DTN-28-7-18

Carl Ikeme retires from football after battle with leukaemia https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

dailytimesnigeria

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

CBN goes tough against illegal currency sale, says

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018

g 22

VOL. 3

NO. 711

N100

Hawk new Naira notes, go to jail Arrests 10 suspects, may get 6 months imprisonment

Motolani Oseni, Lagos The officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Oyo State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested 10 persons for hawking and selling new naira notes.

The suspects paraded at the NSCDC Oyo State command headquarters, Ibadan, are Olanrewaju Adepoju, Obisesan Olalekan, Eniola Waheed, Kunle Oladipupo, Tijani Abiodun, Dotun Wahab, Gbenga Omawaye,

Samson Ojewola, Akintola Gboyega and Anifat Abiodun.

Addressing journalists on the arrest, Commandant, Oyo NSCDC, Mr. John Adewoye, said the suspects were caught in the act during a two days sting exercise across various hotspots of the act in Ibadan.

He further disclosed that a total of N1, 010,040 consisting of various denominations was recovered from the suspects, adding that three of the sponsors of the suspects had also been arrested.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

FG, states, LGAs share N821.9bn as Buhari orders review of NNPC’s remittance g 6

Diplomat per excellence, Queen Worlu finally goes home

No amount of lies, intimidation can deter me g 5 – Dankwambo

Drama as Melaye returns barely I once hawked Ewa Agoyin 24 hours after ‘abduction’ g 3 in Ajegunle-Monica Fridayg 11

g6

2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

Hawk new Naira notes, go to jail

Continued from page 1

The operation, he said, was in line with the provisions of Section 20 and 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007 which made hawking, selling and abuse of naira a punishable offence, such that those convicted were liable to a jail term of six months or fine of N50,000 or both.

Adewoye, who was flanked by Assistant Commandant General,

NSCDC, Mr. Waheed Bamidele, gave the assurance that the arrested persons would be charged to court, while investigations were on to track the chain of godfathers behind getting the naira notes being hawked.

He said the NSCDC would be embarking on other sting operations to arrest abuse of the naira ranging from spraying at parties to soiling, writing

on it, squeezing, handling and counterfeiting the notes.

One of those arrested, Wahab Dotun, said he had been in the business for eight years, operating at Agodi Gate area of Ibadan, while he got the funds from a supplier at Iwo Road.

Dotun added that for every N1, 000, which he bought at N1, 100, he made a gain of N100 by selling at N1, 200.

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: Air Commodore Dan Suleiman (rtd); Leader of the delegation, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara; Chief Olu Falae and others during a courtesy visit to the Speaker by the Southern & Middle Belt Leaders Forum at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Photo: Speaker’s Media Office.

Kwara Agenda debunks insinuation of sponsorship by Saraki Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin A socio-political organisation of youths in Kwara state, Kwara Agenda, has debunked insinuation in some quarters that the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, sponsored recent defections in the National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists in company of members of the group in Ilorin on Friday, the coordinator, Comrade Yaqub Kannike, called on people to be wary of antics of opposition elements in the state.

Kannike, who described the call for resignation of the Senate President as ill conceived by political spent forces, said that Saraki was and still attending to the needs of the good people of Kwara

state.

“Saraki has been tested and trusted by the good people of our dear Kwara state. In fact, our Godgiven leader does not need to be in any political party to win elections in the state. The people of the state have said it in many fora that our political party in Kwara is “Saraki”.

“The records of achievements our God sent leader, Dr Bukola Saraki speak volume.

The ongoing construction of the Federal Medical Centre at Foma- Ita- Nma area of Ilorin is a good example of these. The Senate President has also engaged in construction and reconstruction of many roads in the state in the last three years. Our leader has also facilitated federal civil service job opportunities for many Kwara youths and empowered women.

“Promotion of moral rejuvenation and religious programmes are also not left out in Dr Bukola Saraki’s support for the people of the state. The Senate President recently constituted a committee that will handle sponsorship of Kwarans on holy pilgrimages to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Our leader’s achievements are countless, but time will not permit us to list all of them.

“We are therefore using this forum to sensitise the people of the state to the antics of opposition elements and political spent forces.

“Saraki is our God chosen leader who is always around to share in our happiness and grief.

He deserves our support and we shall never cease supporting him. One good turn, definitely deserves another,” he added.

Drama as Melaye returns barely 24 hours after ‘abduction’ The public appeared perplexed on Friday after Senator Dino Melaye, (PDP, Kogi West) announced he had regained freedom barely 24 hours after his alleged kidnap on Thursday.

More than a thousand commentators in their facebook posts wondered how a victim of kidnap would have secured freedom easily even though he spent 11 hours in the “wilderness”.

Melaye announced his return to freedom via his Twitter handle on Friday and thanked Nigerians for their prayers while in “custody”.

He tweeted thus; “I thank God once again for escaping another dangerous attack.

I also thank Nigerians for their prayers and show of

Love. Spent 11 hours in the wilderness traumatised but God preserved me. God is the best and in whom ONLY I trust. They will continue to try. WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!

The Daily Times recalls that Melaye’s brother had raised the alarm on Thursday that the senator had been kidnapped and that the Senator was bundled into a Toyota Sienna while he was travelling to Kogi State to attend to his trial at the state High Court.

The report of the kidnap was then tweeted by Senator Ben Murray Bruce (PDP, Bayelsa) who reported that Melaye’s younger brother called him to inform him of the incident that he was

bundled into a Toyota Sienna while he was travelling to Kogi State.

No detail was given on the incident while account of how he regained freedom are also lacking, leaving the public with doubt whether Melaye was actually kidnapped or he feigned it to cover up his absence in court where he is facing alleged criminal charges.

The situation became dicey when the Nigeria Police Force’s Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, said on Thursday that Melaye’s abduction was not reported by any member of his family to the police who have however launched an investigation into the incident.

L-R; Acting Director General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr Dasuki Arabi, Team Leader, Nigeria Policing Programme, Mrs Kemi Okenyodo and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Okafor during a Lunch- Time Reform Seminar, Titled; The Effective Response of the Nigeria Police Force to Curbind Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Okafor during a lunch- time reform seminar, titled; The Effective Response of the Nigeria Police Force to curbing crime in Nigeria: The Role of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Abuja.

Photo: Temitope Balogun

Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, during his investiture as Ugo Mba (Eagle of the Community) by His Royal Majesty, Eze Elder Nelson Nmerengwa, the Isiala 1 of Isieketa as part of activities marking the 60th birthday of the monarch and the 19th anniversary of his coronation at Isieketa, Isiala Ngwa area of Abia State.

L-R: Former, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tunji Alapinni; Founder At Girlsaide Initiative, Dr. Abosede Lewu; Founders, The Purple Girl Foundation, Mr. Atunyota Akpobome (a k a Alli Baba) and his wife, Mrs. Mary Akpobomeand Chairman, and Shippers’ Forum, Mrs. Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi during the launch of the Purple Girl Foundation and 50th birthday of Mrs. Mary Akpobome in Lagos.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

5 News

No amount of lies, intimidation can deter me – Dankwambo Bonaventure Melah, Abuja

Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has said that he has all it takes to serve in whatever capacity the people of Nigeria and his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consider fit for him.

Dankwambo therefore dismissed as ‘fake news’ reports that suggest that he will turn down the PDP presidential ticket if offered to him, saying that no amount of blackmail and falsehood will deter him from answering the call to service.

In statement made available on Friday signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Press, Junaidu Usman Abubakar, Dankwambo insisted that he never at any time said that

eligible northerners would vote for President Muhammadu Buhari as there was no basis for him to say that in view of the fact that he remains a staunch and unshakable PDP member.

Abubakar said, “The assertion is false, baseless, unfounded and is strictly the work of mischief makers who will look for any silly way to malign Governor Dankwambo. The governor never made such assertion anywhere in the world.”

The statement however said Dankwambo has personal regards and respect for the President irrespective of party differences as a father and nation’s leader.

It said, “It is instructive to note that Governor Dankwambo is one of the top 10 public figures who

respects President Buhari beyond measure. President Buhari doubles as his father and his commanderIn-Chief and has enjoyed very high regard from Talban Gombe long before he became the president.”

According to Abubakar, Governor Dankwambo is a thorough-bred politician and strong PDP member who as a professional and technocrat has diligently served three different presidents under the PDP umbrella and therefore will forever remain grateful and loyal to the party, with a pledge never to do anything that would bring disregard to the party, He said, “Talba was appointed accountant-general of the federation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and further

‘Dubai now a preferred destination for medical tourism’ Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

Dubai has been described as the preferred destination in the world for medical tourism because of its accessibility, high quality standards and access to international specialists as well highly equipped, modern medical facilities.

Aysha Al Aleeli, an official of Dubai Health Experience, said that all these factors are crucial when deciding on where to go for the best medical care and treatments.

Aleeli stated this during the DubaiAfrica Partnership for Better Health Roadshow- a medical exhibition held on Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria.

According to her, it was a great opportunity to find out what Dubai has to offer with regards to Medical Tourism.

The impact and importance of this platform, the Dubai-Africa Partnership for Better Health, and what it means for Nigeria, cannot be overemphasised, she added.

Rasha Kayyal, the Senior Events Manager of Segma, the organisers of the Dubai-Africa Partnership For

Better Health Roadshow, said that Dubai is not only recognised as one of the best tourist destinations in the world, it is fast becoming a recognised medical tourism hub due to its liberality.

Kayyal said that the DubaiAfrica Partnership for Better Health Roadshow was a platform that was successfully launched in March 2017

by Segma, an event organiser and management firm based in Dubai, UAE. The roadshow, according to Kayyal, did not only bring together the top medical service providers, it also allowed attendees to engage with both the medical experts and representatives from the Dubai Health Authority.

“The wealth of information shared and the opportunities this exposure provides is exceptional. The event brings together health care providers and medical organisations from across Dubai, to visit destinations representing important and growing sources of health and medical tourism to the Emirate from around the world.

“It is geared at showcasing Dubaibased diverse health care providers, sharing information that is crucial and

beneficial to those seeking specialised health care outside Nigeria and supporting the emergence of Dubai as a destination for Medical Tourism,” the organisers said.

This year, the second leg of the Dubai-Africa Health Partnership, covered East Africa with events held in Nairobi, Kenya on July 17 and Lagos, Nigeria on Thursday, July 19, 2018.

The first leg of the road show successfully covered West Africa with visits to Lagos in Nigeria and Accra around March 15– 22, 2017.

The event was held under the patronage of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in association with Dubai Health Experience (DXH) and Emirates Airline being the Official Partner.

The medical exhibition featured 14 exhibitors and health care providers across a wide range of fields and areas of specialty; and gave attendees the opportunity to meet and engage with the healthcare providers one-on-one.

The Health Bank, Dubai and The Neuro Spinal Hospital, Dubai were part of the exhibitors. Representatives from the Dubai Health Experience were also present.

served the late President Umaru Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan meritoriously before he was elected as governor of Gombe State in a record breaking election in 2011.

“He has never decamped or allied with the opposition for any political reason even when the Buhari political tsunami swept across northern Nigeria at the 2015 polls - Dankwambo stood firm and returned as Governor of Gombe with overwhelming votes”.

According to Abubakar, Gombe State under Dankwambo has witnessed the highest level of transformation far above any other state in the country because of the governor’s commitment to development and welfare of the people.

He said, “Gombe State has been one of the fastest developing states in Nigeria with the positive and progressive governance of Dankwambo. No state compares to the infrastructural development of Gombe State in the last seven years.

“No politician in Gombe State, the north or Nigeria has the national insight of Dankwambo today as his days as accountantgeneral of the federation has proven. He brought about very laudable unique and outstanding positive reforms to that office.

“On assumption of office, Dankwambo started by innovating the single treasury account process and the completion of the Treasury House which was under construction to give all Public Accountants a pride to call theirs. Today the Treasury House stands out in Abuja as one of the most magnificent edifice in the nation’s capital. As at the time he left office, the financial statements of the federal government were up-to-date. All arrears of financial statements had been prepared, audited and published.

“The revolution in the public sector towards a cashless economy

began with Talban Gombe, bringing about the implementation of the e-payment system which was completely a new innovation in the financial services of the government”.

“Talban Gombe’s achievements and contributions to the development of the state was part of the strongest points for campaign and still is a reference by his party the PDP. His government was prided by the PDP and many Nigerians as “the face of good governance in Nigeria.” It was on the basis of his performance that he was nicknamed “Talban Aiki’, ‘Super Governor’ ‘Tomorrow’s President’ and many more accolades,” Abubakar added.

“It is within his right to seek for any electoral position within the confines of the constitution and therefore no amount of blackmail and falsehood will deter him from answering his peoples’ call. He has done so well and he is generally acclaimed as the man with the magic touch in governance”, he added.

Gov Dankwambo

Uproar as 29-year-old man defiles 3 minors NAPTIP: He induces teenage girls with N1,000 each No, I only had carnal knowledge of 2 girls- Defendant

Some officials of Dubai Health Experience during the Dubai-Africa Partnership for Better Health Roadshow- a medical exhibition held in Lagos... on Thursday.

A 29-year-old man, Yau Ibrahim, was on Friday brought before an FCT High Court, Apo, for unlawfully having carnal knowledge of three teenage girls under false pretences.

He was, however, released on a bail of N5 million.

Ibrahim, who lives opposite the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Durumi Area 1, Abuja, is being prosecuted by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Police Prosecutor, Aonduna Orti, told the court that the defendant had unlawful carnal knowledge of the three girls by inducing with them with N1000 each on July 2018.

He gave the ages of the victims as 14

and 15 years old.

According to the prosecuting lawyer, the offence is contrary to Sections 1(1) and (2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015.

The accused, however, admitted having carnal knowledge of two of the three girls while his lawyer, Mr John Aladi, urged the court to grant him bail.

In his ruling, Justice Silvanus Oriji granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5million with two sureties in like sum.

The judge added that one of the sureties must be a civil servant resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

He also announced that the Chief Judge will re-assign the case to another judge after the vacation for further hearing.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

FG, states, LGAs share Diplomat per excellence, Queen N821.9bn as Buhari Worlu finally goes home orders review of Mathew Dadiya, Abuja NNPC’s remittance After 58 years of a successful career and life well-spent on earth, Queen Imaria Worlu – an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has finally been laid to rest in peace with the Lord.

It was a sight of grieve, sorrow and tears at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Holy Ghost Centre, Alexandra Crescent Wuse 2, Abuja, as family members, professional colleagues, friends and well-wishers gathered for the funeral service of the late diplomat.

The funeral service held on Friday before the final internment at the Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, attracted people and dignitaries from all walks of life who came to pray with the family for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Worlu.

