Dtn 27 12 17

THE

DAILY

Heritage Bank partners Folio Group on Miss Nigeria

TIMES

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

dailytimesnigeria

Johnson Ayantunji, Lagos

ÏÏÏ The Heritage Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to partner with Folio Group, publishers of Daily Times of Nigeria, in reviving the culture of empowering women.

The bank’s Head, Corporate

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

Communications, Fela Ibidapo, made this known in Lagos after Miss Ehiguese Peace, representative of Adamawa State, emerged as Miss Nigeria 2017 in a keenly contested beauty pageant at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ibidapo, who spoke with jourContinued on page 6

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 537

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ATMs, fuel scarcity mar Yuletide celebrations

Ï Fuel scarcity easing in Lagos as fun seekers shun N’ Theatre Ï Osinbajo: NNPC, not FG, bears cost of subsidy Ï Our depots empty, we’re not hoarding fuel -Marketers

Ganiyu Obaaro, Motolani Oseni, Joy Ekeke, Lagos and Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The combination of fuel scarcity and the inability of Automated Teller MaContinued on page 5

Fun seekers during the Boxing Day celebration at the Palms Mall Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo State…on Tuesday.

Why we need $1bn ECA fund for security B1 - Lai Mohammed

Transcorp Hotels Calabar wins 2017 Safety Award B5

Christmas Day Tragedy: Policeman shoots colleague in Bayelsa 26

Weah v Boakai: Jonathan sues for credible rerun in Liberia 5

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

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News

Yuletide: ATMs, fuel scarcity mar celebrations Continued from page 1 chines (ATMs) to dispense cash to bank customers have prevented some Nigerians from marking the Yuletide celebrations, especially the Boxing Day on Tuesday.

The Boxing Day, which is a unique day after Christmas, is usually celebrated with fanfare as families and friends use the occasion to visit their loved ones and ex-

change gifts.

It is interesting to note that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has recently announced that Nigeria, which has been reeling under recession since late 2015, has exited from the negative trend.

Nigerians, from across the country and in the Diaspora, heaved a sigh of relief.

To them, the recession and its associated pains, pangs, has after all become a thing of the past; and they could

look into the future with optimism.

But barely two weeks to this year’s Christmas came the hydra headed fuel crisis.

To Nigerians’ chagrin, the scarcity of petroleum which was initially noticed in Lagos and Abuja, soon spread across the country, leaving in its wake, hike in the prices of petroleum products, particularly, Petroleum Motor Spirit( PMS); transport fares, thus leaving commuters stranded, while

also impacting negatively on businesses and homes.

In spite of government assurances that the crisis would be addressed as soon as possible, the managers of the nation’s petroleum industry sub-sector, the minister of state for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; and Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, could not do so, as the crisis assumed a worsening

Enugu State Cultural Troupe performing at the 2017 Calabar Cultural Carnival in Calabar, Cross River State… on Tuesday.

proportion, leading to long queues, black marketeering and other socio-economic challenges.

But reports from Lagos and other parts of the country, showed that the fuel crisis seems to be easing as at Tuesday. Investigations by our correspondents indicate that long queues and crowds that usually characterized some of the fuel stations in the past one week, are fast thinning out, with some motorists driving into the filing stations and attended to within few minutes.

At the Oando Petrol Station along Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, NNPC outlets along Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway, and elsewhere across the nation, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel as motorists were able to buy fuel with ease. It is expected that by the end of the week, Nigerians could begin to say Uhuru.

But for many Nigerians, this year’s Yuletide is that of mixed feelings.

Some Nigerians also claimed that the experience was that of bleak Christmas celebration.

One area which some Nigerians have expressed frustration is the banking sector.

Some said they had issues with some of the banks’ Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as the machines

could not dispense cash.

Bank customers in Lagos, Ogun State and Oyo states , among many other states in the country and Abuja, faced different challenges associated to transactions failure at various ATMs points during the national public holidays, as the machines became cashless.

In our fact findings, our correspondents observed that the ATMs of most of the commercial banks before closure for the holidays, witnessed mammoth crowd in their different banking halls and ATM galleries.

Visits by our correspondents to several banks in most parts of Lagos over the weekend y showed that long queues had become a common sight at their ATM points.

Customers preparing for Christmas and New Year festivities, findings showed, were busy withdrawing cash from the ATMs to buy food items, dresses, decorations and other things needed to make the Yuletide an exciting experience but many got frustrated and went home disappointed.

In separate interviews, bank customers who spoke to our correspondent, said, “I need to prepare for the Christmas; I have come to withdraw some cash for my Continued on page 6

Weah vs Boakai: Jonathan sues for credible rerun in Liberia Bonny Amadi

with agency reports

ÏÏÏ

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for credible election in Tuesday (Boxing Day’s) Presidential election rerun in Liberia.

The development came just as Liberia’s presidential hopeful, George Weah, is on a history making lap of his ambition to become the country’s president, having been defeated in controversial circumstances in two earlier attempts.

Political analysts have said that the emergence of Weah as Liberia’s president in the run-off, would position Liberia and Africa as emerging stronger democratic country and continent respectively.

Jonathan, who is serving as the co-leader of the delegation of the United States’ National Democratic Institute (NDI) International Elections Observation Mission to the poll, stated that

only peaceful and crisis free rerun would show the African country and the continent as making great impact to global peace and democratic development.

The run-off election is being contested by the ruling Unity Party candidate and current Vice President, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, and the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) candidate, George Weah.

Jonathan, alongside Atifete Jahjaga, former president of Kosovo and other NDI leaders met separately with both Weah and Boakai, urging them to appeal to their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully during and after the poll.

Jonathan said: “In any election, there are winners and losers. Only one presidential candidate will be declared winner.

“The other should accept the election results to avoid a political crisis, especially if there are no good

grounds to challenge the outcome.”

A statement by the media adviser to the former President, Mr Ikechukwu Eze, also quoted Jonathan as urging the political parties, the National Electoral Commission, and security outfits to play their roles, ensure a peaceful, inclusive and transparent electoral process.

Jonathan also noted that Nigeria and other West African nations played vital roles in stabilizing the nation and appealed to Liberians not to do anything that could jeopardise the postwar peace in the land.

He said: “The economy of Liberia will benefit immensely from a positive and peaceful outcome, as a free and fair process would go a long way in reassuring investors that the country is now safe for lasting investment.

“If the election fails, it means Liberia has failed; it also means that Liberia

has failed West Africa and failed the entire Africa.”

Meanwhile, Weah is about to make history if he wins the presidential election, having been defeated in controversial circumstances in two earlier attempts.

Local news report has revealed that Liberia’s serving vice president, Joseph Boakai has assured that he would accept defeat if he loses in the run-off.

The former soccer star, Weah and Boakai are competing in a presidential election run-off on Tuesday to replace outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after two terms, the maximum allowed under Liberia’s constitution.

The former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain player, George Weah, defeated Ms. Johnson Sirleaf in the first round in 2005 but lost to her in the subsequent run-off.

In 2011, when he ran as a

running mate to the opposition candidate, his coalition boycotted the vote, citing irregularities.

The former soccer star faces Boakai in the poll that was held up for several weeks by a court challenge fby Charles Brumskine, the third place candidate in the first round.

Weah, 51, is said to have a lot of support among the youths and has called for change and the poor living in the capital, Monrovia.

He won the first round but failed to secure the 50%+ needed to emerge as president, hence Tuesday’s runoff.

Weah is challenging the ruling party’s candidate and current vice-president Joseph Boakai in the race to succeed Africa’s first democratically elected female president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Sirleaf beat Weah in a 2006 runoff to emerge president and has been in charge

for the last 12 years. This will be the country’s first democratic transition in its scarred history. It is clearly a case of Weah’s celebrity status and political maturity over the years against the technocratic and presidential experience of his opponent Boakai.

But the turnouts of voters were reported to be low while the outcome is expected to lead to the first smooth transfer of power in 73 years.

More than two million people are eligible to cast their ballots in the country of 4.6 million people, founded by freed US slaves in the 19th Century.

The casting of votes will closed at about 18:00 local time (the same time GMT), with the results of the election expected during the week.

Boakai, 73, has been Liberia’s vice-president for 12 years but does not seem to enjoy the support of his boss.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Yuletide: ATMs, fuel scarcity mar celebrations

Continued from page 5

wife to get some dresses for the children but I can no longer continue with this long queue.”

Another bank customer at one of the new generation banks in Ijaiye, a suburb of Lagos, was not in any way different, as desperate customers were seen at the bank and other banks in the area, including other banks in the area.

Our further checks on Christmas and Boxing Day were a bit different from the experience recorded before the festival, as bank customers now complain of cash dispensation, which they believed was because their

various banks failed to load the ATMs with fresh cash.

Similar situation was observed at various ATM centres in Apogbon, Ilupeju, Agege, Ogba, Iyana Ipaja, Abule-Egba, Alakuko, Ikeja, Magodo and Ojodu in Lagos.

But bank customers told our correspondent that they were happy that the long queues at the filling stations have reduced significantly.

They were ,however, surprised to see that virtually all the ATM machines were not dispensing cash.

A security man in one of the generation banks, who pleaded anonymity, said the situation was made worse by most Nigerians withdrawing cash to travel

to their home towns for the Yuletide.

A business man, Richard Adekunle, said: “I am here to withdraw money for the family needs, but I cannot; it is frustrating indeed. It is sad that we are still experiencing this kind of situation. It is important that the banks deploy robust technologies for e-banking “Let banks bring in robust technology that will boost the e-banking business to eliminate the embarrassment and frustration that their clients are subjected to, especially during public holidays and weekends.”

Linking the current state of the Nigerian economy to the massive withdrawal

during the holiday, a professor of Economics at the University of Uyo, Leo Ukpong, said the impact of the recession would be felt after the Yuletide, pointing out that most bank customers were withdrawing cash from the savings they had made for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Apart from the banking sector issue over the ATM points, which became noticeable during the celebrations, other areas, including entertainment industry, parks, were negatively affected by the fuel crisis.

For example, the National Theatre Complex in Iganmu, Lagos, was on Tuesday devoid of the usual Boxing

Fun seekers at the National Children Park and Zoo in Abuja… on Tuesday.

Day buzzing activities, as only few fun seekers were seen at the monument.

It was further gathered that there was little to suggest that Boxing Day was taking place in the premises, as the usual carnival-like atmosphere was absent.

Also, only handful of people were seen in the open ground overlooking the theatre as well as other spots around the premises.

Patronage was low for restaurants and kiosk owners, as they waited on end for customers. A couple of families were seen eating and drinking in some of the restaurants.

A bar owner in the premises, Mr. Clement Duru, complained of low patronage, saying that business was not good owing to low number of visitors. Duru also blamed the situation on scarcity of petrol pervading every part of the country.

He said that the situation prevented many people from going out to have fun that usually characterised the second day of Christmas.

He said, “My brother, business is really bad today.

People are not coming to the theatre to celebrate Christmas and Boxing Day this year. Of course, the petrol crisis is the major cause, coupled with the nation’s economic issues. Things are just too low here,’’ Duru said that he has not recorded 20 per cent of what he normally made during Yuletide period owing to the situation.

A fun seeker, Mr. Simeon Akinboboye, said that he did not get as much fun as he would have loved to get

at the theatre. Akinboboye said he was disappointed that he did not see many people coming for fun at the complex this year.

He blamed the situation on petrol crisis, saying that many fun seekers preferred to stay indoors to avoid the stress of coming to the theatre.

“The whole place is dry. It is not as it used to be. Obviously, it is the fuel problem.

People don’t have fuel to go out,” he added.

In her own comment, Mrs. Ngozi Emmanuel, said her family decided to come to have fun in spite of the petrol crisis. Emmanuel said that she enjoyed the atmosphere as it was not as rowdy as it used to be, adding it was good for her kind of nature.

According to her, the fuel situation probably prevented many fun seekers from coming out, especially those coming from far distances.

“Though, turn out is low, it is still okay. I have fun,’’ Emmanuel added.

Another fun seeker, who simply identified himself as Austin, urged the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the persistent petrol scarcity, especially during the festive period. He said that this would allow Nigerians to move about without stress during festive period.

But clearing the air on who bears the cost of subsidy on petrol, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) bears the cost of fuel subsidy and not the Federal GovContinued on page 7

Heritage Bank partners Folio Group on Miss Nigeria Continued from page 1 nalists immediately after Ehiguese was crowned the queen, said: “We are partnering with Folio Group to empower women”, adding that this is what the Daily Times used to be known for and we want to help them to revive it.

“Our involvement in this is not because of beauty per se, it’s primarily to empower ladies and women generally; to encourage them to always put in their best in whatever they do to make a living.”

Ibidapo agreed that the impact of the initiative

might not be so visible in the short-term, but he was so optimistic that it would impact positively on their contributions to the nation-building process in the long run.

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of Folio Media Group/ Publisher of The Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, said the group would use the Miss Nigeria pageant to create a strong female platform, adding that the group has signed a partnership deal with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over the next five years to tackle the

scourge of human trafficking.

He said as part of strategy to empower contestants in the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant, the group has resolved to give five percent of its top lined revenue to be shared among them, adding that this year about N4.1million will be given to them.

Former Governor of Ogun State and former Managing Director of The Daily Times, Aremo Segun Osoba noted that the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant was part of the history of Nigeria and commended Anosike for keeping the history alive.

In her contribution, Mrs. Helen Prest, a former Miss Nigeria in 1979, observed that Miss Nigeria was a platform for empowering women, noting that before the advent of social media, Miss Nigeria was the social platform for young women to dream and make their dreams realities.

She said she was happy that the pageant was being revived by the new management of The Daily Times because it provides opportunities for young girls who are polished, good mannered, wellspoken and poised to attain national recognition

by drawing attention to causes and empowerment for women.

Ehiguese was not the only attraction of the night as Miss Rita Chinedu, representing Delta State and Miss Benjamin Anne Ufuomanefe, representing Ondo State were first and second runnerups.

Miss Cross River, Ana Victoria Lawrence emerged as Miss Emerald Queen, after winning the task organised by Heritage Bank, which centred on assessing the contestants on their knowledge, complement, fluency, articulation, appearance

based on ingenuity and creativity of the Nigerian contemporary hairstyles.

It is instructive to note that Miss Ifidon Sarah representing Edo State and Miss Onyeabo Amarachi representing Abia State emerged first and second runner ups respectively.

For her effort , Chinedu, in addition to an unspecified sum of money, went home with an artefact (African queen bronze head in a moulded box). The development, the organisers said, speaks of African culture and symbolic of the bank’s pride of its heritage.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

7

News

Yuletide: ATMs, fuel scarcity mar celebrations Continued from page 6 ernment.

NAN reports that the vicepresident clarified this on Monday, while answering questions from journalists after visiting the Oando and Total depot in Apapa, Lagos.

Osinbajo said, “NNPC is trading in fuel; the Federal Government is not, at the moment, paying for any subsidy. NNPC is trading.

“If you are buying and selling fuel, you would have to be able to pay for it. So, it’s not a question of government provision for subsidy, the federal government, at the moment, isn’t paying any subsidy.

“And don’t forget that the way that the NNPC trades is that, in many cases, NNPC is actually giving fuel; there

is 445,000 barrels of fuel.

“So, really, what you are seeing, in many cases, is more or less an exchange for PMS. So, at the moment, NNPC is paying the cost.”

While speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, the NNPC group managing director, ADR Maikanti Baru, had said that the landing cost of petrol is now N171 as against the official retail price of N145.

Sequel to President Muhammadu Buhari’s order on any one found hoarding petrol, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), has said that its members’ depots are empty, insisting that they are not hoarding fuel and are therefore not responsible for the crippling fuel crisis.

In a statement signed by its executive secretary, Olufemi Adewole, the DAPPMA said there are bound to be issues when the NNPC takes on the role of “sole importer” in the prevailing situation.

The association said, “It is on record that any time NNPC assumes the role of sole importer, there are issues of distribution, because it is marketers who own 80 percent of the functional receptive facilities and retail outlets in Nigeria.

“Historically, DAPPMA members imported about 65 percent of the nation’s total fuel consumption. Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) imports about 15 percent and PPMC/NNPC imports the

balance of 20 percent.

“However this scenario changed drastically due to several challenges faced by marketers.

“Our members’ depots are presently empty. However, if the PPMC/NNPC can provide us with petrol, we are ready to do 24-hour loading to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians and for the fuel queues to be totally eliminated.”

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the association said its members would have to rely on subsidy to import fuel because the landing cost of petrol is already above N145 per litre.

According to the association, about 800 million litres of petrol have been ordered and paid for without it being

Some people salvaging their belongings at the scene of communal crisis in Bwari Area Council, Abuja…on Tuesday.

programmed or loaded.

It said, “Sadly, some people have blamed marketers for hoarding products. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth.

“Hoarding is regarded as economic sabotage and we assure all Nigerians that our members are not involved in such illicit act.

“We, petroleum products marketers, do empathise with all Nigerians who are going through difficulties at this time by spending hours on fuel queues because of the current fuel scarcity due to no fault of theirs.”

As Nigerians look up to the New Year with greater optimism, the association said the nation’s leaders must at least for once give them something to cheer.

No respite in Abuja Meanwhile the scarcity of petrol has continued unabated despite concerted efforts by the government to restore normalcy in the supply of the petroleum products in the country.

While Lagos and other major cities in the countries have seen respite in the supply and availability of petroleum in most dispensing stations on Tuesday, the situation in Abuja appeared very different as most filling stations were either shutdown or with long queues.

Few days before the Christmas, the situation became very tense as most people spend days on queues scampering fuel for their vehicles.

When one our correspondents went round some filling stations in Abuja, the queues had dramatically disappeared due to non-availability of

the product.

Some popular dispensing stations visited in Wuse 2, Maitama, Central Business District Area were empty and when our correspondent sought explanation on why they were not selling fuel, the attendants simply said they had exhausted their products two days ago and awaiting fresh supply of the product.

One of the attendants at Forte Oil filling station in Maitama who craved anonymity, said that their product finished on Sunday, adding that they were told that they would get fresh supply on Christmas. She ,however, stated that the filling station was yet to receive any supply as at Tuesday.

But the Daily Times checks showed that most of the filling stations along Kubwa Expressway were dispersing the product to motorists while the queues were endless.

For the Airport Road in Abuja, the situation was not different as long queues took over one part of the road while some of the motorists were seen fighting one another in a bid to get fuel.

One of the motorists, Mr Iliya Dauda, said that he had been on the queue since 12 am on Christmas Day. He also lamented that it took him almost 20 hours before he could fill his tank.

He also appealed to the federal government to find a quick solution to the fuel crisis, saying that if the situation is not addressed before the resumption of work on Wednesday, most workers may not be able to go to work due to high cost of transportation.

N69bn fraud has nothing to do with Jonathan’s campaign finance – Olejeme Tunde Opalana, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The embattled former

chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, has claimed that her invitation and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegation of N69billion fraud has nothing to do with former President Goodluck Jonathan campaign finance committee.

Olejeme also stated that contrary to media report that she was arrested, she said that she submitted herself before the commission in order clear the wrong allegations leveled

against her.

In a statement made available in Abuja on Tuesday by her Media Aide, Stanley Imoko, Olejeme, disclosed that the allegations which led to her detention has nothing to do with Jonathan campaign finance committee as alleged but about where she worked as part time chairman of NSITF. The media aide added that contrary to the EFCC allegation, no money was traced to the account of Olejeme neither was any money given to the Jonathan campaign organisation or the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP by her.

The statement reads in

part, : “Our attention has been drawn to erroneous media reports about the circumstance surrounding the issues Olejeme is currently having with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. “While we recognise the constitutional right of the media to inform the public, we are inclined to set the records straight by stating what has transpired so far between Olejeme and the EFCC. “ Olejeme, who was declared wanted three months ago by EFCC for alleged diversion of several billions of Naira in NSITF where she was a part time Chairman dur-

ing the last administration, turned herself in voluntarily to EFCC on Monday, December 18, 2017 in order to clear her name which the alleged story of diversion tried to smear.

“Olejeme was appointed a part time chairman of the agency when the agency was moribund and comatose, having been divested of its core responsibility of managing pension funds of Nigerian workers by the New Reform Pension Act of 2004 .

“Olejeme’s dexterity saw the enactment of a new law by the National Assembly that gave some responsibilities ( like social scheme compensation for employees who suf-

fer injury or death in the course of their duties) to the agency and which resurrected the agency back to life.

“The agency that had only two functional offices when she was appointed, witnessed a tremendous growth both in offices across the length and breadth of Nigeria and personnel from 80 employees to about 7,000 by the time she exited from the board.

Imoko also claimed that Olejeme was at the NSITF as part time chairman and putting extra effort to grow the agency which made it a toast today, saying that she was unaware that the management of

the agency were busy diverting some of the monies of the agency to themselves.

“Olejeme got to know about this when she was declared wanted by EFCC for alleged diversion of several billions of Naira by her and the management.

“More shocking to her was the conspiracy of some of the management staff of the agency to heap all their nefarious activities on her head while she was away on the demonic understanding that she may not come back to defend herself, having known of her health challenge while abroad”, Imoko added.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Buhari’s age controversy, a national disgrace - PDP Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The leadership of

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday labelled as a “national disgrace” the declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari, that he had all the while believed he was 74 this year until when he was told that he was 75 this year.

They also charged President Buhari to consider turning in his resignation letter as someone who does not know his age cannot know how to manage the affairs of a nation.

The party in a statement on Tuesday signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Prince Diran Odeyemi, the party said that “many Nigerians and even the global community must have been taken aback that a 21st century leader of a country like Nigeria did not know his real year of birth.”

According to the party, Buhari should honourably tender his resignation to

avoid further slowing down the country because of his age, and to also save our corporate image as a country that has a President with “occasional memory failure.”

The PDP queried “How many other inconsistencies are in Mr. President’s bio data submitted to INEC? We are sure there are more. And the world is waiting on the body to give details about our President”.

“We advise INEC to revisit those forms President Buhari filled in all elections he had participated in, especially those he filled before 2015 elections to unearth other inconsistencies therein. In a normal clime, electoral umpire would have set in motion verification modalities to avoid further national embarrassment and expose Mr President.

“Come to think of it, a leader that does not know his real age, could not be said, to have sound knowledge of the people and

country he governs, let alone knowing the peculiarities of the governed.

This is simply not the kind of president Nigeria needs at the moment.

“Not too long ago, Nigeria became laughing stock with the inappropriate designation of German Chancellor, Angela Merkel as President of West Germany by President Buhari.

“We recall President Buhari once admitted that his age would slow down his performance in office.

For a country that could fall into emergency situation anytime, like the present governments failing induced fuel scarcity, we don’t need a president that forgets things easily.

“We advise Mr. President to consider turning in his resignation letter to avoid further slowing down the country because of his age, and to also save our corporate image as a country that had a Presidential with “occasional memory failure.”

Gani Adams greatest Yoruba of his generation - Daniel Patrick Okohue

ÏÏÏ Former

governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has described the Aare Ona Kakanfo designate, Otunba Gani Adams as a man of principle, who is not moved by immediate gains, adding that “I have not seen a greatest Yoruba man in your generation.”

Daniel made the statement at his Asoludero palatial home when he played host to Aare Adams during a courtesy call.

Welcoming Adams to his home, Otunba Daniel described his visitor as someone he shares similar ideological views with especially in the area of Yoruba emancipation, “I welcome you to Asoludero, your second home, I want to specially congratulate you.

“I am happy with the decision of Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeymi who many don’t know I have a special relationship with as a close friend of my late father. It is not misplaced

to have made you the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land.

“I have come to see you as a very principled man who does not worship money, I have seen you rubbish people with money over your principled stand, I have not seen a greater Yoruba man in your generation, you have galvanised our people through Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and lately Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) now in 79 countries, you have become a phenomenon, a perfect example of a self made man, we are for you come rain, when it is sunny, during the day and at night,” he said.

Aare Adams in his speech expressed his appreciation to the former governor of Ogun State for his good deeds in the past, adding that although the position of Aare Ona Kakanfo is a non partisan one, he will relate with all Yoruba sons and daughters irrespective of their political affiliation.

He added that it will be a

great disservice to the personality of Otunba Daniel if he does not pay him a visit after his appointment as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

Describing Otunba Daniel as a true son of Oduduwa, Adams analysed the many positive roles he played in resolving the factional crisis which stopped unnecessary bloodshed in 2005 within the Oodua People’s Congress then.

“In 2005, same year when I was arrested and detained, he took the risk to visit me in detention as a sitting governor with the then Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero who he appealed to ensure that I would not be maltreated before being taken to court.

“Otunba Daniel nominated me as a member of his transition committee which I seeded to my Ogun State OPC Coordinator to represent me in the Committee, among several other good deeds; you are a true son of Oduduwa,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

9 News

Falana faults Kachikwu, Baru over fuel scarcity

Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏA

Voters queuing to vote during the Tuesday’s Presidential Run-Off Election in Monrovia, Liberia…on Tuesday.

