activist with grassroots civil society group Unite Cyprus Now. But there is widespread fatigue over an issue that has dragged on for decades and signs have emerged that the road to reunification could become even tougher. For the first time, far-right party ELAM — which rejects the proposed reunification — is fielding a presidential candidate after winning two seats in parliament in 2016. In the north, parliamentary elections earlier in January saw parties opposed to reunification plans perform strongly as settlers from mainland Turkey play a bigger role on the political scene. – Economic recovery – While the “national issue” is ever present, the economy has since 2013 been uppermost for many of the roughly 550,000 registered Greek Cypriot voters. When Anastasiades took over, the banking sector was in meltdown and he was forced to take a 10-billion-euro (more

than $12-billion) bailout that entailed biting austerity measures. That included a drastic haircut on accounts of over 100,000 euros held in the country’s biggest lender, Bank of Cyprus. Since then the island has bounced back faster than many expected and the economy has grown steadily since 2015. “The economy has featured more than the Cyprus problem in this campaign,” economist Fiona

Mullen told AFP. Tourism numbers reached a record high last year and the government has attracted some 4.5 billion euros into the economy with a controversial citizenship-forinvestment scheme. Anastasiades wants to set up a fund to help reimburse at least some of the money lost by the 2013 bank levies. And the authorities are also pushing ahead with offshore oil and gas ex-

ploration that they hope can swell coffers. But Mullen cautioned that the “recovery is relative”, the economy remains smaller than in 2012 before the crisis and that Cyprus still has a large stock of bad loans. “The discussion has not had much substance and this has allowed President Anastasiades to promote the fact that he inherited an economy in a mess and delivered a recovery,” Mullen said.

island in response to a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece. Ankara’s intervention followed a decade of intercommunal tension and violence between the Greek majority and the Turkish minority and the deployment of UN peacekeepers. The division saw some 200,000 people forced from their homes. Almost 44 years later, Cyprus remains cut in two and a barrier of barbed wire and military posts makes the capital Nicosia the world’s last divided city. In the south is the internationally recognised Greek-majority Republic of Cyprus that became an EU member in 2004. In the

north is the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus recognised only by Ankara. In July 2017, talks came closer than ever to reuniting the island but collapsed before the finishing line, over issues that included the future of tens of thousands of Turkish troops in the north. British bases – Cyprus is home to the two British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia that house key military and air force installations. The areas were established under the treaties that saw Britain grant Cyprus independence, as London sought to maintain a strategic foothold in the region.

5 things to know about Cyprus Here are five things to know about the popular holiday destination that has been split for almost 44 years: – Aphrodite and empires –

Nestled in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, who legend has it rose out of the foam near the

ancient town of Paphos. The island’s strategic location at the crossroads between east and west has made it a target for a succession of empires from the

Assyrians and early Greek settlers to the British. It was given by Roman general Mark Anthony to his Egyptian lover Cleopatra and used by England’s King Richard the Lionheart as a staging post during the Crusades before he sold it to the Knights Templar. For 300 years, it was part of the Ottoman Empire before the British took control in 1871. After an insurgency by fighters seeking union with Greece, the British eventually granted Cyprus independence in 1960. – Divided island – Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the northern third of the

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Business Feature B7

Africa prefers fair trade to marshall plans – Osinbajo Remark byvice president Yemi Osinbajo, during an Interactive Session Titled “Stabilizing The Mediterranean” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, 24 January, 2018 How realistic is Africa replacing China as the factory of the world, how realistic is that? How do you look at the Marshall plan for Africa, is it something you think is credible? Vice President: Let me begin with the Africa Rising narrative and all of the possibilities around Africa replacing China as the factory of the world. I think that probably is in the natural cause of things. Even now, we see that as wage costs go up in China, Africa is becoming the obvious choice for some certain industries, so it is clear that will happen and there are quite a few initiatives in that direction already; there are a few countries like Ivory Coast, Nigeria, with the development of Special Economic Zones, with partnerships coming from China. I think those sorts of arrangements will very quickly absorb labour because obviously, you are looking at growing populations in Africa, the projections as you know are in the next 20 years or so, we are looking at the youth population... prob-