The Bible readings were taken from the Book of 1 Thessalonians 4:1318 – “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not even as others which have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God rise with him…”

The eldest son of the deceased took the Bible lesson from John 14:17 - “ Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe

in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you so. I go to prepare a place for you…”

In his tribute, the husband, Mr. Samson Worlu, stated that: “Never thought it would end like this! Our beautiful love story that began in the damp, deary forest of Oku-Ibeshe in 1998. Never thought the laughter, the banter, the debates and the dreams will come to such a screeching stop. Never dreamt I would wake up someday and not be able to chat or speak with @BabyMi, Omoge Ambassador, my Sunshine, my Queen, Ivbie…… almost every night, Queen and I would sign off the same way. I would wish her some version of ‘Good night sweetheart’ and she would respond: May God grant you sweet sleep.’ I guess it’s my turn now, Sweetheart, to wish you sweet sleep in the bosom of Jesus.”

But the presiding priest, Pastor Rotimi Nathaniel, Provisional Pastor 1, while condoling with the family of the deceased, read from the Book of 1Peter 3:9-11 which states that: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire,

and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.”

While delivering the sermon, the presiding priest admonished the mourners to pray, examine their lifestyles and ensure they live a life worthy of emulation, adding that Ambassador Queen Imaria Worlu has gone to meet with the Lord Jesus Christ, and everyone will one day go to meet with the creator where they will give account of the live they lived on earth.

He said: “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.”

Pastor Nathaniel also prayed for the family for strength, peace and God’s guidance.

Queen Imaria died in active service as Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe on July 9, 2018.

Immediately after the funeral service, the body of Mrs Worlu was moved in a motorcade to the Gudu Cemetery in Abuja, where she was finally laid to rest.

A member of the family said that ever since the news of her passing way was announced, there have been series of tributes from all over the world.

Adieu Queen!

Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail project 80% complete – FG Idu Jude, Abuja The Federal Government Friday said Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail project is about 80 per cent complete.

It also revealed that the total cost for the Lagos-Ibadan rail line was $1.5 billion, adding that the

Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail would be completed before the scheduled date.

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, disclosed this on the sidelines of the inspection tour of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line.

When asked to state the

percentage of work done on the facility, Amaechi replied, “It is between 70 to 80 per cent complete, but you must know that this job is meant to be completed in 2019.

However, we are compelling them (the contractors) and because we are pushing, they are working day and night to have it done.

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has distributed a whopping N821.9billion to the three tiers of government for the month of June, barely a week when it shared N668.8 billion to the three Federal, States, and Local Government Areas.

Giving a breakdown of the allocation on Friday for the month of June, the Chairman of FAAC and Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said that after deductions for cost of collections, the Federal Government received N283.54bn.

The 36 states governments received N143.81 billion, while the Local Government Areas received N110.87 billion, all in accordance with the constitutional sharing formula.

Adeosun further disclosed that N37.4billion representing 13 per cent of the mineral revenue generated in the month of June, was also shared among the oil producing states.

To this end, Adeosun said the nation generated N393.17billion as mineral revenue and N294.17 billion as non-mineral revenue in February.

She said that in the spirit of saving for a rainy day, N100billion was transferred to the Excess Crude Account, making the balance $2.27billion.

In the same vein, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the review of the revenue reporting template between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the FAAC. Adeosun conveyed the President’s directive on Friday while giving a breakdown of how N821.9billion revenue

generated in June was shared among the three tiers of government.

She said, “As you are aware, in the last couple of FAAC meetings, the accounts presented by NNPC were not acceptable by the states and so Mr. President asked to be briefed on the issue.

“Based on that briefing, Mr. President asked for further information to be provided by both the Ministry of Finance and the NNPC. “Last Thursday, he held a meeting with myself, the Chief of Staff, the Minister of State for Petroleum and the NNPC team.

“Mr. President gave some certain directives; one which relates to FAAC is the need to revise the template.

“It was ascertained that the reporting template between the NNPC and FAAC was not providing the right level of assurance around the figures.

“It is for this reason that he has directed that a new template be generated jointly between the Ministry of Finance, the office of the Accountant-General, NNPC and RMAFC.” Adeosun also said that Buhari had directed that henceforth, before FAAC meetings, a team from the Ministry of Finance and the NNPC should go through the figures and agree before presenting it to FAAC members.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Commissioners for Finance Forum, Mr. Mahmoud Yunusa, said the state governments agreed with the decision of Buhari to review the revenue reporting template of the NNPC. He added that the Committee would monitor the development closely to ensure that it achieves the desired effect.

Anambra Central: Tribunal affirms Umeh’s victory

Former Governor of Jigawa State and PDP Presidential Aspirant, Dr. Sule Lamido (2nd right) cutting the tape to commission the State Secretariat Annex 4, executed by the Restoration Government in Yenagoa, while the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (2nd left), his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, retd (left) and former Minister of State for Justice and Director General, Sule Lamido National Campaign Council, Barr. Musa Elayo (right) look on.

Photo by Lucky Francis

The Anambra Central Senatorial Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Awka, on Friday struck out a petition challenging the victory of Sen. Victor Umeh in the Jan. 13, Anambra senatorial rerun election.

The three-man tribunal, presided by Justice H. A. Olusiyi, Justice A. O. Ayoola, and Justice A. U. Birnin Kudu dismissed the five reliefs sought by the petitioner as lacking merit and the inability of the applicant to proof his

case.

The petitioner, Mr Nkem Ekweozoh, the candidate of the Mega Peoples Progressives Party (MPPP), had sought the voidance of Umeh’s victory on five grounds.

Ekweozoh claimed that Umeh was not duly elected by majority of valid votes cast at the election and that the victory was invalid as it was fraught with corrupt practices and substantial non compliance with the Electoral Act.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

FG to look into 13% derivation for speedy development in Niger Delta President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration would look into the constitutional 13 per cent derivation benefit to the Niger Delta region to ensure even spread of development projects across the region.

President Buhari gave the assurance when he received traditional rulers and some other eminent personalities from Isoko, Delta, led by Ovrawah, Omogha 1, Odiologbo of Oleh, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.

Buhari assured them that the constitutional provisions for Niger Delta development would be carefully studied for inclusiveness, especially in the prioritisation of Federal Government projects.

He said: “I have listened attentively to your address; I will still update myself with details of development in your area as it relates to oil and gas, and lack of infrastructure.

“I will look at the constitutional 13

per cent derivation and what previous governments have done, in order to know what we can do.’’

The president noted that the Isoko land had citizens who had distinguished themselves in various professions and entrepreneurial skills.

He promised to do his best to ensure that Isoko land would be fairly treated.

Earlier, the President-General of the Isoko Development Union and spokesman for the traditional rulers, Mr Iduh Amadhe, hailed Buhari for performing well.

He urged the president to look into the spread of development projects in Niger Delta.

“With eight oil fields of flow stations in Isoko land, we appeal to His Excellency to direct NNPC to establish a gas plant and a modular refinery in Isoko land.

“It will be beneficial to the nation; it will create employments and generate revenue,’’ he said.

Amadhe claimed that Isoko Community had been sidelined in Federal Government appointments, with last appointment of a minister in 1975.

He said that the area had also ignored in siting of federal educational institutions, skill development centres and infrastructure.

“Your Excellency, no meaningful project has been sited in Isoko since the inception of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs,’’ he added.

“I will look at the constitutional 13 per cent derivation and what previous governments have done, in order to know what we can do.’’

- President Muhammadu Buhari

7 News

Short News We’re committed to improving water transportation – Ambode Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Friday pledged his commitment to provide critical infrastructure and enabling environment for investors to participate in the ongoing efforts to scale up water transportation.

Speaking at a roundtable on Water Transportation, organised by the state government, Ambode noted that the sector remained critical to solving the traffic congestion affecting the state.

He said that though the sector had been left unattended to over the years, the Government was nonetheless now committed more than before to fully harness the potential of water transportation to the benefit of the people and economic prosperity of the state.

Ambode said the chaotic traffic situation in some parts of the state in recent times and the pressure on the road with its attendant danger to lives and property, made the need to forge ahead with reforms in the water sector.

New PSC Chairman promises to reposition Police Force The New Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr Musiliu Smith, has promised to reposition the Nigeria Police Force for optimum efficiency and effectiveness.

A statement by the commission’s Head, Press and Public Relations, Mr Ikechukwu Ani, said Smith made the promise when he assumed office on Friday in Abuja.

“We are starting work immediately and will work many hours everyday for us to effectively discharge our constitutional mandate,” he said.

He also said that they would work to build capacities in the commission, adding that with team work, “we will give our country men and women a police force they will all be proud of.”

“We have continued to discuss the current state of the Nigeria police and the state of Nigerian security,” he said.

Nasarawa offers free hepatitis screening for 1000 persons

Left-Right: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Rachael Dickson, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), Deputy Governor, 2nd Right, and Chief Jimmy Agbaje, one time PDP Governorship candidate for Lagos State, during the June, 2018, Bayelsa State Monthly Praise Night at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa.

Photo by Reginald Dei.

INEC set for Rivers Assembly by-election Memoye Oghu,Port Harcourt The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it has concluded plans to conduct a by-election into the Port Harcourt Local Government Area state constituency three into the Rivers state House of Assembly on Saturday August, 18 this year.

The Rivers state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Obo Effanga, who made the disclosure on Friday while briefing newsmen in his office in Port Harcourt, also said that a stakeholders meeting for this purpose will hold Tuesday next week at the state INEC

office.

He read a Press Release from INEC HQ in Abuja dated August 26, 2018 and signed by Mrs Augusta C. Ogakwu, Secretary to the Commission which stated that, “Following the notification of vacancies by the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Taraba State House of Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled byelections to fill the vacancies onSaturday, the 18th of August 2018.”

According to the release, the last day for conduct of primaries by political parties to choose their candidates is next week August 1, while August 3 and 10 are the last days for submission of forms CF001, CF002 and nomination forms at

INEC HQ in Abuja and publication of names of candidates respectively.

While August 16 has been fixed as last day for campaigns by political parties and their candidates, the political parties are expected to have submitted the names and addresses of their party agents to the Electoral Officer by August 10.

The PHALGA state constituency three became vacant when the incumbent, Hon Victor Ihunwo resigned to contest for the chairmanship of the Port Harcourt Local Government Area which he won.

Mr Effanga stated that the election will hold only in constituency three of the LGA, which according to him has eight wards and 141 polling units.

The Nasarawa State Government says that 1000 persons in the state are expected to be screened and counselled for hepatitis onJuly 28, to aid the eradication of the disease.

The state Commissioner for Health, said this in Lafia on Friday while briefing newsmen on the occasion of the World Hepatitis Day, which is celebrated annually on July 28.

Iya, who was represented Dr Ibrahim Adamu, Director, Public Health, urged the people to always avoid risky behaviour, to avoid being infected with the virus.

“People should not share razors, toothbrushes, manicure tools and other items that could be contaminated with blood, to avoid being infected with the virus,” he said.

Broadband access critical for communication infrastructure policy – NCC Executive Vice Chairman of Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, says broadband access is an important feature in communications infrastructure policy and should be treated as a key economic indicator.

Danbatta stated this during the ICT Watch Network Award Ceremony held on Friday in Lagos, with the theme: ‘Broadband Access: National Scorecards and Roadmap to 2020’.

According to him, broadband deployment has a strong impact on GDP, employment and productivity in all economic sectors.

“It can be seen all over the world that there is a higher economic growth in countries with more broadband penetration than countries with less broadband penetration,” he said.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

Kwankwaso, others defection won’t affect APC, says Gov Ganduje Yakubu Salisu, Kano The defection of former governor of Kano state, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso alongside other parliamentarians, to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been described by the governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as not being enough a reason to cause havoc to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ganduje who made this known in his office during an interview with the media men, Friday, emphasised that, “We are not scared by their exit. Their defection doesn’t constitute any havoc to our great party, the APC, at all levels. People should keep eyes to what will happen during election.”

“Our dear President has been doing the needful in terms of developing the nation, coupled with his efforts in efficient service delivery. Good governance at its peak. The war against corruption is successfully being waged,” he

added.

“I want you to go and study the situation on ground in Kano, his (Kwankwaso) defection does not change the political mood in the state. Nobody cares to be disturbed by their action,” Ganduje said.

The governor said, when Kwankwaso was in the APC “his intention was to vie for presidency, but when it appeared to him, in black and white, that there is no vacancy in the Villa, he now decided to leave on his own.”

While believing that, Kwankwaso is entitled to his own political choice, Ganduje challenged that, “When he could secure a presidential ticket from the party he cross carpets, then he should wait and see how we can slug it out with him. He will fully understand how popular and loveable our President Muhammadu Buhari is.”

He insists that, the chances of the party in next year’s general election would not be affected because of Kwankwaso’s defection, challenging that, “All chances of President Buhari, the party and our chances in Kano

will not be affected because they leave the party.

“Kano will give more votes to our President, than what he got in 2015 election. From the 2015 election to date, those who could not vote because of age limit, are now grown up, meaning they will now be eligible to vote.

Hence, Buhari stands the chance to get 5 million votes from Kano,” Ganduje concludes.

Assuring that Nigerians are ready to vote for APC at all levels come 2019 general election, “They believe in what we are doing as a progressive party,” he stated.

“We are not scared by their exit. Their defection doesn’t constitute any havoc to our great party, the APC, at all levels”.

- Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

Short News

Nigeria to tap into honey industry – FG Tom Okpe, Abuja The Federal Government has emphasized on its readiness to tap into honey industry by joining the comity of nations renowned for export of the product after securing accreditation and certificate from the European Union Commission.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe stated this in Abuja at the official flag off ceremony for the National sensitization of API-EXPO Africa saying that when this happens, “Nigeria will join select Nations like Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso,Uganda, Ethiopia, Cameroon and Ghana who are famous for honey production.

“Nigeria is one of the countries that has not tapped Apiculture to the fullest despite its position as number one world producer of Maize with a total of 10 million tons per annum and second producer of Sorghum and Millet”, he noted.

Benue lawmakers scale fence to enter Assembly Complex Members of Benue State House of Assembly on Friday scaled the high perimeter fence surrounding the Assembly Complex and jumped into the premises in an attempt to hold a parliamentary session.

Both the impeached speaker, Mr Terkimbi Ikyange (APC Ushongo ) and his successor, Mr Titus Ubah, (APC Kyaan) were at the premises, both laying claim to the post of speaker.

Supporters of both sides forced their way into the premises through the high wall.

Both groups were, however, prevented from gaining entry into the main lobby of the complex to hold their meetings.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu, refused to either answer calls to his telephone line or reply text messages sent to him on the matter.

Ikyange was removed by 21 of 30 members of the House on July 24 during an emergency sitting.