Buhari, APC chieftains felicitate with Dogara at 50 Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, as he turned 50 years.

Buhari joined the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association, friends and family of the “erudite and charismatic leader” in celebrating the years of remarkable achievements and awards that have culminated into this golden jubilee.

The President, in a statement on Tuesday by his Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, extolled Dogara’s humility, simplicity and discipline in providing exceptional

leadership for the lower house for over two years by diligently bridging the gaps and creating a harmonious atmosphere for debates and exchange of ideas for national development.

President Buhari affirmed that the Speaker’s personal attributes of selflessness, maturity and friendliness have substantially eased the relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arm, resulting in the passage of bills that directly impact the livelihood of Nigerians.

He said, “On behalf of the Federal Executive Council and all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari warmly felicitates with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, as he

turns 50 years.”

Recalling his personal interactions with the Speaker, and having followed his political trajectory in the House of Representatives, Buhari believes Nigeria’s future can only be secured with great leadership by younger Nigerians, who are fired with the zeal to build one great nation that everyone can call a home.

Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant the Speaker longer life, good health and wisdom to serve the country and humanity.

In his tribute, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank said that Dogara has made the youths of the country proud adding that his emergence as Speaker of the Lower House has

turned out to be a blessing to the younger generation and the party.

Also, he said that he had never doubted the capacity of the Bauchi born politician to lead the green chambers.

He described Dogara as a torchbearer for the younger generation in the current political dispensation adding that: “Despite the circumstances surrounding the speaker’s emergence, he has remained loyal and committed to the party.

“I am proud of your legislative dynamism. I am proud of your intelligence, humility, hardwork, honesty and integrity. I celebrate the grace of God upon your life. In you and your likes lies the hope of our democracy”, he said.

senior lawyer, Mr Fem Falana (SAN) has said that Maikanti Baru, group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Ibe Kachikwu, minister of state for petroleum, deceived Nigerians by saying there was enough fuel to supply consumers.

In a statement on Monday, Falana said despite the assurance given by the duo, the scarcity of the product has persisted, causing some people to sleep over at filling stations just to buy fuel.

“In view of the shortage of petrol throughout the country it is indubitably clear that Messrs Kachukwu and Baru deliberately set out to deceive the Nigerian people when they gave the misleading impression that there was enough fuel to cater for all consumers,” Falana said.

“On December 7, 2017, the federal executive council (FEC) was reported to have ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the ministry of petroleum resources to address the fuel scarcity in some parts of the country at the material time.

“The decision was conveyed to Nigerians by the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed at the end of the FEC meeting which held in Abuja on that day.

“The minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachukwu who could not attend the meeting was said to have given FEC assurance that there was no cause for alarm. According to Mr. Mohammed, Kachikwu had told the FEC that there was enough fuel in the country to last till Janu-

Fuel Crisis: Group condemns petroleum marketers over hoarding ÏÏÏThe

lingering fuel crisis in Nigeria has been attributed to the nefarious activities of petroleum marketers who are hoarding the products to create artificial scarcity thereby sabotaging the efforts of government to make the premium motor spirit available to the citizenry in the country.

In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by a pressure group, Peace and Media Advocacy jointly signed by the national Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo and Secretary Mallam Us-

man Galadima respectively, the lamented that the unpatriotic activities of major and independent petroleum marketers is thwarting the efforts of government to make petrol available in the fuelling stations nationwide.

PMAG stated that despite appreciation in the price of crude oil in the international market to about $65 per barrel and the shunning of petroleum importation by the oil marketers, the NNPC management led by the group managing Director (GMD), Dr Maikanti Baru is doing its best to make petroleum prod-

ucts available nationwide.

Continuing, the noted that the NNP’s concerted efforts to restore sanity in the supply and distribution of petroleum products was being jeopardized by certain cabals in the sector who allegedly are hoarding the product.

Okoronkwo said, “Some independent and major petroleum marketers are responsible for the current scarcity of petroleum products in Nigeria because they are hoarding and smuggling it across the borders.”

The group commended

the NNPC for deploying proactive measures to arrest the current fuel crisis in the country.

PMAG stated that recently, the NNPC was vindicated by the stoppage of the smuggling of over 100 trucks loaded with petroleum products in Kano.

They also gave kudos to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for bursting an illegal fuel dump in Abuja, and enjoined all Nigerians to cooperate with the government by giving useful information to arrest the unpatriotic activities of the

economic saboteurs who for selfish reasons are responsible for the biting fuel crisis.

Furthermore, the group lauded the NNPC for increasing the contribution of both the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to about 61 million liters adding that the Corporation has been the sole importer of petroleum for the past one year.

Also, they urged the government to wield the big stick on marketers alleged to be sabotaging the genuine efforts of the Buhari administration to arrest the ongoing crisis.

ary 2018. And that there was no intention by the federal government to increase the pump price of fuel.

“Nigerians were also informed that the group managing director of NNPC, Maikanti Baru, had cut short his trip to London as queues returned to the country’s filling stations.

“Before leaving for London, Baru had said, ‘For the umpteenth time, I wish to call on all Nigerians to stop panic buying. We have said times without number that NNPC has sufficient products to cater for the needs of all consumers’.

“Baru was further reported to have directed that more truckloads of petroleum products be dispatched to various parts of the country to cushion the effects of excessive demand caused by panic buying.”

Falana said neither Baru nor Kachikwu has apologised to Nigerians for the hardship caused by their assurances.

He also said President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the minister of petroleum, has failed to explain to Nigerians the cause of the fuel scarcity.

He added that if the federal government claims it has fuel, it should make the product available throughout the country.

“Since the assurance was given over three weeks ago, the fuel crisis has been compounded without any solution in sight,” he said.

“Up till now, both highly placed officials have not tendered a public apology for engaging in public deceit.

Neither has the substantive minister of petroleum resources, President Muhammadu Buhari explained the cause of the ongoing fuel crisis which has subjected the Nigerian people to untold misery and agony.

“Although the federal government has continued to assure the nation that there is no plan to increase the price of petrol, the independent marketers have

said that they can no longer import refined fuel and sell at N145 per litre.

“Convinced that the government lacks the political will to deal with them the marketers have illegally increased the pump price of the product to N300 per litre in several parts of the country.

“The cheap blackmail of the importers ought to be rejected because they were importing the product, selling at N145 per litre and smiling to the banks when a dollar exchanged for over N500 last year.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Fun seekers during Box Day celebration in Lagos ... on Tuesday

Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

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11

‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure.

As the nation looks towards 2019 and the possibility of having a strong opposition party come forward to challenge the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) at the center, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State , Femi Adeniyi, has said that the governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, remains the only aspirant in the party that can defeat the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC come in the general election.

While addressing some journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the PDP chieftain, Femi Adeniyi, said the leadership of the party can only help Nigerians out of the wood if they present Governor Dakwambo as the presidential candidate in 2019.

Mr. Adeniyi said one of the individual who stands out amongst the gladiators in the opposition PDP that has so far made his presidential ambition known is Alhaji Dakwambo.

“He is undoubtedly the best marketable presidential material for the PDP. Since Nigerians have evidently become disillusioned as a result of countless broken and unkempt promises of the APC; only a man of known performance and integrity like Ibrahim Dakwambo could readily appeal to the electorates during the 2019 presidential election.

“Prior to the loss of 2015 presidential election

by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, PDP was derisively synonymous with fraud and manipulations.

This was the more reason Nigerians elected to seek an alternative in the APC. Now that the ruling party has demonstrated its inability to offer better governance; PDP cannot afford to seek the trust of Nigerians once again with any serial presidential candidate that is bogged down with moral burden and encumbrance of corruption.

“Here is a complete man of many enviable parts. He is an administrator, an economist, a chartered accountant, a technocrat, an innovator, a super brilliant scholar, an achiever and someone who has not soiled his hands with the lucre of corruption. PDP need not look any further than the choice of Ibrahim Dakwambo if it ever expects Nigerians to submit their collective destinies to the party in 2019.

“The evident, brilliant performances of Alhaji Ibrahim Dakwambo in all public positions so far entrusted to him could only have further reinforced the popular conviction that the man possesses all it takes to be an impactful president. He possesses the intellectual abilities to revamp the ailing economy of the nation and create jobs for the army of jobless youths. Dakwambo is well equipped enough to tackle security challenges of the nation, the same way he is prepared to turn the tide of frustrating foreign exchange in the country.”

He said the Gombe State governor who has contributed immensely to the PDP is the only man that stands tall and can defeat President Muhammadu Buhari.

He added that Nigerians have really lost faith in the All Progressives Congress (APC),led government of President Buhari as it further ruins the economy of the country.

“The current hardship of fuel scarcity being experienced by Nigerians during the yuletide period has further worsened the loss of popularity by the APC government. It is no gainsaying that Nigerians are seriously yearning for an alternative to the APC; but it must be a far better option for that matter.

“It is amply evident that the long suffering Nigerians have had enough of gerontocracy while majority of them are prepared to do away with this unworkable idea in 2019.

What the nation needs at this time of untold

DANKWAMBO

BUHARI

2019: Dankwambo remains only PDP aspirant to defeat Buhari’ economic hardship and insecurity is a much younger president who is fresh with new ideas and innovative concepts.

“This appears the only path to thread if the country is to experience true progress by 2019 going forward. PDP being the major opposition party could not have hoped for a better opportunity and time to return to power than now. But only a man in the mould of Alhaji Ibrahim Dakwambo who is of impeccable character, proven records of achievements and has never had an appointment with any of the anti-corruption agencies can get the votes of Nigerians in 2019,” he said.

Speaking further on the achievements of the Gombe number one citizen, Adeniyi said: “The career achievements of Alhaji Ibrahim Dakwambo in both the private and public sectors is another major attribute that has clearly cut him out as the ideal presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“Dankwambo began his glowing career at the Coopers and Lybrand International, now PriceWaterHouseCoopers as a Chartered Accountant from 1985 to 1988. It is on record that he became a chartered accountant at a record time of one year after his graduation from the university.

“He later joined the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1988 and worked with the apex bank until 1999. Unique qualities of Ibrahim Dakwambo led to his being poached by the then Executive Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu from the CBN and appointed him the AccountantGeneral of the state.

“Alhaji Dakwambo was recording unprecedented successes on this assignment when he was again poached by the then Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who appointed him as the Accountant General of the Federation on 20th April, 2005 to replace Mr J.K Naiyeju. Before this appointment, Dankwambo had served at various committees at the Federation Account while his efficiency and resourcefulness became too evident to go unnoticed by all and sundry.

“The innovative achievements of

Dakwambo as the Accountant General of the Federation are too numerous to highlight in this piece. He did so well by transforming the operations of the office and still went ahead to set unmatched standards for the nation.

“It is on record that Dakwambo was responsible for the introduction of Integrated Payroll Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Central payment of salaries of staff all over the ministries, departments and agencies (MDA’s) using an automated system was introduced by Dakwambo.

“He was also responsible for the revolution in the public sector towards a cashless economy that has brought about the implementation of the E-payment system. This was a completely new innovation in the financial services of the government at the time of its introduction

by Ibrahim Dakwambo. The use of cheques has since been eliminated in government transactions at the Federal level.

“Through the innovative achievements of Dakwambo, contractors, staff and service providers now get their accounts credited automatically through the mechanism of E-payment. He also ensured that the financial statements of the Federal Government which were in arrears were brought up to date, prepared, audited and published before he left office.

“Dakwambo equally ensured the construction and completion of the Treasury House which was only awarded when he took charge as the Accountant General of the federation. The Treasury House stands out today in Abuja city as one of the most magnificent edifice to be reckoned with. In fact, all Accountants are proud to be identified with the Treasury House.

“The verifiable achievements recorded by Ibrahim Dakwambo in several positions of public trust given to him is coupled with his uncommon qualities actually earned him overwhelming victory when he contested the governorship of Gombe State in 2011.

“The story of Gombe State has changed for good since Dakwambo took charge as the Executive Governor. He was recently

adjudged the best performing governor in the northern part of the country because of the performance and feat he has achieved in office.

He is a proven performer who has practically transformed and moved Gombe State to the next level of achievements.

“Dakwambo has only in his first four years of office revolutionised agriculture in the agrarian Gombe State. He has procured 225 tractor units and constructed several markets to encourage cotton farm in Gombe State.

“He has also given poultry farming a new lease of life by embarking on the training and retraining of poultry farmers in the state. Dakwambo has also practically turned around the fortune of education in Gombe State. He has constructed over 502 classrooms and recruited well over 1,000 Degree and NCE graduates. He has also taken it upon himself to train over 5,000 teachers for enhanced productivity.

“Alhaji Dakwambo has likewise embarked on the establishments of School of Basic and Remedial studies, Kumo, College of Education, Billiri, State Polytechnic, Bajoga and College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Nafada. The promise keeper of Gombe has equally undertaken the sponsorship of 25 Students in Maritime Studies in India and United kingdom.

“Ibrahim Dakwambo is 55 years of age now, and he would have only turned 57 by 2019.

Nigerian youths that dominate the nation’s population must resolve never to submit the leadership of this country to any man whose age is above 70 years. The youths need to wake up from their slumbers and rescue this nation from retrogression with their votes in 2019.

“The elderly ruling class has held the nation down for too long and there cannot be a better time to rescue her from their firm grips than now. The elderly have been given all the chances but they simply cannot give what they do not have. Their lack of modern ideas and innovative concepts has sadly manifested in the churned out archaic policy plans that have consigned the nation’s developmental vehicle to a permanent reverse gear,” he

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

I have put my loss to Obiano in Anambra election behind me -Nwoye Stories by Patrick Okohue The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the last Anambra State governorship election, Hon Tony Nwoye has said that he has put his loss to incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano in the election behind him.

Nwoye, who spoke to his constituents during an empowerment programme at his house in Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government on Christmas day, assured that despite his defeat, better things lay ahead for him and members of his constituency.

Nwoye, who quantified the empowerment materials which included bags of rice, cooking condiments and cash at N100million, said he would work hard to ensure that he does not disappoint his supporters.

“I urge you to put the pains of November 18th election behind you as better days are ahead.

“It was God’s will that happened and I have taken it in good faith. I promise to

work hard to make Ndi Igbo embrace APC within and outside the state.”

Nwoye also promised his people that he will continue to attract projects and sponsor Bills that will improve the wellbeing and welfare of Omabala, saying that his empowerment programs remain intact as new beneficiaries would be shortlisted soon.

He also urged the people of Anambra West to be patient till January as he is working relentlessly to ensure that the Federal Government commences work on some road projects he attracted to the area as dry season has set in, more especially the Otuocha-Abaji-Okene Road.

Speaking on the Onitsha-Enugu (umunya axis) Expressway, Nwoye expressed optimism that President Buhari would finish the road.

He urged his constituency to continue to support APC and President Buhari whom he described as a nice man with a good heart.

NWOYE

Reps member berates FG on planned salary increase A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Kehinde Agboola has said that the planned increase in the salary of Nigerian workers was a mere deception being contrived by the All Progressives Congress–led government to delude Nigerians ahead of 2019.

Agboola, who is the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, said President Muhammadu Buhari didn’t capture the provisions for salary increment in the 2018 budget, saying “it was a mere deceit to portray them as being workers’ friendly.”

Agboola also added that the approval sought by President Buhari for the deduction of $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to fight Boko Haram showed that the President had lied to the country by his earlier comment that the war against insurgency has been won.

The lawmaker also craved the Federal Government’s indulgence for the movement of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) from the Ministry of Justice to the Presidency, lamenting that the agency was being grossly underfunded unlike the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking in Odo Oro Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Agboola, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said there was no way the President can effect salary increase without budgetary provision for it, saying the measure may end up hitting the rock.

Speaking on his achievements in

AGBOOLA office, the lawmaker, representing Ikole/ Oye federal constituency, said he has built 10 solar powered boreholes, built N25 million worth 200 capacity lecture room at Federal University, Oye Ekiti, erected solar street lights in Ire and Odo Oro and donated sewing machines, among others to his constituents since assuming office.

On the contentious salary increase, he said: “what the APC government wanted to do is to fly the kite of salary increase, so that they can have sufficient grounds to defend increase of

the price of petrol to N200, this is because it was not captured in the 2018 budget.”

Agboola added that it was so appalling that the President has been lying to Nigerians on his claim that Boko Haram has been defeated, stressing: “If that was true, why is the President seeking approval for $1b withdrawal from the ECA to fight insurgents?

“We can infer that this is an evidence of failure in Boko Haram fight, because they had earlier said they have won the battle.

“Look at what is happening to our economy, it has been grounded by fuel scarcity. Though, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he didn’t recommend Buhari as President to revamp the economy but to fight insecurity and corruption.

“If you look at the whole scenario now, the President seems to be failing even in those areas where Obasanjo thought he would do well.

“The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal used N700m to cut grasses and today he is not being prosecuted.

“A whole House of Assembly in Ekiti wrote to EFCC about how a serving Minister had mismanaged his state when he was governor, no action was taken.

“Nigerians should tell us, what has Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s government done that has not been witnessed under Buhari?

“So, I align with Governors Ayodele Fayose and Nyesom Wike that the deductions from ECA should be deployed to fight hunger in their own states as well,” he added.

Lagos lawmaker assures that Nigeria’s future is bright despite challenges The lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly and Acting Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Olusola Abdulhakeem Sokunle, has said that the future of Nigeria is bright despite the current challenges facing the country, advising Nigerians to continue to have faith in the leadership of the country as there is no nation in the world that develops without passing through tough time.

Hon Sokunle, in his Christmas message signed by his Media Assistant, Okunade Adekunle, in Oshodi, Lagos, explained that the leadership of the country and Lagos in particular has consistently worked hard since inception in ensuring that citizens enjoy the dividends of democracy.

He added that Nigerians should continue to support the leadership of the country and Lagos in particular so as to deepen good governance and democracy instead of casting aspersions on the leadership.

He explained that “This is a season of merry and happiness as it was the period when the Lord Jesus Christ was born. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is significant to all Christians all over the world. We should use the season to give back to our society and add value to people around us.”

The lawmaker stated, “All government policies and laws made so far in this year in Lagos

by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the House of Assembly led by Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, were geared towards the betterment of Lagosians. Also, the President Buhari led APC government at the Federal level has implemented policies and programmes that has positive effect on the economy and on the people even as saboteurs are after destroying his developmental framework.”

He urged Nigerians to peacefully co-exist as a nation with a vision of utilising the diversity tendencies to strengthen the country’s unity, saying that the growth and development of the country should be paramount to all Nigerians regardless of colour, group, religion and tribe.

The statement reads further, “I felicitate with all Christian brothers and sisters across the world as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. To me, the birth of Jesus Christ is synonymous with peace, love, care and giving. I will urge Nigerians to continue to show love to one another and have faith in the leadership of this country despite the challenges facing us as a nation.

“The developed countries we see today at a time faced some certain challenges, but both leadership and followership worked hard together to surmount the challenges to get to the stage they are presently,” he added.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Page Thirteen

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Editorial

13

PHOTO TIMES

Certainly Nigeria will not botch this World Cup

A

fter Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was sewn up, the most important issue was hearing about the Super Eagles preparation. What friendlies would they be involved in? Where will the pre - World Cup camp be located? Have they settled their World Cup bonuses (only Africans will understand this point)? However, the news that broke was of an epic fail by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which mercifully turned out not to be a catastrophe. Nigeria had fielded an ineligible player for the final game of World Cup qualification. Shehu Abdullahi picked up 2 yellow cards in previous matches and should have been suspended for the game against Algeria but he played. Fortunately, the Super Eagles had already qualified with that one game to spare and even though FIFA docked the 3 points from the Super Eagles, it was of no consequence.

In spite of that final summation, heads should roll. How could the NFF be careless with something as crucial as qualifying for the World Cup? Technicalities like this shouldn’t be a problem for the NFF to keep track of especially as this is the second time this is happening in Nigerian football this year alone. The U20 Women World Cup qualification was thrown into a panic earlier in the year when Glory Ogbonna, with the sceptre of a red card hanging over her, featured for the team against Tanzania. This is a travesty and I hope to see some disciplinary action by the NFF on its technical committee. Having established the above, the Super Eagles are going to Russia, drawn in the same group with Argentina, Iceland and Croatia and these are three suggestions that will ensure we will not botch this trip.

Croatia: This is the first match Nigeria plays at the 2018 World Cup and is therefore the most important. Get 3 points here and Nigeria is well on her way to qualifying for the next round.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Leke Adelere Business Manager 08037038663 Konie Agu Group Head, Business Development/Folio Foundation 08033150455

L – R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Celebrant/Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and his Wife ,Mrs. Gimbiya, during the Church Service to mark Dogara’s 50th Birthday Celebration at Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel, Goshen in Abuja… on Tuesday.

L-R: Commander 16 Brigade NA, Brigadier General Kelvin Aligbe; Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson; Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Amba Asuquo Amba; Deputy Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Dr. Boma SperoJack, during the Operation Show of Force display at the Peace Park, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State…on Tuesday.

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; his wife, Bola and Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraju Adekunbi, during the 2017 Ibogun Olaogun Day Celebration in Ogun State… on Tuesday.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

Folio Group Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

The Super Eagles have a friendly against Poland in March 2018 and this would best prepare them for the Croats as both countries play almost similar styles. Both teams have traditional strikers that play on the shoulder of the last defender, have a physical presence and are good aerially. There is no real difference between the Croat duo of Juventus point man Mario Mandzukic and Inter’s Ivan Perisic and Bayern’s Polish frontman Robert Lewandowski.

The strength of Croatia though is a well-structured and organised midfield that is hard to break down, fluid on the counter attack and has one of the best active passers of the ball in Real Madrid’s Luka Modric. The Super Eagles will do well not to give space to this maestro to play his game. Croatio does not have the fastest pace so a bit more tempo could take them out of their rhythm. Physicality would be a plus for us but ultimately, it will come down to winning the midfield battle.

Iceland: definitely the trickiest of the three matches for us. Iceland doesn’t have a particular style of play, they just make it hard for teams to break them down and hit on the counter. Also, they take advantage of set pieces which means that Nigeria must sort out its vulnerability in this area during their practice sessions for this game. Iceland play with spirit and are very physical which is how a small country of about 300,000 people had an impressive outing at the Euros and also qualified for the World Cup with an automatic ticket. Again a little pace, especially on the wings would give the Super Eagles an advantage here. The games against Cameroon should have been adequate preparation for Iceland and it is only really tricky because they are a country that if disregarded can hurt you, as England rudely found out last summer.

Argentina: this match may be of no consequence if we win the first two but we have to make a statement and go for results in all our matches. Argentina will be out to get one over us after the 4-2 defeat in Russia in early November.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Barack Obama

Mother Theresa

Nelson Mandela

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

We are the change that

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Fun seekers during Box Day celebration in Lagos ... on Tuesday

News 15

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

One month old baby escapes death as fire razes building in Lagos ÏÏÏTragedy

was averted at Akowonjo area of Lagos State on Tuesday as sympathisers rescued a month old baby when fire razed down a building on Adesina Street.

It was gathered that the mother of the baby was sewing at a shop in front of the bungalow when the fire started around 10:00 am.

The mother was reported to have also said that she could smell that something was burning but she did not know what was on fire and she continued with her work.

But the alarm raised by her neighbours was said to have forced her to rush back to her apartment and she discovered that the adjoining rooms were already on fire with very thick smoke billowing from the building.

A resident, Mrs. Grace Balogun, said the mother, with the help of her neighbours and sympathisers broke into the room and rescued the baby unhurt.

Another middle age occupant of the building was seen crying, searching for her

eight-year-old son, who was later discovered to have fled the house immediately she saw the building on fire.

Some of the occupants of the building were seen salvaging their belongings including small generators, guitars and clothes. Some of the salvaged materials were kept inside a branch of MFM Church close to the scene.

The fire raged as sympathisers struggled to put it out even without water because there was no electricity supply to pump water at even the water selling points close to the

building.

Owners of some the buildings on the adjoining streets were seen breaking holes in their fences to pass water holes to the scene to help in putting out the raging fire.

Some of the angry residents wanted to attack officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and the Neighbourhood Watch, who came to fight the fire. But some of the residents persuaded the angry ones to allow the firefighters to work.

An armed female riot policewoman and other officials of

Nwoye breaks silence on his loss to Gov Obiano ÏÏÏThe candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, in the recently 2017 Anambra Governorship election, Hon Tony Nwoye, says he has put his loss to incumbent governor, Chief Willie Obiano, behind him.

Nwoye, who spoke to his constituents during an empowerment programme at his country home in Nsugbe, Anambra east local government on Christmas Day, assured that despite his defeat, better things lay ahead for him and members of his constituency. Nwoye, who quantified the empowerment materials which included bags of rice, cooking condiments and cash at N100million, said he would work hard to ensure that he does not disappoint his sup- R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Chairman of Island Club, Mr. Olabanji Oladapo; immediate Past Chairman of the Club, Prince Ademola Dada and Vice Chairman, Island Club, Prince Adelana Adesida during porters.

He said: “I urge you to put the Island Club Christmas Eve Dance at the weekend. the pains of November 18th election behind you as better days are awaiting.