Osinbajo ably 70% of Africa’s population would be young people, and Africa would probably about be the third largest population. I think that the critical thing is to see that we cannot deal with this in any quick way, there are no quick fixes to this, we have got to look at this long term, because clearly there’s no way that African economies

will ramp off quickly enough to be able to meet all of the expectations, especially all of the projections around population. So this is going to be a long walk and I think that it is important for all of us to see this as such. The idea of the Marshall Plan is to me, in some sense, bringing old solutions to what really is a dynamic problem. I

think that what Africa needs and what a lot of the southern neighbours of the Europeans need are fairer trade policies and a cocktail of policies that centre on job creation in those locations, more investments, but I think more thinking through those ideas and policies that creates more opportunities, partnership between Europe

and Africa. I don’t think that aid has worked through the years. I think that there’s a need for possibly just much more commitment to the whole process. I mean there have been multi-processes, several of them, but I certainly think that if we look at this as a major global problem and when you look around and look at extremism, terrorism and all of the various things that are exported along with illegal migration. It is a global problem; and we really does deserve a global solution and the way to look at that is by coming together to reason these things through, but frankly it is not by those Marshal Plans off the shelf, I think it is more nuanced than that. Do you feel that values of human rights are being compromised in order for Europe to have tactical immediate solutions? I certainly agree that it was a great shock to see actual slave dealings in this century; it was absolutely horrifying to see that. What we are seeing is a degeneration of criminal activities where you find that state capacity is unable to maintain international human rights norms. One of the crucial

things is to encourage repatriation. Nigerian government for example is working with the Libyan government in repatriating everyone who is in the camps. It is a slow process because there are those who claim nationalities because they see a way out of the camps. There is also a great deal of willingness on the part of those who are in the camps to go back because it is entirely voluntary. There is pressure where there is no state capacity or inadequate state capacity to maintain law and order and international human rights norms. The pressure is a bit too much for the Libyan authorities, so what you find is that the criminal gangs and all of these asymmetric type organizations dominate the space and we may not be able to do much without relieving the Libyan authorities of a lot of the illegal migrants in their custody or their country. With a Yes or No, 5 years from now, are we still going to be seating here having the same discussion? Would you give us a chance to say, “I hope not?” (Laughter). I really suspect yes.

Attractive opportunities exist in Nigeria, Udoma tells investors Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Foreign businesses interested in investing in Africa have been encouraged to take a look at the very attractive opportunities available in Nigeria as the country’s economic outlook for 2018, and in the near future is very positive. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma and Trade, Industry and Investment Minister,

Dr Okey Enelamah at various events and bilateral meetings with global business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) which ends in Davos, in Switzerland, on Friday, marketed the potential of Nigeria and encouraged investors to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. At a dinner hosted by the Vice President for investors in Davos on Wednesday night, Senator Udoma said that there are opportunities available in agriculture and agro-processing, industry, mining,

construction, infrastructure and services as Nigeria has one of the largest markets in Africa. He told the gathering, which also included Nigerians in the Diaspora, that the government is determined to revamp the economy by improving the enabling environment for all investors, both domestic and international. He informed them that the aim of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which was launched by the President last year, is to restore growth by diversifying

the economy, stabilizing the macroeconomic environment, investing in infrastructure and improving the country’s business environment, amongst others. The Minister emphasized that the main principles behind the ERGP are to tackle the constraints to growth, leverage the power of the private sector, allow markets to function, whilst upholding the country’s core values and promoting national cohesion and social inclusion. The Minister was happy to report that since

the ERGP was launched and implementation commenced, the economy has started showing signs of improvement. Indeed, he pointed out that, already, one of its objectives has been achieved as the economy emerged from recession in the second quarter of 2017, with GDP showing a marginal growth of 0.72%. By the third quarter of 2017, the growth level doubled to 1.40% with strong showing in agriculture, which grew by 3.06% and industry by 8.83%. Other positive indica-

tors, he emphasized are the growth in the level of Capital Importation which increased to $4.145 million in Q3 of 2017; Foreign Reserves which grew to N39.43 billion in January 2017 and Inflation which declined to 15.37% by December 2017. He also indicated that there has been a narrowing of the gap between the CBN rate for foreign exchange and the parallel market rate. All these, he listed as evidence that confidence in the Nigerian economy is coming back.