Again, PDP clears Sen Adeleke for Osun guber poll

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Manager, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme, Michael Forson; WASH Specialist, Mohsena Islam; and WASH Supervisor, Orebiyi Olabisi; during the courtesy visit by the UNICEF-WASH team, to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

South West National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Dr Eddy Olafeso, says the party’s candidate for theSept. 22 Osun gubernatorial poll had the pedigree to be governor.

Speaking with newsmen in Lagos on Friday, Olafeso decried allegations that the PDP leadership skewed its Osun governorship primary in favour of Sen. Ademola Adeleke.

“Adeleke’s emergence was determined by members of the party and not the executive. The new PDP is not prone to manipulations.

“It is open to the public that the Osun PDP primary election was one of the most transparent in recent political history. The entire electoral activity was televised live and the counting was done in the open.

“The challenger requested for recount and this was done twice. No process can be more open than what the Gov. Seriake Dickson election committee did in Osun last Saturday.

“It is thus very disheartening that the defeated aspirant relied on spurious allegations to smear the party, her officials and the candidate,” he said.

Service delivery: NiMet to collaborate with India Met Divorce-seeking woman says NiMet has so much to benefit The India Meteorological husband is a cultist Idu Jude, Abuja from the Indians, especially in Department, established 143 years The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is set to commence bilateral cooperation with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on meteorological information and data sharing for improved service delivery.

This disclosure was made

by DG/CEO NiMet, Prof. Sani Abubakar Mashi, after a meeting with the Management of the India Meteorological Department on South South Interagency Cooperation on Thursday, July 26 while on a visit to India.

the areas of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), Sensor Design, Satellite Meteorology and Research, Prof. Mashi declared.

He stated further that NiMet is to submit a formal request and a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the India Meteorological Department on the cooperation.

It will be recalled that Prof.

Mashi has reiterated his firm conviction that collaboration of NiMet with other such agencies and organisations will improve upon the service delivery of the agency.

ago, is the national meteorological service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology, seismology and other allied subjects.

Once established, this bilateral cooperation will be of mutual benefit to both countries.

Prof. Mashi, afterwards, paid a courtesy visit to Nigerian High Commission where they discussed modalities for the proposed MoU with IMD. He was later presented with a souvenir by the Deputy Head of the Commission in commemoration of the visit.

A 56-year-old businesswoman, Grace Okonwa, has urged an Agege Customary Court in Lagos State to dissolve her 33-year-old marriage.

Grace, who resides at Command, Ipaja area of Lagos, told the court on Friday that there was no more love between her and the husband, Macaulay Okonwa, describing him as a cultist.

The mother of six said: “my husband belongs to the Ogboni confraternity, he is devilish and demonic.

“Whenever my husband have sexual intercourse with me, my stomach becomes swollen and when l go to the hospital for check-up, doctors will say nothing is wrong with me.”

The petitioner alleged that the husband attacks her and the children spiritually.

She claimed that even the children were not spared in the devilish act as he had used his devilish powers to stop them from getting married.

The petitioner told the court that she enjoyed her marriage for only a few years since the union “because my husband is a wife beater and a chronic fornicator.

Daily Times Nigeria saturday, July 28, 2018

Insecurity: 4 policemen killed in Rivers within a week Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt Four policemen were shot and killed by some unknown gun men within a period of one week in Rivers State.

The Police Command in the state confirmed this yesterday, saying that four of its officers were killed by armed criminals in the past one week.

The Spokesman of the Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said three

policemen were killed along Psychiatric Hospital Road in the Rumuigbo axis of Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Wednesday while another was killed at Eleme in Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Monday.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) regretted that the Policeman killed at Eleme was in plainclothes at the time he was killed. “The criminals shot and killed him after he had identified himself as a police officer.”

The PPRO stated that the

criminals escaped with official firearms and ammunition of the policemen through the Etcheruo Waterside.

The p8olice image maker, then, appealed to members of the public to report to the Police anyone seen with bullet wounds, adding that a man-hunt has been launched to track down the gunmen.

These killings brought to nine the number of policemen killed in the past five weeks in the state by armed criminals.

9 News

Short News Lagos tanker fire: Police arrest truck owner Joy Anyim, Lagos Detectives from the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti Yaba, assigned to investigate the multi fatal motor accident that occurred on Otedola Bridge on June 28, have arrested the truck owner, Hassan Yusuf Maiwake.

A statement by the Lagos State Police Command, issued by its Spokesperson, CSP Chike Oti, said “the owner of the truck, Hassan Maikwe of No.16 Hotoro Limawa, Kano state, was arrested yesterday on Thursday 26, 2018”.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal speaking on the development assured that the Command will do all it can to help families who lost their loved ones in the accident, by ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to book.

“DNA test to ascertain the true identities of the charred remains of the victims is ongoing,” he stated.

Kidnapped Rivers APC chieftains regain freedom Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt The kidnapped House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ahoada East/Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Federal Constituency in Rivers State, Hon. John Enebeli, along with two others yesterday regained their freedom unhurt.

The others who regained their freedom with him include two other APC chieftains, Austin Enebeli and Afam Onyia, all of who were kidnapped last Saturday along Elele Road in Elele, near Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on their way from Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of the state.

The Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state, Mr. Chris Finebone, confirmed the release of the kidnapped party stalwarts in a statement made available to the Daily Times newspaper in Port Harcourt.

L-R: Director of Finance, Lagos State Department and Property company (LSDPC), Biodun Muritala; DGM,Corporate communications and Marketing, Olusola Martins and MD/CEO, LSDPC. Jide Sanwo-olu during the 13th Annual General meeting of Lagos Building Investment Company PLC in Lagos...on Thursday.

Photo: Olatunji Wale

Osun PDP primary protest, grand design to denigrate Adeleke, says campaign team Tunde Opalana, Abuja Protest by Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, the runner up in the governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, and subsequent legal action against the emergence of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the party’s flag bearer has been described as a grand design to destabilise the PDP and denigrate Adeleke.

The campaign of calumny against the party’s candidate especially in the media and legal action against intervention of stakeholders and decision of PDP governorship appeal panel was said to be a calculated attempt to pull down the party and cause diversion of concerted efforts towards election campaign for the September 22 poll.

Addressing the press in Abuja of Thursday, the Director of Media and Publicity for Senator Ademola Adeleke Campaign Team, Mr. Rasheed Olawale said while accepting the rights of any aggrieved aspirant to seek redress, the recent developments raise discomforting questions about the real motive of the challenging camp.

According to him, the situation is taking a new dimension bordering on destructive anti-party activities “A grand design appears to be under execution to discredit and weaken the party and denigrate the candidate. The actions and conduct of the challenging camp now border on deliberate plot to pull down the party as evidenced by court action launched even before the appeal panel of the party could sit as well as the barrage of media attacks”, he said.

He said as loyal party men and women, the best expectation is for all affected to abide by the final decision of the party even as all aspirants had initially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state leadership of the party that they will all abide by the outcome of the primary election.

“The MOU was explicit enough on the need for unity and common front after the primaries. Like all other aspirants, Senator Adeleke signed the MOU and his challenger also did the same”.

Olawale stated further that “electoral contests within a political party are governed by rules. The party as an organization has internal mechanisms for resolving disputes

arising from party primaries.

Aggrieved aspirants are entitled to raise issues but within the bounds of party rules and processes.

“Appeal can be lodged, and the party will decide. In the case of Osun state, the aggrieved aspirant appealed against the result of the primary election. The party’s appeal panel after due considerations and examination of the appeal, upheld the election of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the flagbearer of the party and subsequently forwarded his name officially as the party/s flag bearer to INEC”.

He stressed that the Osun PDP primaries election was one of the most transparent in recent political history, adding that the entire electoral process was televised live and the counting was done in the open, He said Ogunbiyi, the challenger requested for recount and this was done twice. “No process can be more open than what the Governor Seriake Dickson election committee did in Osun last Saturday. It is thus very disheartening that the said aspirant relied on spurious allegations to smear the party, her officials and the chosen candidate. The allegations are baseless and unfounded”.

El-Rufai must go in 2019 - Sen. Hukunyi Midat Joseph, Kaduna

The Senator representing Kaduna North Senatorial District, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi Friday vowed to dislodge Governor Nasir el-Rufai from the government House in 2019.

The Senator, who defected alongside 13 others on the floor of the senate from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday, made the commitment at a meeting with stakeholders at the PDP secretariat along Ungwan-Kanawa in Kaduna.

He also apologized for dumping the PDP during the build up to the 2015 general election and for bringing about the ElRufai led APC government upon the good people of the state.

The Senator added that himself and his political associates in the r-APC were at the PDP secretariat to interface with the party’s stakeholders in the State on how to crush the APC government in 2019.

Gombe ex-Gov Hashidu is dead Andrew Orolua, Abuja The first civilian governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Abubakar Hashidu is dead.

He died on Friday at the age of 74 and his remains buried yesterday at about 5pm.

His daughter, Hajiya Zariyatu Hashidu, who confirmed his death to journalists, said her father died at his residence in Gombe.

She said he left behind, a wife, eight children and fifteen grandchildren.

Hashidu was the governor of Gombe State from May 1999 to May 2003, having been elected under the platform of the defunct All Peoples’ Party (APP), which later changed its name to All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

He had also served as Minister of Water Resources, as well as that of Agriculture and Rural Development, under the regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 26, 2018

Major shake-up in Nigerian Army, Generals redeployed Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Nigerian Army has announced major redeployment of senior officers in the Command, Staff and other appointments including the theatre commanders.

The posting, which was announced on Friday, affected Principal Staff Officers both at the Defence and Army Headquarters as well as General Officers Commanding (GOCs).

The Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force are also affected by the posting.

A statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu said the posting which also re-organised Operation LAFIYA DOLE aimed at injecting new

hands to further actualise the vision of the Chief of Army Staff COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai.

Those affected in the redeployment include Major General AM Dikko who will take over as Theatre Commander of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Brigadier General AO Abdullahi as Acting Commander Sector 2, Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Brigadier General UU Bassey as Acting Commander Sector 3, Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Others are, Major General CO Ude posted as Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force Ndjamena.

Major General J Sarham as General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Major General EB Kabuk, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Major General MS Yusuf, General Officer Commanding 81 Division and Major General BA Akinroluyo as General

Officer Commanding 3 Division.

Among the Principal Staff Officers affected are Major General LEO Irabor posted as Chief of Defence Training and Operations in the Defence Headquarters while Major General LO Adeosun takes over as Chief of Training and Operations at the Army Headquarters.

Others are Major General HO Otiki, as Commander Infantry Corps and Major General CU Agulanna as Chief of Accounts and Budget, Nigerian Army. Major General JE Jakko is posted to Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Finance and Budget, Major General AB Abubakar, Major General A Mohammed and Major General LKJ Ogunewe, among others will be proceeding to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre on course.

All postings and appointments take effect from 1 August 2018.

Short News

ECOWAS launches quality certification mark Adebisi Oyindamola, Abuja

Consumers in the West African sub region will begin to experience no qualms in identifying genuine products and services as ECOWAS launches a quality compliance mark, ECOMark.

This quality compliance tool is within the framework of the West Africa Quality System Programme (WAQSP), which can be seen as a follow up effort towards the attainment of continental free trade zone.

The two decades’ old struggle to regulate the influx of substandard goods in the region, through the harmonisation of all quality initiatives is gradually becoming a reality.

As part of plans to launch the certification scheme, a regional meeting with stakeholders from the 15 West African states, was held in Abuja on Thursday, to adopt the draft document for the establishment of ECOWAS regional product certification scheme ECOMark.

Okomu Oil donates projects to host community Titus Akhigbe, Benin‎ In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Management of the Okomu Oil Palm Company has donated projects to its host community of plantation II, located in Ovia North East Local Government Council Area in Edo State to improve the welfare of community members in the locality.

Managing Director, Okomu Oil Palm, Dr. Graham Hefer accompanied by the Edo State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Erimona Edorodion during the commissioning and handling over of the semi-industrial water borehole and renovation of the Traditional Head (Odionwere) House Projects in Odiguetue Community by Okomu Oil Palm Company in Edo State said the gesture is to uplift the lives of local residents in the company’s host community.

2018 Hajj: First batch of 560 Kwara pilgrims transported to Saudi Arabia Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

Standing: Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, Commissioner of Education, representing the Edo State Governor(4th right); Dr. Celey Okogun, General Secretary, Association of Esan Professionals (3rd right); Mr. Sullivan Akala, AEP Welfare/Social Officer (6th right); The Registrar, Petroleum Training Institute, Mr. Clement Siakpere (1st right); and other top Management Staff of PTI, during the graduation ceremony of Internationally Certified Esan youths, as specialist welders and fabricators sponsored by AEP recently in Effurun, Delta State.

FG committed to end child labour – Ngige Idu Jude Abuja The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to accelerate action in achieving alliance 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Senator Ngige said the programme, seeks immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and secure prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour by the year 2025.

The minister, made this assertion Friday, in Abuja during the commemoration of the World day against Child Labour 2018 with the theme “Generation Safe and Healthy” and sub theme “Elimination of Child Labour and Protection of young workers” According to him “this campaign also aims at accelerate action to achieve target 8.7/ alliance 8.7 of the sustainable Development Goal (SDG) which seeks among other things to take immediate and effective measures

to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour.”

The Minister reiterated that child Labour is the engagement of child under 18 years of age in any work that deprive them of their childhood and the opportunity to be educated and also hamper their physical and moral development and this has assumed a global dimension and attention, hence this year’s theme is meant to awaken the need to improve the safety and health of young workers and end child labour especially in its worst forms.

“To build a generation of safe and healthy workers, preparation must begin early with parental and community awareness for young people to be aware of risks and able to advocate on their own behalf, education about work hazards and risks as well as about workers’ rights, need to start in school and continues through vocational training and apprenticeship programmes” the Minister said.

He added that practical steps must be taken to eliminate the root causes of

child labour and ensure that the rights of young workers are protected within the ambits of the law. Noting that the Federal Government under President Buhari’s Administration has done a lot in the fight against child labour and will continue until it is eliminated in Nigeria.

Ngige however solicited the collaboration of frontline MDAs, workers and employers union, civil society organizations, (NGOs) and other stakeholders to create time bound child labour programmes and projects and make budgetary provision for them in line with their various mandates as encapsulated in the national action plan (NAP) for elimination of child labour and take such programmes to the communities and involve the community gatekeepers, market women, traditional rulers and children.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Ibukun Odusote said that the World Day Against Child Labour (WDACL) is set aside internationally for awareness creation, mass mobilisation and activism on prevention of child labour.

The 1st batch of 560 intending pilgrims to 2018 Hajj from Kwar on Friday airlifted to Saudi Arabia from the llorin international Airport.