“It was God’s will that happened and I have taken it in ÏÏÏAn oil and gas merchant, Capt. pegged at N145 per litre. landing cost high,” he said. good faith. I promise to work Emmanuel Iheanacho, has attributed Iheanacho said that the marketers’ Iheanacho said it was unrealistic hard to make the people of the the persistent scarcity of petrol to for marketers to import and sell at huge debts of over N800bn had also Southeast embrace APC with- monopoly of the product by the Ni- that rate. contributed to their inability to imin and outside the state.”

“The selling of the product at N145 port petrol. gerian National Petroleum CorporaThe Federal Lawmaker also tion.

He said that most independent per litre is no longer feasible with the promised his people that he marketers had closed their comIheanacho, also the Chairman, In- current exchange rate. will continue to attract proj- tegrated Oil and Gas Ltd. said in La“Shortage of foreign exchange and panies due to inability to pay their ects and sponsor Bills that will gos on Tuesday that the inability of increase in crude prices has made it workers. Iheanacho urged the Fedimprove the wellbeing and NNPC to create a window for private unprofitable to import petrol and sell eral Government to settle all the outwelfare of Omabala, saying importers to import petrol also con- same at N145 per litre. standing debts owed marketers since that his empowerment pro- tributed to the scarcity.

“The problem is that importation 2015. According to him, commercial grams remain intact as new According to him, the current of petrol is being handled, almost banks have started taking over the beneficiaries would be short- shortage in fuel importation gap was 100 per cent, by NNPC, while private property and tank farms of some listed soon. He also urged the caused by the landing cost margin importers backed out because the companies that could not repay their people of Anambra West to be of N171 per litre and the selling cost increase in crude price has made the loans. patient till January as he is working relentlessly to ensure that federal government commences work on some road ÏÏÏA visit to Apapa on Tuesday showed that hodi, Ajegunle, Ikotun, Bariga and Sango-Ota, projects he attracted to the hundreds of trucks were on the queue waiting to some stations sold petrol between N180 and area as dry season has set in, load the product at Total, Forte Oil, Oando Plc, N200 per litre. more especially the Otuocha- MRS, NIPCO and other private depots.

In Ikorodu area, many filling stations sold at Abaji-Okene Road.

N200 per litre, while only a few sold at the offiNAN correspondent who monitored the fuel Speaking on the Onitsha- situation in Lagos metropolis reported that long cial price of N145 per litre.

Enugu (Umunya axis) Ex- queues of motorists persisted in many filling Commercial bus operators increased their pressway, Nwoye expressed op- stations in the metropolis. fares by more than 100 per cent, claiming that timism that President Buhari In areas like Ikorodu, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Os- they bought petrol above the official price of would finish the road before N145 per litre.

2019.

How NNPC caused fuel scarcity —Oil marketer

Loading of petrol had commenced in Apapa

the Neighbourhood Watch were later deployed to prevent residents from attacking the emergency workers.

One of the residents, who identified himself as Kamar said that a boy of around 10 years of age, Precious, caused the fire. He said one wing of the L shaped building was razed down completely while the fire was prevented from destroying the other side.

He said, “One small boy, Precious, struck a matchstick to warm food with a camp gas and he dropped the stump carelessly close to their mattress. The mattress caught fire and the fire spread to other parts of the room from where it spread to other apartments.

“We called firefighters on 112 but they could not access the scene because the road leading to the street was closed. Somebody dumped broken blocks on the road and some abandoned vehicles on the street also prevented the fire trucks from getting close to the scene.

“Three fire trucks eventually came and they joined sympathisers to put out the fire. We just thank God that the fire was contained before it could spread to the telecoms base station close to the building. Fuel was kept at the base station and the situation would have been worse if it had spread to that place.”

Our aim is to foster unity among various CDAs – Community Leader ÏÏÏThe

chairman of Wonderland CDA in lju/Atan/llogbo LCDA of Ogun State, Otunba Samuel Faleye has reiterated his commitment towards peace and unity of all the community Development Associations in lju ACDC. Otunba Faleye stated this during the final football competition tagged Second Otunba Samuel Faleye lnter-CDA football competition held at the open field.

Speaking with journalists after the tournament, the chairman of Wonderland CDA, Otunba Samuel Faleye said “this laudable initiative is one of the numerous developmental ideas and strategies conceived, developed and actualised by the good people Wonderland community. Our noble idea came about when we considered our options at fostering unity and accelerated development within our community and among neighbouring CDAs. Otunba Faleye, however expressed his profound appreciation to his fellow CDA chairmen for the cooperationand supports in bringing the event to a huge success.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

17

18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Education Times

s

Ex-Unilag VC charts way forward for education in 2018 Esther Taiwo Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Tolu Odugbemi, has disclosed that there is the need to consider some factors in moving the education sector forward in year 2018.

According to the Professor of Herbal Medicine, a way forward cannot be charted without considering the present situation and the limitations that currently exist.

He said factors hindering the standards of education in the country are mainly bad planning of curricula of institutions, misconceptions of what the mission

of various levels and types of educational institutions should be even by owners of such institutions. Attitude of workers/ staff which may in part be due to poor remuneration.

Odugbemi said many of these workers need to fend for themselves using alternative sources of income which may be legal or illegal; ethical or unethical because various owners in particular government agencies do not pay monthly salaries and allowances of staff and their workers at when due.

“It is counterproductive not to pay staff their salaries and allowances as at when due. Such situations result in an unproduc-

tive work force. There is also the major issue of incessant strikes.

Strikes due to many of the reasons already mentioned above,” the former VC said.

He therefore suggested that in order to get better and effective results for products of institutions, there must be reorientation to provide insight or a way forward for government, unions and staff, students and other stakeholders.

His words: “It is not the quantity of universities in any area, state, nation that matters but the quality. There must be political will on the part of the Government to be focused on quality. Universities for example are centres which thrive on the passion in knowl-

edge gaining and transfer, and societal development. Our universities have to work hard with the right and eminently qualified staff with passion for Education, excellence and break-through to impact the society positively”.

“Many universities are not fulfilling their mandates of teaching, research and community development. My experience is that local communities see universities sited in their domains as local community institutions for employing all their community members at any time without recourse to the needs of the universities or budgetary allocations and societal relevance”.

Prof. Odugbemi also said that appropriate criteria for appoint-

ments and promotions of principal officers, staff and administrators are often bent by ill-qualified university leaders who must make universities truly universal, and of highest standards to make the so-called universities solve societal problems.

“Others are proper funding of universities to make institutions have solid infrastructure, and attract and retain good and great staff and push out meaningful research findings.

“Orientation programmes to re-educate communities to raise funds to offer scholarships to their needy indigenes, to donate in cash and in kind to achieve desired positive results.

LASU warns ASUU against whipping up sentiments

Esther Taiwo

Management of the Lagos State University (LASU) has warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) LASU chapter to stop truncating the relative peace being enjoyed by the University community.

In a press release signed by Head of Information Unit of LASU, Mr. Ademola Adekoya, the management alleged that the union is trying all its best to discredit the leadership of the institution by all means possible, including running to the media to peddle falsehood and distort facts.

The release stated that in the last two years since the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, and his team came on board, the administration does not bode well for some groups and individuals.

“The Fact: The all-inclusive governance style of the current University Administration has seen the University enjoying unprecedented development and goodwill. The news of transformation that weekly emanates from Nigeria’s Best State University are a result of the synergy between all Stakeholders- the Governing Council, Management, Staff, Student and Staff and Student Unions of the University, thus the new Mantra: We are LASU, we are proud!

“What then could be the motive of some erstwhile local ASUU Leaders, in connivance with some of their zonal leaders, to truncate the peace that is bringing progress? With no fitting answer, one is compelled to align with the argument that it is from such unwarranted struggles, as the one they are now spoiling for, that they make so much money. But their failure this time is assured. LASU is peaceful and will remain so for a long time to come,” the re-

lease stated.

The management noted that the claim of an impending crisis by the group is a familiar and an overused antics to curry attention and blackmail the university into submission.

“The peace that LASU is enjoying is alien to them. Indeed their belligerent nature makes them incapable of surviving for long in an atmosphere of peace. Thus they have become too bored and are now looking to entertain themselves by plunging the system into another round of crisis. ASUULASU Exco is lacking the support even of many of their own members. The body of Professors and Associates Professors and other Senior Academics in the University has on different occasions publicly denounced them.

“The call for crisis by the few discredited ones among them is mischievous and self-serving and should be completely disregarded and ignored”.

The allegation was that at a press conference that was widely reported, Prof. Olusiji Sobande, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, fronting for the sacked leaders of ASUU-LASU, accused the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, of highhandedness in the sack of some of their members, alongside other empty allegations.

The statement reads in part: “Sowande and his band failed woefully to conceal their irritation at the internal self-purging exercise in the Lagos State University that has consumed a few of their members at the local level. Ironically, their hues and cries for public sympathy is not for any perceived injustice to the Sixteen Academic Staff sacked last September, but for the re-instatement of only twotheir erstwhile Local Chairman and Secretary.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (l); 12-year-old musician, Nengi Jaja and his mother, Mrs. Jaja (kneeling and praising God), after Governor Wike awarded scholarship to the musician at the State Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt ...on Sunday

Wike offers scholarship to talented 12-yr-old musician Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has offered a lifetime scholarship to a talented 12-year-old musician, Master Nengi Jaja.

The scholarship worth N40 million will cover the education of Master Jaja from Secondary

School up to University Level.

Governor Wike announced the scholarship on Sunday at the State Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt during the Thanksgiving Service in honour of Prince Uche Secondus where the young musician performed soul lifting songs.

The governor directed the Redeemed Christian Church

of God, Province 5 to open an account for the musician in liaison with his family for the purpose of his training.

He urged the church to closely monitor and guard the young musician to ensure that he fulfils his destiny.

Young Nengi Jaja emerged as a 2nd Runner Up in an international music festival where over 10000 children participated.

Education standard in Nigeria bothers on govt attitude- Umelo Edokpolor Osayande An author, Isaac Umelo, has said that education standard in Nigeria bothers on the government attitude and examples they set for its citizens.

He made this known during the launch of his book, “They Have no birthday”, recently in Lagos.

According to the author, the peculiar situation of Nigeria’s educational fall in standard was as a

result of poverty, students don’t take reading, writing, investigating and exercising her brains seriously any more, as they want money and the latest cars at the expense of education.

However, he said that every fall in living and educational standard bothers on what the government wants, adding that they should remember that the school age are the leaders of tomorrow, so the light has to burn from the top for our

nation to have a better tomorrow.

“During my days in school, we had teachers who were civil servants, but were so committed with passion and every student was carried along in classroom, they challenged the students to do better. Although my parents were neither educated nor rich, but somehow they strived to keep me in school and without the help of scholarship, I may not be educated,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

19 Education Times

Jos 2017: FGC Ijanikin, Okigwe sweep medals table as 14th FGGC games winds up The duo of Federal Government College Ijanikin and Okigwe took the shine off 104 other colleges that participated at the just concluded 14th Federal Government Colleges’ games in Jos, the Plateau State capital. AUGUSTINE OKEZIE writes:

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah (middle) and other diginitaries during the closing session of the 14th Federal Government colleges’ games in Jos recently

Constestants in action.

Federal Government College, Ijanikin which came first for the male category garnered 6 gold medals while that of Okigwe, which came first for the female category collected about 3 gold medals, leaving some other colleges not only absent on the score sheet but not reckoned with in the sporting fiesta.

About 2490 students from the 104 Federal Government Colleges in the country who were in Jos for the just concluded 14th Edition of the Federal Government Colleges Games (FEDCOL) were left in no doubt that the event was a successful one.

The event which lasted for five days from December 4-8, involved sporting activities which engaged the students in various types of games.

The scope of the games competed for included 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m for girls, 5000m for boys and 4×100m relay. Others were Long Jump, High jump, Short Put, Javelin, Discus and Chess and scrabble on school basis. Some of the colleges had the maximum of 30 students while others had a minimum of 15 students.

Describing the games as part of activities designed to boost

other extracurricular activities, urging them to shun cultism, drug abuse and other antisocial behavior on the school.

Not a few stakeholders have hailed the invaluable role sports can play in unifying Nigeria through a culture of excellence, which is a simpler and more realistic option to the country’s quest for national development. The fact remains that a well-developed sports infrastructure will ease the task of building a strong and united country.

Yusuf Kayode, a well-known sports enthusiasts while speaking at a seminar in cultural diplomacy, in his paper, entitled, “Sports as a tool for development, peace, and unity in multiethnic nations: a Nigerian perspective,” observed that lack of a well-defined sports development policy impedes the country’s national integration; and that sports have the potentials to unite Nigerians if our sports festivals and other sporting activities are revived.

Sports development in Nigeria, he continued, will not only expand the economy by creating employment and generating revenue for Government but also present a platform to strongly connect Nigerians

physical development, as well as create avenue for socialisation amongst the students, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah, said government is bent on using sports to forge national unity.

Declaring the event open, Anwukah further stated that the event was organised given the role sports play in the mental development of the students towards better academic performance , healthy living and also in charting a career path in sport.

Anwukah noted also that sports fosters peace and friendliness amongst people and that the ministry is committed to the promotion of sports as a means of enhancing social interaction and understanding among students and also to develop excellence in all institutions of learning.

The minister reminded the students that gone are the days sport was meant for drop-outs and mediocre as many Nigerians who have engaged in it have come up strong, making Nigeria and their families proud.

He therefore enjoined students to reciprocate the good gestures of government by engaging actively in sports and

during such national and international sports competitions.

Kayode further maintained that the excitement sports events bring to Nigerians cut across primordial sentiments as individuals tend to come together to identify with and celebrate sporting achievements, irrespective of tribe, age, class, or other social cleavages.

He said: “If sports be the food of national integration, then Governments at all levels should vigorously pursue sports development policies by building stadia and creating various talent development platforms to nurture sportsmen and women to sporting prowess; that way, sports will develop and Nigerians will be united in celebrating our proud achievements in sports just as the nation state will prosper’’.

It is disheartening that while governments at all levels kept mouthing the inherent benefits and contributions spots can make to national development, little efforts are being made towards realizing this dream in terms of infrastructural development and human resource management.

Perhaps going beyond rhetoric and embarking on realistic effort will bail the country out of her present predicament.

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Fun seekers during Boxing Day celebration at Millennium Park Abuja... on Tuesday

PHOTOS : TEMITOPE BALOGUN

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

AKINWUNMI MUHAMMED YAHQUB

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CORRETION OF NAME

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ADDITION OF NAME

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MISS. BOLARINWA ADEDOYIN IBUKUN

MRS. IFEOMA JOY OPURUM

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JOHN THOMAS IGBOJI

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NNODEBE FERDINARD IZUCHUKWU

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21 Change of Names ADEDEJI YEWANDE OLUSEYI

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ADEWALE RASHIDI OLASUPO

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SOUND FAITH CHURCH

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts of 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1) PASTOR IKENNA CHRISTIAN MBIERE 2) PASTOR (MRS.) CHINEYERE VILATE MBIERE 3) EVANGELIST JUDE IKENNA EGBOSA 4) SISTER CAROLINE GINIKA ONYENOBI 5) SISTER GRACE EJIKE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST 2) TO ESTABLISH BRANCH CHURCHES IN NIGERIA AND OVERSEAS 3) TO TRAIN MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) ISAIAH, JOHN CHIDIKE --PRESIDENT (2) IROOWHUELI, JULIET CHIERU---SECRETARY (3) ISAIAH, VINCENT OKWUDIRI (4) EGWU FLORENCE UCHE

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitaima, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

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

Signed: Pastor IKENNA CHRISTIAN MBIERE.

Signed: ISAIAH, JOHN CHIDIKE --PRESIDENT

PRAYER LAND SOLUTION MINISTRY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Apostle Martins, Josiah Osaro - President 2. Martins, Gladys Ada - Secretary 3. Ogbechie Linda Ndidiamaka - Financial Secretary 4. Chukwudi, Richard A. - Treasurer 5. Momoh Patience Akhere - Member 6. Asogwa Chinedu Eric - P. R. O. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. Preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To raise an Endtime army of hope, faith and purity who through the power of the word and prayer breaks satanic protocol 3. Organising revivals to win souls for God’s kingdom.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: (1)TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE WHOLE NATION (2) TO REDEEM LOST SOULS BACK TO GOD (3) TO HELP THE POOR PEOPLE IN THE SOCIETY

CONFIRMING WORD MINISTRY INT’L has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part ‘c’ of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

TRUSTEES : 1. CHRISTHOPHER DANIEL ISODJE 2. ISODJE LOVETH OSAMEDE 3. OSAGIE KENT IKPONMWOSA 4. IMARHIA OSARENKHOE OSAWARU 5. OSAKPOLOR DANIEL OROBOSA 6. CHIJIOKE EME MBA 7. IYINBOR SUNDAY EDIMWAN. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To preach the Gospel of jesus christ to all Nation of the world.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission, plot 420, Tigirs crescent, off Aguyi ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary.

22 News

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Ojutalayo, Oladele, Ogun CP, others bag media awards Esther Taiwo

ÏÏÏOthers to be hon-

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); his wife, Bolanle (2nd right); Alara of Ilara, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun (right) and Olu of Epe, Oba Sefiu Adewale (left) during the maiden ‘Governor’s Christmas Party’ celebration at Epe, one of the 20 locations in the State, on Tuesday

‘Ekiti LG result confirms PDP’s popularity’ Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) has said that its sweeping victory in the Ekiti state local council election is clear and firm evidence of its popularity not only in Ekiti State but also in the entire Southwest and the nation at large.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Tuesday GRACE JOHN AMAEWA

I, Formerly known and addressed as CHUKWU GRACE NNEKA now wish to be known and addressed as GRACE JOHN AMAEWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

described the election as credible, free and fair, adding that “the landslide victory is a direct response by the people to the achievements of the Governor Ayo Fayose-led PDP government, in line with the ideology, vision and programmes of the party”.

Stating that the southwest region has always been its stronghold, the PDP further said that it

has repositioned to retake the governorship of all its original states, particularly those in the southwest and the northern parts of the country while ultimately winning the Presidency and the majority in the National Assembly, come 2019.

The party said Nigerians have since seen through the deception and incompetence of the APC and are now

WAKILAT OLUWATOYIN ADELEYE I formerly known as Wakilat Oluwatoyin Lawal now wish to be known and addressed as Wakilat Oluwatoyin Adeleye. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

ASEMOTA AGBOMWANRE THEODORA I, Formerly known and addressed as ASEMOTA THEODORA SUSSIET now wish to be known and addressed as ASEMOTA AGBOMWANRE THEODORA. All former documents remains valid. Skye Bank and the general public take note.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ANUSIEM DELPHINE ONYINYE 2. ANUSIEM UZOMA JOHN-FRANKLIN 3. NWACHUKWU CHIDI IGU 4. OKPALAOKA AZUBUIKE CHUKWUJEKWU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Shall engage in youth and women empowerment programs, vocational training, skill acquisition and career talk and to offer educational scholarships to less privileged children

very eager to kick out the ruling party at all levels of government.

The PDP thanked the people of Ekiti state for their unrelenting support and charged the newly elected officials to reciprocate the gesture by working hard to ensure that the people continued to enjoy the dividends of democracy as already consolidated

by Governor Fayose.

It congratulated Governor Ayo Fayose over the victory and urged its members across the nation to redouble their efforts in mobilizing for future elections, particularly, the 2019 general elections.

UPLIFTING PEOPLE CHRISTIAN CENTRE

oured at the award ceremony in Lagos include Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, Assistant Commissioner of Police Akika Austin, Commander, Area ‘M’ Command, Lagos State, and Superintendent of Police Mr. Salabiu Jamiu, the Commanding Officer, Quick Response Squad (QRS), Ogun State.

Announcing the names of the awardees, the organizers, DAMA MEDIA CONCEPT, publishers of The Voice Magazine, said the award recipients emerged after a rigorous selection process by the management of the organization.

According to the statement from the publisher, Mr. Oladele Damilola, other recipients expected at the award ceremony titled: “The Voice Magazine Merit and Outstanding Award Ceremony” include: Mr. Emmanuel Olusoji Ishola, Deputy General Manager, Sabre Travel Network, Hon. Tpl Lanre Makinde representing Ifako Ijaiye II, in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Prophet Stephen Oladejo, Pastor Felix D.M Juyoh, Ven. David FemiOlogbe, and Hon. Ad-

ewale Dada and Alhaji. Akeem Abdullahi, chairman, TORAN, Meiran branch, Lagos State.

Also to be honoured at the occasion are Lt. CDR, JAD Golu, the commanding officer of Nigeria Navy School of Music, Ota, Hon. Olanrewaju Aluko, Hon. Babatunde Okeyomi, HRM Oba Dr Yemi Obalanlege(Olota of Ota elect), Mr. Babatunde Akinbiyi and Comrade Andrew Enathomen.

The event, which is billed for 12:00 noon on Saturday, 24 February, 2018 at Golfview Hotels & Suit, Major General Adeyinka Way, GRA, Ikeja Lagos, will also feature a lecture entitled “Corruption: Origin, Effect and Mechanism for Curtailment”, to be delivered by human rights lawyer, Otunba Olumide Akinbinu.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu

GOD’S SANCTUARY GLOBAL WORK CHAPLAIN

This is to inform the General public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

This is to inform the General public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees are: 1. Stanley Zipamowei Chairman 2. Stanley Chioma Zipamowei Vice Chairman 3. Ikosomi Timinibieri Secretary 4. Daniel Ebinipre Ruth Tresurer

Trustees are: 1. Bishop James Graham 2. Pastor Olawefa John Disiye 3. Pastor Japhet Ondo Moneyman 4. Joyce Claud 5. Kingsley Eze Igwe 6. Ejakipimi Precious Eretete

support motherless and orphanage homes as well as development of Elders and the Aged. 3. To run parenting seminars and workshops that increase parents’

Aims and objectives 1. To uplift peoples individual ministry through the gospel 2. To help people discover their God given ministry via the word

Aims and objectives 1. To gather the saints, raising an army of God. 2. To raise,develop and empower God’s sons and daughtersee to use the Kingdom wealth effectively.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Any objection to the change of Trustees should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Any objection to the change of Trustees should be forwarded to the registrar general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Signed: Chairman

Signed: Trustee

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

23

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

5 youths, policeman killed in renewed communal clash in Cross River Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏFive youths and one

policemen were allegedly killed in a renewed communal clash between the people of Ojor and Uyangba in Akampa Local Government Area, Cross River State on Christmas Day. Daily Times investigations revealed that an Uyangba man married to an Ojor lady was intercepted on his way to his in- laws place. He was alleged to be found with arms and

ammunition. In an effort to run away, he was short dead and his vehicle burnt.

When the news got to his kinsmen in Ojor, they mobilised and went on a reprisal and in the process, hell was let loose.

The mayhem which lasted over six hours left houses and property burnt with causalities on both sides.

In a chart with our correspondent Chief Asukwo Ekpo said “Uyangha people acted on informa-

tion, intercepted ammunition from an Adim man who is an inlaw to Ojor people in Akamkpa.

“The man attempted to run but the people of Uyanga shot him dead and burnt the car he was driving. The people of Ojor after suffering heavy casualties retreated and left for re-enforcement” “This morning, December 26th the people of Ojor after re-enforcement, came to Uyangha and encountered them.

Unfortunately, Uyangha

people ran out of ammunition and ran away. The Ojor people capitalized on that burnt several houses belonging to Uyangha people.

“Property worth several hundreds of thousands naira including houses, personal effects, cash, electronics, furniture and other belongings have been destroyed” Chief Ekpo stated, adding that several people have been reported dead and the war has disrupted movement in the areas as

the war was fought in the public highway.

When Daily Times contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo on phone on Tuesday, she confirmed the incident saying it was regrettable. She said Police had drafted anti riot Police men to the area.

She explained that there was calm yesterday but the people regrouped and started another round of fight but the Police

Black Soot: Abe calls for stakeholders summit Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe Senator represent-

Debris of burnt shop at Oja Oba, Market, Ondo State…on Monday.

APC popularity wanes in Ondo– Abraham

‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure.

ÏÏÏSegun Abraham, the

2016 gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has spoken tough over the appointment of Mr. Ade Adetimehin as the state Acting Chair of the ruling party.

Mr. Abraham who was the first runner up in the disputed APC primary noted that crisis rocking the party resurrected as a result of the choice of Adetimehin as the Acting Chairman.

He observed that the appointment of Mr. Adetimehin has deepened the division within the members and leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state.

He explained that the party structure still belongs to the ousted Chairman, Isaacs Kekemeke not

Ade Adetimhein who is currently serving as the acting chairman.

Mr. Abraham maintained this through an electronic press statement signed and issued on Thursday in Akure.

Kunle Davies, the Director General of Mr. Abraham Support Group made the press statement available to journalists.

He said that the leadership of the party should seat tight to avert an impending danger that could affect the re-election bid of President Buhari in Ondo state.