B8 Personal Finance

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, January 27, 2018

Bad money habits that keep you broke Bonny Amadi A habit is a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. The regular tendencies we have that are hard to break. They are the things we do over and over . The American Journal of Psychology (1903) defines a “habit, from the standpoint of psychology, as a more or less fixed way of thinking, willing, or feeling acquired through previous repetition of a mental experience. When it comes to breaking bad money habits, it can sometimes be easier to replace those bad habits with new, good ones. Just take it down to the basics – live within your means, avoid consumer debt and save for the future. If you can accomplish those three things you’ll be in a good place. No matter what area of your life you’re trying to improve there needs to be a sharp focus on

breaking bad habits and forming good ones. Such habits that diminish attainment of you financial goals are as enumerated below. Spending more than you earn Spending more than you earn is THE cardinal sin of personal finance. This one habit will have a trickle-down effect, causing big problems in all areas of your personal finances. For instance, if you spend more than you earn you’ll have to rely on credit to cover the rest. The credit comes with interest and traps you into debt. You continue spending more than you earn creating a bigger, more vicious cycle. If you currently spend more than you earn this needs to be the very first thing you address. Don’t even worry about anything else until you’re living within your means. Relying on credit to pay bills Credit is expensive and if not used properly is a

trap! If you’re using credit to cover basic things like food or rent or are using it for mindless purchases (like a vacation or new clothes) you need to remedy the situation. While it’s true that at some point you might need to rely on debt – say, for a mortgage, education expenses or an investment property – it should be done with extreme care and planning. Do not use credit cards or any other form of debt to cover your bills. Taking out payday loans – ever Talking of debt, payday loans are one of the worst forms of it. Here’s a story to illustrate: I had a friend who once decided to take out a payday loan to pay for vacation. When she got back from vacation the following week she was supposed to repay the loan. Not having enough money she went to another payday loan lender and took out a loan to pay back the

first lender. She repeated this cycle for MONTHS until her Dad or mum finally bailed her out. If you currently take out payday loans you need to break this habit now. The interest is not worth it. There are S Not being prepared for an emergency If there’s one thing you can count on it’s that at some point or another something will go wrong. An accident will happen, a job will be lost or an appliance will break. Being prepared for an emergency is very important when it comes to your finances. You don’t want to be caught off guard, financially anyway. Save up some cash for emergencies. Paying your bills late Paying your bills late – it’s a bad habit to have but happens to even the best of us. When you pay your bills late your credit score takes a hit and you could cost yourself more money in late fees and interest

charges. Make it a habit of always paying your bills on time. If you’re the type of person who simply procrastinates with tasks like this consider enrolling in auto-pay. It also means you probably need to get financially organized. Check out this guide on how to organize your finances so that you don’t miss another bill again! Failing to save for future When it comes to money there needs to be balance. Living big and Shouting at the top of your lungs won’t magically make you have a great life in retirement or help you build wealth. Enjoy life now but also be sure to save for the future and diligently work towards your goals. Blaming others for your circumstances “Life isn’t fair.” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard before and one we’ve likely said to ourselves. And it’s completely, 100% true.

We’ve all been born into different circumstances, some of us having many more opportunities than others. While “life isn’t fair” is true, blaming other people isn’t going to help you – at all! Accept where you’re at and play the cards you’ve been given. Only compare yourself to yourself. Hoarding money and never having fun On the opposite end of going into debt and spending too much is being afraid to spend anything! If you’ve been hoarding money to the point of misery it’s time to break that habit. Lighten up on yourself a bit and enjoy the money you’ve worked hard for. Making excuses “If you don’t like how things are, change it! You are not a tree.” – Jim Rohn Don’t let excuses hold you back. You have the choice to work hard and build the life (and finances) you want or to make excuses. Choose wisely.

ment industry in the hope of spurring the nation’s economic development. Speaking today at an interaction with selected investors in Davos, at the ongoing World Economic Forum, the Vice President noted that “having

the right mind-set and understanding where we want to go”, will affect the implementation process whilst ensuring things get done in the nation’s business environment. He stressed that the collaboration between

private sector and the government ensures consistency in the implementation of economic policies. The Vice President added that one of the reasons he is optimistic about the forthcoming SEZ for

garment manufacturing is because it is “specific and is something we can measure very quickly; working with investors and allowing them to tell us what they want to achieve. This will help us attain set objectives.”