The first batch of the Kwara Pilgrims who were in high spirit departed the llorin international Airport at about 5am with Max Air The Executive Secretary of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Mohammed Tunde-Jimoh while speaking with newsmen at the Airport before the departure of the Pilgrims said arrangement had been perfected for the transport of the remaining Pilgrims.

He advised the Pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and the country by shunning all negative tendencies capable of tarnishing their image while in the Holy Land.

WAEC to partner FCTA in exam process digitisation Idu Jude, Abuja The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has solicited the support of the FCT Administration for a Zonal Centre for its electronic marking technology (e-marking) for some West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) papers.

The Registrar of the Council, Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, made this appeal on Friday, when he paid a courtesy call on the FCT Minister.

According to the Registrar, WAEC is working towards migrating into full digital administration of its examinations in keeping with global standards.

Dr. Uwadiae stated that the Council aspires “for a hitch-free impeccable world class service through the deployment of cutting edge technology to the doorsteps of all stakeholders in education which involves the decentralisation of the councils operations and activities.”

11

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

Monica Friday:

I once hawked Ewa Agoyin in Ajegunle Can you tell us your full names and where you are from?

My name is Monica Friday and I am from Badagry. I am a graduate of mass communication from Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am an Award winning Nollywood Actress, dancer, TV commercial model, content provider, event host, fashion designer and a writer.

Wow! Lagos state, but you sound Warri? How come?

Yes. I featured in the popular Mnet Series “Do Good” as a Warri girl. I was born and bred in Ajegunle, one of the most popular hood in Nigeria. Pidgin is the original deal in Ajegunle so it wasn’t difficult to flow as a Warri girl on DoGood.

You are one of my favorite characters on Do Good, before the series, have you been acting?

Yes, I have featured in countless movies as an extra, Hoodrush, A new song, Timeless passion, October 1st to mention a few.

However, through movie castings, Production managers, Production assistants and some filmmakers I got other better offers and opportunities like, DEAR MOTHER (series) Murder at prime suites (movie), First lady (movie), Wives on strike (movie) 2014, Abducted (short film), Savior (short film) and Unspoken (movie) amongst others Have you always planned to be an actress or you stumbled into it?

DoGood was my Break! The platform was huge; it was showing on 53african country.

I have always loved the Art, though I never planned to be an actress. I was active in Drama and Dance from childhood. I started attending auditions after my SSCE but never had a direction because I was into different things; one of them was “football “lol. Acting became my first priority when I had a dream about a popular Nollywood Legend. It’s something I hardly share, it is divine.

Till now you don’t want to share?

It was just a clear vision that I belong here.

Which popular legend did you dream about then? Pete Edochie?

No. It was actually Liz Benson.

How did the role come, as you were not so visible in the industry then?

I went for an audition somewhere on the Island, when I was done with reading a guy told

me about another audition, not too far from where I was. I had to hurry there immediately. I got there, read, and went through different rounds of rigorous castings! I got a call back, and signed the contract after days of fasting, waiting and praying. It was God. What were the early challenges you faced as a green horn?

I waka tire and the fake filmmakers were more than the real ones. One good about me, I was never desperate.

How many of them made sexual advances and offered sex for roles?

Few people and I flew away like a golden bird.

Did you ever get to tell her your dream? And have you been on same movie set with her?

You see why I don’t want to tell you (laughs) I believe they are those you still look forward to working with, can you mention?

Joke Silva, Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, Mercy Johnson and a lot of amazing talents.

Have you ever had a crush on any actor?

Yes Tyler Perry.

How about a Nigeria actor?

None at all.

Do you see yourself getting married to a Nigerian entertainer?

As the Lord willeth.

The qualities of Nigerian Cinema movies are dropping drastically, what’s the way forward?

No they are not; there are fantastic Nigerian movies in the Cinemas. I think Nigerians needs to grow with Nollywood. We are getting there.

You have been on set with Kate Henshaw, people often tag her as a bully and snub, how true is that?

That’s not true. She has got a beautiful soul. You know as a celebrity you can’t please the world.

These days the moral standard of an average Nigerian has dropped, using Big Brother Nigeria as an example.

What is the way forward?

Well, to me, Big Brother is a show that reveals life from a different perspective. I am a fan of the show. It’s a personal thing. That’s their level of understanding, and value.

Actress Monica Friday is one of the talented acts rocking the movie industry at the moment; the Mass Communication undergraduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State is not just an actress but embodiment of several other works as she doubles as a talented dancer, content provider, writer, event host, TV commercial model to mention but few. Known as Kewe in popular TV series DoGood; Monica won the heart of many with her role interpretation& vibrant spirit as she stands out in her originality, humility, creativity, intelligence, her endowment artistically, and her ability to grasp what is required of her in interpreting whatever roles she gets. Cornered recently, Monica Friday spoke with MUTIAT ALLI, about the journey so far, the industry, her ideal man and other sundry issues.

Do you see yourself attaining that height of storming Hollywood?

Yes, I see myself doing great in Hollywood soon.

Who are the colleagues; you enjoy and have fond memories working with?

My DoGood team!

It is an unforgettable experience.

Do you have fond memories of your growing up days?

Yeah. The priceless moments we sleep outside the house, leaving the doors open without the fear of anyone or anything. Life has changed.

What has fame deprived you?

Nothing really Since you grew up in Ajegunle, ever hawked?

Yeah I did. I hawked beans aka “Ewa Agonyin”, Abodo AKA “Donkunu”.

Looking back any regrets?

I have no regrets because they were phases that birth today. Well, it could have been better but it wasn’t the worst.

What are those two kinds of life taught you?

These two things taught me to be super productive and wise.

At what stage do you see yourself getting married?

Marriage doesn’t have a particular stage as long as a woman is not under 18. I see myself getting married even before you publish this interview.

What kind of man do you want to settle down with?

The man God desires for me. His is definitely going to be perfect.

No specifications? Tall, cute, gapped-teeth, money bag, etc?

The blessings of God added no sorrow. I am getting a complete man. It a total package oh my dear.

What’s your most valuable fashion accessory?

Bracelets, It has magical way of adding class to one’s look and most importantly the wrist. I prefer bracelets to wrist watches.

Life & Times 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

Gist

Lala Akindoju to stage second edition of her one woman show ‘Naked’ Following its premiere in February 2018 as part of the British Council’s LAGOS THEATRE FESTIVAL, the one-woman show was met with applause and positive reviews – a first of its kind in Lagos.

The Make It Happen Productions (TMIHP) & The Performing Arts Workshop and Studios (PAWS) are pleased to announce the second run of NAKED starring the versatile Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju.

Directed by Festival Director for the British Council Lagos Theatre Festival, Kenneth Uphopho who is also the co-founder of The Performing Arts Workshop and Studios (PAWS), the play will run through 10th (4pm for female students and 7pm to the public), 11th and 12th of August 2018 running three shows per day at the presidential suite of Eko Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.

NAKED is a one woman show that takes us on an intimate journey of the highs, lows, achievements and failures of a young woman’s

experiences as she navigates through life, love, career and finding her path.

This is done using deep thoughts that are usually never shared with others and is a raw honest look behind the human mask.

Written by award-winning spokenword poet, Titilope Sonuga, prepare to be enthralled by the beauty of words that only Titilope can weave.

Speaking on her involvement, Lala said “I’m more excited to be collaborating with some of the best people in this industry. I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with these people especially because they are like family. Like I said, “collaborations make dreams come alive quicker”.

NAKED is produced by Lala herself, founder of The Make It Happen Productions (TMIHP) and Brenda Uphopho, co-founder of The Performing Arts Workshop and Studios (PAWS) with Oludara Egerton Shyngle as associate producer.

Olorisupergal Tosin Ajibade holds successful book launch in Lagos Mutiat Alli, Lagos Media entrepreneur Tosin Ajibade of Olorisupergal recently launched her first book ‘From Social Misfit to Social Media Hero’ which attracted some of the biggest names in Nigeria’s media and entrepreneurial space.

“This book has been 3 years in the making” the new author explained.

“It’s a true labour of love for me as an online entrepreneur. A lot of young

and aspiring media entrepreneurs always ask me how I got to where I am, with this book I hope to provide a deeper look at my story”.

The book launch which held on the same day as the annual New Media Conference convened by Ms. Ajibade had in attendance diverse guests who came to support the author on her new project. Guests included Presidential aspirant Fela Durotoye and his wife beauty preneur Tara Durotoye, Noble Igwe, Afua Osei, Stephanie Obi,

Sisi Yemmie, Cool FM’s Dotun, Jane Michael Ekanem, Busola Dakolo, Toyosi Akerele and a host of others.

The highlight of the event was the book reading done by BBC’s Princess Abumere, Entrepreneur Shade Ladipo, Actor and Producer Lala Akindoju, SME expert John Obidi and sister Bimbo Ajibade.

From Social Misfit to Social Media Hero is available on www. tosinajibade.com, Amazon and Okada books. It is Tosin Ajibade’s first book.

Alleged violence at Mayorkun’s Ibadan Concert, organiser react Barely 24 hours after the successful running of the ‘The Ibadan Concert with Mayorkun’ allegations has emerged that a certain journalist attached to Nostory TV was brutalized by one of Davido’s bouncer who was in attendance.

Refuting the allegations, DailyTimes spoke with some of the production crew who categorically emphasize that the said news circulating in the media is false noting that it was a free and fair event with over 13,000 people in attendance with no cases of violence against some persons at the well attended event.

Speaking further the organizers disclosed that adequate securities were made for all media houses and journalists with access tags at the event, and no violence was experienced by any journalist or pressman at the event. The ‘All access’ tags were given only to authorized journalists and photographers. This is part of the security procedures that were put in place to prevent unauthorized access by impostors.

It is important to state that the report by the aggrieved reporter is a calculated attempt to bring the event into disrepute. This isolated event is

not representative of the concert event which otherwise was very peaceful and violence free.

On why the premises of the event was littered with used condoms, organizers further disclosed that as part of giving back to all attendees, the organizers, with the support of relevant organizations distributed packs of

Condoms freely for reproductive and family health awareness which is typical of events of this magnitude.

The well attended event was hosted by super hype man Do2tun and had exciting performances from top stars that includes Davido, Mayorkun, Dremo, Small Doctor, Oyinkanade, Idowu West, Lax amongst others.

G-Worldwide act, Ajura embark on promotional tour The debut offering from the freshman has been blazing the airwaves since the minute it was released a couple of months back.

Ajura will be showcasing his talent with electrifying performances across 22 Nightclubs in Lagos and will be headlining Unilag Hall Weeks grand finale events where he will be touring 13 halls in the University of Lagos slated to kick off on the 1st to 17th of August 2018 which he tagged “Enchanted Unilag Tour”.

The Enchanted Club tour which kicked off over the weekend at Dejavu and Club Escape in Victoria Island shall cut across all major party hubs on the Lagos Island to the Lagos mainland with the final show holding at Club Quilox in Victoria Island.

Enchanted by Ajura is a hit from

the get-go and the new entrant has been raking in shows since it was released.

G-Worldwide evidently have good eyes when it comes to signing bankable acts.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

13

Mixed Grill

MultiChoice slashes GOtv price, boosts content with Premier League, Series A, others MultiChoice Nigeria has announced a reduction in the price of GOtv Max, one of the packages on its digital terrestrial platform, from N3,800 to N3,200 starting August 1, 2018.

The company announced this via a text message to its customers. The price review, however, does not affect the subscription fees of the other GOtv packages. GOtv Plus package remains at N1, 900, Value package at N1, 250 and Lite at N400.

The company also announced that matches of the Italian football league, Serie A, will return

to SuperSport from the start of the upcoming 2018-19 season, beginning 19 August and will be available to GOtv customers.

In addition to Serie A, MultiChoice will also be introducing more live football from other leagues to the GOtv Plus and Max packages. Specifically, GOtv Plus customers, will now have access to over 220 live games per season, with two games each from the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A. Already, the reduction has been met with

delight by subscribers, who took to their social media pages to share the news.

Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe explained that the price reduction has been effected to widen the access to the great content on the GOtv platform.

“Our goal is to give more Nigerians access to the great content on our platform without compromising on quality or variety. With the new price on GOtv Max, our customers can now pay less to enjoy more.”

Ugbe said GOtv is currently the only terrestrial pay TV service with the lowest subscription price at N400 per month.

“As a customer-focused organization, we understand that not all subscribers’ needs are the same and that one option does not suit everyone.

At this price, not only have we democratized access to our GOtv service, we have also aligned our business in preparation for the implementation of a total switch from analogue to digital broadcasting as led by the NBC,” he explained.

Prolific talent manager, Oyin Ameen, expands frontiers Taking big steps has always been the main stay of one of Nigeria’s well known artistes manager,Oyin Ameen.

From the moment he stepped into the entertainment scene, the prolific talent manager has registered his name on the minds of many with his vast knowledge of discovering and nurturing talents in their raw form.

Ameen, over the years, worked and helped developed talents like Reminisce and Jahbless with his biggest job currently being handling one of Africa’s biggest music producers, Krizbeatz.

Ameen also oversees businesses for Emma Nyra and Sean Tizzle as well as seasoned cinematographer, Mr. C of Cardoso Imagery productions.

Ameen, as part of his plans to keep expanding his frontiers and enriching the minds of entertainment lovers

within and outside the country, days back launched an online platform of his 9 years old media company, The Street Legend Magazine.

The magazine which is also known as The SL mag has enjoyed tremendous organic growth over the years in media production, documenting events which relate to the Nigerian entertainment scene – music and fashion – and the field of Information Technology (IT).

The brand is focused on looking in the direction of grass root talents and projecting their stories to its teeming audience and the extended world.

Ameen at the unveil the new project said” we covered some of the earliest stories on the likes of Da Grin, Reminisce and KrizBeatz; thereby contributing to their rise to prominence. We are brand that maintains its focus on discovering new talents.”

Amidst trying times: Lumina reminds us we are the light with conscious song ‘Light of the World’ One of the industry’s finest female wordsmiths Lumina has released what can easily be described as the most introspective and stimulating conscious song in recent times; titled ‘Light of the World’.

With the production laced with

rock and hip-hop instrumentals, ‘Light of the World’ sees Lumina finesse her wordplay effortlessly whilst passing a meaningful message with each bar she spits – her commendable delivery makes each verse induce the listener’s attention throughout the duration

of the song.

Armed with an awe-inspiring chorus that states, “We are the light of the world. Your light shines through us. We’re gonna change the world; one step at a time”, ‘Light of the World’ would easily pass as a Chance the Rapper-esque music; considering the depth of the lyrics and the metaphor showcased by Lumina therein.