“Immediately the name of the self imposed Adetimehin was announced as the acting chairman of the party, the popularity of APC in the state nose dived and upsurge the PDP popularity.

“To avert all these and put the party on sound

footing, the leaders and follower in APC should rally round our Chairman, Barrister Isaacs Kekemeke because of his honesty, resilience, integrity and loyalty.

“We have absolute confidence in his leadership and that of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Abraham. We believe that they can bring back the popularity of the party in the state.

“APC was not on ground in Ondo State , it was Hon. Isaac Kekemeke that brought APC into limelight in this Ondo state and produced two out of the three senators, five out of nine rep members against the corrupt powerful PDP regime.

“He delivered the governorship seat for APC fourteen years from the opposition. His popularity coupled with love and

hard work of Chief Segun Abraham and our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, put APC in forefront in the state.

“Kekemeke used the resource of APC judiciously for the benefit of the grassroots, built the party structure and made the party second to none in the state.

“The two Senators and House of Representatives members including the governorship elections were won because of the popularity and hard work of Chief Segun Abraham , Hon. Isaac Kekemeke and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Adetimehin and his groups misused the resource of APC and worked for PDP in the senate, reps elections because their candidates did not win the primaries in the central senatorial district.

deployed mobile Police men to the area to restore peace and normalcy.

“The incident started yesterday December 25th and Police drafted her men to the scene, unfortunately, we lost our officer but could not say if the communities recorded any casualty” She further said that Police have recovered the corps of the Police officer that was shot dead.

ing Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Magnus Ngei Abe, has called for a summit of stakeholders to find lasting solution to the issue of the pollution of the environment by black soot in Rivers State.

Senator Abe made the call while speaking at a special thanksgiving service and reception held at St. James Anglican Church Kpite to celebrate the victory of APC in Tai, Eleme and Oyigbo Federal Constituency in the December 10, 2016 re-run election in Rivers State.

The Senator, who demanded that a national health emergency be declared in the state, noted that the soot poses great danger to the health of residents of the state as it could be visibly seen on cars, houses, and in the atmosphere.

“Engr. Adetimehin and his cohorts collected and Audi cars from PDP and worked against APC at the said election because of their selfishness” he said.

Reacting, Mr. Adetimehin said his choice as the Acting Chairman of the party was convened to him by the leadership of the party from the National office in Abuja.

He denied that there was any crisis in the party noting that those who have left the fold of the governing APC with plans to come back through the back door are the ones creating troubles.

“We have made it clear that there is no crisis in our party (APC), those who have left for other party like Alliance for Democracy (AD) are the ones trying to give us problem by raising the dust”.

While noting that the time for politics was over and attention should then focus on solving the problems of the people, Abe said, “The time for politics is over, it is now time for us to come together to see how we can solve the problems of our people.

“I want to use this opportunity to say to all of us that the real problem bordering Rivers people now, these past few days that I have been in the state, is the soot that we are facing. I think we should come together and look for a way to declare a national health emergency in Rivers State.

“You will wake up in the morning your car is black, you will come out in the night the floor is black, and if everything around you is turning black you begin to wonder what is happening to your lungs, what is happening to your children, what is the impact of these things and the long term consequences .Those of us who live here from January to December what is happening to us and what are we doing about it?

“Nobody seems to have a clear answer. I think we should suspend all politics and come together and arrest this situation one way or the other. If we all come together to bring our federal connections and resources, the state brings its own resources, we call in the academic community, we call in the international community, if we pull all these resources together, I believe that whatever is causing this problem we can find a solution and bring an end to it.

“There is this general belief that black people don’t take environmental issues seriously, I don’t think this soot is an environmental issue, it is a looming health calamity that can have consequences we did not bargain for, so I think we should even come together and do something urgently. Let us even call a summit or a seminar where we will all come together to brainstorm on this thing and see what we can do about it,” he advised.

He also thanked the people of Tai, Eleme, and Oyigbo Federal Constituency for fighting vigorously to earn the victory that they have gotten after the election.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Stay off oil exploration in Ogoniland, MOSOP warns FG Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe

Movement for the Survival of the People of Ogoni, MOSOP, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government saying that government’s alleged clandestine approach to resume oil exploration in Ogoni land could lead to crisis.

The President of MOSOP, Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara, who issued the warning in Port Harcourt Tuesday in a chart with newsmen wondered why the Federal Government would be talking about resumption of oil production in Ogoni land when it has not fully commenced the cleanup of the area.

Mr. Pyagbara said: “It is instructive to note that when the government commissioned the United Nations UNEP Environmental Programme, UNEP, to carry out an assessment of Ogoni land, whose report has called for total clean up of the area, that the same government is going on trying to force their way through the back door to commence operations in Ogoni land without addressing the key concerns that have been raised by the Ogoni people that have been raised by the Ogoni people across the years including even starting the cleanup of the land.

“In recent years, there has been deliberate and intense attempt to return to the Ogoni oil fields through the back door by the oil industry without any broad based discussion with the Ogoni people.

This obnoxious attempt to return to Ogoni for oil operations has the potential of igniting conflict,” he said.

The MOSOP President, therefore, urged the Federal Government and the prospective oil firms to initiate a broad based discussion with representatives of all the stakeholders in Ogoni communities before the resumption of oil exploration.

“If there is any interest to resume oil exploration in Ogoni land, the Federal Government and the prospective oil companies should together initiate a broad based discussion with presentations from all sectors of Ogoni. Due

process of engagement must be ensured and the free consent of the people must be embedded within the framework of any discussion with the oil sector.

“The government, relating to oil resumption in Ogoni land, must take into cognisance the beneficiaries and the undertaking of credible Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, of proposed oil operations in Ogoni land to include social and health dimension as well as the public consultation process, according to the foreign industry standards as recommended by the UNEP report,” he stated.

Meanwhile a group under the aegis of Ken Saro Wiwa Associates has called on the Federal Government to reject the alleged moves by Shell seeking renewal of its license on an oil field in Ogoni land.

The National Coordinator of Ken Saro Wiwa Associates, Chief Gani Topba, wondered why Shell would be applying for renewal of license for oil fields after denying interest in exploring oil in Ogoni land. He spoke in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday.

Chief Topba said: “I want to use this medium to call on the President of Nigeria and Minister of Petroleum and the Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, to reject in totality Shell application for renewal of resumption of OML11 fields operations.

He stated: “However Shell puts in applications for OML 11 oil fields at this point in time, when their legal license expires in 2019, is seriously a point of deceit on the Nigerian State. Shell said they were no more interested in OML11, on another hand Shell is applying for renewal of license. Who are they deceiving? We call on all the good people of Ogoni land to arise and say no to Shell on the OML 11 oil fields.”

The group’s National Coordinator used the opportunity to announce the postponement of their rally scheduled for Tuesday to Thursday December 28, 2017, and apologized for the inconvenience the postponement might cause.

25 News

Education, key to development– Baraje Kehinde Akinpelu , Ilorin

ÏÏÏAn

educationist and proprietor of Baraje Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Ilorin, Kwara state, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje has described education and knowledge as key and catalyst to the development of any nation or individual.

He expressed this view in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital while receiving the letter of provisional approval of the centre by the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies from the Chairman,

Management Board of the Arabic institute, Retired Justice Salihu Mohammed.

Baraje noted that the centre which began operations in nineteen ninety one with just few students have graduated over one thousand pupils while the centre is being operated free of charge without any extra cost or financial burden on either the parents, guardians or pupils.

According to him efforts are on to affiliate the centre with international universities in Saudi Arabia where pupils would be sponsored for their Ph.D.

programmes.

The proprietor who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress , (APC) expressed appreciation to the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies for granting approval to the centre which now has the authority to register its pupils for SAISS final examination and participate in NBAIS activities .

He commended the management, staff and students of the centre for working relentlessly in ensuring that the Baraje Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies hit to thus standard and urged them

not to relent.

In his remark, the Chairman, Management Board of the centre, Justice Salihu Mohammed commended the board of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies for granting provisional approval to the centre and pledged to carry the centre to international academic standards.

The letter of provisional approval of the centre was signed by the Head of Department of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Dr Mansur Ahmad.

Indigenes and non-indigenes returning to Lagos from their various destinations after Christmas Celebration in Osogbo, Osun State…on Tuesday.

Ogun moves to reduce maternal, child mortality rate ÏÏÏIn its determination

to strengthen and ensure qualitative and efficient health care delivery, reduce maternal, newborn and child deaths, the Ogun State Government has said it remained committed to ensuring a zero maternal and child mortality in the state.

The wife of the Ogun State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunsho Amosun stated this during the Flag -Off ceremony of the December, 2017 Round of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) and induction of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health Champions (RMNCAH) held at Sango Primary Health Centre in Ado- Odo/ Ota Local

Government Area of the State.

Mrs Amosun, in a statement jointly signed by the Press Officers, Ogun State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Yemisi Fashola and Shola Ogunbanwo, assured that the state government was committed at improving maternal health and reducing child mortality, saying no woman should die in the process of giving birth and neither should children die in the process of child birth.

“I strongly believe that women shouldn’t die in the process of giving birth and neither should children die in the process of coming to life. Therefore there is need to strengthen the health system to re-

duce maternal, newborn and child mortality and I speak confidently when I say that the Ogun State Government is committed to improving maternal health and reducing child mortality”. She said.

Mrs Amosun noted that the MNCHW campaign was essential at ensuring progress in the realization of the State’s children right to good health care and best start in life, adding that it aimed at improving the healthcare of the whole family, especially pregnant women and children under five.

Earlier in his remarks, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, enjoined parents and guardians to avail their children and wards of ages

0-5 the advantage of the programme, highlighting some of the free health services to be provided to include: routine immunization, de-worming, malnutrition testing, vitamin a supplementation as well as free counselling and testing on HIV/AIDS and health education on key household practices.

Ipaye noted that the present administration had put in place mea-

sures to boost primary health care delivery to build and renovate defective health centres, employ health personnel, train and retrain existing health workers, provide drugs, maintain cold and central medical stores in the State.

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27 2017

Christmas Celebration

Obaseki harps on generosity, love on Boxing Day ÏÏÏEdo State Governor,

Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has asked Christian faithful to uphold the import of giving and good neighbourliness as they mark Boxing Day on Tuesday.

Obaseki, in his Boxing Day message, harped on the virtues of giving and sharing, urging Nigerians to avail themselves the opportunity to mend fences and restore broken relationships with neighbours, friends and fellow citizens.

He said, “I bring all Edo people and Nigerians heartfelt greetings and best wishes as we mark Boxing Day today.

May the celebration fos-

ter love and unity among us, regardless of cultural differences, creed, faith or social class. Seasons like this remind us that it is only through the act of giving that we can successfully build a commonwealth that serves everyone.”

Urging all to sustain the import of the need for generosity, he said, “As we go about celebrating, I urge each one of us to seek out those in need; those in orphanages, in prisons, hospitals, and even the next-door neighbor; and exchange gifts with them. May the spirit of the celebration remain with us even after the season.”

... Celebrates with IDPs, orphans, donates food items, footwear on a continuous baÏÏÏThe Edo State Gov- done sis. ernment has donated food items and footwear worth millions of naira to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ohogua, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.

The state government also donated food items to selected orphanages across Benin metropolis.

Presenting the items to the IDPs in their camp on Sunday night, the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Special Duties, Mr Yakubu Gowon, said the Obaseki-led administration is committed to bringing succour to the less privileged in the state.

Yakubu said “the donation is to show the state governor’s love for his people and that he is committed to making them happy.

“This is to show that Edo government loves every citizen, irrespective of their social status. We know this is the season to show love. The governor says if he eats a spoonful of rice, people in the camp should eat two. And if he wears shoes, people here should also do same,” Gowon said.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Magdalene Ohenhen, said the state government was committed to taking care of the IDPs, assuring that the donation of relief materials by the Edo State Government would be

Ohenhen added the state government had in the last six months presented relief materials worth millions of naira donated by spirited Nigerians to the camp.

Coordinator of the Camp, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, while receiving the materials, commended the state government for prioritizing the welfare of every citizen in the state, adding “we hear about the developmental strides of this administration and we appreciate the governor for making all these happen.”

Folorunsho said the inmates are happy that the Edo government, especially the governor is committed to showing them love and supporting them through donations.

The state government had earlier in the day commenced the distribution of bags of rice to Orphanage homes across the state.

Reverend Sister Felicia Ozeme, from Trinitarian Foundations for Orphans and the Helpless, Benin, who received 20 (no) 50kg bags of rice, expressed her appreciation to the state government for the gesture. She noted that the foundation has not received such donations from the state before now.

Other orphanages that received similar items included: Edo Orphanage and My Mummy Orphan-

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, presents a plaque of induction to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a member of the Club while the Chairman of Island Club, Mr. Olabanji Oladapo, watches during the Island Club Christmas Eve Dance at the weekend.

Christmas Day Tragedy, Policeman shoots colleague in Bayelsa Chris Eze, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏ Barely four days after an armed robber mistakenly shot dead a gang member in Bayelsa, a Policeman attached to Bayelsa Police Command in Yenagoa, has mistakenly shot and killed a colleague in a gun duel between the police and suspected cultists.

Daily Times learnt that the incident took place on

Monday at Obele area of Ovom in Yenagoa.

Eye witnesses said trouble started when a misunderstanding amongst cultists celebrating Christmas degenerated into a fight among themselves in the area resulting in gunshots which attracted a police patrol team to the area.

The Police Spokesman in Bayelsa, Mr. Asinim Butswat, DSP, who confirmed the incident, ex-

pressed shock over the development.

Butswat said, “Yes, the incident was between cultists but as the police went to find out what was going on, the cultists started shooting and one of the police mistakenly shot an officer.

“Though, we are yet to get the full detail because some of our men, who were at the scene, are supposed to brief us over the

matter.

“Nevertheless, the Police is intensifying efforts to ensure a crime free environment for the people in Bayelsa; in this period of Christmas celebration, we deployed over 4, 000 personnel for patrol.

“We adopted some strategies like ‘Cordon and Search’; I must tell you, our men and women are fully on operations to safeguard lives and property”.

We’re steadily building state that works for all - Ambode ÏÏÏLagos State Governor,

Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed profound gratitude to residents of the State for the massive support extended to his administration in the outgoing year which made the achievements recorded in key sectors possible, assuring that more projects would be implemented to make life comfortable for the people in 2018.

Speaking at a special Christmas Party put together by the State Government and held simultaneously in all the twenty Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, Governor Ambode said the Lagos Project was on course, and that his administration was gradually and steadily building a State that works for all.

He said: “I want to use this opportunity to once again, express this administration’s profound gratitude

to you all for your support which is the cornerstone of the modest achievements we have recorded in the outgoing year. I want to assure you that our Lagos project is on course and we are gradually and steadily moving towards actualizing the dream of building a State that works for all.

“As a government, we are moving into the New Year with more vigour and determination to move our State to the next higher level particularly in the critical sectors including transportation, sustainable and healthy environment, social and physical infrastructural development, power, housing, tourism, education, etc.

“Together we can and we will achieve more landmark successes in 2018.

I look forward to your continued support in the performance of your civic obligations, obedience to

rules and regulations and ensuring peace and harmony in all our communities.”

The Governor said he was delighted to join in the celebration of Christmas in a special way in the State being the first time it would be held simultaneously in all the twenty LGAs, adding that the significance of the season was important as it brought to the fore the need to remind each other of the virtues of love, kindness, tolerance, piety and humility which Jesus Christ personifies.

He said the celebration of Christmas would become more meaningful only if the people imbibe such fine qualities and allow them to manifest in their lives especially in relating with one another.

According to the Governor, “In the newness and rebirth that the season symbolizes, let us remember our less privileged brothers

and sisters and to gladly share our blessings and as well give with love and humility.

“As we merry, let us remember that, this is a time for special supplications and sharing of love; a time to showcase our unity and a time to seek for more favour and mercies for our State and our nation.”

Also speaking in Epe at one of the centres for the celebration, wife of the Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode charged Lagosians to embrace love and tolerance for peaceful co-existence.

Mrs. Ambode, who noted that the Governor’s Christmas Party was designed to bring yuletide festivities closer to the grassroots, identified love and tolerance as the strongest basis for harmonious living, among people of different ethnic and religious affiliations.

News 27

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Calabar monarch warns legislators against greed, selfishness, timidity

By Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏThe Obong of

L-R: Representative of the Governor of Lagos State and Special Adviser on Primary Health Care, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga; Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Hon. Adetoyese Olusi and Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Comrade Kamal Salau Bashua, during the Lagos State 2017 Christmas Celebration at Lagos Island… on Tuesday.

Again, 5 killed in S’ Kaduna, as STF repels attack

By Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏFive

people were on Sunday night killed in Jama’a Local Government Area in Southern Kaduna by unknown gunmen who opened fire and shot sporadically at villagers who were in their homes preparing to join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, says the special task-force sector Commander in-charge

of Jama’a LGA, Colonel IE Ekpenyong.

The STF also known as “Operation Safe Haven”, mandated to restore peace in Plateau, some part of Bauchi State and Southern Kaduna said the incident occurred at about 8pm on Christmas Eve. In a statement signed by the Sector Commander in Jama’a LGA and made available to newsmen on Monday, the Statement reads, “on the 24th

of December 2017, at about 8:00pm, troops of OPSH responded to a distress call of an attack at Ungwan Mailafia village in Kwagiri district of Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State.

“Troops found out unknown persons opened fire on villagers in their homes: five persons were confirmed dead, six others sustained various degrees of injuries: the injured were evacuated immediately by the STF troops to the health

centre at Kwagiri for medical attention.

“On the receipt for the distressed calls, the troops, OPSH, moved swiftly to the scene, but the gunmen had fled, and a rapid search was conducted within the surrounding environment, leading to reinforcement of the general area to prevent further attacks and break down of law and order”, the statement read.

Calabar, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, has warned National Assembly members of Efik extraction to eschew greed, selfishness and timidity.

The Obong gave the warning while addressing the 12 clans of the kingdom which gathered at his country home, Adiabo, for the annual Utomo Obong cultural festival and homage which is always celebrated few days to Christmas.

He further challenged members of the National Assembly of Efik extraction to speak out in the face of marginalisation, and warned against timidity, selfishness and greed, saying “we need you to be shining light in Abuja, let our government at the national level know our plight and be your brother’s keeper.”

He apealed for unity among the Efiks and indeed all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria as the country celebrates the birth of Christ, saying it was only through unity that the country would overcome its hydra-headed socio-economic challenges.

“If we look closely, you will discover that we still have this lingering challenge. It is the challenge of lack of love and unity.

My appeal is to all of you to be one for if we are united; we shall be like iroko tree which cannot easily be pulled down. I greatly appeal that we should eschew unnecessary politicking” Also speaking, member representing Bakassi in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Bassey Ekpo Bassey lauded the Cross River State government for adopting the Utomo Obong festival into State tourism calendar.

Diaspora foundation equips motherless babies home in Abia

By Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏA

notable son of Isingwu in Umuahia and a nurse in Diaspora, Prince Madu Gabriel over the weekend, re-equipped the Methodist Church of Nigeria Uzuakoli Motherless babies Home.

This gesture was in collaboration with his Non-Governmental Organisation, Hopee Foundation and the First Assembly of God Church, Pennsylvania, New York, USA. The philanthropist had renovated the entire Motherless Baby’s Home and equipping it with new beddings, brand new ultra-modern beds numbering over 50, matresses, pillow cases, bed sheets and curtain accessories, as well as food items - bags of rice.

Speaking during the occasion, the founder of Hopee Foundation, Prince Madu Gabriel said he was touched by the humility with which his

late mother handled other people’s affairs, hence his choice to extend his goodwill to others especially the lessprivileged.

While handing over the renovated motherless baby’s home, Prince Madu said the First Assembly of God Church, Pennsylvania, New York, USA contributed to the funding of the home, but not up to half of the total cost, stating “When I came and saw the children and compared them with my children who live in comfort outside the country, I got emotional.

“I said I will transfer that life of luxury of my children to the children at the home”, and pledged to come back to the home”.

Breaking down in tears, Prince Gabriel vouched further assurance over the children stating, “If all can put hands together, the lives of such children can be touched” and urged people not to give

to be paid back, but to do it for God. He disclosed that his foundation will also empower 100 widows this Christmas with necessary items for the season, while advising the haves not to suppress those under them but to help, especially the less-privileged, stating, “We want God to continue to bless the children and the foundation”. He thanked his church, the First Assembly of God Church, Pennsylvania, New York, USA and a pastor of the church Pastor Danny Haas who came to represent the church.

Speaking, , Danny Haas expressed the happiness to the church in alleviating the sufferings and assisting the lessprivileged in the country, stating that he , along with four others of the church came to the country, particularly the state to assist, emphasizing on the need for people to give freely in order to get the fa-

vour of God. Pastor Danny, who later consecrated the home and the beddings, said the founder of Hopee Foundation, Prince Madu had invited them following the raising of fund by the church in the USA. Earlier in his thanksgiving to the donors, the Project Director of Uzuakoli Leprosy Centre and Uzuakoli Motherless Baby’s Home, Rev Joshua Okpara expressed delight and that of the Bishop of Uzuakoli Methodist Church of Nigeria, Very Reverend Chiemeka in fulfilment of their prayer to God to bring a helper to the home. “We have been praying for God to bring people to come and help. We are relieved when the home saw someone like Prince Gabriel Madu and has now seen one with sacrificial heart” and prayed God to bless him.

Speaking earlier during a courtesy call on him by the donor group, the paramount

ruler of Uzuakoli, HRM Eze K O Ikonte in collaboration with other traditional rulers in Uzuakoli expressed their delight to the group, while praying for the good of the donors.

The Ozuo II of Uzuakoli used the opportunity to urge other well-meaning Abians and Nigerians at home or in Diaspora to emulate and appreciate Prince Madu and Hopee Foundation as well as First Assembly of God Church Pennsylvania York USA. According to another traditional ruler, Eze Uchendu Okorie, the Ekwo II of Akaekwo disclosed the happiness of traditional rulers in the area, stating that the people of the area are busy praying for the donors, stating, “This type of thing is worth doing”.

The Biushop of the Uzuakoli Methodist Diocese of Uzuakoli was represented on the occasion by Very Rev O C madu, the Presbyter of Ozuitem Circuit.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Buhari to host conference on Lake Chad

ÏÏÏPresident Muhammadu Buhari will in February host an international conference on saving the Lake Chad.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the conference is to revitalise the basin’s ecosystem for sustainable livelihood, security and development.

Shehu said this was

the first time an international conference on Lake Chad is being organised by the six member countries of the region.

The three-day conference, according to him, will consist of two days of technical sessions and will hold between February 26-28, 2018, in Abuja.

He said the meeting was expected to have in attendance all the Presidents and Heads

of government of the member-states, namely Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic and Libya.

The presidential spokesman said, “The main objective of the international conference is to create global awareness on the socioeconomic and environmental challenges arising from the shrinkage of the Lake Chad, the threat to livelihoods

including insecurity with a view to developing a comprehensive program for action to save the lake from extinction.

“Specifically, the conference is expected to discuss and develop consensus on the different options to restore Lake Chad, including the Inter-Basin Water Transfer project from the Ubangi River in Central Africa to the Lake Chad.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (5th left); his wife, Bolanle (middle); Alara of Ilara, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun (5th right; member, House of Representatives, Hon. Olawale Raji (4th right); Olu of Epe, Oba Sefiu Adewale (4th left); members of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun (3rd left); Hon. Segun Olulade (2nd left); Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Mr. Abiola Anifowose (left) and others jointly cutting the cake during the maiden ‘Governor’s Christmas Party’ celebration at Epe, one of the 20 locations of the State, on Tuesday,

NIMASA to release industry forecast next year - Peterside in maritime ÏÏÏAs part of the ini- provement security especially in the tiative to reposition the maritime sector for greater efficiency in line with International best practices, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will release the empirical forecast that will determine the outlook of the industry in Nigeria by the first quarter of 2018.

The Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dakuku Peterside who disclosed this in Lagos recently further stated that the Nigeria forecast will deal with how developments on the international scene will affect the industry in Nigeria, which will also serve as a guide for investors and Stakeholders in the maritime sector.

Dr. Peterside noted that the forecast will be released from a holistic perspective in order to know areas of advantage that will be of immense benefit to Stakeholders and industry players, both locally and internationally.

In his words, “on the positive side it will look at where the opportunities will be in the year 2018 & 2019; will greater investment in oil and gas translate to more demand for offshore support vessels?

What are the industry perspectives? What government and her agencies should do to attract more investment in the industry amongst other salient issues.”

Furthermore, the NIMASA DG noted that the maritime industry forecast will also look at whether there will be im-

Lagos establishes 6 additional primary schools Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏThe Lagos state gov-

ernment has approved the establishment and listing of six new Public Primary Schools in the state.