FG to partner private sector to create special economic zones

In its effort to further enhance the nation’s economy and boost he real sector, the federal government of Nigeria has said that arrangement are being made to partner with private sector to create special economic zones

across the country. The vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo, revealed Thursday that, government and Private Sector will collaborate in creating Special Economic Zones, starting first with the Textile and Gar-

Life&

TIMES Saturday, January 27, 2018

Saidi Balogun: Actors are like messiahs, prophets L P

2, 3

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, January 27, 2018

I’m not retiring anytime soon –Saidi Balogun Veteran Nollywood actor, Saidi Balogun is one of the most versatile actors who combines acting, producing and directing to his cap. His prowess of delivery is second to none and as such he is one the very few who created new initiatives in the movie industry that includes been the Walata as he is sometimes calls it, Saidi Balogun is still waxing stronger. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, he leads us into his world. Enjoy… Every New Year, individuals come up with plans for the year, what are your plans for 2018? While thanking God for the gift of life and seeing 2018, one of my plans is to be a better person than I was last year. Less not forget I was 50 in the previous year and at the same time I was made a Health ambassador of UCH, Ibadan. While man proposes and God disposes, expect the very best from me as an individual and as a movie maker. How do you think that actors can enjoy quality health services? Recently, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, headed by Prof. Temitope Alonge made me the ambassador on health, not for my name sake,

it is for me to work out a pact with my association. We will work together to look into our health matters and prepare for the future. Therefore, when there is any health issue, we

I feel blessed and honoured; a lot of people started the journey same time I was born but are gone now but I give my honest appreciation to Almighty Allah to giver of life for sparing me up to this moment. I am the president of the Golden Movie Ambassador of Nigeria, celebrating my Golden age, appearing in Golden Movie too. So call me the golden boy. What do you think about life now that you are 50? I have had the most beautiful moments. A lot of people know my story but, they may not know it all, missing out one or two touching experiences. For me, I am here today because Almighty Allah granted me the grace to be here and I want to live every moment of my life thanking Him for His mercy over my life. As long as life continues, we people is that my life is an example of a man with plenty of grace. At this point in my life, I want to take things easy and be happy as much as I can. is a new dawn.

I have really experimented and introduced new innovations before, my records speak for me. However, I want to promote the culture of this country now, more so I want to focus on improving the production aspect of it too. featured in? movie I featured in was in Kwara State then. That

recall for now.

Life&

Tell us how you started? I was born in Enugu, grew up in the north and I am a Yoruba boy. I lived with a man who did a lot of French. I can speak the 3 languages

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Interview

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never regretted been an actorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and it has been helping me. From the word go my mum knew I would become a good actor. My father was a soldier and a comedian although he I also have guardians in the industry, Madam Saje, Yinka Quadri, Lola Idije etc they helped me grow. I providing money for me any time I had issues at boy and I remain his boy. You have really taken the industry by storm, you introduced many innovations - one cast movie and all that; what should we expect from you? I have always prayed to Allah to always allow me then, now I will move like a plane because whenever a plane crashes the whole country shivers, I want to sell the image of this country in my second half. We should be able to sell our culture and improve on our technical knowhow. Now I am going to try to rebrand, restructure and reposition. As a popular actor, do you have plans to venture into politics? mean I may have a good sense of government but if the Lord says yes, I can never say no. However, How do you rate the present political leaders? I will say one thing, and I would want my fans out there to please pardon me, those who also be told, it is the masses that turned politicians to businessmen. It is the masses that empower politicians to play us like Ludo or chess game. Why, a man wants to contest for a political post, coming from? Before contested, he started giving you rice, doing drama, and giving you money. You were collecting his money. It is obvious he is only investing the money. He is going to make back is money and even make extra. So, where do you want development to come from? Before we chose money and rice from politicians. Do you ever regret choosing acting as a career? a messiah, we are like prophets, we remind people of the past, show them today and make them see into the future. So, I thank God even with or without money, I thank Him for who I am today. When are you going to retire from acting? Acting is not like football where one can retire, check out great actors they retire at very old age, retirement on my list. As the president of Golden Movie Ambassadors

in Nigeria, what is the aim and objectives of this association? The primary goal of Golden Movie Ambassadors of Nigeria is to rebuild and restructure the movie industry. Our members should be able to have a gain of being an association not just sitting down to talk. With TGMA (The Golden Movie Ambassador), what are your achievements so far? We have done quite a lot, we decided to empower movies. These people have suffered for this industry yet their families have been abandoned. This is why we made it a point of duty to assist them, especially some of them with the talents of singing and composing. We have to learn how to help others who are in need. They are part of us and we have to show that we care about them. As an actor who acts both in English and Yoruba movies, which of these sectors is more rewarding? Both are rewarding, depending on how you package yourself. Like I said, a movie has no language. Yoruba and English movies are both rewarding, it all depends on your presentation. If you invite me, I see both as equal and I charge for it. It is a moving picture that is what I charge for. So, it depends on you, it has nothing with one language or the other. As for me, they are both equal, and I charge depending on what I want to do. He is from the theatre family He was born in Enugu and grew up in the North Hails from Ibadan and mother from Kwara