The femcee took to her social media page to announce the release of the song – in the full-hearted announcement, she wrote; “This song is from me to you; straight from the depths of my heart. I want you to know through the dark times, through the trepidation; you have a light within you – a light that could extend to all those around you. ‘Light of the World’ comes from a place where hope and resilience dwell – and I want these remarkable qualities to dwell in you. I am light – you are light, together; we are the light! Download and enjoy. Thank you.”

Fans of Lumina have since commented on the post following download, with many calling it an inspiration especially through the most recent dolorous casualties in the country – stating the timing of the song couldn’t be more apt.

Society 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

My Mission is to bring back the essence of music –The Professor

Wale Adeoba set for OYA 2018 Award

Isaac Oguntoye To members of the public, the name Chief Fruitful Mekwunye whose stage name as a musician is Professor, might not be a familiarly known as a musician but this does not mean the light skinned stoutly built Delta State born is new to music.

Professor, a scribe of Performing Musician Association, PMAN has been in music for as long as he has lived.

However, he just completed work on his first album that is expected to drop any time soon.

Speaking about why he took him so long to announce his musical career, Professor said he had to bury his music dream for so long because the was not encouragement and that he was too busy struggling to survive that following his dream was the least he could think of. He however believes coming out at this stage of his life aptly depict that a dream is not until you are dead. ‘Music is inborn, it is a talent and when you have the talent, it is either you actualize it earlier enough or actualize it later. In my own case, I was supposed to have actualized mine in my early age but in those days, call musicians hopeless and jobless people and even lazy people. You rarely could see talent hunts like we have these days so most of the dreams were buried’. He explained. Continuing, ‘ I had the zeal to release and play music but no help was coming forth so I had to look for menial jobs and dirty jobs to sustain me.

But what I believe is that, a dream is not dead until you are dead. That is what I have proven’. Professor submitted.

Making his debut, Fruitful has a four track album that was coordinated, contributed to and produced by versatile Juju singer, Yinka Best. The musical effort titled, Ogo Oluwa (Glory of God) has tracks Iyawo mi gbadura

fun mi, a Yoruba highlife aimed at making family units stronger, Bed of roses, a R & B flavor, Africa, a Calypso soca with Reggae mix done to remind Africans of their identity and Nigeria, a tune tailored to address ills of the country.

The Ekwueme of Ubulu Uku kingdom in Delta state, Mekwunye, a successful business man and philanthropist revealed his kind of music called universal and that explains why he had various genre of music in his yet to be released album. Professor further revealed his mission is to return lost glory of music by ensuring he plays songs that are message filled. He decried how people are forced to dance to songs that have no messages because only few produce good music. ‘My mission which also is the primary objective of music is to produce songs with messages that are also free flowing so that Nigerians and the world can enjoy it”. He concluded.

The organizers of Ogo Yoruba Awards popularly known as OYA Awards is getting ready for the 6th edition scheduled to take place in Lagos later this year 2018 in a bigger and better way.

Wale Adeoba the founder and the executive producer of the ingenious awards to promote the culture and heritage of the Yoruba race beyond the shores of Nigeria and Africa is doing everything possible to make this year’s awards presentation a memorable for all.

Information has it that the popular awards programme positioned in celebrating glory beyond heritage and culture is a special exclusive event arranged to unite and amplify Nigerians that are doing good works irrespective of tribe, but not limited to Yoruba stars, entertainers and individuals to create fun, glamour and reward by honoring creativity and exemplary leadership style related to Yoruba tradition and culture in Nigeria and abroad by promoting the people that have secured high perception for Yoruba heritage in their respective talents and professions.

A source close to the organizers divulged that Ogo Yoruba Awards project comes with huge opportunities to competitively position Nigerians and basically the Yorubas to take advantage of the Award to gain more recognition and create new cultural opportunities and basically interact and connect with other Nigerians in diaspora.

Checks revealed that the founder

and the executive producer of the prestigious Yoruba Awards (OYA) Mr. Wale Adeoba (a.k.a) Mr. Packaging is a seasoned journalist cum PR Specialist, who is also the CEO of Wale Adeoba Production Inc. The 6th Ogo Yoruba Awards (OYA) which is considered as an epoch making event by the industry watchers promise to have in attendance notable celebrities, other professionals e.g. actors, musicians, comedians, fashionistas, entertainers, models, media personnel, and other achievers from different walks of life to felicitate and associate with the recipients and awardees that are making the Yoruba tribe proud and unwind in a lighter mood for the deserved honour and mileage in this part of the world. And, it is great platform for brands to get engaged for sponsorship and promote the products and services without boundaries.

Apostle Suleman’s generosity Human beings are not naturally known to always give without thinking of what they would get in return. So it is worthy of note when a man gives so much without asking for anything in return. Apostle (Prof.) Johnson Suleman, the head pastor at Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, may not be the ideal ‘perfect master’; of course, no man is, but he has endeared himself to many particularly those who get a helping hand when it matters to them.

He shows love to all and occasionally

FAD Executive Director, Temitope Duker celebrates in style It was a birthday shindig for ace TV producer and executive director FAD FM Calabar Mrs. Temitope Duker as she celebrated her birthday with family and friends.

The birthday started with a thanksgiving service officiated by pastor kola Fashola of the Redeem Christian Church of God place of enlargement parish Lekki Lagos. The reception commenced immediately after the service at their residence.

Mrs. Duker is married to veteran filmmaker and founder of Abuja International Film festival cum Chairman of the recently established FAD Fm 93.1 Calabar.

The party had in attendance Top Nollywood filmmakers like Fred Amata, Ngozi Nwosu, Mr. and Mrs. keppy Ekpenyong, Mr. Charles Inojie, Mrs. Evelyn Ikunobe Otaigbe, Mrs. Justina Ajibodu, Sonny Mcdon, Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Ogugua, Charles Inojie, Chidi Nwokeabia, Emeka Enyiocha, Belinda Efah, Ronnie Dikko, Mr. and Mrs. Ejiro, Mr. Tony Akposeri, Mrs. Helen Emeruwa, Chinwe Eguagu, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Anih, Mr. and Mrs. Emeka Ossai, Mrs. Tosin Dokpesi, the celebrant parents Mr. and Mrs. Ayo Benjamin amongst several others.

dishes out different grades of people cash and gift items, irrespective of faith, tribe or colour.

The latest beneficiary of Apostle Suleman’s milk of kindness is the family of the young school girl, Leah Sharibu, who unfortunately was kidnapped by the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, alongside her schoolmates in the Northern part of Nigeria but was held back for refusing to convert from her faith, Christianity.

Information has it that the servant of God willingly blessed Leah’s mother with the sum of N1m (one million naira). The poor girl’s mother, a school teacher, has stopped teaching since her daughter’s kidnap. This came to the hearing of Apostle Suleman, we gathered, and he asked that the money be given to Leah’s mother to support her family while he offers to continue to pray for the quick release of her daughter.

In the same vein, the servant of God who does not get tired of giving also doled out the sum of N2.5m to a group of young men who were recently deported from Libya. The Libya returnees were full of appreciation to the respected clergy who used the opportunity of the occasion to advise young men and women against traveling to Libya for greener pastures.

BUSINESS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

Foundation supports children with Inyang’s Food Drive Initiative

NSE: Why Great Nigeria Insurance delisting 3.8bn units shares Motolani Oseni

N6.6 million for late filing of 2017 audited result and account, another N3.7 million for late filing of first quarter unaudited results of 2018.

In all, the insurance company was sanctioned N40.4 million by NSE for late filing of results between 2015 and first quarter results of 2018.

The company managed

by Mrs. Cecilia Osipitan and chaired by Mr. Bade Aluko defaulted in NSE free float.

Companies on the main board of NSE are expected to have 20 per cent free float but Great Insurance company maintained 16 per cent free float.

The company in a statement said, “Over the last five years, there is little or no trading activity on the shares held by the minority shareholders.

There has also been a considerable fall in trading volumes over the last 12 months with an average daily

volume of circa 1,200 units during the period March 2017 to March 2018.

“Shareholders are not benefiting from the continued listing as shareholders are not getting any exit opportunity and their investments have been locked up and they find it difficult to dispose of their shareholding. Neither the company has benefitted as the company’s shares continue to trade at a significant discount to the intrinsic value.

“Also, GNI’s Free Float currently stands at 16.03per cent, significantly below the NSE’s minimum Free Float of 20.00per cent.

“With this Free Float deficiency, the NSE could take enforcement action even though The Quotations Committee of the National Council of The Exchange (“QCN”) has extended the curing period to May 2020.

We do not expect that this deficiency will be cured

during that period and we expect the NSE to initiate a Regulatory Delisting.

“Through the Voluntary Delisting of GNI, the Directors of the Company will be exercising a regulatory provision that will shield the Company from any enforcement action that the Exchange may effect which may arise as a result of the outstanding Free Float deficiency.

“Furthermore, through the Voluntary Delisting process, the Company will be providing an Exit Consideration to minority shareholders who do not wish to remain in an unlisted company.

“The Board of GNI Plc. proposes to delist all the ordinary issued shares of GNI Plc. of 3,827,485,380 units from the Daily Official List and from trading on the Main Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (“Voluntary Delisting” or “The Transaction.”

As part of its contribution to the ongoing Social Investment As its shares continue to trade Programme in Nigeria, at a significant discount to the Inyang Otu Foundation, intrinsic value, Great Nigeria non-profit organization, Insurance Plc has announced recently introduced plans to voluntary delist about the Inyang’s Food 3.8 billion units of its shares Drive Initiative.

The from the main board of the foundation which is Nigerian Stock Exchange birthed for the purpose (NSE). of human wellbeing, The company, however, provides selfless services explained that shareholders as a way of giving back who invested in the company and contributing to were not benefiting from the development in society. listing, stating that company The Inyang’s Food has not benefitted as its Drive initiative offers a shares continue to trade at rare combination of care a significant discount to the services, ranging from intrinsic value. provision of quality food But checks by The Daily to cloths, foot wears, drugs Times showed that the and medical professionals Insurance Company migrated to cushion the effect of low from a loss of N475 million in hygiene and inadequate 2016 to N449.7 million profit basic amenities in slums. in 2017.

During a chat with Ms. The Exchange had Inyang Otu, Founder of sanctioned the company Inyang Otu Foundation, she said, ‘I want to use this opportunity to encourage kind hearted individuals to join the movement to feed, sanitize, educate and empower the children living in slum areas around Nigeria and Africa’ The foundation’s education programme is segmented into three age categories (3 – 5yrs, 6 – 11yrs and 12 – 20yrs) and they provide vocational studies and trainings in trades like interior design, hair dressing, carpentry, baking, sewing, photography, sculpturing, tailoring, barbing, bead making and graphic design to mention a few.

Over the years, children from the streets have had the privilege to acquire specialized skill sets with L-R: The Chairman of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry great milestones in areas of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, and Director, Home Finance, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Olubunmi Siyanbola, during the FAAC meeting presided over by of physical and mental the Minister on Friday, 27th July, 2018. health development. The growth in interpersonal skills has also led several students to become more independent with professional certifications.

The Inyang Otu “The fortified plastic of the Communication has been dropped at Foundation was founded Samsung has announced in October 2015 as a non- a smartphone screen that window is especially Team, Samsung Display 1.2 meters 26 times in for portable Company. succession, as well as profit organization and it calls “unbreakable,” suitable by definition electronic devices The panel has been subjected to high and birthed for the purpose which only because certified by Underwriters low temperatures (71 of human wellbeing. It means it can never, ever not its unbreakable Laboratories (UL), an -32 degrees celsius, currently offers monthly be broken under any of characteristics, but also which is an official respectively), with zero community development circumstances.

The panel, Samsung because of its lightweight, testing company for the damage whatsoever. support to over 300 and Occupational Safety and The panel has also children across densely claims, is a flexible OLED transmissivity which are Health Administration been dropped from an populated areas in Lagos, one with an “unbreakable hardness, very similar to (OSHA) of the U.S. ever higher height of 1.8 Ogun, and Cross River substrate and an overlay all securely glass,” said Hojung Department of Labor. meters, with no sign of States in Nigeria and window adhered to it.”

Kim, general manager Under UL’s testing, it damage.

Ghana.

Samsung births unbreakable, flexible phone screen

g15

Overland Airways increases AbujaJalingo flights to 6 times weekly Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Frontline Nigerian airline, Overland Airways will fly its Abuja-Jalingo route daily beginning from July 29, 2018 except on Saturdays. This is up from its initial three times weekly flights on the route.

Overland Airways’ flights will depart Abuja to Jalingo at 11 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Also, flights will depart Jalingo to Abuja at 1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, Mrs. Aanu Benson, explains that the increased flight frequency between the two cities has become necessary considering the traffic demand on the route, adding that it is an evidence of quality service, passengers’ confidence and trust in the airline.

“With excellent services, increased patronage is only natural and this has been our story since the inception of Overland Airways. The flight frequency will enable more business travels and connectivity between Taraba State and the country’s capital, thus, allowing for the development of tourism and trade in both locations,” she says.

Emphasizing on the airline’s commitment to serve the economy and importantly its passengers, Mrs. Benson adds that “the increased flight services on the Abuja-Jalingo route is to accommodate more passengers on the route and give them more options to travel for their businesses and other engagements.”

She says Overland Airways flights are designed to consistently provide effective support to Taraba State’s economy especially the robust agricultural base with outstanding potentials in the production of fresh farm produce and other agricultural products.

“Importantly, Overland Airways will launch the first pilot project in Taraba State to fly farm fresh vegetables from Jalingo to Abuja and other destinations. We are excited and committed to this remarkable project to support the production and consumption of healthy farm fresh vegetables.

Taraba State is endowed with arable land and has recently invested in greenhouse farming and other activities to boost food production and employment,” she emphasises.

Overland Airways first operated a scheduled commercial flight between Abuja and Jalingo in 2016 and has since been providing efficient air transportation services for travellers between the country’s capital and the Nature’s Gift to the Nation. The airline relies on its fleet of technologically superior ATR 42/72 to move passengers reliably and comfortably between the two cities.

Business Times 16

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

CBN lifts Forex market with $340m, CNY69m Motolani Oseni Following last weeks take-off of its intervention in the sale of foreign exchange in Chinese Yuan (CNY), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Friday, July 27, 2018, injected the sum $340, 507, 376.51 into the interbank retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales. This is in addition to the sale of CNY 69,858,087.15 in the spot and short tenored forwards.

The figures obtained from the CBN on Friday, July 27, 2018 showed that the US denominated interventions were only for concerns in the agricultural and raw materials sectors.

According to the Acting Director, Corporate Communications at the CBN, Isaac Okorafor, the sales in the Chinese Yuan were through a combination of spot and 15-day tenors. He said the exercise, in line with its guidelines, were for the payment of Renminbi denominated Letters of Credit for agriculture as well as raw materials and machinery.