The schools are Community Primary, Ibasa, Ojo LGEÀ; Community Primary School, Ajewanwa, Ojo LGEA; Oladele Alaka Primary School, Ejigbo, Oshodi-Isolo LGEA; Iju Ajuwon Primary School, Ifako-Ijaiye LGEA; Osho Sholu Primary School, Ewu Oloye, Erunwen, Ikorodu LGEA and Correctional Home for Boys, Oregun, Ikeja LGEA. Speaking on the development, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Executive Chairman, Dr. Ganiyu Oluremi Sopeyin, stated that the

development was in line with the present government policy on education to make qualitative, quantitative education available to the teeming children population of school age in the state.

He noted that the present administration headed

by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has bridged the gap between the Public and Private Primary Schools in the state.

He added that Public Primary Schools are now better than Private Primary Schools in Lagos, stressing that the standard of Public

Primary Schools have improved tremendously, taking into consideration the now improved academic performance of public primary school pupils.

He reiterated that the state government has decided to pay attention to all children, irrespective of

where they come from; reassuring that desks, chairs and other needs had been approved for procurement.

With the establishment and listing of these Primary Schools, the total number of Government Primary Schools in the state now stands at 1,016.

Cross River creates gratuity account for pensioners Edem Bassey Calabar

ÏÏÏ

Cross River State Government has created gratuity account for payment of pension to 2014 retirees, as it has aslo agreed to pay 2013 outstanding gratuities to the affected retirees in the State through a table payment.

This was disclosed by the State Chairman of NLC,

Comrade John Ushie. He said the governor has already directed the State Accountant General to partner with the Union to ensure that the remaining retirees receive their gratuities.

He stated, “This was part of the outcome of the meeting between the State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade and the leadership of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),

held at the State Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Calabar.

The NLC chairman noted that the State Governor has approved the constitution of a committee comprising government officials and the NLC leadership to interface with some politicians in Calabar on the possibility of allowing the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to operate in the

motor parks in Calabar.

He explained that the State Government has also agreed to implement the promotions of affected workers when their promotion letters are released and thanked the State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade for accepting to implement the Memorandum of Understanding reached with labour on July 2, 2017.

Niger Delta and what impact it will have on shipping; The expected impact of NIMASA’s partnership with the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Cabotage implementation and international shipping will be another area the forecast will focus on.

The various projected impact of shift to digital shipping in Nigeria and its attendant effect on Nigerian shippers will also be analyzed in details.

Dr. Peterside also noted that the maritime forecast to be released by NIMASA will look at the impact of global emphasis on Blue Economy and how Nigerians can benefit from it.

In the area of capacity building the DG pointed out that the effect on the industry will be considered as two new specialized Universities; Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko and the Admiralty University are expected to begin academic calender next year, in addition to an already repositioned Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.

Other areas of focus in then forecast includes; the government decision on investment status in port and maritime infrastructure, the impact of emphasis on reduction on environmental footprint arising from shipping.

From the regulatory perspective it will also consider the impact on coming into force of the Ballast Water Management Convention, International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) mandatory compliance, among other conventions and regulations.

The most likely impact of greater safety compliance enforcement by the Maritime administration of Nigeria will also be on the front burner in the report.

On the market side, Dr. Peterside posited that it will analyze how demand and supply will evolve in the industry. “This report will be the most informative documentation on the future of the maritime industry in Nigeria”.

The 2018 Nigerian maritime industry forecast is a set of predictions based on study of trends and patterns and it is intended to serve as a guide for investors and stakeholders in the industry.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Foreign News 29

Turkey’s Edorgan aligns Sudan on terror war in East and Horn of Africa

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan 1

Bonny Amadi with agency reports

ÏÏÏTo curb advance-

ment of terrorism and threat to human lives across the countries and the African continent, Sudan has entered into an agreement with Turkey to collaborate in fight against terror in the East Africa and Horn of Africa regions.

According to agency report, the agreement was signed by the leaders of the two countries, Omar al-Bashir and Recep Tayyip Edorgan following Edorgan’s 3 day state visit to Sudan.

Turkish Foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said his country was supporting Sudan war on terrorism, adding that it was keen to check the menace across the African continent.

The security of Africa in general and Sudan in particular is of critical importance to Turkey. We will continue supporting Sudan especially with regards to the war on terrorism “The security of Africa in general and Sudan in particular is of critical importance to Turkey. We will continue supporting

Sudan especially with regards to the war on terrorism,” said Mr Cavusoglu.

Sudanese Foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour confirmed that Khartoum was keen to maintain the security of the Red Sea, adding that it was open to cooperation with the different regional states on the matter.

“Any further military arrangements with Turkey are very probable as we did sign an agreement that can result in any military cooperation on the Red Sea,” Mr. Ghandour explained.

Daily Times recalls that Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently condemned Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, terming it as a “red line” for Muslims and could see him breaking off diplomatic relations with the country.

Mr. Erdogan told parliament his country’s response “could go as far as us cutting diplomatic ties with Israel.”

He also said he would convene a summit meeting of countries of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation to oppose any move recognizing Jerusalem.

However, the recent

agreement signed with Sudan, allows Turkey to have a military presence in the Red Sea in Sudanese territorial waters, for the purposes of fighting terrorism and protecting military ships.

Turkey has a military base on the Somali territorial waters and participated in training the national army, which engages in fighting the terror group Al-Shabaab.

“Our two leaders have also ordered that the Turkish police, security, military and defence ministry will provide the support to the Sudanese side, so we will continue our cooperation regarding the military sector,” he said.

Sudan will also rent the Red Sea Sawakin Island to Turkey for investment and tourism purposes, according to the new deal.

Sawakin Island hosts numerous ancient buildings dating back to the Ottoman Empire era, when Turkey colonised Sudan in the eighteenth century.

Other agreements signed between the two countries during President Erdoan’s visit were in the mining, agriculture, oil and health sectors

Egypt sentenced 28 to death

Egypt hangs 15 men over terrorist attacks in Sinai region ÏÏÏEgyptian authorities

on Tuesday December 26 hanged fifteen men convicted of “terrorist” attacks, the AFP news agency reports citing police officials.

According to agency report, the executions took place in two prisons where these men were found guilty of attacking soldiers and policemen in the restive Sinai region, which is notorious for an armed insurgency.

The Cornell Law School’s Center on the Death Penalty Worldwide, said that Egypt remains one of the countries that has the death sentence on its law books and actually executes it.

The sole method of execution is through hanging.

Amnesty International

said there were at least 22 executions in 2015, the number is believed to have doubled the following year.

It is believed that thousands are facing are on the books to be executed. The government has resorted to hard measures in the light of growing security challenges.

Egypt in the last few years has experienced violent political revolution that hit the Arab world.

It led to the toppling two presidents. The first being long serving leader, Hosni Mubarak and then democratically elected Mohammed Morsi.

The security situation especially in the northern Sinai region has been restive as insurgent groups continue to carry out deadly attacks on security and civilian populations.

Ugandan woman wrongly diagnosed with HIV in 2011 suffers ARV effects ÏÏÏUgandan

woman, Farida Kiconco, a resident of Ntungamo in Western Uganda wrongly diagnosed of having HIV in 2011, and subsequently placed on antiretroviral drugs, has started manifestation of negative impacts of the ARVs. “I went to hospital for antenatal care six years ago.

After a check-up, the medical worker said that I was HIV positive. They then counseled me and gave me HIV drugs and Septrine,” she said.

According to agency report, the 28 year old mother of three is suffering a severe sickness after taking AntiRetroviral Drugs, ARVs for the past six years yet she is HIV negative.

The Uganda police have confirmed the incident and that the case is registered under file number CRB 11-07-

2017 formally GEF 11- 2017.

“You know these ARVs you take them for long...It is taken daily for many years. So it means that if it was like a mistake for a day or two, that one at least it can understood.

But if you continuously take those drugs when you are not infected, then the liver will be damaged including other organs in your body” she further disclosed.

Upon noticing changes in her body like yellowish eyes, changed skin and swollen body parts, Kiconco’s husband, took her back to Kabwohe health center IV where she was given wrong HIV positive diagnosis.

This time round, the doctor on duty who she only identifies as Dr. Tusiime discovered that Kiconco is actually negative.

Farida said: “Dr. Tusiime did a blood test after which

he advised me to stop taking ARVs because I was HIV negative. He referred me to Mbarara referral hospital for further treatment. Mbarara hospital too confirmed that I was HIV negative.”

But the effects of taking ARVs for an HIV negative person are worrying. A medical expert from The Aids Support Organization (TASO) in Mbarara district says, the drugs damage body organs leaving the victim weak. ‘‘You know these ARVs you take them for long…It is taken daily for many many years. So it means that if it was like a mistake for a day or two, that one at least it can understood. But if you continuously take those drugs when you are not infected, then the liver will be damaged including other organs in your body. It is not good,” he stressed.

Ugandan woman Farida Kiconco

At this point, Kiconco and her husband are cash strapped. She, as the bread winner is down and the husband has no job. The couple sold their only land to meet medical costs resulting from

the wrong diagnosis report. They are now calling upon the Ugandan government for support.

Residents have since lost trust in the area’s health workers. ‘‘We are losing hope in our health

workers. We laymen think that health workers are well trained and believe in them, but now if such scenarios are happening to us then our trust is shaken,” Joweria Murezi stated.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

EXTRATIME

30

Stories by Frank Jumbo roatia National Team manager Zlatko Dalic has clarified his comments about knowing the starting line-up that will take to the Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad pitch against Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup on June 16.

The Croatians are aware that Argentina are nailed-on favourites to

C

Croatia Coach: I have picked my players against Nigeria top Group D of the World Cup, so they are focusing their attention on the next strongest rival on paper, Nigeria, in the buildup to the mundial. ‘’I got a clue in my head. I think every coach knows the first 11 for the World Cup. But certainly there is space for one or two changes. You have to have a vision, so you can do it,’’ said Dalic to

Sportske Novosti.

Croatia have lined up friendlies against Peru and Mexico during the next Fifa window, and are wrapping up talks to face an African team with the same playing style as Nigeria in June. ‘’That’s my plan to check in early June, and then on June 8 or 9

before leaving Russia. The other should be an African national team with a similar style to Nigeria,’’ added Dalic.

The Super Eagles are due to take on Poland in a friendly on March 23, and proposed warmup matches with England and Egypt are still in the works.

A

s Nigeria look to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China, team captain Ike Diogu reaffirmed his passion to play for his parents’ country.

An emblematic player for Nigeria over the course of the past five years, the 6ft 9in (2.05m) power forward has experienced joy, frustration and hope while wearing the jersey of Africa’s No.1 team.

In his national team debut at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Venezuela, Diogu lined up along some of Nigeria’s finest players - including Al Farouq Aminu, Tony Skinn, Ade Dagunduro, and Chamberlain Oguchi, just to mention a few - as the team took the world by storm.

In that tournament, they not only beat European powerhouse Lithuania and Greece but became the first-ever African nation to advance to the Olympic Games via OQT. A FIBA AfroBasket 2015 title - although he sat out the entire tournament due to a leg injury suffered a few days before the start of the competition - and two consecutive Olympic appearances give Diogu a sense of worthiness.

However, there is still an accomplishment missing in his illustrious career: playing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, the sport’s biggest stage.

In February, Nigeria will go up against Uganda, Mali, and Rwanda in Group B of the first round of the African Qualifiers. If they finish in the top three, they will advance to the 12-team second of the Qualifiers.

“As I’ve always stated, my passion is to continue to represent Nigeria for as long as I can. So I’m excited to be the captain and look forward to a very successful run,” Diogu told FIBA.Basketball.

“The World Cup is a huge goal of ours. We have not played in one [since 2006]. So we want to make sure to put our best foot forward in the Qualifiers not take anything for granted at all. So It will be a challenge with the new rules but one we are up for.”

Nigeria’s recent ascent can’t be explained without the impact of Diogu, who has led his country in scoring in four straight major international tournaments.

Two months ago, at FIBA AfroBasket 2017, he did a bit of everything for his team, leading all players in scoring with an average of 22.0 points per game and grabbing a team-best 8.7 rebounds.

While Nigeria fell to hosts Tunisia in the Final, Diogu’s impact and value were recognized as he was named the tournament’s MVP. Looking ahead of the Qualifiers, Diogu explained how and why Nigeria became Africa’s highest ranked team.

“Nigeria has an amazing talent pool and since there are so many good players that’s what makes it so tough to choose from. But when we finally kept a core group together and built the cohesion that you need, we were able to surprise people and will big games and I still think people have not seen Nigeria’s best team with its best players because that will be a very scary sight,” he said.

Nigerian striker Gero linked with move to Iran

N

Diogu in action

FIBA: Diogu excited to captain Nigeria Even former Nigeria’s assistant coach John Bryant acknowledges Diogu’s pivotal role.

After bringing together the best 24 teams from around the world at its last three editions, the FIBA Basketball World Cup will see the field increased to 32 in China, with five teams coming from Africa, compared to three previously. Diogu believes this could be a gamechanger for African basketball.

“The game is growing, so FIBA wanted to have a true world tournament which I think is great and it’s amazing they are seeing Africa as a rising power I truly believe

it’s only a matter of time before an African team is on the podium receiving a medal at one of the big tournaments.” Diogu paced the Nigeria with a tournamenthigh 22 points per game at FIBA AfroBasket 2017 What exactly has Diogu been up to since September?

“Since Afrobasket [2017] I have been training hard waiting to sign somewhere to play, concentrating on NBA and China. So hopefully, something works out but also looking at other leagues I was happy to show that I, at 34, can still dominate at a high level.”

Eagles striker Aminu Umar hits brace for Turkish club

N

Umar

igeria international Aminu Umar scored twice as his Osmanlispor FK side toppled Akhisar Belediye Genclik Ve Spor 3-2 in the Turkish Süper Lig at the Osmanli Stadi on Monday, 25 December.

Musa çagiran had earlier put the Ottomans ahead from the spot with 27 minutes played before Soner Aydogdu struck nine minutes later to restore parity for the visitors.

Umar got onto the end of Ozer Humarci’s pass to make it 2-1 two minutes after the restart but the resilient Akigo outfit rallied back to pull level again through Aydogdu who stepped up to send Osmanlispor goalkeeper Karcemar-

skas the wrong way on the hour mark.

The Nigerian would ensure his side bagged all three points from the encounter after ömer Bayram was sent off for the visiting team after 64 minutes , notching his second of the evening four minutes later to secure the win, his latest double making it his fourth in the Turkish topflight this campaign.

Fellow Nigeria international Raheem Lawal who was equally in action for the hosts was replaced with eight minutes left on the clock while the 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist went the entirety of the clash.

igerian footballer Salisu Abdullahi “Alhaji” Gero has reportedly been linked with a move to the Iranian professional football club Esteghlal Tehran, which currently plays in the Persian Gulf Pro League.

The 24-year-old striker, who plays for Östersunds Fotbollsklubb, commonly known simply as Östersunds FK, could join Esteghlal after the end of the current season of the Swedish first tier, Allsvenskan.

The report comes as Esteghlal’s German manager Winfried Schäfer is looking for a forward to add to his team’s line-up, and has Gero on his radar.

Gero signed his first professional contract with Nigerian football team El-Kanemi Warriors at the age of sixteen in 2009.

The next year, he moved on to Lobi Stars. Gero then played for Kaduna United and Enugu Rangers football clubs at the Nigerian Professional Football League.

In August 2013, Gero signed a contract with Swedish football club Östers Idrottsförening, commonly known as Östers IF or simply Öster.

Danish club Viborg FF announced in December 20140 that it had signed Gero on a free transfer.

Both sides agreed on January 16, 2016, to terminate the contract.

The Nigerian footballer signed with Östersunds FK two days later.

Esteghlal Tehran Football Club stands in the sixth spot in the Persian Gulf Pro League table, with 23 points.

Persepolis Football Club is the top-ranked soccer team in the rankings, with 37 points.

Football Club Pars Jonoubi Jam has bagged 29 points to claim the second position, while thirdplace Foolad Khuzestan Football Club has earned 28 points.

Paykan Football Club has landed in the fourth spot with 26 points. Saipa Football Club has claimed the fifth place with 24 points.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

EURO......................EURO..........................EURO.......................EURO........

EXTRATIME

31

Simeone not going anywhere, insists club president

A Simeone

Shearer, Lineker hail record breaker Kane

A

lan Shearer led the plaudits as Tottenham striker Harry Kane made his remarkable 2017 a record-breaking one at Wembley on Tuesday.

Kane opened the scoring after 22 minutes of the match against struggling Southampton, moving on to 37 Premier League goals in the calendar year

and going past the previous best mark set by Shearer at Blackburn Rovers in 1995.

Shearer praised the man who now fills his old role as England’s main striker at international level by tweeting: “You’ve had a magnificent 2017, Harry Kane. You deserve to hold the record of most Premier League goals in a calendar year. Well done and keep up the good work.”

Another ex-England frontman Gary Lineker also joined in with the tributes and joked that his “thoughts are with Alan Shearer at this difficult time”.

Harry Kane set a new Premier League record of 37 goals in a calendar year before his second against Southampton took him past Lionel Messi in 2017.

Kane was not done and

FIFA thanks ‘responsible’ Mutko stepping down F IFA has thanked Vitaly Mutko for his “responsible step” in removing himself as the president of the Russian Football Union (RFS) as he appeals a lifetime Olympic ban.

Mutko, who is Russia’s deputy prime minister, was banned by the IOC this month after the release of the Schmid Re-

port, commissioned by the IOC, confirmed allegations of widespread manipulation of anti-doping procedures during his tenure as Russian sports minister, chiefly at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

He is set to challenge the ruling with the Court of Arbitration for Sport while RFS director general Alexander

Mutko

Alayev has been named acting president of the governing body in his stead.

With the start of the World Cup in Russia less than six months away, FIFA praised Mutko for his stance and insisted the developments would not hinder any preparations for the finals.

“FIFA understands Mr Mutko’s decision which was also taken in the best interest of the FIFA World Cup next summer,” a statement read.

“FIFA thanks Mr Mutko for this responsible step and for the work carried out so far for the World Cup. “Mr Mutko’s decision will have no impact on the successful staging of the FIFA World Cup next summer, as FIFA, the Russian Government, RFU and the LOC continue their fruitful cooperation on the preparations for the FIFA World Cup according to plan.

“In the coming days, FIFA will discuss with all relevant parties and agree on the next steps related to the LOC.”

doubled his haul and Southampton’s misery before half-time, moving on to 55 goals for club and county this year – one more than Lionel Messi.

The 24-year-old then made it back-to-back hattricks, having claimed the matchball last time out at Burnley. He now has eight hat-tricks in total over the 12-month period.

Kane’s 56 goals in 2017 have arrived in just 52 appearances, set against 54 in 64 for Barcelona superstar Messi.

The Spurs hero heads an all-star leaderboard as Robert Lewandowski, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani all finished 2017 with 53 goals to their name.

Eboue in action

tletico Madrid are confident that Diego Simeone will still be in charge of the club next season, according to president Enrique Cerezo.

Simeone has persistently been linked with a move away from Atletico in recent years, with Everton the most recent to reportedly be interested in his services before appointing Sam Allardyce.

The Argentina and Inter jobs are the ones he is more regularly linked to, though, given his history with both teams during his playing career.

But with both of those in relatively secure situations, an opportunity to take over as coach appears to be some way off.

And Cerezo says that Simeone has even given “his word” about staying at the Wanda Metropolitano next term.

“He is calm, at ease, working well at Atletico,” Cerezo told AS. “We are proud to have this great coach, and we are proud for what he is as an athlete and as a person.

“We have his word and his commitment that he will be at Atletico next season. There’s no more to say.”

Atletico went into LaLiga’a midseason break second in the table behind only Barcelona, yet in some ways the first half of their campaign has been a little disappointing At times they have been underwhelming in attack, with star man Antoine Griezmann having scored just five goals, while they were also dumped out of the Champions League.

But Cerezo is sure that Diego Costa and Vitolo will make a difference when they can be officially registered in January.

“Diego Costa is fabulous and will fit very well into the team,” said Cerezo.

“He is a great football player and has scored a lot of goals. And Vitolo has already demonstrated at Seville and Las Palmas the kind of player he is.

“You are right; Atletico will be a strong, tough team and those who want to win will have to do things well and work hard.”

Galatasary offers Eboue coach job

E

mmanuel Eboue has been offered under 14 assistant coach job by Faith Terim Galatasary have offered Emmanuel Eboue a lifeline after the former Arsenal defender revealed he had contemplated suicide after falling on hard times.

The former Gunners full back admitted he had seriously considered taking his own life after financial mismanagement has left him penniless with a bitter divorce meaning he has been estranged from his three children since the summer.

However help could be at hand after the Turkish giants said they would hand an academy coaching role to the hard-up 34-year-old.

Gala boss Fatish Terim, who has

taken over at the Istanbul club for the fourth time in his career, told CNN Turk that he would give the former Ivory Coast full-back the role of under-14 assistant coach at the club.

Terim said: ‘We heard news about Eboue in the dressing room, I was informed there, we will do whatever we can to help my friend.’

Eboue, who played in the 2006 Champions League final for the Gunners against Barcelona, earned millions in a seven year Premier League career, slept in a palatial home and drove expensive cars, was said to be delighted at the offer.

The Ivory Coast star who won 79 caps and played for Arsenal between 2005 and 2011 took home

a seven-digit sum every year during his time in North London, earning a further £1.5 million annually playing for Gala.

However, with his former wife Aurelie being awarded of all the couple’s assets, he has been forced to dodge police and bailiffs following a court order – insisting he hand over his home in Enfield to her.

But things could be looking up for Eboue with the job offer. He said: ‘I would be very happy if Fatih gave me the duty in Galatasaray.

‘Fatih Terim is my father, I love him very much, I do everything for him because I love him very much.’

Sportsmail have contacted Arsenal for a comment on Eboue’s situation.

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The Abuja Times

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

FCT dev’t now focuses at area councils –Minister AT4

FCT Health secretariat decries lack of enabling laws to fight quackery AT2 FIRS hands off tax collection in Abuja as FCTIRS begins operations

ÏÏÏThe Federal Inland Revenue

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (right) in a handshake with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, when the later paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja... recently

FCTA Education projects gulp N9.6bn Stories by Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Secretary for Education

The Abuja

T E A M

in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Senator Isa Maina, has said that the administration has committed over N9.6 billion on Education development projects in the FCT in 2017 under review.

Maina, who made this known on December 20, 2017, during the 11th Annual Media Luncheon of the Secretariat, said educationrelated projects worth N2.8 billion have been completed while projects worth nearly N4 billion were awarded and would be completed in a few months’ time.

The Education Secretary also revealed that the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, within the run of his administration, approved the payment of the

sum of N2.8 billion for counterpart projects between the FCTA and international partners.

Some of the projects already completed and paid for by the Education Secretariat, Maina explained, are the construction and rehabilitation of over 400 primary and junior classroom blocks across the territory, fencing of 3 secondary schools, furnishing of classrooms, offices, transit and staff quarters at Abuja University of Technology, Abaji, and provision of laptop computers to secondary schools in Kuje and Jabi among others.

Other projects worth N3.8 billion that were awarded and awaiting completion are the furnishing and equipping of science laboratories at GGSS Kuje and GGSS Abaji for computer based exam (CBE) Centre, ITVI, Utako,

Special Projects Editor Sam Nseh

Correspondents Idu Jude

supply of laptop computers for students.

Under the counterpart projects, Senator Maina disclosed that the FCT Minister authorised the release of the sum of N2.8 billion counterpart funds, which enabled the administration to access the UBE funds, including the unpaid arrears of 2014 for the Teachers Professional Development (TPD) fund.

This, he said, brought the FCT up to date in its financial obligations to UBEC having paid till 2016.

To give brilliant but indigent students in the FCT opportunity to excel in their educational pursuit, the Administration approved the disbursement of N96 million under the FCT Education Assistance Scheme to clear the backlog of 5,450 students that applied for scholarships for the 2015 award season, which will commence after a pre-disbursement audit of the applicants soon.

Similarly, the school feeding has been carried upward from N200 to N300 per student per day, to improve the quantity and quality of

food for students in the boarding schools.

School heads in the FCT, Senator Maina revealed, have also been given the opportunity of rising to the position of grade level 17 as is the case in the federal ministries and some states across the country, adding that the FCT Administration has designated 20 schools as Grade A schools and their principals can now rise to the position of grade level 17 officers.

In addition, 2,981 teachers, supervisors and quality assurance officers were trained, using the assessed UBE Teacher Professional Development Training (TPDT) funds.

He said the Board also carried out cluster sensitisation of 1000 primary and junior secondary teachers while 50 junior secondary schools teachers were trained on entrepreneurial skills.

In the same vein, some 100 other primary and secondary school teachers were trained on the use of Classmate Computers for elearning while 200 Quality Assurance Officers conducted local

Service (FIRS) will henceforth cease to be the collecting agency for taxes and levies in the FCT, paving the way for the Federal Capital Territory Inland Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) to assume these duties.

A joint statement on tax collection in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), signed by the Executive Chairmen, FIRS and the FCT-IRS, Tunde Fowler and Abdullahi O. Attah, respectively, in Abuja on December 21, 2017, said these changes are with immediate effect.