State He speaks Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa

Society circle L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Isaac Oguntoye

On Ladi Adebutu governorship ambition It ss no longer news that Hon. Ladi Adebutu of the House of Representatives is running for Ogun governorship come 2019. And his chances of becoming the next governor of Ogun State is very high based on his role and contributions on

Saying that Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos State Governor has done tremendously well in the area of infrastructure, massive repair of street-

that would improve on living standard in rural areas. Aside that, over the last 2 reaching out to stakeholders in the state. ite businessmen-turned politician who has also translated his concepts for good governance into several empowerments and welfare schemes for members of his constituency. These range from skills acquisition programmes, community development projects to trade establishment and scholarship schemes.

Ambode turns a deaf ear

of the state is like stating the obvious. Major roads are are being tarred which

Ladi Adebutu

Who is after Femi Otedolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family?

with high quality constructions. But one thing that has been causing sleepless night in Lagos lately is dirt. Heaps of refuse back on Lagos streets and there have been compalaints both to the direct agency and on the social media but the governor is yet to address the issue. The poor sanitary condition of some areas and major estates within the state is nothing to talk about. Meanwhile, many have blamed this

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode

latest development on the new government trating the operators.

Elumeluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for skill acquisition The Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Mr. Tony Elumelu, is known for his ready to help lifestyle. Call him a

Femi Otedola

Femi Otedola is a Nigerian businessman, entrepreneur philanthropist, and chairman of Forte Oil Plc, an importer of fuel product. Aside being listed among the top billionaires in the world by Forbes, he is a down to earth Nigerian businessman. But one thing they say in life is that as you grow in riches and your wealth attracts top guns in the business arena, so do your enemies multiply. This is what best describe what rumour mongers have been spreading about Nana, the half-caste wife of billionaire oil magnate. Nana Otedola, the Managing Director, Garment Care, who is blessed with adorable chil-

dren, alleged extra marital affairs. In the allegation, the embattled former HiTV boss was said to have been alwife in their UK abode sometime ago. But the funny part is that Nana who loves her husband dearly was said have been contemplating divorce. One thing that will strike you about this virtuous woman is that she always strike a balance in her businesses and maintains a social life while satisfying the needs of her children, work, family and home. So, the question on the lips of many is where on earth will she have the time to engage in extra marital affairs?

far from the truth. His foundation has become a light of hope for every youth who can take the bull by the horn when it comes to following their dreams. Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires some mentorship and capital. So, what the ever-busy and advocate of united Africa economy does is helping the youths achieved their dreams. Aside coming up with schemes that will enable them have access to fund, Tony Elumelu is a in educating every prospective entrepreneur. This uniqueness has endeared him to many world leaders. Few days ago, Elumelu pointed out on the side-lines of the 2018 World Economic Forum currently ongoing in Davos, Switzerland that organisations must come together to provide solutions to key challenges negatively impacting African economies, especially with regards to power supply and infrastructural

Tony Elumelu

challenges which are the major issues that the economies have had to grapple with. He seized the opportunity to commend organisations that empowering 10,000 African youths such as the International Red Cross Society, which according to him, has helped to create more opportunities

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Society circle L5

Isaac Oguntoye

Three major clubs shutdown...

with happenings in Ogba

that there are three major clubs within the area that used to be the converging

Many had thought the roving socialite will be relocating the club to a bigger space but the reverse was the case as the club disappeared

a good structure with was also shut without creative content provider, Sola Fajobi which was

Where is Kemi Nelson? Frontline society woman,

socialite who is always on ground when it comes to ma said the society woman who is popularly known as Yeye

anyone could say Jack Robbisson, the building was rented out

time that she hardly has time member, James Faleke, legal battle to become The place was closed

to start rolling her sleeves as the 2019 general election

The third on the list is

Kwame

Lagos Big Boy, Chris Erondu’s style of business

Administration played a ma jor role during the 2015 presi expected to do the same