Okorafor also explained that the requests attended to were bids received from authorized dealers, adding that the availability of Renminbi was sure to ease pressure on the Nigerian foreign exchange market.

He attributed the relative stability in the foreign exchange market hugely to the continued intervention of the CBN as well as the sustained

increase in crude oil prices in the international market.

The CBN spokesman further assured that the CBN would remain committed to ensuring that all the sectors continue to enjoy access to the foreign exchange required for the business concerns, whether in United dollars of Chinese yuan.

It will be recalled that the CBN last Friday, July 20, 2018, announced the

commencement of its intervention in the sale of foreign exchange in Chinese Yuan (CNY), marking the concrete commencement of the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreem[ent (BCSA) signed with the Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) on April 27, 2018.

The statement announcing the flag-off of the sale had explained that there would be no predetermined

spread on the sale of FX Forwards by authorised dealers to end-users under the Special SMIS-Retail, adding that authorised Dealers would be allowed to earn 50 kobo on the customers bids.

Meanwhile, $1 exchanged for N360 at the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the foreign exchange market, while CNY 1 exchanged for N53.35. A

FG raises N748bn from oil tax, royalty in 2017 – DPR The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has said that the Federal Government earned N748 billion from taxes and royalties paid by oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria in 2017.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was contained in DPR’s report made available at a workshop organised for energy reporters in Lagos on Friday.

The report said the revenue represented about 83 per cent of the agency’s target.

The report also stated that the agency renewed close to 25 oil blocks, which had combined revenue of about 1billion dollars.

According to the report, the agency granted approval for 16 new field development plans in 2017, which would increase the nation’s oil and gas production by 560,463 when completed.

“We renewed 19 expired leases in

2017 to enhance upstream investment influx and accelerate oil and gas reserves and production growth.

“We actively supported the implementation of a major gas commercialisation programme, which seeks to create a regulatory framework to facilitate gas flare monetisation to end gas flaring by 2020,” the report said.

The agency said it issued ten licences and approval for development of gas production and processing facilities that culminated in the commencement of the operation of the plant.

The agency said it revised and issued new DPR procedure guide for the determination of quantity and quality of petroleum products in Nigeria.

The DPR said it initiated early lease renewal programme to accelerate revenue generation for government.

It added that this was meant to fund national budget and incentive upstream

investment by ensuring security of tenure, long gestation and payback period for oil and gas investments.

The agency further said it facilitated improved cooking gas penetration with local consumption growing from 390,000 metric tons to 470,000/metric tons with a potential to hit 500,000 metric tons milestone.

“We increased national gas reserve base from 192.07trillion cubic feet to 197.74 trillion cubic feet representing 3.5 per cent increase over the preceding year.

“We increased operator compliance on National Production Monitoring System (NPMS) by commencing the upgrade of the NPMS to real time data captured in 26 crude oil terminal locations.

“This improved the efficiency in the administration of crude oil export and production accounting,” the report added.

SMEDAN lauds Skye Bank support for entrepreneurship development Mathew Dadiya, Abuja The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has commended Skye bank Plc for its support to the development of entrepreneurship in the country.

The Director, Enterprise Development and Promotion, Mr Wale Fasanya gave the commendation while receiving on behalf of the Director General and management of SMEDAN, Mr Fasanya said that that the gesture would boost the moral of the students and also serves as tool that will help the n learning more about entrepreneurship and other areas of their vocation.

He said that Skye bank has done well; and the agency looked forward for more partnership so that it w would be able to support schools because they needed more computers to send to all the secondary schools in the country especially the ones with entrepreneurship clubs.

“This is quite significant to us, we have a programme called National School Entrepreneur Programme and Skye bank has just donated 10 laptops for use by students that are our target. Currently, we have students of secondary school that are representing Nigeria at a global competition.

“So this is part of the support, by the time they come back, we will present it to them formally to make the students advance their entrepreneurship skill with commuter. It is part of our ‘catch them young’ programme,” he added.

The laptop computers were presented to the management of SMEDAN by Mr Hassan Umar, Group Head, Abuja and

North Central, Skye Bank Plc. The director said that SMEDAN was also targeting not only the students but their teachers; “so that we will be able to impact on them for them to also impact on the students.

So far, we have about 180 schools but we still look forward to more schools coming on board. The laptops will be taken to schools across the federation that have already have entrepreneurship clubs because we are sensitizing schools to establish entrepreneurship clubs so that this entrepreneurship club will impact on them, they will have a mini

business that they will run. It’s not just about teaching theory, we want them right from school to practice business and see how it is in the outside world and by the time they graduated, they would have had a mindset that they wont look for job, they are going to be employers of labour.”

Earlier speaking, President/CEO of SAGE Nigeria, Mr Agwu Amogu described the gesture as a wakeup call from the private sector to support entrepreneurship education beyond just having it at the government’s realm.

“Our SAGE partnership with

SMEDAN through the National Schools Entrepreneurship Programme, is to take entrepreneurship education to every student in primary and secondary schools across the country.

We believe that is the only solution left for the country to move to the next level – for youth unemployment to be addressed in the country. It will also abate the crisis in the country be it religious, ethnic or herders/farmers.

These crises are as a result of a lot of youth not properly equipped to face future challenges. And we intend to solve that with the SAGE programme,” he said.

Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi (second left) and others at Ajaokuta Station One during the inspection tour of Itakpe, Warri rail project... on Friday.

Honeywell vs. Ecobank: Ecobank fails again as Supreme Court dismisses 3 appeals The ongoing dispute between Honeywell and Ecobank took a new turn recently, when the Supreme Court dismissed all three appeals filed by Ecobank for lack of merit. In a unanimous decision by the learned judges of the apex court, the Court ruled that Ecobank’s appeals were frivolous.

The Court of Appeal on 30th March, 2016 had issued rulings against Ecobank which the bank thereafter appealed at the Supreme Court. In its ruling of 13th July, 2018, the Supreme Court dismissed all the appeals in their totality. In suit No. SC/402/2016, Ecobank appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal discharging the exparte injunctive/asset freezing orders which it had obtained against Honeywell.

In suit No. SC/406/2016, Ecobank appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal which had affirmed the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the suit filed by Honeywell Companies.

The Court of appeal had also ordered accelerated hearing of the suit at the Federal High Court and Ecobank also challenged this ruling at the Supreme Court. Finally, in suit No. SC/407/2016., Ecobank appealed the ruling of the Court of Appeal striking out, rather than dismissing, the contempt proceedings filed by Honeywell.

In delivering judgment, the Justices of the Supreme Court reprimanded Ecobank for wasting the Court’s time by filing appeals which it described as frivolous, particularly in light of the myriad of critical matters before the apex court.

The Supreme Court also advised Ecobank’s lawyers against filing such applications in the future. The court finally awarded costs totaling N2, 500,000 against Ecobank and also affirmed the directive for accelerated hearing at the Federal High court as earlier issued by the Court of Appeal.

It would be recalled that Honeywell had filed a suit seeking a declaratory order to the effect that Honeywell is no longer indebted to Ecobank.

But Honeywell in its application before the Federal High Court, averred that its payment of the sum of N3.5 billion was full and final settlement of its obligations to the bank; a position which was affirmed in an earlier ruling by the Bankers’ Committee which sought to resolve the matter initially.

POLITICS times Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

g17

Kwara coordinator of Buhari 2019: Niger PDP zones governorship ticket to Support Group dumps President Northern zone Stories by Patrick Okohue Coordinator of the Kwara State Chapter of Buhari Support Group, Mashood Bakare, has formally resigned his appointment, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Bakare, who represents Omupo Constituency in the State Assembly, announced his resignation on Thursday, at the floor of the House.

Bakare, while explaining the decision, said his resignation was based on personal reasons.

He said he was no longer willing to be part of the organisation which he had been with since 2014.

The lawmaker, however, assured that he would continue to be sensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of his people.

Reacting, the Speaker, Ali Ahmad, inquired if the decision to relinquish his post was willingly taken, and he answered in the affirmative.

It is unclear whether the

Buhari

position of Bakare has anything to do with that of the governor of the state, Abdulfatah Ahmed , who had hinted that he and other top members of the state chapter, including the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, will soon dump the

All Progressives Congress (APC).

He spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, during a meeting with youths, traders, local government chairmen among others.

Ahmed lamented that the APC formed in 2014 with the hope of meeting the needs and aspirations of the people in critical areas of national life has not delivered.

“We are gathered here to consult with our supporters, market women, artisans, youths and women on how to guarantee our people’s interest and our state’s progress,” he was quoted as saying.

“Our leader Senate President Bukola Saraki will soon come home to announce where we will go. APC has not met our expectations. You have told us that they have not met your aspirations as a people in APC. “You have come to tell us that you want us to move on to a new platform that will give us room to meet our aspirations for the good of Kwarans. By the grace of God almighty, you will have a response very soon and very clear,” he said.

The Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have taken a bold step in its effort to ensure justice and equity, as it has decided on zoning its governorship position ahead of the 2019 general election.

In a move which many believe may spark the fire of crisis in the state rather than bring peace, the party, at its expanded caucus meeting held at the party’s secretariat on Thursday, agreed that its governorship ticket will be given to a member of the party in the Niger North senatorial zone popularly called zone C. The meeting which was presided over by the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Tanko Beji, decided to follow the zoning arrangement which was introduced in 1998 primarily to give all parts of the state a sense of belonging.

Late Alhaji Abdulkhadir Kure was the first beneficiary of the zoning formula followed

by Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.

Ajimobi has not anointed me or anyone to succeed him, says Tegbe A governorship aspirants on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), in election Oyo State in next years’ election and a senior partner at KPMG, Joseph Tegbe has said that the incumbent governor of the state, Abiola Ajimobi has not endorsed nor anointed anyone to take over from him.

Tegbe who made this known during a media parley where intimated the media of his political ambition and vision of turning around the economic fortune of the state if elected the next governor, denied insinuations making the rounds across the state that he was brought into the guber race by Governor Ajimobi as his anointed successor.

Tegbe recounted the many occasions the governor has said only God can anoint a person and that it is the decision of the party to choose a candidate while he supports whosoever emerges.

Noting that he has been part of the Ajimobi administration since inception in 2011 by serving as a member of the Economic Team and as a consultant on economic policy, Tegbe expressed optimism that if God anoints him to be the next

governor of the state, nobody can stop him from achieving same.

He said his understanding of the vision, policies, thinking, working and ability to predict economic and social activities puts him in a good position for the Agodi Government House job.

Adding, “I am close to Governor Ajimobi like every other person, but I will borrow what Governor Ajimobi said and which he has repeated at different times and in different fora that he has not anointed anybody.

“But that, do I understand his vision, do I understand his policies, do I understand his thinking? Can I predict him when it comes to economic and social activities, yes I can. I worked with Ex-Presidents Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Yar’adua, I am working with Prof Yemi Osinbajo, I worked with Donald Duke extensively on Tinapa Project, which was my concept with him, and I know what we need to take us to the next level.

“Governor Ajimobi has said it that only God anoints, the party chooses and he will support. If God anoints me today, nobody will stop it. It is a moving train. If I am God’s anointed person, which I pray I am, I will accept it and God will help me to

Joseph Tegbe

take the state to the promise land.”

Speaking on his plan to transform the state, Tegbe said he hopes to turn the state to a big agrarian state because of its capacity to feed the region and the country by taking it from its current peasant to mechanised farming.

“My focus is to make this state an agrarian state, from peasant farming to mechanised farming. We will enumerate landowners, cluster them together under a big holder who will help the farmers with things

like clearing the land, supplying seedlings to plant and when it is harvest time, they guarantee the offtake through a commodity exchange.

“The second thing I will focus on is technology, because there are lots of youths in Oyo State. When we bring metropolitan fibre into Oyo State and create technology hubs which will eventually trigger industrialisation.

“We are known in Oyo State for trade and commerce, but it must be done in a structured manner and that is my third focus area. In trade and commerce, we will enumerate them and support them in a structured manner and they will do what they are doing in a more structured way and the state will be finally getting out of poverty.

“To underpin these are plans, education, healthcare and infrastructure would be the three developmental pillars. For me, primary education should be free in all its ramifications. We all went to school with bursary, endowment funds can pay bursary and we will work towards that. Basic healthcare must be available and we will do that under the universal health insurance scheme,” he said.

Before his demise, late Governor Kure had also backed the governorship ticket being taken to Zone C but said it was on the condition that the PDP governor to be elected from there would serve only one term.

Other political parties had since adopted the same arrangement in picking their governorship standardbearers in the state.

However, this decision did not go down well with some major stakeholders who were of the opinion that the policy should be jettisoned in view of the “present political situation in the state”.

The “situation”, according to a source, is because the incumbent governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, is from the zone and it might be very difficult for any other candidate to “outshine him” there in 2019 primarily because of his family background and his relationship with the traditional rulers in the Kontagora emirate.

It was learnt that one of those allegedly opposed to the decision is the former state governor, Dr. Aliyu, who a source said was not at the meeting.

It was learnt from close associates of the former governor that he was unhappy that such a critical decision was taken in his absence being the leader of the party in the state.

The source said Aliyu told his aides and close confidants that as a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, he should be involved in all decision making in the party.

According to the source, Aliyu may be routing for a candidate from Niger south (zone) because of the dissatisfaction of the people of the zone with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the possibility of the PDP garnering massive votes from the senatorial zone.

The invitation of exGovernor Aliyu by former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, to his residence last week after the former Nigerian leader had received another former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in company with a gubernatorial aspirant Alhaji Hanafi Muazu Sudan, may not be unconnected with the zoning arrangement and plan to prop up the aspirant.

Politics Times 18

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

Obasanjo blames Nigeria’s on poor leadership Stories: Patrick Okohue

Former president, Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed Nigeria’s under-performance to the problem of leadership.

Speaking when he granted audience to a frontline PDP Presidential aspirant, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Thursday, the former President said however that he had not lost hope because God has blessed Nigeria with men and women of caliber who can stand their own in the world.

Chief Obasanjo noted that having listened to the speeches of Turaki and Boni Haruna (DG Kabiru Tanimu Turaki Campaign Organisation) simply means “we are not short of leadership

Obasanjo

Embrace PDP to rescue nation from the stranglehold of APC, Dickson tells Nigerians Bayelsa State governor, Hon Seriake Dickson has appealed to Nigerians to rally round the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to rescue the country from its litany of woes.

Governor Dickson made the appeal, when he played host to PDP presidential aspirant and former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido and his campaign team in Government House, Yenagoa.

A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Francis Ottah Agbo, said Dickson described the current security and

Dickson

economic challenges in the country as unparalleled, stressing that, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has failed to deliver on its mandate to the citizenry.