According to the statement, “the FCT-IRS shall henceforth administer the following taxes and levies in the Federal Capital Territory: Personal Income Tax (PIT); Pay As You Earn (PAYE) in respect of all individuals resident in the Federal Capital Territory under employment in both the public and private sectors; Direct Assessment in respect of all self-employed individuals and enterprises resident in the Federal Capital Territory.”

Other taxes to be collected also by the FCT-IRS are the Federal Capital Territory Property Tax; Stamp Duties (SD), Withholding Taxes (WHT), and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in respect of all individuals and enterprises resident in the Federal Capital Territory.

Others include all other taxes and levies the FCT-IRS is empowered to collect by law.

The statement said these taxes shall be collected through approved Collecting Banks and other electronic payment platforms and channels and paid into the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The statement however noted that all PAYE deductions of the Armed Forces, Police Personnel and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall continue to be collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service and subsequently remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government.

It added also that Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) for taxes hitherto paid to FIRS, shall henceforth be issued by FCT-IRS subject to confirmation of payment and enjoined all taxpayers to comply with these changes with immediate effect.

The Abuja Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

NNPC to establish 4600MW power plants in FCT, other states ÏÏÏIn an effort to increase the gener-

ation of electricity source in the FCT, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced that it recently approved contract for the construction of Ajaokuta-AbujaKaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline project, AKK Pipeline, with the combined capacity of 4600 megawatts.

The NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who disclosed this during a visit by the Executive Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, in Abuja, said the Corporation in partnership with private investors would build power generating plants to support the Federal Government’s effort to provide stable electricity in the country.

“As part of the drive to establish power plants to augment the power supply to the nation, the Federal Executive Council has recently approved the AKK Gas Pipeline project to be financed through Public Private Partnership (PPP). The project comes with other auxiliary ones which include, 1350megawatts, 900megawatts and 2350megawatts of power generation plants in Abuja, Kaduna and Kano respectively,” Baru stated.

The GMD sated that the NNPC in partnership with private investors would also build fertilizer plants in some parts of the country, one of which would be located at Izzon, Niger State.

Dr. Baru informed the visitors that in line with the presidential mandate on oil exploration in all the frontier basins, the NNPC was well-focused on the exploration in the Bida Basin

and would carry out the job professionally.

“We have contracted the geological mapping of the Bida Basin to Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai and the job would be completed in three months,” Dr. Baru stated.

He explained that once the geological mapping is completed, the NNPC’s Integrated Data Services Limited would be engaged to carry out the other aspects of the seismic activities, which would be completed

by July 2018.

The GMD stated the Corporation would go into more detailed 2D seismic data acquisition in the Bida Basin by August 2018, to be followed by an Environmental Impact Assessment exercise in order to establish what the baseline is, which would signify the need or otherwise for the deployment of 3D acquisition facilities.

As part of efforts to decongest our highways, the GMD said the NNPC would encourage private investors to build tanker parking facilities around Minna Depot, Suleja Depot, Tegina, Mokwa, amongst others and charge the users of the facility appropriately.

Baru explained that talk was ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing to re-introduce weight bridges on the highways to checkmate the issue of excessive loading by tankers above the recommended 46, 000ton gross weight.

He said that the NNPC on its part had already directed all its Depots nationwide to stop loading tankers with loading capacity above 40, 000 litres.

FCT Health secretariat decries lack of enabling laws to fight quackery

Stories by Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Secretary FCT Health and

Human Services Secretariat, Barrister Amanda Pam, has said that despite the degree of professionalism exhibited by the management and staff of the secretariat that certain enabling laws are required for the secretariat to operate in a full capacity.

Barrister Pam revealed this while briefing the media to mark the end of 2017 Fiscal year.

According to Pam, the FCT has no enabling law as at the moment to help fight certain illegalities because of the delay of its passages at the National Assembly.

She said however that there are laws establishing the FCT, which the secretariat makes use of at the moment to guide its operation.

The Secretary stressed that the laws has become necessary, owing to the great importance to enshrining standards in health facilities establishment in the FCT, to curb sub standards and quackery Further commenting, she observed that the committee for the establishment of private hospitals registration and monitoring, headed by Dr.

Ibrahim Tata in the year under review sealed about 70 illegally operated hospitals in the FCT, while over N60,644,250, has been injected into the coffers of the FCT thereby contributing to the IGR of the FCT. She said that the Health and Human Services Secretariat during the physical year expended the sum of N2, 595, 646.00 for HIV prevalent programmes for the residents of the FCT. Also on the fight against TB, she disclosed that N15,350,842.80 was expended, adding that over N20,787,436,.80 was expended for family planning programmes while expenditure for Vaccine programmes (polio, missiles programmes stands at 3,793,645,800.00 respectively.

Enlisting few among the challenges of the secretariat, Pam said that overdependence on donor agencies in fighting the war on certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS response has become clog in the wheel of progress.

She decried the non-legislation of all facilities including FCT Primary Healthcare Board Establishment bill, the FCT School of Nursing and Midwifery ACT 2011.

Part of the challenges of the secretariat, she further stated, also include absence of the FCT Hospital Manage-

ment Board Establishment bill as well as inadequate manpower due to lack of staff attrition.

On the way forward in readiness for next year, she said that the secretariat will be carrying out possible rehabilitation and expansion work of Kuje District Hospital to a standard of secondary health care facility, just as general staff employment will be visited in line with the budgetary provision of 2017.

She added that the secretariat would source for equipment for the hospitals to replace the old and substandard ones as well as the rehabilitation and equipping of FCT secondary health facilities and inject additional funding to FACA. Part of the plan for next year, Pam said, is to engage more consultants to liaise with the National Assembly for the passage of all pending Bills and Acts for the health facilities especially that of the school of nursing and midwifery to enable the council of the two schools admit more students.

The administration, through the secretary, announced that it has concluded plans to draw down funds from save ‘one million lives initiative’ (SOML) to execute other projects in line with their guidelines.

CSO faults NASS over scuttling varsities’ research programme ÏÏÏAn

Abuja based Non-governmental organization under the aegis of Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA) has protested the alleged plans by members of the National Assembly to pad the budget of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing by removing the proposed N10 billion solar energy projects in 37 universities nationwide as provided for in the appropriation bill of the Ministry.

Members of group that stormed Abuja in protest over the matter recently accused legislators behind the plot of removing the solar energy projects from the appropriation bill of working for oil and gas barons who do not want the country to make progress in solar energy industry.

The leader of the group, Princewill Okorie, said that leaders in the country are engaging what Harvard Business School described as “energy war,” a situation where those who are benefiting from oil and gas would not want any alternative energy source to work.

Okorie said that solar energy projects in Nigerian universities were well thought out by the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, and therefore must not be removed from 2018 appropriations bill of the Ministry.

“We appreciate the ability of solar electricity to provide regular uninterrupted power supply in uni-

versity environment which shall enhance illumination, academic and progressive engagements, and whole dispelling darkness which promotes nefarious activities on campus.

“Audit of electricity provision cost in the nation’s universities will show that the amount of money spent on purchase of diesel, fuel and generators in a year will be close to N10bn being proposed by Federal Ministry of Power for solar energy for universities in 2018 Federal Budget”, he said.

The group also debunked claims that the country was not ripe for full blown investment in renewable energy projects, saying that the solar energy industry can succeed in Nigeria, if only there is political will to make it work.

“Our leaders are engaging in what Harvard Business School call energy war. They don’t want any alternative source of power, like the solar energy to work, because they are benefiting from the oil and gas.

“Those who are saying that solar energy can’t work in Nigeria are only saying so, because all the solar energy projects in the country were never designed to succeed, because those who designed them never made any provision for their maintenance. And like every other projects, if you build without plans for maintenance, it will definitely not be sustainable”, he added.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (middle) cutting the tape to commission the recently rehabilitated and upgraded 160m3 Kwali Water-works. With him are the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Sir Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa (3rd left); the Etsu Kwali, Shaaban Nizazo III (3rd right); the Managing Director, CGC Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Tony Ye Shuijin (2nd left) and others in Abuja…recently.

PDP criticises FCT railway project

ÏÏÏChieftains of the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have berated and challenged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ruling party in the nation’s capital, to redeem itself of the promise made earlier in 2017 over the commencement of the much heralded Abuja mono-rail transportation project.

The Abuja Times recalls that the FCT Administration earlier had intimated the public through the media of its readiness and intention to launch into the FCT transportation system the mono-rail project by December 2017.

In an exclusive interview with The Abuja Times recently, Mr. David Zwangi Yunusa, a chieftain of the PDP in the FCT, stated that residents of the FCT will for a long time engage ingalala dancing steps of the APC administration as they are bound to witness more foul and failed promises.

He noted that the APC should not have jumped to the announcement since they did not start the project and are ignorant of when to finish it.

He said: “The announcement was just political and when I had of it, I laughed. This was because they goofed. I can tell you today that the project was not fifty per cent done and we keep hearing that they have gone 90 per cent, which is fallacy considering what is involved”.

He further said that the level of misinformation about the project was alarming with regard to the unawarded parts of the contracts to be executed before flagging of the project.

The case, according to him, remains that the original project was initiated by the PDP Government, so it was never a surprise thing that APC promise failed.

“I can tell you that there are so many encumbrances involving

plethora of court cases which involves properties of residents of the FCT. Those property owners have not been compensated and have all gone to court to seek redress. I can tell you that the NNPC mega station near the World Trade Centre needed to be removed as it will serve as a substation for the railway; also the Eagle Square originally was supposed to serve as a railway station. There are some other buildings along the rail tracks that needed to be removed. So it would be a misnomer for any right thinking person to say in a hurry that the FCT metro-rail will be launched in 2017,” Yunusa stated.

Also speaking, Mr. David Mashi, former aspirant to the office of FCT PDP chairmanship, observed that the coming that the announcement was mind game being played by the ruling party which he described has the character of opposition.

The Abuja Times 3

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

FCT school enrolment: Concerns as student population escalates ÏÏÏSecurity challenges being ex-

perienced across the country more especially the North East part of the country is currently telling on the educational system of the Federal Capital territory Administration.

This was revealed by the Secretary, Education Secretariat of the FCTA, Senator Isa Maina while briefing the FCT minister’s press crew to mark the end of 2017.

According to Senator Isa Maina, his coming as the man at the helm of affairs exposed him to certain challenges befalling the secretariat.

“I had always known that the challenges confronting education in Nigeria were enormous and I was therefore under no illusions that the situation in the FCT would be any different. But after 2 months as the chief education administrator, I fully appreciated the enormity of the problems which can be categorised broadly into several ways, including influx of people into the FCT. “Although as a Senator that has represented his people before, I knew first-hand the challenge, which uncontrolled influx can bring to bear on public utilities and facilities. This problem I can see is more pronounced in the education sector where the government is obliged to provide educational services to all citizens,” he said.

Senator Maina said that in basic education for instance, there were increases in the enrolment figures.

He said that ECCDE pupils enrolment increased by 2,984 from 27,036 to 30,020, representing 11.04%; Primary School pupils enrolment increased by 4,172 from 214,929 to 219,101, representing 1.94% and JSS students enrolment increased by 11,479 from 116,585 to 128,064, representing 9.85%.

He observed that the increase in enrolment is happening without a corresponding increase in funding for the provision of new schools and facilities.

Part of the challenges, he said, is the unruly land encroachment into school plots by private developers. This, according to him, has adversely affected the establishment of schools and further development of existing schools in some communities.

“I had the displeasure of visiting one such school in Jibi where a legal controversy over a school plot forced the GSS Dei-Dei to squat in the premises of GSS Jibi. Of course, the situation was deplorable and we are making all efforts necessary to move that school to its proper location.

“We are however working closely with the relevant departments to look closely at this problem and find ways of solving the present challenges and prevent further ones”.

He said that the issue of funding which of course is not new has sometimes negatively impacted ability to deliver on the best quality service with the aim of seeking for alternative sources of funding.

Senator Maina further revealed that his leadership has also explored difficult terrain accessing some rural communities in the FCT which has hindered accessibility to those areas. Among which he said is the college of education which still need to have its enabling law passed by the National Assembly to enable it properly fulfill its mandate.

He said: “Although 2017 was challenging for the education sector as indeed it was for most of the sectors in the nation’s polity, we believe that we have fared well. For instance, despite the challenges of funding, infrastructure and even personnel, we performed relatively well in our terminal examinations, getting a 62% pass at the 2017 NECO examinations. This is an improvement over 2016 which stood at 52%. While we know we have the potentials to do even better, a lot will depend on how well we overcome the challenges we are currently facing”.

While decrying the need for funds, Senator Maina said that there is no secret that government funding of education alone is no longer feasible. Stated that raising funds by charging tuition is also not an option because the administration is trying very hard to reduce the population of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The immediate solution, in his view, lies with the private sector.

“As government is considering an innovative option known as adopt-a school-programme where corporate organisations and even wealthy individuals can decide to “adopt” a school and help in meeting some its basic needs. Such organisations or individuals will of course be given the recognition and accolades they deserve. Adding that so far that So far that the administration have made some promising contacts.

“The education of a child is not just the responsibility of the school or the teachers. It is also the responsibility of parents, relations and the entire community. We have noticed an upward spike in the delinquent and disruptive behaviours of students. This is giving us cause for concern and we believe this can be attributed to the absence of parents from the home or an increasing inability to discipline the children.

I need to urge parents to be more vigilant and learn to contain the excesses of their children. The school principals have been given instructions to bring the full weight of the law (including criminal charges) down on any errant child”.

Senator Maina noted that the FCT has always been a model for the rest of the country and that the methods of doing things have always been copied and duplicated by other states and indeed by other countries. “I know this to be true because in my days as the Senator representing the FCT, I had the chance to tour the Territory and come in contact with the people as well as the administrators at the time.

Youth empowerment: FCTA to embark on agricultural programme Stories by Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Capital Territory Administration says it is ready to battle youth unemployment through agricultural value chain.

This was disclosed by the Secretary, Agric Secretariat, Mr. Stanly Ifeanyichukwu Nzekwe, on the occasion of end of the year scorecard of the secretariat recently.

The programme initiative, according to the Secretary, was planned to ensure that a certain percentage of the youth unemployment is concurred.

According to him, the administration, earlier in the effort to curbing youth unemployment, went into partnership with Leventis Foundation which has been at the centre of agriculture training, to ensure that youths from the FCT are engaged meaningfully.

His words: Our partnership with the leventis foundation at the centre for agricultural training, Yaba lagos established to build the capacities of youth in agriculture, the relationship has continued to grow from strength to strength. Just on December 16, a to-

tal of100 trainees graduated from the centre. And we have on good record that some of the past trainees have set up their farms and have become employers of labour”.

Further speaking, Nzekwe said that within the period under review, that the Agric and rural development secretariat had tried to reposition the agriculture project ADP to enable it provide credible extension delivery to all the agricultural value chains in the FCT, the programme, he said, is in the effort to ensure agricultural development project and field extension programme.

Nzekwe, said that the programme is in pursuance of the mandate as well as the project routinely promoted dissemination and adoption of good agricultural practices that ensured that small holder farmers increased their yield and income by producing what they can sell.

This objective was accomplished due to the support received from the FCT administration, international partnership including the Japanese International Fertilizer development centre, International Fertilizer Development (IFDC), United States International Development (USAID) and

Food and Agricultural Organisation and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Consequently, Nzekwe said that about 175,000 farming families and 100 project staff were supported through the international capacity building of 4 projects staff in Japan courtesy of JICA. Also, it has the local capacity building of about 40 women group and 30 extension agents on rice paddy parboiling using false bottom technology courtesy of JICA. Nzekwe also noted that the administration was engaged in the mobilisation of farmers groups and extension agents in all the FCT area councils including AMAC, Kuje, Dei dei vegetable market, Kwali Checheyi community and Gwagwalada Ibwa community on SHEP- Small Horticultural empowerment programme.

The secretariat was also engaged on sensitisation and mobilisation of 10,000 farmers and 25 extension agents on anchor borrowers’ programme, coordinated the training of 805 N-empower Agropreneur on extension delivery strategies and promoted small irrigation farming practices along the Pukafa flooding plain in Kwali area council.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (2nd right), being briefed on the OSEX project plan by Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Umar Jubrin (2nd left), while member representing the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo (right), and the Director of Engineering, FCDA, Shehu Ahmad Hadi (left), listen, during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the Apo-Wasa dual carriageway in Abuja...recently.

‘FCT Master Plan for review in 2018’ ÏÏÏReview

of the Abuja Master Plan will commence next year, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Umar Gambo Jibril disclosed last week.

Speaking on the progress of implementation of the Master Plan at an event organised by FCT Archives and History Bureau to commemorate the movement of FCT from Lagos to Abuja, 26 years ago, Engr. Jibril cited various reasons for the planned review.

He said: “Considering the explosion in population vis-à-vis the timeline of Abuja’s development, implementation of the Abuja Master Plan is on course, to a large extent, except a few challenges. Though there has been mismatch in the phased development,

we have done well.” The Executive Secretary explained that FCT Administration (FCTA) had cause ‘’to move away from certain aesthetics in the development of Abuja, in the spirit of Change Begins With Me, particularly by using concrete, instead of metal materials” in the design for some infrastructure.

Speaking on resettlement and compensation policy of the Administration, the FCDA boss revealed that government was considering integration of the original inhabitants, also known as urban renewal. The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who was represented by FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Christian Ohaa, said the Administration was poised to ensure feasible movement

across the city, improve its economic vibrancy and boost effective service delivery to FCT residents and visitors.

Malam Bello, who praised organisers of the event, noted that “it rekindles our memory on major developmental strides and key players in our nation-building”, urging all Nigerians “to support efforts of the present Administration to consolidate the Change Agenda which has brought corruption to an all-time low and is diversifying our economy and building local capacity.”

Bello added that the achievements of the Administration had seen Nigeria exit from recession just as the country has improved tremendously on the World Bank’s ranking on ease of doing business.

The Abuja Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

FCTA promises to modernise rural markets

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and various disaster management agencies are looking for a lasting solution to curb yearly fire disasters that claim lives and material resources across the local markets of the six area councils of the FCT. The administration said that its leadership will muster recourses to ensure that standard infrastructure are put on ground to bring a lasting solutions to the menace.

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Muhammad Bello, made the suggestion as a solution to the yearly occurrence in Karimo, a suburb of Abuja recently, where early morning fire destroyed goods and property worth millions of Naira.

The minister said that part of the reasons for harmatan fire is the structural built of the market which does not have standard fire proof around it.

He stated that both the FCT and other relevant emergency management agencies will collaborate to finding a lasting solution to the seemingly tradition in the FCT. “We have to sit down with the shop owners and agree of total structural building of the market and I also think that rural markets across the six area councils of the FCT will wear the same fire proof structures as a set standard. It was gathered that the fire, which broke at a about 1 o’clock early Thursday morning, razed down a whole section of the informal market, wrecking shops and variety of goods

stored therein,” he said.

Eyewitness accounts had it that it took the timely intervention of emergency response team from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Fire Service Commission, and other security agencies to stop the inferno from spreading to houses in the area.

On a visit to the scene, victims were seen discussing in clusters, as they lost everything to the fire. Also, security and rescue officials cordoned the area, to enable them clear the place of any mortal danger.

According to the Director General of FCT Emergency Management Department, Idriss Abbass, after receiving a distress call around 1 am, informing him of the fire outbreak in the market, fire service operatives were alerted and immediately mobilised to quench the raging inferno.

Abbass added that the Department called out law enforcement agencies to the scene, to avoid looting there.

He however, failed to disclose the cause of the fire, saying the priority was to contain the fire from spreading further into other areas.

Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, led a high powered delegation on a sympathy visit to the market.

In the entourage of the minister were top FCTA officials, Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Adamu Candido, AMAC councilors and NEMA DG, Mustapha.

FCT dev’t now focuses at area councils –Minister

Stories by Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has said that the current FCT Administration was focusing on grassroots development of the nation’s capital.

Bello made the disclosure last week while speaking at the 26th anniversary of the movement of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from Lagos to Abuja.

He said: “The current Administration is working assiduously to complete ongoing infrastructure projects which we believe will enhance the livability of the city. We have achieved substantial milestones in this regard and currently our focus is shifting to the Area Councils and satellite towns.

We are poised to ensure the navigability of the city, economic vibrancy as well as improved service delivery

across board.”

The minister said the theme of the event, ‘From Dodan Barracks to Aso Villa,’ was apt, but revealed that development of Abuja from statutory allocation was no more sustainable, submitting that “time has come for the private sector to drive the new process” in its development.

“It is therefore my expectation that the forum will provide the opportunity to reflect on the vision and developmental challenges of the Abuja project,” he added.

Also speaking, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Executive Secretary, Engr. Umar Gambo Jibril, disclosed that the FCT Minister has given approval for review of the Abuja Master Plan, which would commence next year.

Engr. Jibril, however, stated that considering the population challenges of the FCT, the Master Plan,

to a large extent, has been on course, adding that the development of Abuja, especially its aesthetics has been changed owing to necessity.

Archives Director, Ms Cerie Jogai, in her welcome remarks, said without “good and effective record management in our public and private lives, our organisations will continue to suffer tremendous setback.’’

Revealing that her department would soon present the FCT record management policy to guide FCTA’s various Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) on the appropriate ways to manage records, she called on the Minister to “assist in enforcing the adherence of proper records keeping in the various SDAs.” Another speaker, Professor Andrew Zamani, an original inhabitant of FCT, thanked Malam Bello for giving his (Zamani’s) kinsfolk space to participate in the development of FCT.

FCTA partners NDLEA, security agencies on war against drug abuse

ÏÏÏThe Federal Capital Territory

Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has lamented the growing incidence of drug abuse in the territory.

To stem the upsurge, the minister has moved to rally FCT security agencies to combat the scourge.

The FCT Minister gave this indication during a meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd), when the latter paid him a working visit recently.

Malam Bello expressed alarm at the dimension to which the menace of drug has grown especially among women, while aligning himself with the declaration of the drug law enforcement boss who had associated the problems of insurgency, robbery, kidnapping and other crimes to drug abuse.

He said: “We really intend to make Abuja drug free. That will take tremendous amount of hard work and tremendous amount of commitment and resources. But we have no option but to do it.”

The Minister acknowledged that it was bad enough that Nigeria used be known only as a transit point and expressed dismay it was becoming a consuming nation.

He charged the FCT Police, Department of State Security, Social Development Secretariat, and NDLEA, who were present at the occasion, to come together to chart a new plan of action towards fighting the scourge in FCT. The Minister assured the agencies

that FCT was going to support measures designed to recover affected neighbourhoods and persons from drugs. In addition, he announced measures to fast-track the allocation of land for the construction of a rehabilitation centre for drug victims in the FCT. He canvassed for the naming and shaming of traffickers and perpetrators, as one of the strategies for discouraging the resort to drugs, suggesting, “All arrested persons need to be publicised along with their pictures and businesses. If they are found to be part of the negative value chain of the drug thing, they have to be exposed very widely. It is absolutely important. This is something relevant agencies will work together at in order to recover this vulnerable segment of our population from this menace.”

Earlier in his briefing to the FCT minister, the NDLEA boss expressed concern that between 100 and 120 million of our population is composed of the youths.

His words: “They are the main ones that indulge in this consumption and any nation whose future is sentenced to the use of drugs by its young ones, that nation is trouble.”

He noted that behind the consumption drugs, is the issue of criminalities, adding “we know there are other problems in Nigeria, problems of insurgency, robbery, kidnapping.

But behind all of these drugs are being consumed. While it is true that we are trying to stop these ones immediately, until we can stop drugs coming into our country, stop our children and any other person from taking it in our country, we are only wasting our time.”

FCT Permanent Secretary, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa (right) and other officials, during an inspection tour of the Waste Treatment Plant at Wupa, Airport Road, Abuja…recently.

FCTA to designate parks for intra-city transport operators —Opeifa ÏÏÏThe

FCT Transport Secretary, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, has announced plans to designate motor parks for intra-city commercial vehicle operators in Abuja within the next few months.

Opeifa made the announcement during interactive session with members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja recently.

He said the initiative was part of efforts by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to restore sanity to the transport sector in the nation’s capital.

He added that it would also check the frequent clash between commercial drivers and the FCT joint security taskforce.

To this end, Opeifa said a joint committee would set up membership drawn from transport unions and the transport secretariat to work out the modalities.

He solicited the understanding and cooperation of operators with the FCTA in its bid to actualise the Abuja Transportation Master Plan for the benefit of all.

Describing operators as key stakeholders in the sector, the secretary urged them to always toe the path of dialogue in their engagements with government and other players.

He said government was looking into their grievances, including alleged extortion and harassment by security agents, restriction of minibuses and painted taxis in some areas, among others.

Opeifa used the opportunity to reiterate that no driver was killed by the FCT taskforce at Wuse Market on Nov. 8 as widely reported in the media.

He urged them to properly verify whatever information they received before taking action and promised to facilitate harmonious relationship be-

tween them and the taskforce.