Slon Records presents ‘Jumbo’ with ‘Omo Boi’ The creative and talented artiste, Olawale Michael Ogunleye, artistically known as Jumbo, recently made his entrance into the music scene and has dropped a

street hit, which is enjoying

to impact his creativity and

in his early 20s started his music as a chorister and studio production in 2011 and he has three singles to

clubs and even on radio

The song is a motivational

is working tediously to make sure their teeming custom that the owner has started installing some new ultramodern equipment complementing it with new interior and some

Jumbo has chosen the big industry players, Dbanj, 9ice and the sensational David Adeleke, Davido, as his role When he was asked who he will choose as his possibly do a collabo with, he mentioned Dbanj, rapper Olamide and Davido who

Jumbo, whose real names are Olawale Michael Ogunleye, just pitched his tent with Slon Records and penned a management deal is set to make a name in the music industry, with

Computer Science at the

he does not hang any air

achievements since he blew up as a songwriter, rapper

sible to keep the environment secure while setting a good next superstar and ready

Jumbo

Society feature

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Foluke Adeboye, Faith Oyedepo, others top jist of five prominent pastorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wives

Pastor Foluke Adeboye Many call her mummy G.O. but her real name

Pastor Foluke Adeboye

Faith Oyedepo

children. Nike Adeyemi

Ibidun Ighodalo

Nike Adeyemi

Apostle Lanre Samson

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Mixed Grill L7

Mutiat Alli

Big Brother returns this weekend

AFRIMA celebrates life of African music icon, the late Hugh Masekela

The highly anticipated third edition of -

7pm Nigerian time. -

the grand prize of an The

premiere

fol-

the African continent. -

The International Committee of AFRIMA

edition gathered for a

citing edition of the Big

Praiz, Simi, Adekunle Gold to headline biggest outdoor live music concert

Adeniyi Johnson, Toyo Baby, others for Everjoy World Valentine gig

Praiz

Living & DĂŠcor L8

Daily Times Nigeria

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Folarin Leonard

5 steps to keep your children in their room Children are heavenly gifts and the evident result of love. This love should naturally be extended to these children. Children live in their own world and have a completely different perception to life compared to adults. Therefore, it is important to make them feel comfortable in that world that produce outstanding children. Sleep is essential and for children who have less to worry about, their comfort zone should be considered. Their bed! your approach should be much different from decorating an adult bedroom. For kids, their bedroom is where they play, rest, have personal time and maybe have friends over for games or sleep over, read, listen to music or just day-dream. So apply these few steps of providing comfort. Know your child This step is essential in every sense as a parent or guardian. Their hobbies, likes, dislikes even favorite movies should be part of your knowledge. Talk to your child, Find out what activities and fantasies he or she enjoys, what their favorite that a theme could portray. This will determine their bed and room elements and properties. Make it Functional You should make the room multi-functional. Since children use their room for many activities besides sleeping, it should have several different zones, such as a play area, reading area, and entertainment area. Some beds are designed with book shelves and compartments. Warming Comfort Soft and comfortable fabrics should be used and versatile. Patterns should be repeated in other items in the room, such as in pillows, bed sheet, both task lighting for homework and reading, and important. Use wallpaper or paint to add color and texture You can apply borders along the top edges of the walls, and clouds or stars on the ceiling. Make sure walls are washable, so if you are using paint, bright colors.

Allow your child to select the design theme be it angels, rainbows, unicorns, baseball, a bedroom for a princess or kings, underwater scenery, outer space, race cars, airplanes, trains, jungle motifs, wizards and dragons, and dinosaurs. Decorating with your child offers a great opportunity to display your playful side, while doing some memorable family bonding. While doing this and the choosing, make sure you consider the safety of the child as well, usually, it is advised to avoid iron and wood with sharp edges. If you are installing a bunk bed, attach a step to the bunk and discourage jumping. Furthermore, if you have babies, ensure safety measures are taken every step of the way. Your stairs in the home is expected to be baby-friendly and without sharp edges. A Remember that babies aged eight months and

older like to copy what adults are doing. Your baby mostly wants to play with the items he sees you using. So paper and scissors, Mp3 players, tablets, phones, cookware, and tools all have enormous appeal. Also remember their convenience. You may need to urinate directly in the water closet. This will reduce the messiness of the toilet seat. This water closet however, should be locked and kids will need the presence of an adult so as not to fall in with his/her butt.