The governor, who noted that the APC has shown gross incompetence in the last three years, pointed out that it is only the PDP that has the capacity to tackle the challenges facing the country to foster a united, prosperous and stable Nigeria, where even the minorities would have a sense of belonging.

He expressed gratitude to Alhaji Sule Lamido and other progressive minded

stakeholders of the party for giving the Niger Delta, which is a minority region, the opportunity to produce a president in the person of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Describing Alhaji Lamido as a consistent, dependable and courageous mobiliser, Governor Dickson emphasised the need for all contestants to pursue their aspirations with the collective interest of the PDP at heart to enable the party organise a free, fair and credible primary that would produce a widely accepted flag bearer.

His words: “You are a consistent, dependable and courageous mobiliser for our party. This state remembers the storms you have weathered to defend the best interest of our party. These are very trying times, but you stood by what was right for Nigeria and for the PDP. “The state appreciates your steadfastness; even our party leaders are waiting at the secretariat to receive you.

All I want to say is that, we appreciate your steadfastness and progressive views.

“We call on you and other contestants to be ready to collaborate with the national leadership of our party when the delegates come together to vote in a free and fair primaries that would produce an acceptable leader.

The governor called on former members still on the other side to have faith in the PDP and return, having realised their mistakes and

urged other presidential aspirants to go round the country to mobilise support without bitterness and rancour.

In his remarks, Alhaji Lamido commended Governor Dickson for his resilience and the critical role he has been playing to keep the party together.

He observed that, the PDP has been consistent in terms of its name and vision for the country, since its formation in 1998 and expressed optimism that, it would remain so, even after the 2019 general elections.

According to the former Jigawa State governor, he is in the state, not to beg, but to demand support as a brother, who shares in the concerns and aspirations of the state and the Niger Delta region.

“Bayelsans are lucky to have a great governor. I am proud of you, and the PDP family is proud of you, for flying the flag of the PDP. You have been here since 1998, you have been resilient, and you have produced a president for the country.

“The founding leaders of the PDP conceived Nigeria as a federation of human beings who have equal stake in the affairs of the country and passionately defended this position until 2015. But the APC came in to deceive Nigerians, under the three sub titles of security, economy and corruption. But, I thank God that Nigerians have seen the truth and the difference,” Lamido said.

that can perform, and that leadership has to be given opportunity (to serve.”

According to a press statement signed by Sola Atere, Director Media & Publicity, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki Presidential Campaign Organisation, Obasanjo pointed out that Turaki had analysed what needed to be rectified or put right in the current situation facing the country. Your analysis is correct and coherent, he said.

The former President who recalled that he consulted widely in 1998/1999 just as Turaki is doing now, revealed that he accepted to be drafted into the presidential campaign because of the need to unite the country.

“Listening to you, I believe you have got the concerns of Nigerians today in the area of security, economy and cohesion. Anybody who will lead Nigeria to the promised land will have my support, the former President said.

He referred to the siege laid to the residences of the Senate President and his deputy saying that he feels embarrassed by a number of things especially in these days that the social media will post them real time. We are in a position to do better than what we are

doing today, he said.

Obasanjo said further that what Turaki had been doing is to firm up and stabilise Nigeria’s democracy which, he believed is making some progress.

He explained that the statement he issued in January was not done frivolously, noting that a nation can be destroyed not necessarily when people are doing bad things but when people keep quiet when danger looms.

Turaki who described Obasanjo as the ‘Father of Modern Nigeria’ said that it is people like him who speak truth to power that are working assiduously for a united country.

The aspirant stressed that there is need to take up the challenge of rescuing Nigerians from the plethora of problems such as insecurity, poverty, divisiveness and hopelessness confronting them today.

He said that with the support of respected leaders like Obasanjo “we know that we would be able to rescue our country as we have no other place to go.”

Turaki who was also at the Ogun State PDP secretariat received positive remarks when he met with elders, delegates and other members led by their chairman, Adewale Sikirulai Ogundele.

Lai Mohammed commends Kwara APC members for commitment to party The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has commended members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kwara State for their commitment to ensuring that the party emerges stronger than ever in the state.

The minster who was speaking in a press statement he personally signed against the backdrop of the recent events at the National Assembly, noted that the commitment of members of the party has been reflected in the overwhelming support and solidarity that they have received, “not just from our party members, but also from other parties and stakeholders across the state, since the melodrama at the National Assembly on Tuesday.”

He noted that “in particular, there has been an expression of overwhelming love and support for President Muhammadu Buhari from across Kwara, in the wake of the defections by federal legislators from Kwara, I call on all our members and supporters in Kwara to remain calm, because there is no cause for alarm.

“We are currently consulting with the national leadership of our great party, with a view to coming up with a programme of action that will take into consideration the recent developments.

“Our members and supporters should have no doubt whatsoever that whatever decisions we take after the consultations will be in their overall best interest,” he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

No amount of lies, intimidation can deter me - Dankwambo Gombe state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo says he has all it takes to serve in whatever capacity the people of Nigeria and his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consider fit for him.

He therefore dismissed as ‘fake news’ reports that suggest he will turn down PDP presidential ticket if offered to him saying no amount of blackmail and falsehood will deter him from answering the call to service.

In a press statement Friday signed by his Senior Special Assistant, Press, Junaidu Usman Abubakar, the governor also stated that he never at any time said eligible northerners will vote for Buhari as there was no basis for him to say that in view of the fact that he remains a staunch and unshakable PDP member.

“The assertion is false, baseless, unfounded and is strictly the work of mischief makers who will look for any silly way to malign Governor Dankwambo. The governor never made such assertion anywhere in the world.”

The statement however said governor Dankwambo has personal

regards and respect for the President irrespective of party differences as a father and nation’s leader.

“It is an established fact that Governor Dankwambo is one of the top 10 public figures who respects President Buhari beyond measure.

President Buhari doubles as his father and his commander-In-Chief and has enjoyed very high regard from Talban Gombe long before he became the president,” said Junaidu.

According to Junaidu, Governor Dankwambo is a thorough-bred politician and strong PDP member who as a professional and technocrat has diligently served three different presidents under the PDP umbrella and therefore will forever remain grateful and loyal to the party, with a pledge never to do anything that would bring disregard to the party, “Talba was appointed accountantgeneral of the federation by President Obasanjo and further served Late President Yar’adua and President Jonathan Goodluck meritoriously before he was elected as governor of Gombe state in a record breaking election in 2011.

“He has never decamped or

allied with the opposition for any political reason even when the Buhari political tsunami swept across northern Nigeria at the 2015 polls - Dankwambo stood firm and returned as Governor of Gombe with overwhelming votes,” he stated.

According Junaidu, Gombe State under Dankwambo has witnessed the highest level of transformation far above any other state in the country because of the governor’s commitment to development and welfare of the people.

“Gombe state has been one of the fastest developing states in Nigeria with the positive and progressive governance of Dankwambo. No state compares to the infrastructural development off Gombe State in the last seven years”.

“It is within his right to seek for any electoral position within the confines of the constitution and therefore no amount of blackmail and falsehood will deter him from answering his peoples’ call. He has done so well and he is generally acclaimed as the man with the magic touch in governance”, the statement concluded.

2, 000 flood victims benefit from NAF medical outreach in Katsina State The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has begun a three – day medical outreach for an estimated 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Katsina State.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olatokunbo Adesanya, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Adesanya said that the medical outreach holding at Jibia Central Primary School, in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, was an initiative of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

He said the medical

intervention was part of the humanitarian efforts of the NAF at mitigating the plights of victims affected by the recent flood that ravaged some parts of the state and rendered thousands of residents homeless.

The spokesman said the outreach, which is expected to end on July 27, attracted a large turnout of beneficiaries who expressed satisfaction with the medical services received from the NAF Medical Team.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THAT I, ADEBOLA ADESINA IS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TECHNOXPERTS VENTURES. THAT TECHNOXPERTS VENTURES IS THE LAWFUL OWNER OF ORIGINAL COMPANY NAME REGISTRATION (TECHNOXPERTS VENTURES ISSUED BY CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION. THAT THE SAID C.A.C DOCUMENT GOT LOST IN TRANSIT AND ALL EFFORTS TO TRACE SAME PROVED ABORTIVE. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

OGUNGBUYI IYABO

MATTHEW BABAJIDE I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DARAMOLA OLAJIDE MATTHEW NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MATTHEW BABAJIDE RANDALPH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS ADETILEWA ABOSEDE

SODIQ WALIU FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OWODUNNI WALIU OPEYEMI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SODIQ WALIU OWODUNNI OPEYEMI, MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 22/NOVEMBER/1999.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MORUF IYABO NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNGBUYI IYABO KUDIRAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ODELEYE RISIKAT BOLANLE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AJIBOLA RISIKAT BOLANLE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE

MRS AJIBOLA RISIKAT

MRS OYEDE ODUNAYO FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS DAIRO ODUNAYO ARIKE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OYEDE ODUNAYO ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE

J0SEPHINE CELESTINE FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS J0SEPHINE BLESSING EMMANUEL NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS J0SEPHINE CELESTINE AKPAN-ENGNWEH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OGUNSIJI OMOLABAKE IFEOLUWA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS GBADAMOSI OMOLABAKE IFEOLUWA.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID,FMC, AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

ASAGUNLA OMOLOLA FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKINKUADE OMOLOLA IBIYINKA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ASAGUNLA OMOLOLA IBIYINKA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

OGENYI IFEYINWA I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS RICHAND IFEYINWA CHARITY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGENYI IFEYINWA CHARITY . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

IDIAT ADUKE I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IDIAT REMILEKUN SALAWUDEEN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IDIAT ADUKE SALAWUDEEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKECHUKWU REMIJUS MOUJEKWU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS KIZITO CHINEMEREM CHUKWUJEKWU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MOHAMMED RASHIDAT MOTUNRAYO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUSHOLA RASHIDAT MOTUNRAYO. THAT I WAS BORN ON THE 3/5/1982.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AMADI NNENNA CYNTHIA, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ONYIA NNENNA CYNTHIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

DAVID AMUNABOR

UGWUANYI EMMANUELLA I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ASIEGBU EMMANUELLA CHINENYE, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UGWUANYI EMMANUELLA CHINENYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS IFEYINWA JULIET ANWADIKE, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS IFEYINWA JULIET ANWADIKE-UGWANYI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS IFEYINWA JULIET

MRS OKORIE MIRIAM I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OBINI MIRIAM ADA, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OKORIE MIRIAM ADA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS UGWUANYI VIVIAN

SONON PAUL I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SONON PAUL SEDJERO, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SONON PAUL KELVIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MRS EZE BLESSING

MRS GBADAMOSI OMOLABAKE

19 Classified

KIZITO CHINEMEREM

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS EGBUJIE ONYINYE, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS EZE BLESSING CHIGOZIE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DAVID ANENE AMUNABOR AND DAVID ANENECHUKWU AMUNABOR, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DAVID AMUNABOR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

LAWAL AYOBAMI I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SALAUDEEN AYOBAMI NAFISAT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAWAL AYOBAMI NAFISAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE

MRS ENEH GLORIA

SANI MOHAMMED I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SANI MOHAMMED GARBA, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SANI MOHAMMED. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS NGWU LILIAN NKECHI, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ONAH LILIAN NKECHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME THAT I WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWORIE NNAEMEKA, THAT I NOW WISH TO ADD BENJAMIN TO MY FORMER NAME THAT I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED ASNWORIE NNAEMEKA BENJAMIN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTES

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLAIDE TREASURE OGUNTUGA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLAIDE TREASURE JEJE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMAH JENNIFER PRECIOUS NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OMAH JENNIFER MACHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, LAWAL SIDIQAT ARAMIDE IS THE SAME PERSON BEARING THE FOLLOWING NAMES: LAWAL SIDIQOH ARAMIDE ,LAWAL SIDIKAT ARAMIDE, LAWAL SIDIQOH, LAWAL ARAMIDE AND LAWAL ARAMIDE SIDIQOH .ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING THE NAMES ARE VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY PLEASE TAKE NOTE

DUROSINMI OLUBUSAYO I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OJEBIYI OLUBUSAYO ESTHER, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS DUROSINMI OLUBUSAYO ESTHER. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID .GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MERCY VANDI , NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS VANDI MARGARET .

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE .

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ENEH GLORIA CHINENYE, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ENEH GLORIA CHINENYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO CERTIFY AND CONFIRM THAT AGBA EKENE ANTHONYCLARET, AGBA EKENEDILICHUKWU ANTHONYCLARET AND AGBA EKENE REFERS AS ONE AND THE SAME PERSON NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AGBA EKENE ANTHONYCLARET. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

THIS IS TO CONFIRM THAT ALHAJA OLORUN LOGBON BALOGUN IS THE SAME PERSON AS ALHAJA SIDIKAT BALOGUN. ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN VALID, GENERAL PUBLIC KINDLY PLEASE TAKE

MRS ONAH LILIAN

OLAIDE TREASURE

NWAEGERUE EJIEKE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWAEGERUE EJIEKE NWACHI, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NWAEGERUE EJIEKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. OMAH JENNIFER

VANDI MARGARET

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ABIOLA ABOSEDE OJUOLAPE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ADETILEWA ABOSEDE OJUOLAPE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE

ONYIA NNENNA

CHANGE OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS JAMES VIVIAN CHIKA, NOW WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS UGWUANYI VIVIAN CHIKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE WEAPONS OF WAR LIBERATION MINISTRY THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004 AS AMENDED. BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 1. ISHOGBA ALEXANDER 2. ANIEKWE CHUKWUJEKWU 3. ANIEKWE OGECHI. 4. EZICHUKWU AMENNIKE PETER 5. EKECHUKWU CHIMEZIE EMMAN AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL TO ALL MANKIND. 2. TO OFFER PRAYER, INTERCESSION, THANKSGIVING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS OF THE MINISTRY. 3. TO PROVIDE COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE TO MEMBERS FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL UPLIFTMENT. 4. TO ENSURE THAT ALL MEMBERS ARE SAVED THROUGH THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

20

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

facebook ba OLori

FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, July 28, 2018

g21

Trump open to Moscow visit if Putin formally invites him President Donald Trump is open to visiting Moscow if formally invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the White House said Friday.

Putin had said earlier Friday during a meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, that he was ready to invite Trump and also ready to visit Washington if conditions are right.

That’s fine with Trump, said Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

The US president “looks forward to having President Putin to Washington after the first of the year, and he is open to visiting Moscow upon receiving a formal invitation,” she said.

Trump had initially invited Putin to Washington this fall for a follow-up meeting to their controversial Helsinki

summit. But National Security Adviser John Bolton said this week that Trump now believes the follow-up sit-down should take place “after the Russia witch hunt is over” and “after the first of the year.”