The secretary said “we don’t want tension here or any problem between you and the police. We need you as partners to sanitise the transport sector in the FCT. “We will soon establish what we call Traffic Management Mayors or Marshals, and you will be actively involved.

“At least 100 of you will be selected to join as traffic controllers and managers in all parts of the territory. We are in the process of making that happen.”

Opeifa also promised to sustain the interactive sessions with them to promote understanding and synergy.

Some of the union members, including the FCT Chairman of NURTW, Mr. Isah Usman, commended the transport secretary for giving them listening ears and promised to cooperate with him.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Stakeholders, traders anticipate Naira rebound as official FX market opens

ITFC, Afreximbank to aid African trade with millions

Page B4

Page B5

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Emirates treats passengers to Christmas goodies Page B6

FG justifies $1bn for Boko Haram fight

Ïd ƕ ƇƑ Ɨ Ƌ Ɛ Ƅ ƐƐƋƆ ƄƑ ƊƆƏƈ è ƅ ƐƐƋƆ ƏƑ ƐƋƈ è Ɛ ƆƏ Stories by Ganiyu Obaaro, with Agency reports

The Federal Government has described the criticisms trailing the approval of $1 billion for the fight against insurgency and other violent crimes in the country as unnecessary and unhelpful.

The Minister of Information, Culture and and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, expressed this position at a news conference in Lagos.

He said the Nigerian Governor’s Forum acted wisely in approving the fund from the Excess Crude Account based on the need to properly

fund security operations in the country to adequately respond to threats

by Boko Haram and other criminals.

Mohammed pointed out that the approved fund was not to fight Boko Haram in the North East alone, but also to tackle kidnapping, cattle rustling , illegal oil bunkering and other crimes.

He expressed dismay that an action intended to make the country safer had been subjected to attacks by people with ulterior motives.

The minister said that it was wrong to sacrifice the issue of security on the altar of politics, saying opponents of the fund were taking politics too far.

Mohammed said asymmetrical wars were very expensive to fight, adding that even though Boko Haram had been degraded, there was the need to properly fund military operations to enable it confront insurgents’ threats.

“There has been an unnecessary, uninformed and highly-partisan criticism of the one billion dollars which was recently approved by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) for the military to tackle the security challenges facing the country, including Boko Haram, illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping and cattle rustling.

“I said unnecessary and uninformed because everyone knows the

role the military is playing in helping to tackle the numerous security crisis facing the states, much less the war against Boko Haram.

“The fact that Boko Haram has been largely degraded does not mean the war is over. As we have said times without number, asymmetric wars like the one against Boko Haram do not end with an armistice. ” It is, therefore, curious that some of those who have criticised the onebillion-dollar approval have hinged their argument on the fact that the Boko Haram has been degraded.

“Perhaps also, the critics do not know that fighting an asymmetric war is costlier than fighting a conven-

tional war. In any case, wars, especially the war against terror, are never fought with budgetary provisions.

“It is common knowledge that the annual budgetary allocation to the military is not commensurate with the internal security challenges we face, for which we have had to continuously rely on the military to assist the police and the Civil Defence Corps. ” When insurgents take over a chunk of our nation’s territory, we turn to the military. When the farmers/herders clash escalate, we turn to the military. When kidnappers up their game, we turn to the military, when illegal bunkerers and pipeline vandals are seeking to overwhelm our oil production and export, we ƐƗê ƾ

R ƈè Ə Ƒƍ ƍ ƏƐ ƆƏ ƌ Ƌ ƑƐƏƈƐƈ ƈ ƇƏƈƅ The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye

Ogunwusi, is partnering with Empower 54, an NGO, in creating awareness and eradicating malnutrition in Africa, which currently kills 2.3 million children annually in Nigeria.

Empower’s President, Princess Modupe Ozolua, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said that the monarch would work with Empower via his Global Outreach (Ooni of Ife Global Outreach) Initiative.

Empower 54 Project Inc (Empower 54) is a US non-profit organisation providing humanitarian assistance since 2003 through health, education, empowerment, and IDP/refugee programmes to underprivileged Africans.

Ozolua recalled that Nigeria’s Minister of Health had declared that “one-third, 33 per cent of Nigerian Children less than five years old suffer from chronic malnutrition” which translated into very disturbing statistics.

She said,“After Empower 54 evacuated the severely malnourished Internally Displaced Persons(IDP) children from Bama to Maiduguri on June 13 and June 1 2016, we realised ƐƗê ƾ

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi Money Market Correspondent Motolani Oseni

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Euro slips as stocks drop in muted holiday trading Thin trading was the biggest feature of global markets on Tuesday, with stocks in emerging nations turning lower and most major currencies lacking direction as many countries remained on holiday. The euro declined, gold rose, and U.S. Treasuries edged downward.

Equities were shut across the large European markets, as well as in parts of Asia including Hong Kong and Aus-

tralia. Japanese benchmarks dropped from the highest levels since the early 1990s, helping to pull the MSCI Asia Pacific Index down, while shares in Dubai, Qatar and Russia were among the big losers in emerging markets. S&P 500 futures were flat as those for the Dow Jones slipped.

The pound weakened alongside the euro, while the Russian ruble, South African rand and South Korean won were

among gainers in the currency market. Gold extended its recent advance as silver also jumped.Traders are finding little to get excited about as the stellar year for risk assets crawls to its end, with the possible exception of the cryptocurrency roller coaster. They may be opting to enjoy the relative calm -- tensions are simmering between the U.S. and Russia, Italy’s parliament is set to be dissolved for a risky

European election, and big decisions on the American debt ceiling were merely kicked down the road. That’s all set up a potentially eventful 2018.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, West Texas oil held above $58 a barrel as trading resumedfollowing the Christmas holiday and after U.S. explorers refrained from adding rigs for a second week. Bitcoin rallied as the biggest cryptocurrency attempted to shrug off a miserable five-day run.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

FG justifies $1bn for Boko Haram fight Contd. from B1

turn to the military, “When ethno-religious clashes occur, we turn to the military. But when it is time to give the military the resources it needs to function, we say it is a waste of scarce resources.

“We come up with spurious reasons to deny the military its due. ” The Nigeria Governors Forum acted wisely in approving the withdrawal of one billion dollars from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to fight Boko Haram and other security challenges in the country.

“The one billion dollars is not too much to fight our security challenges.Afterral , security of lives and property is at the core of the existence of any government, and the NGF understands this quite well, going by its action in approving the withdrawal from the ECA”, he said.

Further justifying the approval, the Mohammed said military operations in the North East cost the country a lot of money. He said the aircraft being used for the war, including fighter jets and helicopters, altogether consumed 64,021.08 litres of fuel per day amounting to N15.153million daily to fuel the aircraft.

The minister said that spares for the aircraft from January to November 2017 cost a total of N20,019 million while consumables for the aircraft, and here I am talking of engine oil, plugs etc, amounted toN 3.86 million monthly Mohammed said that between November 5th to December 17th, the amount spent on ammunition was over five million dollars. ” Since we are using the air force as a reference point here, what about the cost of acquiring air force platforms? For example, the twelve Super Tuscano aircraft recently approved for sale to Nigeria by the US Government costs a whopping 490 million dollars, yet this is Government to Government contract, and the costs of spares, ammunitions and other consumables are not included.

“The costs stated above are for the air force alone and restricted to operations in the North East alone. ” We have not even talked of the army or the navy, which are also fully involved in tackling internal security challenges in the country. Neither have we included the operating cost of the Nigerian Air Force in the Niger Delta to curb pipeline vandalism, in the North West to contain cattle rustlers, in the North Central to curtail herdsmen and farmers clashes or kidnappings, armed robberies and separatism in other parts of the country,” the minister said.

Mohammed said there was nothing wrong in the opposition offering constructive criticism as democracy allowed freedom of expression.

He, however, said freedom of expression was not a licence for anyone to distort facts, engage in crass sensationalism or bring partisanship to every issue, especially that concerned security of the nation.

The minister said those who viewed this one billion-dollar approval by the NGF from the prism of partisanship were wrong, cautioning that the military was arguably undoubtedly the most national of the country’s institutions and hence should not be dragged into partisanship.

Mohammed said the fund was to avoid the mistakes of the past where so many lives,properties and even territories were lost to Boko Haram owing to poor funding of military operations.

He argued that if funding for the insurgency war had been well channelled by the immediate past administration, a lot would have been achieved and there would be no need for the withdrawal from ECA. The minister commended the NGF for approving the fund, describing their action as patriotic.

Mohammed described the Buhari -administration as very disciplined government which would ensure the fund was used for its purpose.

Ooni, group partner on malnutrition in Africa Contd. from B1

more has to be done to save children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) beyond evacuating them from high risk zones for treatment. “There is countless number of non-IDP children suffering from SAM all over Nigeria and other parts of Africa that also need help. “ Due to Oba Ogunwusi’s dedication to humanity, it is with great honour that he has agreed to lend his voice and passion to the campaign to eradicate malnutrition in Africa”.

She said,“Ooni supports Empower 54’s forward thinking and lives changing initiative by stating”.

She said that the Ooni of Ife regretted that malnutrition was creeping deeper into the fabric of the society as there was need to adopt policies and strategies that were capable of combating its rapid expansion.

According to her, “Africa is the wealth of the world with huge human and natural resources; and we must form a consensus that would scale up nutrition projects for the greater developments of future leaders that are being crippled daily by our collective negligence.

“As the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), we require ho-

Oba Ogunwusi

listic and systematic global blended approach in addressing the shade of malnutrition in Africa.” “ I recognise and applaud months of intervention of Empower 54 in subjugating the spread of malnutrition in Nigeria and across Africa.

“Therefore, in an effort to forge greater participation, it is my sheer commitment and other global partners to advocate alongside the long-term collective aspirations of Empower 54 in championing malnutrition extinction roadmap in Africa,” the statement quoted Oba Ogunwusi as saying.

Ozolua said that as a global goodwill ambassador for Empower 54, the Ooni has joined Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Patron of Empower 54) and Hollywood actress, Kat Graham (Empower 54’s goodwill ambassador for IDPs/Refugees) to work towards impacting lives of underprivileged Africans.

L – R: Yinka Edu, partner and leads the Capital Market team at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie; Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Ms Patience Oniha, Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO) and Mr. Yinka Sanni, Chief Executive Office, Stanbic IBTC Holdings during the closing gong ceremony in commemoration of the listing of FGN Diaspora Bond and Eurobond Issuances at the Exchange in Lagos.

Medview airline begins lesser Hajj from Kaduna Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Med-view Airline took off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), the operational hub of the airline in Lagos and flew to Jeddah via Kaduna and Kano in the North West.

For this feat, the Kaduna State Government commended Med-view Airline, saying that it has engineered an economic boost in the state and expressed joy that the airline commenced direct flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for Muslims performing lesser Hajj in the holy land.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft conveying the passengers has a full load mostly Muslim Ummrah traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj.

The flight, which took off from Lagos, was welcomed with a ceremonial water shower at Kaduna International Airport by the officials of the Airport Fire Service in commemoration of the inaugural flight to Kaduna.

Passengers were on board Med-View Airline Lagos-Jeddah

via Kaduna and Kano.

Before now, the airline has been operating scheduled flights from Lagos – Kano to Jeddah, but has now added Kaduna state to the Jeddah network amidst excitement from tour operators in the region.

The CEO, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, who spoke at a brief ceremony in Kaduna before proceeding to Jeddah via Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, said the airline was pleased to expand its frontiers in Kaduna state.

Bankole disclosed that the new Jeddah flights would be operated on Sundays and Thursdays; and would continue throughout summer and Ramadan, saying, “This is a golden opportunity for our people to enjoy direct flight to Jeddah without any hassle.”

He commended the Kaduna state government for its supporting the airline, as well as the tour operators who believe in the airline’s capability to offer better alternative to foreign carriers.

Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor, Mohammed

2017 was a year in which the oil market abandoned its faith in Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC), then quickly awarded it back Investors and traders grew frustrated during the first half of the year, as a pact made by the OPEC and other major producers in late 2016 appeared to have little effect on the global supply glut. Stockpiles remained stubbornly high and by late June, U.S. crude futures tumbled into a bear market.

But prices eventually clawed their way back, as production growth in

the U.S. ebbed, geopolitical risks intensified, and supply disruptions rose. Brent, the global oil benchmark, took center stage in 2017, rising nearly 15% and reaching its highest levels since June 2015. Brent settled at $65.25 a barrel Friday. U.S. crude futures lagged behind but still rose 8.8% during the year, settling at $58.47 a barrel Friday.

“In the first half of the year, nothing went right for the Vienna Group,” said Robert McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, referring to OPEC and the other major producers that signed on to production cuts.

Bashir Seidu, who was on board the flight to Jeddah alongside some senior government officials, said the state is more proud of Med-View Airline.

He said, “Med-View is the pride of the nation; now and Kaduna state is more proud than any state or even Nigeria, because earlier before now, the airport was virtually empty without any activity.

“Then, after the flights’ diversion from Abuja to Kaduna early this year, airlines began to fly the routes. Med-View started operating the domestic flights.

Now all of a sudden, the airline has inaugurated international flight from the airport. We are proud of that. Activities have resumed in Kaduna. You have seen economic activities being boosted, everything is now moving. We are really very happy.”

He described the flight operations as excellent and prompt.

“I was on board also from Abuja to Dubai; and I’ve seen the operation is perfect, very unlike the tradition of some airlines that keep shifting the flight time. I can say it’s wonderful. It was prompt.”

One year after historic deal, OPEC succeeds in propping up oil prices

“In the second half, everything went right.” Crude’s upward trajectory this year wasn’t a smooth path. Oil prices kicked off the year on a high note. Investors piled into bets on rising crude prices, building a record net bullish position in U.S. crude futures by February.

But early hopes quickly gave way to impatience. Stockpiles of crude in the U.S., a closely watched barometer of the overall state of global oil supplies, continued climbing in the first months of the year, in part a reflection of a surge in production

by OPEC members before their cuts went into effect.

Business News B3

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Japan’s unemployment rate falls lowest in 25 years Japan’s economic recovery is moving on the right track as unemployment rate last month dipped to its lowest level since November 1993, official data showed Tuesday.

Figures released by the government on the world’s third largest economy, showed unemployment stood at 2.7 percent last month while the jobs-to-applicants ratio improved slighty, up 0.01 percent from the previous month to 1.56 in November — the highest level in almost 44 years.

The latest data come as Japan has notched up seven straight quarters of economic growth — the longest positive run for 16 years — with the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games giving the economy a shot in the arm.

“Japan’s economy is expected to keep expanding through the first half of next year,” Masaki Kuwahara, senior economist at Nomura Securities, told AFP. Confidence among Japan’s biggest manufacturers is also at an 11-year high, a key central bank survey showed earlier this month, as the world’s number-three economy picks up pace.

However, consumer spending has remained weak and deflation continues to stalk the economy.

Japan has battled deflation for many years and the central bank’s ultra-loose monetary policy appears to be having limited impact.

Other data showed Tuesday that Japan’s consumer prices rose for the 11th straight month in November, but inflation was still far from the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) two-percent inflation target seen as crucial to revive the world’s third-largest economy.

The core inflation rate was a 0.9 percent rise year-on-year in November, according to data published by the internal affairs ministry, far below the two-percent target set by the BoJ.

Fake drugs

N15m fake drugs: Police arrest suspects in Kaduna Stories by Ganiyu Obaaro, with Agency reports The Kaduna State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the interception of fake drugs worth over N15 million in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Muktar Aliyu, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview.

He said the Police Area Command in Zaria had intercepted the fake drugs after a tip-off by some residents.

“On getting the information, our men swung into action and

eventually intercepted the adulterated drugs which would have destroyed the lives of innocent citizens.

“The said fake drugs were intercepted at Sabon gari market in Zaria, where the owner had already offloaded the consignment for distribution. This is a serious calamity; and of course, it is harmful to human existence. I want to plead with people not to be discouraged in providing useful information to security personnel for prompt action,” he said.

According to him, investigation into the matter is ongoing in order to ascertain the origin

of the drugs as well as the channels of distribution.

Investigation conducted by NAN at the Zaria Police Area Command reveals that about 10 cartons of adulterated “Ampicloxin” with “Made-in-India” label were sighted.

A competent source at the command said that the 10 cartons contained about 200,000 packets said to belong to the suspect arrested in connection with the incident.

The source said the case would be transferred to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the police headquarters in Kaduna for further investiga-

tion.

The source also said that no fewer than 15 drugs addicts were arrested in Zaria with Indian hemp, trampoline and other intoxicants.

“These suspected drug addicts will be charged to court to face the wrath of the law. The police will not relent in its efforts at combating criminal activities in the society.

“Remember, most crimes are committed after the perpetrators get intoxicated; therefore, members of the society must feel free to furnish the security agencies with vital information.

AfDB president, Adesina, promises Fuel scarcity: Nigerians want erring to enhance agric, power officials sanctioned Stories by Ganiyu Obaaro

The President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina has said that he would work assiduously to enhance agricultural fortunes across the African continent.

Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture during the immediate past administration of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, spoke on a Channels Television programme on Tuesday.

He said agricultural was critical to the survival of the African people, vowing to ensure that its accruable benefits reach the people on a sustainable basis.

Akinwunmi also spoke

about agriculture value chain, including marketing, research as well as poverty reduction saying that, Nigeria, his home country , as well as other African continents has great agricultural potential that could be properly harnessed to meet the food, export needs of the people.

He said one other area he would focus on as the president of the continental financial institution, is power (electricity). While describing electricity as key to development, Adesina said funds would be allocated to help jump start the sector so as to enhance accessibility to it, empower the people and make African economies more competitive.

The Daily Times gath-

ered that the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group’s mission is to help reduce poverty, improve living conditions for Africans and mobilize resources for the continent’s economic and social development.

With this objective in mind, the institution aims at assisting African countries – individually and collectively-in their efforts to achieve sustainable economic development and social progress.

Also, combating poverty is at the heart of the continent’s efforts to attain sustainable economic growth.

To this end, the bank seeks to stimulate and mobilize internal and external resources to promote investments, as well as provide its regional member countries with technical and financial assistance.

Nigerian have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to deal decisively with those responsible for the current scarcity of petrol.

Some of the Nigerian who took to their twitter handles prayed the President to punish those who by their actions or inaction, caused the ongoing scarcity.

Replying to a Christmas Day message from President Muhammadu Buhari on his twitter handle @MBuhari, some of them particularly called on the President to sack any of his appointees responsible for the ongoing hardship.

The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) reports that, Buhari, on Christmas Day, wrote on his handle: “I wish all Nigerians Happy Christmas celebrations.

Fuel scarcity in Ibadan, Oyo state

“As I noted yesterday, the fuel scarcity that has caused many of you to spend this period on fuel queues is deeply regretted.All relevant agencies of Government are working round-the-clock to bring relief to you.

But his message was greeted with negative replies, some calling for his resignation as Petroleum Minister and others urging him to reshuffle his cabinet and take on more pro-

ductive ministers.

They urged President Buhari to quickly do something to redeem his government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in line with all its campaign promises.

A twitter user, Victor Lawal, with handle @Vlawal, said that the President should stop apologising for the long queue occasioned by petrol scarcity and sack non-performing appointees.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017 Stories by Motolani Oseni Few days to the end of 2017, professionals and financial experts from various sectors in the country have tasked Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and prospective entrepreneurs on how to become successful entrepreneurs, in order to be financially independent.

As part of efforts in addressing financial independence often faced by women entrepreneurs in the country, Prinsult Global Consult Limited, recently held its inaugural ‘Women More Series’, where the panelists charged participants on various aspects on how to achieve financial freedom.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Heritage Bank, Mary Akpobome, advised women entrepreneurs, who aspire to become successful to start small and grow big.

She urged them not to benchmark their success with other successful

B4 Money Market

2018: Experts task SMEs on entrepreneurship, financial independency ÏdƐ ƏƐ ƌ ƋƋè Ə Ɠ Ƅƈ é 6ƆƏƈƐ Ɔ Ɗ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Ə entrepreneurs whose stories they don’t know, how they started and their background.

According to her, “Be careful when you want to benchmark because you don’t know their background, you don’t know where their resources is coming from because if know where those things are coming from you would rather not be them.”

She emphasized that it is really important to start small, “If what you are doing or services you are rendering can be started from home, you should star from home, and when the time to move out arises then you move out.”

She said: “Don’t be scared to fail,

because numbers of successful entrepreneurs today at some also failed, because each and every one of them has his or her own story to tell. And must not be scared of going one way and if not working change to the other way.”

She told them to always be a woman, to act like a woman, work like a woman, smile like a woman and everything they need do like a woman.

But when it comes to their businesses they should be a man.

“At that point you need to think like a man, you need to take charge and at all times displayed high level of confidence in whatever you do. Be confident and sharp at all times”, she

said.

The former Acting Managing Director, Enterprise Bank following its acquisition, also, charged participants on persistence, so as to be successful in their respective businesses, as well as to be respective, humble and most importantly, to be confidence when making business speech, adding that they must be knowledgeable about their businesses, and must showed while presenting to a prospective client.

Chairperson, Better Life Programme for the African Rural Women, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Babangida, advised women who are willing to start a business, but without know-

Insider lending still high in nation’s commercial banks-Report The 2017 Nigerian Banking Sector Report published by Afrinvest West Africa Limited, has categorised the severity of insider lending positions in 14 quoted Deposit Money Banks in the country as low, moderate, severe and high.

This means that out of the banks considered in the banking sector report, only four banks, GTBank, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank, have “Low” level of insider lending. The remaining 10 banks have levels ranging from “Moderate”, “Severe” and “High”, meaning that insider lending is still high in most of Nigerian banks.

The research firm report showed that five banks have high level of insider lending; four banks have severe level of insider lending; two banks have moderate level of insider lending, while the remaining three banks out of the 14 banks profiled in the report have low level of inside lending.

In a new data sent in by Afrinvest, the research firm said, “Indeed, our analysis of the severity of insider lending was based on FY: 2016 audited report and the total value for Guaranty Trust Bank is N438,857,000, representing 0.028 per cent of the total loan book of N1,590,083,552,000, which would be classified as ‘Low’ according to our 2017 Banking Sector Report. GTBank’s ratio of 0.028 per cent is one of the lowest in the industry as at FY:2016.”

Reacting on this development, GTBank said that its data showed that it had very low level of insider lending, contrary to the severe level classification of the bank in the earlier report by Afrinvest.

L-R: Chairman, Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman, Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Banbagida; Lead Consultant of Thistle Praxis Consulting Limited (TPC), Ini Abimbola; Deputy Director of Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Nneka Okekearu and the Executive Director, Heritage Bank, Mary Akpobome, at the ‘Woman More’ organized by Prinsult Global Consult Ltd, held recently... in Lagos

ing how to start such business, due to their career to identify themselves before going into any business.

According to her, I think what you needs to figure out is who you are.

For instance, do you want to stay as a civil servant and build your career, because you cannot in any way say I need to do a business and I don’t know what to do? No, if you know what you want to do, you have to do it.

“And if you want to do both, there is a way to go about that, because even in marriage, you can do anything and everything without cheating that marriage, which implies that you must learn how to be interdependent in your space and take ownership of yourself in order to achieve financial independent”, she advised.

On her part, Lead Consultant of Thistle Praxis Consulting Limited (TPC) Ini Abimbola, strongly advised women to change their spending habit and save against unplanned incidents.

She tasked the audience to learn how to be able to do so many things, in order to have crops of source of incomes.

“There are certain skills that you must have; it doesn’t have to be a skill that you can use, it can however, be a financial skills that you can give to people, but please change your spending habits because you needs to save”, she said.

It doesn’t have to be millions of money, but something that can keep your mind together in time of need, because if you are financially okay, you will be emotionally okay.

Other panelist include Nneka Okekearu, who is a 3rd generation entrepreneur and Deputy Director of Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), encouraged small business owners to take stocks, while Lead Consultant, Prinsult Global Consulting Limited, Raliat Oyetunde, explained the benefit of the series to the participants.

Stakeholders, traders anticipate Naira rebound as official FX market opens Stakeholders in the financial industry and foreign exchange traders are excited about the resumption of the official forex market; however, anticipate better days ahead for the Nigeria’s currency, Naira.

Since the closure of the official forex market on Friday due to declaration of Monday and Tuesday as public holidays by the federal government of Nigeria, the local currency have been hovering between 365 and 368 to the US Dollar at the parallel segment of the forex market.

On the last day of the holidays, the Pound sterling against the Naira sold at N486 a bit higher than N485 sold during the weekend, while the Euro steadied at a depreciated

rate of N428 compared to 427 the same period last week at the parallel market.

Looking at the progress achieved a week ago at the official forex market; the local currency was seen at 306.25 per Dollar last Monday but gained the following day to close at an appreciable rate of 306.20 and strengthened further last Wednesday before retaining the rate for the rest two traded days in the week.

However, the Investors and Exporters (I&E) FX window on the last trading day before the break, closed at a better rate of N360.82 per dollar which represented a a total gain of 0.14 per cent against N361.31 sold the previous day.