He was referring to the federal investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election and whether Trump’s campaign assisted or was aware of the efforts.

Trump has repeatedly denounced the investigation as a “witch hunt” intended to delegitimize his presidency.

Putin said Friday, “I understand very well what President Trump said: He has the wish to conduct further meetings. I am ready for this.”

“We are ready to invite President Trump to Moscow,” Putin said, according to the state news agency RIA-Novosti. “By the way, he has such an invitation, I told him of this.”

He did not clarify if that was a faceto-face invitation to be followed by a formal one.

“I am prepared to go to Washington, but, I repeat, if the appropriate conditions for work are created,” the Russian leader said.

Trump has been widely criticized for failing to strongly denounce Russia’s election interference and appearing to accept Putin’s denials during their joint press conference in Helsinki.

Trump has since tried to walk back at least some of his comments.

Floods force thousands from homes in Myanmar Floodwaters have forced thousands from their homes in southeast Myanmar, local police said Friday, as authorities and volunteers scrambled to provide food and aid to the victims.

Heavy monsoon rains have pounded Karen state, Mon state and Bago region in recent days and show no sign of abating, raising fears that the worst might be yet to come.

Photos and videos showed residents of Karen’s state capital Hpa-an boating down streets that had turned into rivers while others were forced to escape on foot through waist-deep water.

Vast swathes of the surrounding land lay submerged while 11 temporary camps have been set up around the city.

“There are more than 6,000 people displaced in Hpa-an and about 4,000 in Myawaddy,” the head of Karen state police force Kyi Linn told AFP, referring to a second town on the border with Thailand.

A social welfare ministry official previously said 16,000 people had been displaced across eight townships in Karen state.

The number affected in Mon state and Bago region has not yet been confirmed.

“The children’s school has closed,” said Khin San Win, who fled her home which was thigh-deep in water for a shelter in Hpa-an along with her sick husband and their three children.

“We’re being given food but we aren’t able to pay for anything else as we can’t work.”

State-run media published pictures on Friday of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi visiting Karen state the day before, talking to victims, relief workers and volunteers.

The Global New Light Of Myanmar said her

government had freed up 200 million kyat ($140,000) to help those displaced and that rebuilding destroyed bridges would be a priority.

“We are now delivering food to flood victims who don’t want to leave their homes,” said volunteer Ni Ni Aung in Kyonedoe town, adding they would have no choice but to leave if the rains worsened.

So far no casualties have been reported.

Like its neighbors, Myanmar faces severe flooding every year and climate scientists in 2015 even ranked it top of a global list of nations hardest hit by extreme weather.

That year more than 100 people died in floods that also displaced hundreds of thousands across the country.

Some 138,000 people were killed in 2008 when Cyclone Nargis lashed vast stretches of Myanmar’s coast.

Lunar eclipse: Century’s longest ‘blood moon’ underway

Skywatchers are being treated to the longest “blood moon” eclipse of the 21st Century.

As it rises, during this total eclipse, Earth’s natural satellite turns a striking shade of red or ruddy brown The “totality” period, when light from the Moon is totally obscured, will last for one hour, 43 minutes.

At least part of the eclipse is visible from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, most of Asia and South America.

In the UK, clouds permitting, the Moon will appear entirely red - fully eclipsed by Earth - from when it rises at 21:00 to 22:15 BST. On the same night and over the coming days, Mars will be at its closest point to Earth since 2003 - visible as a “bright red star” where skies are clear.

The Moon passes right through the centre of the Earth’s shadow, at the shadow’s widest point.

“This is actually almost as long as a lunar eclipse could be,” Prof Tim O’Brien, an astrophysicist at University of Manchester, explained.

It coincides not only with Mars’s close approach, but with what he described as a “procession of planets” - a line-up of our celestial neighbours that will give skywatchers a particularly good view of Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.

Because the Moon is far away from Earth relatively speaking - its orbit is an ellipse, so it moves closer and further and looks larger and smaller from Earth.

“Mars will look like this beautiful bright red star just below the Moon,” said

Prof O’Brien.

“Every couple of years or so, the Earth overtakes Mars on the inside as it orbits the Sun, so Mars is closest to us.

“And because of the elliptical shape of the orbit, it’s even closer than normal; it really is a great time to spot Mars.”

Where will the eclipse be visible?

Where skies are clear of cloud, the spectacle is visible almost everywhere around the world, with the exception of North America.

The eclipse had already started by the time the Moon rose over the UK and Western Europe.

Prof O’Brien explained that people in the UK would “need to have a clear southeastern horizon as the Moon comes up” in order to see it.

The best views - weather permitting - were expected to be across Eastern Europe, Central and East Africa and South East Asia, from where the entire eclipse is visible.

So, from the UK and Europe, the south-east is the place to look for the rising, eclipsing Moon with bright red Mars below. But for views of elsewhere in the Solar System, Jupiter will be in the southern sky and Venus in the west.

Dr Emily Brunsden, director of the University of York’s Astrocampus, added that this eclipse was a “micro blood moon”.

“This is a total eclipse at a time in its orbit when it is close to being the farthest from Earth, or at apogee,” she said.

“Hence the Moon is fractionally smaller than usual.”

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Friday, July 28, 2018

NFF probes bribery allegation against coach Salisu Yusuf

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has launched an investigation into an allegation of bribery against Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf, a spokesperson said on Friday.

The coach was captured in a video receiving cash from investigative journalists posing as football agents who requested that two

players be selected for a major championship.

“For now, the NFF has commenced preliminary investigation into the matter to assist the Committee on Ethics and Fairplay,” NFF director of communications Ademola Olajire said in a statement.

The names of the players were not disclosed and Yusuf, 56, who was assistant

g22

to Gernot Rohr at the recent World Cup in Russia, has denied any wrongdoing.

He said the money was a gift and that the players were selected on merit.

The country’s football coaches association has said it stood by Yusuf, who led Nigeria to the final of this year’s Championship of African Nations in Morocco.

Carl Ikeme retires from football after battle with leukaemia Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from football after a year-long battle with acute leukaemia, the English Premier League club said on Friday.

The 32-year-old who was Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper has been with Wolves for his entire career, making over 200 appearances for the club.

Ikeme said his decision to retire comes on medical advice after “a tough year and intense chemotherapy’’.

“I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my

body,” Ikeme told the club website.

“He thinks it’s what is best for me and I can’t really risk trying to come back. My health is the priority.

“I want to be here for my children, family and friends. In the grand scheme of things with my life in danger, it’s the minimum price I have to pay to spend the rest of my time with my family.”

Ikeme was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017 but entered into complete remission only last month.

Last month, he had announced on his twitter handle: “After a tough year and intense chemotherapy treatment I

would like to let everyone know I am in complete remission.

“I still have hurdles to get over to be cured but I can hopefully now move forward with some normality.’’

Ikeme was in goal for Nigeria’s first three matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

These were the home and away ties against Swaziland in the preliminary stage, and away to Zambia in the opener to the group phase campaign before being diagnosed of acute leukaemia.

His first cap was in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in September 2015.

Nigerian players depart for World #MeTwo: Mesut Ozil supported by Badminton Championship in China Germans from minority backgrounds Two top Nigerian players, Eneojo Abah and Peace Orji on Friday departed for the World Badminton Championship slated to hold from July 30 to Aug. 5, in China.

The duo will be playing in the mixed double event as they hope to do Nigeria proud at the championship which brings together the best players in the world.

Their sponsorship to the event was secured during the visit of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President Francis Orbih to China earlier in the year.

Speaking before their departure the players assured that they would do their best to do the country proud at the

championship.

“We are good to go. We have undergone a lot of training recently and hopefully, we will do the country proud in China,” Abah added.

For Orji, the championship would afford them the opportunity to acquire more skills as they gun for the top in their career.

“I am so happy for the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the championship.

I want to commend the effort of the BFN and hopefully we will continue to break new grounds, ” Orji said.

Also speaking, Orbih urged the players to be dedicated, while commending the sponsors for the gesture.(NAN)

Thousands of Germans from ethnic minority backgrounds have shared their experiences of discrimination on social media using the hashtag ‘#MeTwo, after Mesut Ozil quit the national team saying he faced “racism and disrespect” because of his Turkish roots.

Many greeted Ozil’s claims of racism with scepticism, prompting thousands of others to come forward with their own experiences, attempting to highlight a problem that people from majority communities rarely experience.

In a twist on the #MeToo hashtag used in the campaign against sexual harassment, #MeTwo became Twitter’s top trending label in Berlin on Thursday as thousands of second-generation immigrants shared experiences of discrimination they suffered in daily life because of their ethnicity.

“Why ‘two’? Because I am more than one identity,” said Ali Can, a Turkish-German writer and activist, in a Facebook video that launched the campaign.

“I didn’t think it would be that many,” Can, 24, told Reuters, after the #MeTwo posts exploded on German Twitter, adding that it had needed a big event like Ozil’s departure to spark a long-overdue debate on integration in Germany.

“It’s an opportunity to talk about integration, and what it actually means to be German,” he added.

While America is a “melting pot”, he said: “Here, it’s like a salad bowl: everyone is somehow mixed but next to each other. We hope that we will be a bit more like America.”

More than 22 percent of Germany’s population have a foreign background but many migrants share Ozil’s sentiment of being treated as “German when we win, immigrant when we lose,” and that feeling has become stronger since the rise of the far-

right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Can said.

The AfD has risen in popularity due to concerns about the influx of 1.6 million migrants since mid2014. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the #MeTwo tweets showed racism was a problem.

“It is impressive and painful how many people are speaking out here,” Maas tweeted. “We have to realise that it is the flippant talk at work or the despicable gesture in the train that can sometimes be more painful than the blatant slogans of half-naked people with bald heads.”

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 28, 2018

23 Sports Times

Murray, Azarenka handed wild cards for Cincinnati Open Former world number ones Andy Murray and Victoria Azarenka have been handed wildcards to compete at the Cincinnati Open next month, the tournament’s organisers have said.

Murray pulled out of this year’s Wimbledon, saying his right hip was still not ready for the demands of a Grand Slam.

That was after the Scot made a comeback in June at Queen’s Club, following almost a year out with

the injury that required surgery in Australia in January.

Two-time grand slam winner Azarenka, who won the Cincinnati Open in 2013, will return to the women’s draw for the first time since 2016 as she continues her comeback, following a prolonged legal battle over the custody of her son Leo last year.

“The resumes for Vika and Andy really speak for themselves,” tournament Director Andre Silva

told the organisers’ website.

“I think many tennis fans are eager to see each of them back on the court and we are pleased to offer them both wild cards to play the Western & Southern Open.”

A further seven players – three men and four women – will be handed wild cards for the tournament, which begins on Aug. 11, around two weeks before the U.S. open starts on Aug. 27. (Reuters/ NAN)

Cristiano Ronaldo fined €3.2m in tax evasion case IOC tells U.S. to clean up own doping house The International Olympic Committee (IOC) told the U.S. on Thursday it should get its own house in order in the fight against doping before putting athletes from other countries under threat of punishment for breaking U.S. law.

The IOC’s sharp rebuke followed a hearing in Washington D.C. on Wednesday of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, which looks at security, cooperation and human rights issues in Europe.

The commission urged the U.S. Congress to move swiftly to pass a bill designed to crack down on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in major international sporting competitions.

The Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, named after Grigory Rodchenkov, Russia’s former anti-doping chiefturned-whistleblower, would establish stiff penalties for anyone involved in doping at a competition.

These would include fines of up to 250,000 dollars and up to five years in prison.

During the hearing the IOC repeatedly came under attack, particularly from United States AntiDoping (USADA) chief Travis Tygart, for not doing enough to protect clean athletes and punish Russia for doping transgressions.

The IOC uncovered evidence of widespread doping by Russia during the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014 which led to it being banned from this year’s Games in Pyeongchang.

The IOC fired back on Thursday, telling the U.S. it should do more

to clean up its own doping issues, particularly what it sees as inadequate testing in professional and college sports.

‘We very much appreciate and welcome moves in the United States to step up the fight against doping.

“And we assume that the very worrying existing challenges with some of the professional leagues in the United States will be addressed as a matter of urgency,” the IOC said in a statement.

‘Especially since this has become extremely obvious again in the last report of USADA which details the low level of testing currently taking place in these professional leagues.

“However, it is a matter of concern that the intention of the proposed legislation is to put athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committee

Urine sample bottles

from around the world who take part in international competition under the criminal code of U.S. law.”

The IOC also said instead of independently trying to impose U.S. laws on athletes, it should join international efforts already in place to combat doping and corruption in sport.

“With regards to the fight against corruption in sport, we would kindly invite the United States government to join ‘The International Partnership against Corruption in Sport’ (IPACS).

“The partnership has the IOC and other governments, including Japan, Germany, Great Britain, France and Australia, along with international organisations like the United Nations, OECD and the Council of Europe, have joined forces,” added the IOC. (Reuters/ NAN)

Cristiano Ronaldo will be fined 3.2 million Euros (3.7 million dollars) and sentenced to 24 months in prison, a sentence he is unlikely to serve, after settling a tax evasion case with Spanish tax authorities, the prosecutor said on Friday.

The 33-year-old is accused of evading 5.7 million euros in taxes. He has denied the allegations.

Ronaldo is unlikely to go to prison as Spanish law states a sentence of

under two years for a first offence can be served on probation.

The football star will be required to pay the 3.2-million-Euro fine plus the 5.7 million Euros in back taxes, 1 million Euros in accrued interest and 250 Euros-per-day for the 48 months covering the prison sentence.

This amount is likely to be only part of the striker’s fines over the case, which are expected to rise to around 19 million Euros in total.

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon suffers relapse of injury Super Eagles winger Moses Simon is still battling with the thigh injury which cost him a place at the recent World Cup in Russia, according to a report.

Moses Simon has been conspicuously missing in pre-season training with Belgian club KAA Gent.

The dashing winger reportedly suffered the injury in Eagles training prior to the World Cup and after the drama of ascertaining the gravity of the injury, he was axed from the

party to Russia 2018.

It was a second degree tear and then he was expected to be out for about four weeks.

He has now suffered a slight relapse of the injury, according to Hetnieuwsblad, and as such he will miss the opening games of the new Belgian season, which kicks off today.

The Eagles star has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League and lately the German Bundesliga, but so far that has not come to be.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet Aristotle

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

dailytimesnigeria

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

FLASHBACK in Times: July 28, 1956

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2018

VOL. 3

NO. 711

N100

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED. Operational Headquarters: Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, MaItama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng Managing Editor: BONAVENTURE MELAH, Tel: 08036062975, Email: bonamelah123@gmail.com

Editor: TONY AMOKEODO, Tel: 08111811228, Email: tonyamok@gmail.com