The autonomous FX window, however, closed the week

with a significant transactions turnover of $1.319 billion, data obtained from the FMDQ OTC has revealed.

But our checks showed that the Investors’ FX window at the close of first trading day during the week under review, recorded the lowest transactions turnover of $109.67 million compared to $205.05m traded a week earlier at the same forex window.

Further breakdown, illustrated how the I&E FX window declared a better closing figure of $113.58m, looking at the daily closing rates, as well as against $96.77m sold in the previous week.

At the close of mid week

forex activities, the Investors FX window recorded a single daily trading figure of $856.45m, represented the highest in the recent time stronger than $301.21m declared in the corresponding period in the previous week.

On Thursday, I&E FX window dropped significantly to close with $116.30m transactions turnover but rebounded on Friday with an improved performance of $123.20m, which was stronger than $109.67m recorded a week ago.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) Standing Lending Facility window (SFL) to commercial banks use to support their liquidity shortfalls and meet trading obligations during the week under review on short term basis.

The SFL of the apex bank window revealed that commercial banks borrowing continued to drop towards as nation’s economy steadily recovering from recession.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

SEC, IST partner to curb market infractions Adesola Afolabi

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed readiness to partner with relevant bodies in its quest to ensure zero tolerance on infractions in Nigeria’s capital market and to ensure that perpetrators of fraudulent acts are brought to book.

Acting Director General of SEC, Dr. Abdul Zubair stated this when the chairman and members of Investments and Securities Tribunal, IST, visited him in his office in Abuja.

Zubair said the present management of SEC has zero- tolerance on infractions, adding that anyone that flouts the rules will be made to face the consequences of such actions.

He told the IST team that the SEC has been embarking on a number of initiatives to protect the investors in the market and ensure that they reap the benefits of their investments. “ SEC has rolled out a number of initiatives and campaigns, which have been yielding results. These initiatives are to ensure that investors are aware of what to do to protect their investments”, “ The e-dividend is one of such campaigns and we enjoin investors to key-in so that they can reap the benefits of their investments,” he added.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Investment & Securities Tribunal (IST), Isaiah Idoko-Akor congratulated the Acting DG on his assumption of office and expressed the confidence of the Tribunal in his ability to move the market forward.

He commended the SEC for all it has been doing to support the Tribunal in the discharge of its duties and craved for more support to avoid hitches in the Tribunal carrying out its assignments.

“IST is serving the market, it is very important to the market and that is why we commend SEC for its support to the IST “ However, IST needs to be strengthened to be able to carry out its functions effectively. As the market is expanding, we also need funds to expand our operations to be able to serve better” he said.

Akor, while commending the SEC on the various initiatives it has rolled out, also called for increased enlightenment and sensitisation of the investing public, especially as it relates to seeking redress on issues relating to the capital market.

B5 Capital Market

ITFC, Afreximbank to aid African trade with millions Bonny Amadi

and institutional investors,

On the sidelines of the Afro-Arab Trade Finance Forum Murabaha Partnership Agreements The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, and the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) have endorsed to assisting African trade with US$100-Million agreement and a EUR 50-Million.

The support came as a part of the Murabaha Partnership Agreements with the aim of facilitating and financing exports amongst African countries and between Africa and the rest of the world.

Afreximbank is a multilateral financial institution established by African governments

The agreements were signed

by Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, the CEO of ITFC, and Mr. Amr Kamel, Executive Vice President, Business Development & Corporate Banking of Afreximbank, in a ceremony held during the Afro-Arab Trade Finance Forum, which was organized by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) on 21 December 2017 in Dubai under the Arab Africa Trade Bridges Program.

A statement made available to Daily Times Nigeria by Apo, the facilities are intended to be used to support procurement from suppliers from the member and non-member countries, including local purchase, to promote trade across Africa.

Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO ITFC,at the just concluded Afro-Arab Trade Finance Forum

stated: “This partnership comes as part of ITFC’s commitment to support the development of the African member countries’ exports as an important lever toward the sustainable growth, job creation and poverty reduction.”

He pointed out that this partnership will be utilized to finance African OIC member countries under the “Arab-Africa Trade Bridges” Program, a regional trade promotion program that aims at addressing some of the challenges faced in promoting trade between the two regions and supporting South-South cooperation.

Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO ITFC delivered a keynote speech at the opening session of the Forum, that focused on identifying the prospects and opportunities between the Arab countries and Africa, and the best ways to tackle the challenges that hinder the de-

velopment of the trade flows in these countries.

Mr. Amr Kamel, Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, in his speech at the ceremony, stated that Afreximbank saw the Murabaha partnership agreement as a stepping stone towards greater collaboration in pursuit of the Bank’s shared vision with ITFC. He said that “ITFC has demonstrated that it stands shoulder to shoulder with the African Export-Import Bank as they collaborate to develop the African Continent and promote inter-African trade.”

“I see great prospect for the unfolding Afreximbank-ITFC partnership,” Mr. Kamel added, “but I am mindful that realizing the tremendous opportunities will require determination and hard work. We are committed to invest our resources in that direction.”

L-R: Executive Director, SystemSpecs Owner of Remita, Mr. Deremi Atanda; Chairman/CEO, Zinox Technologies and Yudala Nigeria, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh; Managing Director, Accenture Financial Services Nigeria, Mrs. Toluleke Ademosu; Moderator/Managing Partner, Grand Central Nigeria, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, and the Managing Director/CEO, e-Tranzact Global Nigeria, Mr. Valentine Obi, during the Africa Fintech Foundry(AFF) Disrupt Conference 2017... in Lagos.

Transcorp Hotels Calabar wins 2017 Safety Award Ganiyu Obaaro

Transcorp Hotels Calabar, a subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp Plc), has been recognized by the Cross River State Safety Commission as the Best Safety Compliant Hotel in 2017.

The award was bestowed upon the flagship hotel last weekend for achieving an exceptional standard of safety management in 2017.

This has come as no surprise to the hotel, which is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and which has over the years, been attracting numerous acclaim owing

to its painstaking attention to detail and its infusion of worldclass structures and standards into its everyday activities to satisfy its guests and customers.

The General Manager, Transcorp Hotels Calabar, Mr. Chuma Mgbojikwe, who expressed delight at the latest award, said its focus and investment in training and retraining as well as maintaining high quality standards in the area of safety, security and hygiene was paying-off for the hotel.

He said, “We take great pride in this award and recognition. We have seen a consistent improvement in our hygiene standard and

this has certainly helped to increase guest satisfaction.”

Continuing, he enthused, “We’re very proud to win this award -- it is great to receive global recognition for the hard work our team members put into delivering a high standard of hygiene and safety.”

Mgbojikwe assured of the hotel’s dedication to focus on maintaining excellent standards in all its activities.

On his part, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, MD/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, said, the award is a unique achievement for Transcorp Hotels Calabar, adding “I am impressed by the high level of training and awareness within the hotel.

It is obvious that Transcorp Hotel Calaber is committed not only to guest satisfaction and comfort, equally important are the Security and Safety issue. “It is a remarkable achievement to attain this type of certification. We are especially proud that our hotel is the first in Calabar that have achieved this, and with excellence, enterprise and execution have gone through this internationally recognized safety certification process.

He added that the safety of its guests will continue to remain a core priority in the business, adding that the recent evaluation confirmed that its key elements of guest

security comply with the highest safety and security measures. About Transcorp Hotels Plc:Transcorp Hotels Plc (“Company”) is the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc. The Company owns and operates Transcorp Hilton Abuja, which provides luxury accommodation, world-class cuisine, conferencing and leisure facilities to business travellers and tourists from all over the world. The Company also holds 100 per cent interest in Transcorp Hotels Calabar Limited, which owns and operates the Transcorp Hotel in Calabar. Also,Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc

(“Transcorp”) is a publicly quoted conglomerate with a diversified shareholder base of over 300,000 investors.

The Company’s portfolio comprises strategic investments in the hospitality, agribusiness and energy sectors. Our businesses include Transcorp Hotels Plc, owner of Transcorp Hotel, Abuja, Transcorp Hotel Lagos and Transcorp Hotel Port Harcour; Transcorp Hotels Calabar; Ughelli Power Plc, owner of the 950 MW Ughelli power plant; Teragro Commodities Limited, operator of Teragro Benfruit plant – Nigeria’s first-of-its-kind juice concentrate plant; interests oil block OPL 281, in Delta State.

Aviation B6 Emirates treats passengers to Christmas goodies Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Emirates is spreading the festive joy with treats across all cabin classes this December as customers travelling for the holidays will enjoy several Christmas specials both on the ground and on board from food to entertainment.

In addition to the regionally inspired cuisine served on board, Emirates is bringing back its Christmas menu with a more extensive offering of holiday favourites. Emirates’ seasonal menus are a key component of its dining offering and the Christmas menu is one of the main highlights.

The festive meals are available throughout December for customers travelling from Dubai to Australia, Europe, the United States or the United Kingdom and those travelling from the UK to Dubai.

Customers travelling in Economy Class can enjoy rolled turkey buffé served with cranberry jus lié, mashed potatoes, Vienna chicken sausages and seasonal vegetables.

For desserts, customers will be served festive sweets such as a lemon cranberry cake with cream cheese frosting or a cocoa cake with white chocolate chips and raspberry coulis.

Those travelling in First and Business Class will start with king prawns marinated with lemon and herb and served with cocktail sauce and a fennel salad, and enjoy a main course of rolled turkey buffé served with chestnut and apricot stuffing, cranberry jus lié, pumpkin mash and creamy brussels sprouts with turkey bacon. A variety of desserts is available on the different routes including Ginger bread roulade, Chocolate Mint dome and Yule log.

As a special treat, First Class customers, can look out for Santa-inspired macaroons and hot chocolate served with

marshmallows and gingerbread. Young fliers in First Class will be surprised with snowman-inspired marshmallow biscuits.

Besides Dom Pérignon , Veuve Cliquot and Moët & Chandon champagnes available on board to celebrate the holidays, those travelling to Europe or Africa can pair their meals with the premium vintage Château DucruBeaucaillou 1985 – a rare treat available in December in First class.

Premium customers can also get into the holiday spirit before the flight departs at the seven Emirates lounges found in Dubai International Airport and over 30 Emirates lounges worldwide. From mid-December, traditional sweets such as Basler Leckerli gingerbread cookies, Christmas cake and Stollen cake are being served as well as roasted turkey in the First Class lounges.

Emirates is also making sure customers’ Christmas stockings are filled with special goodies. Across all classes, newly designed amenity kits are being introduced for December.

A new range of Bulgari amenity kits are being rolled out in First and Business Class. There are 16 brand new designs for men and women which can be re-used to keep electronics or make-up. The laser-cut pattern is inspired

by Bulgari’s design archives with a touch of Middle Eastern influence inspired by Dubai, Emirates’ hub. The exclusive designer kit bags include new signature Bulgari fragrances and lotions, along with other pampering essentials. The latest kits feature Bulgari’s White Tea fragrance and are available on long-haul night flights and on flights over 10 hours.

The Economy Class ame-

nity kit bags are also getting a refresh in time for the holiday season. The six new designs are inspired by EXPO 2020 which will be hosted by Dubai. Emirates is the Official Airline Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai. The collectable bags feature the key subthemes of EXPO 2020 – Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity. When arranged together, the kit bags form an image that represent the collaborative spirit of Expo 2020 and the key theme of connecting minds and creating the future.

The kit bags are given out on ultra-long haul flights and feature travel essentials such as socks, matching eye mask and a toothbrush.

In addition, parents travelling with infants will receive

an amenity kit especially for baby. The newly designed pouch features Emirates’ iconic Little Traveller characters and contains essentials such as a bib, spoon, baby wipes, changing mat, diaper rash cream and small diaper bag for a comfortable journey.

Young flyers are given special attention when travelling on Emirates. Kids will enjoy a specially created festive menu with roast turkey, sweet potato mash, carrots and peas, as well as a moist chocolate brownie with cream cheese frosting and a white chocolate lollipop.

As part of the Emirates Fly With Me Animals range, a special limited edition character will greet young travellers.

Noel the polar bear, decked

Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager Corporate Communications FAAN

Ethiopian airlines stresses the need for MRO Director of Ethiopian Airlines International Operations, Esayas WoldeMariam Hailu has declared that having a Maintenance a repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility is important for the survival of any airline; especially if it wants to survive the grueling cost of high maintenance charges.

This is just as he says Ethiopian Airlines has increased its cargo facility from its present 300,000 tones to over 800,000 tonnes annually as part of its strategic growth plan for 2025 and is set to put the facility to work in the coming weeks.

Esayas who made these known after a tour of the airline’s facilities stated that without an MRO, aviation is incomplete because of the huge cost the airline can save if it has capacity to carry out such capital-intensive cost project itself.

Ethiopian Airlines which has one of the best MRO facilities in Africa and the Middle East currently carries out maintenance for Airbus 350XWB, Boeing 787/777/767/757/737, Bombardier DHC-8 from Q100-400 and currently has seven total care partners.

Speaking earlier MRO Sales Manager, Mekdelavit Abebe who gave the capacity of Ethiopian Airline’s MRO said the airline group had four wellequipped state-of-the-art hangars and is currently carrying out third-party maintenance for others as well as its fleet.

“Our MRO takes care of

all the maintenance for the aircraft currently we do Kenya Airways jumbo jet, we have Malawi, ASKY,the Presidential fleet of the Equatorial Guinea, Congo Airways, Rwanda and in Nigeria we perform line maintenance for Arik Air.” “Normally, we have over 90 aircraft and all of them have at least an A-Check at least once every year just for Ethiopia and we have seven total care customers for Rwanda they have six 737s currently and two Q400s just for Rwanda, we have one 737and Q400 at Malawi; we have four 737 and now they are going to acquire a fifth at ASKY and imagine adding that for seven total Care customers for Q400 every A-Check will come every 600 hours, for 737 it’s all same 600hours so you can imagine how many checks they will experience not to mention CChecks for that it is the heavy check but it doesn’t happen all that frequently but the ACheck does.”

On its capacity increase drive on both cargo and catering, the airline said it was increasing cargo to become a central import and export hub in Africa and positioning itself to be part of the total aviation process by providing catering for its flights and others.

The airline stated that it is also increasing capacity of its catering services by increasing daily catering production from 35,000/40,000 per day to over a 100,000.

FAAN’s security ‘ll be watertight at Yuletide - Yakubu

General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria,FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu speaks on security at the airport during this Yuletide season against the recent security breach at the airport involving a private jet at the Evergreen Apple hanger where it was alleged that a Vista jet taxing to park was vandalism by unknown person(s).

However, FAAN has since commenced investigation into the alleged theft to unravel the identity of the suspect.

In this interview with CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO, she speaks on plans put

in place by FAAN to ensure a hitch-free before, during and after the Yuletide celebrations.

How safe are passengers using the nation’s airport this Yuletide against the recent theft reported on a private jet at MMIA? We have a collaboration with the military, right now there is a joint military task force on ground at the Murtala Mohammed International airport, in fact they have increased the number of times they go round the perimeter fence to ensure that there will be no breaches during this Yuletide season.

As an outcome of the

breach the other day over the Vista jet, so I can assure our passengers that there will be no issue during this Yuletide, our security is on the Red alert, the aviation patrol team they go round the perimeter fence several times in the day, in fact I spoke with the Director Security, more guards have been employed to be stationed in the airside and areas we think are vulnerable, we have security guards stationed there I can confidently tell you that we have done everything possible to block all the loopholes.

These guards are they always on ground 24 hours ?

The security guards are stationed there 24 hours, 7 days a

week, in fact, there are kiosk on the airside for them to rest in the heat of the day, just like shades provided on the airside for them, so when they are on duty, for the number of hours they are on duty they are not expected to leave that place on till their relief comes.

What happened to the Follow Me vehicle that follow aircraft on arrival?

In fact, we still have the Follow Me vehicle and to be candid with you the Follow Me vehicle was still with the aircraft on that day, what is amazing is the fact that within a space of 20 seconds the baggage hold was opened, you know the pilot said she just waited for 30 seconds while she was waiting for directions whether to turn

to the right or to the left; and that was when she said she noticed a sign on the dashboard, so, she was surprised that anything could have happened with 20 seconds and the Follow Me vehicle was there and immediately she informed Aviation security, the joint military task force and FAAN aviation rushed to that place and nothing was found, there was no person loitering around that place, there was no disturbance of any kind, so we are amazed that this incident happened if indeed it happened because we still have the Follow Me vehicle.

How many of these vehicles do you have?

We have several of them positioned not just at the Murtala

Mohammed International airport, we have them in Abuja, in all our major international airports, we have them there, well brightly lit in yellow colour with the sign Follow Me , they are all over, we have a lot of them not just one or two, because at times we have several arrivals at a time, so a vehicle is suppose to go and lead the aircraft in.

Do you suspect probably somebody came in through the perimeter fence or maybe is just an insider operation?

Honestly, I don’t want to preempt aviation security because right now they are carrying out investigation, so I wouldn’t want to say anything until their report is ready

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27 2017

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Features

FG Bonds: Rising debt services cost, declining productions Bonny Amadi As the Federal Government continues to crowd out corporate reorganizations from the money market with high interest on treasury bills, OMO, bonds and other financial instruments, debts servicing costs continues to soar, while productivity diminishes.

A report released on Friday, 22 December, 2017, which showed that 8 million jobs were lost in Nigeria in 12 months, gives a clear indication of how productivity is grounding in the country while at the same time debt and cost of debt servicing keep mounting.

On Thursday, 21 December, 2017, the Debt Management Office (DMO) listed on the official list of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the FMDQ OTC market, $300million Diaspora bond, $3billion Eurobond.

Cross- section of experts however expressed concern on how external borrowing would help to enhance productivity to boost revenue, when the real cause of the escalating foreign exchange rate in the country has not been addressed.

CEO of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema lauded the effort of the FG through the DMO in deepening the domestic debt market as well as the debt capital market (DCM). Onyema said that the 5 years, 10 years and 30 years Diaspora bond, Euro bond and Eurobond, among other debt instruments places the federal government as the highest issuers of debt instrument in the country.

“The federal government is the highest issuer on the fixed income space and it provides an avenue to diversify portfolio” Onyema said.

However, the DOM DG was confronted with varied questions on why the commission has sustained to boost local and domestic debts and deploying greater chunk of the nation’s income to real sector

growth, stakeholders raised concerns over rising debt profile of the FG. Stakeholders called on the government to as a way of ensuring the declining productivity in the country, address what led to increase in interests’ rates and sustenance of the equities segment of the market through less borrowing by the federal government.

While some argued that the FG through the sustained borrowing , may be heading to the pre- Obasanjo years , when the government had huge debt burden and later expended much in debt rescheduling, others maintained that the increasing debt portfolio through foreign borrowing have not really addressed cause of forex volatility in the country.

A stock broker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka, expressed concern over government policies, which is projected to stabilize the market, but ends up distorting the system.

‘Borrowing he said “is making forex available and addressing the forex challenge, but what really drove the interest rates up has not been addressed” He said that creating Naira money and Dollar money through sustained borrowing, usually create business opportunity for foreign investors which further diminishes the potentials of indigenous companies, Meanwhile, the DMO Director General Mrs. Patience Oniha, said that the latest FG bond listing on the NSE and FMDQ listing would provide the opportunity for trading on the instruments in the secondary bond market.

According to her, the Diaspora Bond was issued in June 2017, while the $3bn Eurobonds were issued in November 2017 at the International Capital Market (ICM). Both offers were issued with significant features with the $300m Diaspora Bond was unveiled with five- year tenor and 5.625 per cent coupon.

On the other hand, the Eurobonds issuances, she said came in two tranches of

$1.5bn 10-year offer with 6.50 per cent coupon and another $1.5bn 30-year offer priced at 7.625 per cent coupon.

DMO Director General added that listing the $300m Diaspora Bond and $3bn Eurobonds on the NSE and FMDQ OTC would help increase the number and range of securities available in the domestic capital market.

She said that, the listed Federal Government instruments would further pave the way for more bonds that will also be listed.

Such bonds she revealed are the Green Bond and the mining bond among others.

However, she acknowledged the escalating cost of debts revising ratio to revenue, but sad that government is reducing such with new borrowing pattern to borrow externally and reduce domestic borrowing.

“We want to make sure that money is made available for development and we also give value for the investment by investors.

She said that Nigeria’s growth potentials are strong, coming out from depression and

Adeosun

recording significant growth in the second and third quarters of 2017, “even the international institutions have acknowledged our growth, which though may be slow, but with very bright outlook” Oniha said that the value of Nigeria’s external reserve has increased to over $35billion, a demonstration of the strength of its economy.

The target of the DMO in the long run, she said is to bring down the ratio of domestic to external debt within the range of 60-40 per cent, adding that Nigeria’s domestic external debt ratio was as high as 77 to 22 per cent before.

The DMO boss said that reducing domestic borrowing by government will help to reduce dominance in the domestic debt market as well as reduce interest rate, hence government borrows at high rates.

Nigeria’s debt to GDP has remained low, now that the revenue has further been depressed, it becomes more worrisome to strengthen measures towards enhancing productivity “government is looking at how to increase revenue. As revenue increases, the debt service to revenue ratio will also decrease” and this informed reformed in the tax systems reform and the voluntary corporate assets declaration policy, expected to free funds uncaptured by prevailing tax regime.

The DMO DG stressed that the government is looking at how to nation’s debt stock, so that the debt management cost will lower. A policy direction that prompted the 30 year Eurobond borrowing from external sources at 7.625 per cent, against treasury bills rates of 18 per cent.

Oniha assured that the federal government is mindful of the challenges of borrowing from external sources, which include foreign exchange risks, “we earn in Dollar and also hedge FX volatility, we are also working towards managing the demand and supply side of forex. We are conscious of the high debt to revenue ratio and fx volatility”

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, December 27, 2017

At Miss Nigeria pageant, intelligence overrides beauty – Ex-Queen, Chioma Obiadi L4

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Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Red carpet moment at 2017 Miss Nigeria beauty pageant

Photos: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI, SUNDAY ELOMOH & WALE AKINOLA

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Interview L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

I would love to own a clothing line –Chioma Obiadi, ex-Miss Nigeria The 40th Miss Nigeria queen, Miss Chioma Obiadi, a Geography and Meteorology graduate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, who handed over the baton of leadership to reigning Miss Nigeria queen, Miss Ehiguese Mildred Peace, on foremost Beauty pageant in the country held at the Eko Convention Centre Victoria Island Lagos, in this interview with MUTIAL ALLI, looks back on her reign and counsels the reigning queen on how to go about her role.

Enjoy…

What was your winning strategy for the 2016 Miss Nigeria Beauty pageant?

The fact that I truly wanted it was my edge in the contest. All of the girls at the Miss Nigeria pageant were beautiful. They were very intelligent because at the Miss Nigeria pageant, intelligence overrides beauty. I saw a lot of girls and there were a lot of times when we had to talk about some sensitive topics. But I was very passionate about it. It was like a life, my life. So, I gave it all. It was all or nothing.

There was not really a time that I doubted myself, but I acknowledged people. There were a lot of beautiful and intelligent girls in the camp.

But I still believed in myself – maybe because of my mum and my dad. They were always supportive. When I talked to my mum, she was

Nigeria 2016 start?

I have known about Miss Nigeria for as long heard about it from. But I grew up having people calling me beauty queen. My mum is also in the habit of calling me queen darling. So, Miss Nigeria pageant has been on my mind for as long as I could remember.

You do what your passion is all about. I love the environment, I love Geography and I would love to practice what I studied.

It was a dream come true. I have always been a pageant person from way back when I was a kid. However, to emerge Miss Nigeria, I had a plan. It was supposed to start with my department to my faculty, my university and my state, my country and then the world. I had it planned, that was what I wanted, but my dad was in school, so I had to wait. In Year one, I contested for Miss Faculty of Environmental Science and I won. Then, I went for Face of Unizik and I also won. Year two, I went for Miss like I was shattered. I cried from the stage. A friend, Amaka who came third wondered why I

wondered why I was crying when I came second, while a lot of people had been dropped from the For me, it was like my plans had being disrupted. face my studies, but when you have a passion, it has a way of always resurfacing. So, as much as I decided to focus on my education, my passion for pageant kept on coming up.

I had so much to do during my reign. The fact that I play that much.

Nigeria afforded you?

Being Miss Nigeria made me grow up faster than I would have. It opened me up to a lot of opportunities. It made me wiser than I would have been if I had not being Miss Nigeria. Miss Nigeria was a wonderful platform for me to let my voice be heard. It was an opportunity to be a true ambassador of the environment. yourself?

I would love to practice the Agricultural aspect of Geography. I would love to own a clothing line not as a fashion designer, but as a businesswoman. I would like to start from picking my fabrics, planting them. You know that we grow cotton in Nigeria, but farm someday where I will grow my fabrics, those which can be grown in Nigeria. Of course, some of them are going to be exported while others are taken to the factory where they are converted to yarn and then I would make fabrics for the masses.

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